Completion and opening of a new deck has further added to the welcoming feel of Warragul's Community House.
About 60 people enjoyed wine and cheese at an official opening four years after the idea for a deck was conceived and many hurdles were jumped.
Hiccups due to the COVID pandemic and complexities with the planning process are now in the background with the deck adding a pleasant and relaxed space for people to meet and enjoy each others' company.
Community House chairperson Jessica O'Donnell and committee head Hanna Wardell when the decision to build an open air undercover deck was made paid tribute to the many people and organisations that had brought the idea to fruition.
They included Baw Baw Shire council and Drouin and District Community Bendigo Bank whose grants complemented funds raised by the community house committee over a number of years and a donation from Warragul Rotary Club.
Significant contributions also came were from Geoff Chiver with initial concept designs, Project management assistance by Dennis Manning, Bunnings store at Warragul, Warragul Woodworkers, fund-raising by community house knitting group Barb Young and Shirley Rowe, Building Designed and builders James G.Morrison and contractors. as a team headed by Teresa Manning, Barry Rogers and Brad Glover that "dressed up" the deck and organised the opening.
Manager of Community House Rosemary Allica summed up the feeling on the day.
"It's been a marathon effort, however thanks to those that gave financial support and encouragement that gave us the heart to keep going through the long setbacks we can now celebrate the wonderful outdoor space," she said.