DREAMS come true.

The Sustaining Our Shoalhaven (SOS) display home was opened for a sneak preview yesterday.

Like the last-minute preparation before a major show on Monday night at midnight in fact, the last touches of paint were applied in readiness for the big day.

The place looks fantastic, and for those who have followed its progress over the past 15 months, the transformation in recent weeks has been astounding.

Anyone involved with the SOS project knows it is so much more than bricks and mortar.

However, nobody knows that better than the couple who came up with the concept Max and Tina Zalakos.

“This dream started about 40 years ago when a couple of hippies became organic farmers,” Mr Zalakos said.

“It has been a system we have used in every house we’ve lived in.”

While the official speeches were filled with well-deserved gratitude for the businesses and individuals involved, this project is about a group of people creating something that will change a community’s perspective on building into the future.

“Hopefully, the people involved will come away from this with more than just a business deal.

“This project is about encouraging people to think beyond themselves, that’s what sustainability is all about,” Mr Zalakos said.

Behind the scenes, pushing the project along at every turn, was communications consultant Steve Drury.

Mr Drury said when he was approached the idea was an unknown quantity.

“Like most things it was just an idea, but an idea that with a great team and corporate support became a place that can help educate and provide information for people.”

Mr Drury said the combination of Mr Zalakos’ commitment, Colin Irwin’s designs, the building effort and the assistance of council resulted in the project’s successful completion.