The 1st Wodonga Scouts were formerly based in central Wodonga, the Reid Street site since transformed with the Huon Hill pub.

Timber floorboards from the former Bandiana military post office have been salvaged and recreated into a striking Scouts symbol within the building they will share with Skills Innovative Training Enterprise.

The arch gates from the former scout hall are still heading to the Kelliher Avenue site and will be installed once landscaping is completed.

The official opening was performed by Scouts Victoria chief commissioner Brendan Watson and Wodonga mayor Rod Wangman.

Mr Watson praised the Scouts group for their patience in coping with temporary arrangements at the Silva Drive kindergarten.

“Thank you for going without so you could get this,” he said.

“Use it wisely and it is important it is a community hub.”

Scouts and SITE, which offers training and education for the disabled, have been operating from White Box Rise for the past month.

The $780,000 project was funded by the Victorian government with $500,000 from the sale of the previous Crown land site and the council contributing $280,000.

Cr Wangman revealed he was a former Scout and recalled attending a jamboree in the Adelaide Hills with 40-plus heat followed by torrential rain.

“For my former sins I was a Scout,” he said.

“My backside can attest to the fact in those days punishment was meted out by Scout leaders in a slightly different manner to what it is today. But never once did I not deserve it.

“Scouts has stood the test of time and is important in our community.

“The world today faces a lot of issues. The intent and manner in which Scouts operates would be for the betterment of our nation.”

The 1st Wodonga Scouts has 45 members, nine leaders and a committee led by president Dale Smith. Awards were presented to Angela Spann, Paul Nieuwerth and Ruth Nicholls as part of the opening.