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Official Opening of Upper Hunter Shire Council Administration Centre
Last modified: September 23, 2009 - 3:27 PM
PERFECT spring weather provided a superb backdrop to the official opening of the Upper Hunter Shire Council's new $5 million Administration Centre in Scone on Saturday.
A crowd of over 300 residents and representatives of a diverse range of community organisations turned out to witness Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC, CVO Governor of NSW open the new centre.
Professor Bashir said she was delighted to receive a friendly country welcome and thrilled to note that the new building reflected the Upper Hunter's rural and equine characteristics.
"I am delighted to see that this building has taken the vernacular of the woolshed or barn and a rural feel has been translated into a sophisticated and efficient building that will serve the Shire," Professor Bashir said. "The building signifies the Upper Hunter's robust expectations for the future and the respect it has for the past," she said. "If I may quote Cr Rose at the time the building plans were announced, he said it would be a ‘fit and proper administration centre for our Shire' and I am sure he would agree that what has come to fruition fulfils what he envisioned," Professor Bashir said. "It will be a hub of activity and stability and success and it is a splendid celebration of the Upper Hunter."
She also applauded Council for initiatives such as the recently announced $600,000-plus extensions to Scone Medical Centre. "As I grew up in the country and I am a doctor myself, I am very aware of the need to ensure that medical facilities are maintained for people in the country," she said.
Jan Rose, wife of the late Mayor Barry Rose, who died in January this year, officially opened the Barry Rose room - a multi-functional committee room that adjoins chambers. In a poignant address, Mrs Rose recalled her husband's passion for the Upper Hunter Shire, the township of Scone, his horses, and Council initiatives such as the innovative Young Endeavour Scheme for local youth. "Barry would be honoured and delighted to have this room named after him," she said.
Council's general manager Daryl Dutton said he was very pleased the building had been completed "on budget and on time" and the "Town Square" at the forecourt will be ideal for civic ceremonies forming the heart of a revitalised civic precinct. He said the building boasted many environmentally sound features and state of the art technologies.
"It is a typical country building that would sit nicely on a horse stud or as a homestead and we are very proud of it," Mr Dutton said.
Upper Hunter Shire Council Mayor Michael Johnsen said the building would accommodate the Shire's growth and future needs and it was a symbol of progress. He paid tribute to the former council and to current councillors for backing a project that was much needed for a fast growing Shire. "As a landmark symbolising our bright future, we are here today to open our community's Administration Centre and Council Chambers which marks the beginning of a new era of prosperity and pride", he said.
Highlights of the ceremony included an escort for the Governor provided by the Murrurundi Troop of the 12th Light Horse Brigade and the Scone RSL Pipes and Drums, a performance by Scone Singers, ‘welcome to country' by Barry French, a spirited rendition of ‘Waltzing Matilda' by the Combined Schools Choir, an ecumenical blessing of the building and official flag raising by the Scone 1st Scout Group and Scone RSL Pipes and Drums. At the conclusion of official ceremonies many people took the opportunity to inspect the new office areas and chambers.
Contact details
Upper Hunter Shire Council
Tel: 02 6540 1100
Fax: 02 6545 2671
council@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au
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