Great Lakes Council mayor John Chadban cut the ribbon.

“The enthusiasm and vision North Arm Cove Community Centre Management Committee has, continues to benefit everyone,” Cr Chadban said.

“The centre keeps the community together and helps residents socialise and connect.”

Cr Chadban also praised the committee for being a great organising group of people.

Guests at the function included Federal Member for Paterson Bob Baldwin, State Member for Port Stephens Craig Baumann, Great Lakes councillors Linda Gill and Len Roberts, Community Services manager Andrew Braybrook and Great Lakes Council Integrated Planning coordinator Chloe Beevers.

Mr Baldwin added his congratulations to the volunteers stating the community centre was an amazing asset for the area while Craig Baumann also praised the efforts of the committee and the community.

The construction of the annexe was made possible with a Department of Community Services area assistance grant of $36,100 received last August, the expertise of project manager and committee member Derek Weatherley and his team of dedicated volunteers and local tradespeople.

Special mention was made by the committee’s chairman Ray Smith of the support and dedication of Peter Chappelow who was away overseas at the time of the opening.

He also mentioned local resident David Read and his crew who built and concreted the entry ramp to the annexe during the extremely wet weather experienced prior to the opening.

After cutting the ribbon and signifying the official opening of the annexe Cr John Chadban unveiled a plaque Weatherley Wing to recognise the efforts of project manager Derek Weatherley.