Tony Van Lier, who has been at the Wilson Home's school for 13 years, with his mother Liz Banton. Photo / Jason Dorday
It was smiles all round on the North Shore yesterday, as the Wilson Home Trust's new headquarters were officially opened.
And Tony Van Lier, 18, probably had the biggest grin, as he was given the honour of opening the building, in Belmont.
Cutting the ribbon was a special moment for
the teenager, who has Angelman Syndrome.
"He was definitely all smiles," director Russell Ness said.
"He's been here for a long time and he was so happy that he got to play a role in the opening ceremony."
Built in the 1880s, the cottage is thought to have originally been used as a utility building, a gatekeeper's cottage and the home of the Wilson's estate's groundsman.
It will now be used as offices for the Wilson Home Trust and most importantly as a meeting place where young people of a wide range of abilities can spend time together.
Tony is one of many youngsters with disabilities who have benefited from the school.
He has been at the school for 13 years.
Proud mum Liz Banton said his time and experiences at the school had been invaluable.
"It's made an overwhelming difference to his life. I don't know how we would have coped without it," she said.
Ms Banton, who works in administration support for the Wilson Home Trust, said the new facilities would bring greater benefits to more people within the community.
"It's always a privilege to work here, but all the more so now that we've got this wonderful facility available for community groups as well as for children with disabilities and their families.
Mr Ness thanked many in the community for their ongoing support in the developments, particularly the North Shore Heritage Trust, the Lion Foundation and the Rotary Club of North Shore.
He said being able to provide an attractive and welcoming environment for young people with disabilities was a privilege and something that was well-deserved.
