By Aaron Cordy
WHEN the trucks rolled in to begin demolishing the original Shepparton High School site to make way for the Super School, the original 1909 two-storey schoolhouse was saved for its historical significance. The other structure that was saved held far more significance for members of the community.
The Andrew Hammer Memorial Pavilion was erected in 2006 by CME Construction for Old Students Cricket Club and the Hammer family, in memory of Andrew after he tragically lost his life the previous year. It’s a combined effort from many groups that has taken four years, but the pavilion has found its new home at the Kialla Recreation Reserve.
“Getting it back up after a couple of years sitting on the ground over here, we are wrapped as a family,” said Ross Hammer, father of Andrew about the reconstruction of the Pavilion.
“It’s very well received by the Cricket club and Kialla Park… When you drive in and see the sign, I think it just looks like it’s meant to be here, it just sits here really well.”
The removal and reassembly were a joint effort that would not have been possible without people like Richard Bryce from the Education Department and building companies Hansen Yuncken, Quicklift Crane Hire, Mawsons Concrete Shepparton, Sinclair and Rooney Painting and Decorating, Dulux Shepparton, J.R and J.D Baldi Pty Ltd, AH Landscaping, Syndicate Engineering, Cobram Plumbing and Engineering and Coates Hire Shepparton.
The team at Hansen Yuncken understood the intricacies of the job, but the significance even more so. “We do massive projects, but this one has probably touched our hearts the most. It makes you feel really good to be part of this,” said Chris Limosani of Hansen Yuncken.
