Mr. Freeland’s business becomes insolvent due to the Great Depression. Having recently completed his diploma, Eric establishes his own business and he and his brother Allan set out to Patho West near Echuca to build a house.

“We worked so hard in the early days, for little more than starvation wages. I am so grateful for my brother who was loyal, hardworking and a great companion to me all our lives.” – Eric Lyons, 2004

Eric marries Eliza May Wallace (known as Isie) who would go on to become the unofficial “Office Manager.”

“My late, dear wife Isie helped me greatly in every way – answering phone calls, keeping the office, bringing up our children and running the house and meals.” – Eric Lyons, 2004

E. J. Lyons, builder, and his team build over 200 homes in Geelong and the surrounding regions.  Their first home is built at 1 Sommers St, Belmont.

Eric and Isie move to 11 Scott St, Belmont. Eric works out of a shed and office in the backyard.

The company commences work on one of their first major, commercial projects, the Belmont Methodist Church. The project was completed with 2000 man hours worth of voluntary help by members of the church’s congregation.

“We made – well – reasonably good navvies out of ministers, clerks, pastry cooks and even a grocer.” – Eric Lyons, 1954.

Eric’s son, Norm, commences his carpenter’s and joiner’s apprenticeship.

Eric brought Kevin into partnership with him and the company begins trading as E. J. Lyons & Son.

Joe Astall joins the company as the Building Foreman.

Norm is promoted to Foreman Junior at Barwon Joinery.

E. J. Lyons and Sons Pty. Ltd. transitions to building commercial construction.

Gary Iacono joins the business as a trainee Estimator.

Bernie Henry joins the business as a Site Manager.

After 26 years of loyal service to the company, Beverley Earl retires.

At the Master Builders of Victoria Awards, E. J. Lyons & Sons wins the Excellence in Construction of Entertainment/ Hospitality/ Sports Facilities award for our work building the Charles Brownlow Stand & Players Facilities at the Geelong Football Club.

E. J. Lyons & Sons commences work on a landmark project – constructing Smorgy’s Restaurant on Cunningham Pier.

At the time of construction, this was one of the most expensive and challenging projects the company had worked on and today, remains an icon of Geelong.

Master Builders of Victoria recognises Lyons Construction for our work on the Geelong Performing Arts Centre Redevelopment.

Lyons Construction is awarded  Commercial Builder of Year – South West Region for the new Torquay Primary School.

The following year, Master Builders of Victoria award Lyons Construction Regional Builder of the Year for the same project.

Lyons Constructions is awarded The Age Dun & Bradstreet Rural Award.

The company, now trading as Lyons Construction, moves to a new office at 100 Fyans St, Geelong.

Lyons Construction is recognised by Master Builders of Victoria for our work on Bellarine Secondary College.

Norm Lyons retires from the role of Managing Director.

Lyons Construction is awarded the contract for the construction of Spotlight and Anaconda retail stores.

With a job value of $13,500,000.00, this is the biggest contract Lyons has won so far.

Lyons Construction commences work  on a job with a special meaning to Norm – Anam Cara House.

Norm was on the Board of Directors of Anam Cara for several years, before retiring to take up the role of Ambassador, which he held for two years.

Lyons Construction celebrates its 80th anniversary.

Bernie Henry joins the Board of Directors after 31 years with the company.

Lyons Construcion is also recognised by Master Builders of Victoria for Excellence in Construction – Commercial Buildings Over $6M for the Katsumata Centre at Kardinia International College, Geelong.

At the same awards, Lyons Construction wins in the residential category for Best Custom Home Over $700,000 for 16 Crows Nest Place, Queenscliff.

Norm is awarded Life Membership of Master Builders of Victoria.

 Lyons Construction is wins the Master Builders of Victoria Excellence in Construction Award for Commercial Buildings $3-6M (Waurn Ponds Library & Community Hub).

At the Master Builders of Victoria Awards, Lyons Construction received a Special Commendation in the $1-3M category, for our work on the Audi Centre, Geelong.

This project marked a long and continued partnership with Rex Gorell which spans more than 10 projects.

Lyons Construction wins the award for Excellence in Construction – Commercial Buildings $1-3M for the Inquiry Centre at Kardinia International College.

Christine, Kevin’s daughter, joins the business as a member of the board and the HR, Marketing and Communications Manager.

Lyons Construction is awarded Commercial Builder of the Year – South West Region by Master Builders of Victoria.

The City of Greater Geelong and the National Trust recognise Lyons Construction at their annual Heritage Awards for their work in restoring and conserving historical landmarks, Portarlington Primary School and Geelong Covent Garden.