Belvoir Special School Life Skills House officially opened in West Wodonga

At 17, the Belvoir Special School captain was happy to help put the finishing touches on the school's new house, which was designed to allow students to learn the skills needed for living independently.

"We've been trying to make sure the house is in top shape," he said.

"We've made it as child-friendly as possible with ramps, lots of space and everything we need to teach children skills for living in their own home.

"It means a lot to the kids even if they will still be living at home once they leave school."

The Life Skills House within the grounds of Belvoir Special School in West Wodonga was officially opened by the member for Benambra, Bill Tilley, on Friday.

The Life Skills House is a joint venture between Belvoir Special School and the Rotary Clubs of Belvoir-Wodonga, Wodonga Central, Wodonga West and Albury-Wodonga Sunrise.

The four-year project encountered bureaucratic delays which impacted the availability of volunteer labour before the coronavirus pandemic hampered efforts last year.

The Life Skills House gained Victorian government approval in September 2018 after being stalled by red tape for 18 months.

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Rotary Club of Belvoir-Wodonga secretary Michael Shepanski said the dream had now become a reality after the official opening on Friday.

He said the project started in 2016 when school employee Candace Membrey talked to her dad, Barry, a member of the Rotary Club of Belvoir-Wodonga, about the purpose-built house.

The Rotary club soon adopted the project before it teamed up with the other three clubs.

"Through most of 2017, the four Rotary clubs raised funds to support the build," he said.

"The school's annual fundraiser at Wodonga Racecourse was a major focus, and there was strong support from other service clubs, local businesses, philanthropists and several small grants."

With Premier Building and Construction on board, scores of Border suppliers and tradesmen donated materials and labour.

"The school and the community can be proud that they now have a facility that can be showcased as the gold standard for developing independent living skills," Mr Shepanski said.

Belvoir Special School principal Pennie Moffat said the school's 209 students would benefit.

"We have started using the space but from Term 2 we'll have structured lessons built around it," she said.

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