The Port MacDonnell Community Complex is celebrating its 10th anniversary this month after being built on time and on budget in 2011. 

The $1.3m project was funded by the Department of Trade and Economic Development, South Australian Tourism Committee, Federal Regional Local Community Infrastructure Program, Community Benefit SA with Department for Families and Children, Grant District Council and funds raised by the community. 

Over the past 10 years some 400,000 community members and visitors have been welcomed into the centre.

On average the centre has 3330 visitors per month who access the key services provided there such as the library, banking facilities, motor registration or to attend events such as weekly story time, annual volunteer, seniors and youth events.

The centre is also the proud home of the Port MacDonnell and District Maritime Museum and an art gallery which showcases local and regional artists’ work. 

Mayor Richard Sage said he was proud of the important role the centre played in the lives of the Port MacDonnell and surrounding residents, as well as the economy boost the complex brings through tourism. 

“The Port MacDonnell Community Complex provides a wonderful service to the community along with the many tourists and visitors to the region,” he said.

“In the past 10 years this venue has through its dedicated staff, developed a great reputation for excellence in customer service, with a warm friendly greeting to those that come in for assistance. 

“One of the other attributes to the facility is somewhere for the youth of the district to meet and spend quality time together playing 8 ball, video games or surf the internet.

“The complex caters for everyone and has set the standard across the region for front of office council services, tourism information and innovation to showcase what Local Government is all about and how we connect with our community.”

Council chief executive Darryl Whicker said he was thankful to staff and volunteers that have contributed to the success of the centre. 

“Our staff and volunteers play a pivotal role in the success of the complex providing innovative and essential services to residents and tourists alike,” he said.

“The complex is a true demonstration of a multi-purpose facility that caters to a huge audience day in and day out and I congratulate all involved on the 10th birthday of the complex.”

The milestone was marked yesterday with a scavenger hunt, an appreciation tree and complimentary museum access.