In addition to receiving the first proper rain of the season, about 250 residents and guests were all smiles as the community officially opened its new store.

The $4.1 million facility is the result of a five-year partnership between the the federal government’s Aboriginals Benefit Account and the Wuduluk Progress Aboriginal Corporation, and will boost food security by being built outside the flood zone that impacts the community every year.

WPAC director Peter Lindsay said the location of the new facility – which is run by Outback Stores – meant residents would have better access to fresh fruit and vegetables when the Waterhouse River rose, in addition to increased local employment and training opportunities.

“If the community supports it, this store will grow and grow for the community,” he said.

The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet helped co-ordinate the build and spokeswoman Helen Garner said the store was a “fantastic” outcome for Beswick.