Over 80 people attended the opening of the building, which has already been utilised by a number of community groups and services since December 2008.

Mr Whitford said he was proud of the development, which encompasses a main activity hall, consultation and training rooms and a commercial kitchen.

“We look forward to The Centre being put to use by young and old,” he said.

Yankalilla CEO Roger Sweetman also acknowledged the support The Centre received from both the Lions Club and the community.

“The Centre is a result of a considerable amount of effort from the community. “Our strengths have been the immense support received,” he said.

The Centre is the brainchild of Yankalilla Lions Club members Jim Martin and Bill Leckie who, with the support of the Lions Club, proposed the idea to council and together, created the building.

Since its completion, The Centre has hosted a disco, a youth rental training session and has been open as an activities space.

Consultation rooms are booked out by various community services, including ShineSA, Mission Australia and Centre Care, ready to cater for the needs of the public.

Ulus Fuat, the Youth Development Officer is pleased the youth of Yankalilla and surrounding districts now have facilities catered especially for their needs.

“I think we have a lot of community halls in this region, but none that are really geared for young people. This is both a youth and community centre, it’s a really good thing,” he said.

Claire Taylor, team leader for The Centre, was pleased with the final outcome and encourages all to take a tour of the new community facility.

“Council encourages the people of the community to drop in and have a good look around,” she said.

Those in attendance of the opening were treated to a performance from the Southern Fleurieu Theatre Ensemble, concluding the officialties.