PORT Stephens Council has officially thrown its support behind the Yacaaba Centre two weeks before the organisation is set to open the doors to its new house.
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A notice of motion brought to the October 28 meeting by councillor Sally Dover, which passed unanimously, acknowledged the community groups that have supported the centre's continuation.
The council will support the centre's bid for additional NSW Government funding of $375,000 until June 2017 and a letter will be written to the Minister for Family and Community Services Gabrielle Upton, asking her to recognise its role as an essential Port Stephens service.
It comes after the Yacaaba Centre, which has provided counselling and support services on the Tomaree Peninsula for more than 25 years, faced closure in June due to funding cuts.
It received a stay of execution in August after it was granted 18 months worth of funding.
Centre staff were busy last week moving from its house in Nelson Bay to its new premises at 29 Donald Street.
The Donald Street centre will open on Monday, November 10.
Yacaaba Centre director Lynn Vatner said she had been thrilled to learn of the council's show of support.
"It seems the whole community is behind us," Ms Vatner said.
"We've seen a huge huge amount of support and if anything, going forward, that support gives us much more strength,"she said.
