The research rooms are part of the community complex centre between the old courthouse (the existing historical society’s rooms) and the refurbished original shire hall.

Stawell Historical Society president Dorothy Brumby welcomed dignitaries including the mayor Murray Emerson and Northern Grampians Shire Council’s director of infrastructure and environment Sanjay Manivasagasivam.

Among the special guests were Mr Bradley’s relatives Neil Morris of Black Rock and Jennifer Walker of Balwyn as well as Dorothy King.

More than 60 people attended the opening to see Mrs King, the society’s chief researcher for many years, unveil a plaque on the entrance door of the new centre.

Stewart Bradley was born in Stawell and attended 502 primary school.

He later moved to Melbourne but was a regular visitor to Stawell and, in particular, the historical society.

“Dorothy and Stewart were at 502 at the same time and renewed their acquaintance through the historical society,” historical society member Wendy Melbourne said.

Mr Bradley continued to send information and memories to the society until his death from motor neurone disease in 2008.

His bequest to the society of $100,000 was the catalyst to build a new research room.

“It was something we had needed for a long time,” Mrs Melbourne said.

“One day, Dorothy and I were talking about the need for a new research room and Stewart happened to be there.

“Before he died he told us to expect a wonderful surprise, and what a wonderful surprise it indeed turned out to be.”

Mrs Melbourne thanked the shire for its commitment to the building and the work completed by the parks and gardens staff to compliment the complex.

Guests were invited to tour both the old courthouse (now a museum display area) and the new research centre, before enjoying some refreshments.

In addition to the society’s new rooms, the complex has a Lions Club room, kitchen and a gallery, which will be available for public use.

The rooms are connected to the shire hall by a covered walkway leading to the new toilet block, which will service all buildings.