Member for Giles Lyn Breuer officially opened the Andamooka Children's Centre and Primary School last Thursday.
Play activities began at 10am and the official ceremony started with an emotional welcome to the country by Kokatha elder Joan Clifton.
Her brother Max lived in Andamooka and is buried on Andamooka Station.
"He is in his own country, he carried the hopes of his people with him,” she said on the day.
“I welcome you all to Kokatha country."
Education minister Jane Lomax-Smith was scheduled to attend the ceremony but had been called away by bereavement in her family.
"Our thoughts go out to her," Angela Turner said at the ceremony.
"We are very much about family here at Andamooka, we wish Jane and her family well," Angela said.
"2006 was the year of fighting fires, 2007 was the year of rebuilding and 2008 is the year of celebration," she said.
Lyn Breuer spoke of the struggle years during 2006 and 2007 as fires ravaged the school three times in one year.
"It was devastating to see what the fires did to this community,” she said.
“But look at what we have.
“The community raised $28,000 towards the new school and that is an astonishing effort for such a small community.
“We now open a centre that provides care from birth through the first years of primary school.
“It is one of two such centres in South Australia."
The rebuilt and renamed Andamooka Children's Centre and Primary School includes a new double classroom, library and resource centre, swimming pool and multiuse sports court.
It is now an integrated service in which professionals, families and the local community work together to meet the needs of the community.
"I recognise that there are still issues with regard to year six and seven students having to travel to Roxby Downs for school,” Ms Breuer said.
“These are very real considerations considering the community is set to grow, it is set to change.
“This early childhood focus is excellent, Andamooka needs to pat itself on the back, you have demonstrated great care for your school," Ms Bruer said.
Department of Education and Children Services district superintendent David Craig attended the event as did Andamooka Progress Opal Miners Associationc chair Peter Allen.
Fomer school council chair Naomi Campbell and husband Digger Campbell travelled to Andamooka especially for the event.
Naomi was chair of school council when the fires ripped through the school.
"Naomi and I shared many a tear together," Angela said.
"This community is a shining example to the rest of the State, it shows what you can achieve if you fight for it.
“Look at what we have now, wonderful teachers, great facilities and the chance to produce some real champions," Naomi said.
"I want to especially thank those people here today that fought the fires at the school, it was heart-breaking work." Naomi said.
"Feisty kids make good learners.
“Andamooka kids are feisty and now we have all day care and new computers and we have mothers’ group and playtime.
“This is now a rural children's centre, it's more than a school, thanks to everyone," Angela said.
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