On June 25, 2025, the South East Ambrym community marked a historic moment with the grand opening of the new Area Council building in Toak Village. This modern facility represents a transformative milestone for local governance and community development in Malampa Province, uniting residents from across the region, including enthusiastic students, and dignitaries from Lakatoro and Port Vila in a celebration of progress and shared vision.

The Area Council building, completed after two years of construction beginning in 2023, realizes a long-held dream for South East Ambrym. Previously, the Area Council operated from a modest temporary office at Chief Tias James Malisas Boundary in Toak Village. The new, purpose-built structure offers a state-of-the-art environment to streamline administrative services, foster community engagement, and drive regional development initiatives, ensuring a lasting impact for generations to come.

The opening ceremony, commencing at 10:00 AM, was a vibrant showcase of cultural pride and unity. Hundreds of residents from villages such as Endu, Ulei, Asse, Sameou, Utas, Penavo, Moru, Taveak,Paamal and Toak gathered to celebrate, joined by students from local Mbossung schools who actively participated in the event. The ceremony featured traditional ceremonies, including a pig-killing ritual, heartfelt speeches by local leaders, and a ribbon-cutting that symbolized the dawn of a new chapter for South East Ambrym.

The ceremony welcomed prominent figures, including the Malampa Provincial Secretary General and representatives from the national government in Port Vila. Their attendance highlighted the collaborative effort between local communities, provincial authorities, and national partners that made this project a reality, underscoring the building’s significance as a model of regional cooperation.

As part of Malampa Province, which includes the islands of Ambrym, Paama, and Malekula, the Area Council building is set to enhance governance across the region. It will serve as a hub for administrative efficiency, improve access to essential services, and provide a versatile space for community gatherings and cultural events. Aligned with the province’s decentralization goals, the facility empowers local leaders to tackle pressing issues, from education and healthcare to infrastructure and economic growth.

For South East Ambrym’s residents, the building embodies hope and opportunity. A teacher from Mbossung Primary and Secondary School remarked, “This new facility will bring services closer to us and amplify our voices. It’s a foundation for our children’s future.” The Area Council is poised to address critical priorities, including upgrading road networks, expanding clean water access, and bolstering local agriculture a vital pillar of the region’s economy.

The inauguration of the South East Ambrym Area Council building marks the start of an exciting journey for the community and Malampa Province. Local leaders are already planning initiatives to maximize the facility’s potential, from community programs to governance reforms. The building stands as a testament to the resilience, unity, and determination of the South East Ambrym people, with the active involvement of students highlighting the community’s commitment to inspiring its youth.

The community extends heartfelt thanks to all contributors, from dedicated local volunteers to provincial and national government partners. As Toak Village celebrates this landmark achievement, the Area Council building shines as a beacon of progress, inspiring South East Ambrym to pursue a brighter, more connected future.