Mount Gambier’s Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre was officially opened last week.

The official opening was attended by a host of dignitaries from both sides of politics, along with local council representatives and members of the Limestone Coast sporting fraternity.

The opening ceremony commenced with a Welcome to Country by Boandik and Meintangk elder Aunty Yawuri Penny Bonney followed by an introduction by Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin OAM and a smoking ceremony by Ngarrindjeri Elder Uncle Doug Nicholls.

Mount Gambier City Council chief executive Sarah Philpott, Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King and SA Minister for Primary Industries, Regional Development, Forest Industries, Clare Scriven also addressed the gathering.

A cebratory ribbon was cut at the end of official proceedings, officially declaring the centre open.

Community members were invited to attend two powerful presentations on the day by keynote speaker Paralympic athlete Katrina Webb OAM and a City Showcase, celebrating the community and the many organisations that play their part in enhancing the city’s social fabric.

The $62.5m building was made possible by the Federal Government’s contribution of $15m, the State Government contributing $10m and the Grant District Council’s contribution of $350,000.

Throughout the build, Wulanda has benefited local trades and contractors by more than $22m, not taking into account the corresponding investment in hospitality and accommodation venues by visiting businesses and services.

The centre swung open its doors to the community for its preview weekend on December 16, with more than 4000 people taking part in tours and free-swimming sessions.

In its first 60 days, Wulanda has hosted the 2023 South Australia Country Swimming Championships, signed up 1900 members and attracted almost 15,000 casual visits.

Olympic medallist and world champion Madi Wilson said it was amazing to be invited to open the 2023 South Australia Country Swimming Championships at Wulanda.

“To see this facility – it’s absolutely incredible,” she said.

“You are so lucky to be able to swim in a facility like this – it is definitely closing the gap between country and city.”

Minster King said Wulanda would bring the community together for sporting and other events for generations to come.

“I’m pleased to see the result of this Australian Government investment and immediate benefits the facility has provided for the local community with sporting events already being staged,” she said.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas sent his apologies for the opening.

South Australian Opposition Leader David Speirs addressed the meeting.

“I’m happy to do this job today and I’m happy to do his job in three years’ time,” Mr Speirs said.

“This is a transformational project for (not only) the city of Mount Gambier but the whole Limestone Coast region.

“It gives this community an asset which will attract people here, it renews the community and it’s something that people should be really proud of.

“It took a lot of vision and determination, particularly from the council but as a member of the former Liberal government, I am so pleased to be able to have been able to be part of a government that delivered $10m for this … because we believe in this region.”

Mr Speirs said the finished project was everything he imagined and more.

“It’s a stunning piece of architecture, it’s beautifully done, it employed lots of local people during construction and it will employ people into the future,” he said.

“I think the thing to really emphasise is the liveability, the attraction that this will be in the community.

“We have got challenges attracting people with skills to regional areas, no matter what town or city that is and a facility like this will make people think it is worth moving here.

“It’ll draw people across the border which we always like too and why should not Victorians come over here? They should.

“(It’s) a critical facility and I’m just so proud of what the council have done in terms of their vision and having been able to come alongside as the former State Government with the Coalition Government to help do this.”

Meanwhile Premier Malinauskas said he was very pleased to see the State Government’s $10m investment in Wulanda come to fruition.

“So much of the modern world revolves around screens and devices, so it’s more important than ever that we invest in facilities which enable people to socialise, exercise, and to find entertainment, connection and community,” he said.

“This is already a valuable economic and social asset for the Limestone Coast community, and will remain so for generations to come.”

Mayor Martin highlighted the community’s positive response to the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre.

“I have spoken to many residents who expressed their excitement about Wulanda and thanked the council for their bold vision to build a state-of-the-art facility that will benefit the community for generations,” she said.

“Many people who spoke to me are so passionate and proud they live in a city that has built Wulanda, a centre with the ability to transform Mount Gambier.

“Building Wulunda has been a long journey for the community, and their patience and trust in the council, designers and builders have been rewarded with an incredible building.

“Mount Gambier has never seen this level of community investment before, which will be transformative for the community.”

Mayor Martin also acknowledged Member for Barker Tony Pasin’s hard work and dedication to seeing the project through.

“I also acknowledge the role Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP played in the delivery of the largest community infrastructure project our city has ever seen,” Mayor Martin said.

“Tony was integral in obtaining funding for the project and has been a passionate advocate since its inception.

“In fact, he rang me over the summer holiday period to inform me Wulanda was not big enough, given the large volume of people using it on any one day.”

Newly elected State Legislative Councillor and former City of Mount Gambier councillor Ben Hood also attended the event which he described as a “whole community celebration of the largest community infrastructure project in council’s history”.

“I am extremely proud of our community for supporting this inter-generational piece of infrastructure for our city,” he said.

“Seeing Wulanda become a reality has been a passion of mine for years while serving on the City of Mount Gambier Council, working alongside the Member for Barker and the previous State Liberal Government.

“Ultimately, the vision for this centre has never changed and to now have the official opening is a tremendous milestone.

“It goes to show what we can achieve when local, state and federal governments all work together to secure outcomes for our community.

“Our great grandchildren will be learning to swim, playing sport and living healthy lives because of the commitment made to ensure this centre happened.”