
Timeline

1929
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
1940
Eric and Isie move to 11 Scott St, Belmont. Eric works out of a shed and office in the backyard.
1953
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.
1955
Eric is elected as President of the Geelong Master Builders Association.
1959
Eric brought Kevin into partnership with him and the company begins trading as E. J. Lyons & Son.
1959
Beverley Earl commences work as the first full-time secretary and book-keeper.
1959
Joe Astall joins the company as the Building Foreman.
1963
Kevin becomes a Director of E. J. Lyons & Sons and Barwon Joinery.
1965
Norm is promoted to Foreman Junior at Barwon Joinery.
1970s
E. J. Lyons and Sons Pty. Ltd. transitions to building commercial construction.
2000
Master Builders of Victoria recognises Lyons Construction for our work on the Geelong Performing Arts Centre Redevelopment.
2003
Lyons Constructions is awarded The Age Dun & Bradstreet Rural Award.
2005
Lyons Construction is recognised by Master Builders of Victoria for our work on Bellarine Secondary College.
2006
Norm Lyons retires from the role of Managing Director.
2007
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.
2011
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.
2013
Lyons Construction wins big at the Master Builders of Victoria’s Awards, walking away having won Commercial Builder of the Year – South West Region.
2017
Kevin retires as Director of the Board. Norm is appointed to fill the position.
2018
Lyons Construction is awarded Commercial Builder of the Year – South West Region by Master Builders of Victoria.
2019
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.