The Walla Community Development Committee first discussed with council potential for a centre at the back of the WAW building in 2002, but when federal government funding was secured it became clear a bigger space would be needed.

Greater Hume Council general manager Steven Pinnuck said it was a step ahead of previous plans.

"It was a bit of a shock to me that the committee said 'We're pleased we got the funding, but we're not sure it's in the right spot'," he said.

"Again it was a bit of a funding challenge, and as luck would have it NSW funding came about."

With the new state government funds, council were able to negotiate with Jeff Grosse about buying his building on commercial street, and his agreeance made the new centre possible.

A final hurdle for the project came when Albury Wodonga Community College announced they would be withdrawing children's services, leaving the centre without a provider.

Mayor Heather Wilton said that "galvanised the community into action", and Greater Hume Childrens Services announced in December they would take over, making it a council-owned and -run facility.

Kim Lieschke, who with the development committee was "relentless" in lobbying council and local members, said looking at the new centre, it was worth the time and fight.

"It was probably not the easiest spot, but it was the best spot," he said.

Mr Lieschke said the best thing about the centre was that "it's here".

Farrer MP Sussan Ley attended the opening and recalled discussing the project with committee.

"Kim and I have had many chats over the years and I remember thinking 'Gosh, how is this going to come together? You're talking about a lot of money'," she said.

"That was a time when there wasn't a lot of money around, but it did come together.

"[It was] your determination and your non-acceptance of second best, you making sure you got what you wanted."

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The facility operates five days a week on a long day-care model, and there has been an increase of 12 enrolments.

There are hopes to expand it to preschool programs.

The $900,000 building was funded through $277,000 from the federal government, $252,225 from the NSW government, $360,775 from council and $10,000 from the community.

Those donated funds largely came from Ivy Barber and family, who contributed nearly $9000 by donating funds from a cookbook project she was involved in.

Mr Pinnuck congratulated his staff and all who pushed for it.

"That vision has been almost two decades in the making .... I congratulate the Walla community on the work they've done to bring this project to fruition," he said.