We are thrilled to share that BestLife’s Helena’s House has reached an exciting milestone, we’ve secured the perfect block of land in Carina, on Brisbane’s southside.
Late last year, we celebrated with a very special turning of the soil ceremony. It was a beautiful afternoon filled with hope and happiness, as we took the very first step towards creating Helena’s House, a warm and welcoming home designed especially for our Besties, named in loving memory of our dear friend and colleague, Helena McIlwain.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our dedicated community, from tireless fundraisers to loyal supporters, construction will soon begin.
“Reaching this point is a true example of what happens when collaboration, perseverance, and love come together. It has taken the unwavering commitment of countless volunteers, generous donors, the love and determination of the McIlwain family, our passionate BestLife team, our BestLife families, and our wonderful corporate partners. Special thanks also to the Queensland Government for their commitment to this project, providing an amazing $2 million in funding to help make this dream a reality. We are deeply grateful to each and every one of you.” – Kath Coory, CEO, BestLife Foundation.
We can’t wait to keep you updated as Helena’s House starts to take shape. Stay tuned for more milestones, stories, and special moments as we continue to build a brighter, more independent future for young people with a disability.
Fiona, Sophie and Eric McIlwain at the soil turning.
“We are doing this for Helena, to continue her legacy and passion for improving the lives of people with disabilities. Wise beyond her years, Helena was deeply committed to inclusion, even shifting her studies from medicine to occupational therapy as she believed that was how she could make a greater impact. Her last conversation with her dad, Eric, was about how much more we all need to do to help people with disabilities. So when BestLife said they had a goal to create a special house of their own, and they had one request – could they call it ‘Helèna’s House’ we jumped on board and started fundraising. It will be Helena’s legacy—her dream realised and a place for the young people she cared for so deeply.” – Fiona McIlwain, Helena’s mum.
Former Deputy Premier Cameron Dick at the soil turning
“Helena’s House will be a place where young people will be truly welcome they won’t be different, they won’t be different, they will be home, a home where they can enjoy a sleepover, learn to cook be with friends a home full of art and a wall full of stars a home where young people can thrive and grow. We celebrate government enabling a vison and a dream of the community, an organisation and family and an organisation to make life better. What makes a house a home is love and its the love that everyone has poured into this project that will make it so special. Its an amazing journey and the least we can do as a government is to help you on that journey.” – Former Deputy Premier Cameron Dick.
L to R. Cameron Dick, Kath Coory, Sophie McIlwain, Fiona McIlwain and Eric McIlwain at the soil turning