90 Years of Lyons Construction
Eric James Lyons commences his carpenter’s apprenticeship with Mr. John Freeland.
Eric completes his International School Diploma in Building Construction and Architecture.
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 and Allan win their first P.W.D. contract to construct a school in Minhamite – little did they know, this would be the first of many educational institutes and schools their company would go on to build.
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
Eric and Isie move into their first home at 2 Oxford St, Belmont. This home was designed and built by Eric – the first built in Belmont in three years due to the Great Depression.
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.
Allan and Eric build Allan’s first home at 41 Oxford Street, Belmont.
Eric and Isie move to 11 Scott St, Belmont. Eric works out of a shed and office in the backyard.
Eric’s son, Kevin, commences his carpenter’s apprenticeship.
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.
E. J. Lyons and Sons moves to a purpose-built facility and office at 42 Little Fyans St, South Geelong.
Norm is awarded a Victorian Overseas Foundation Scholarship. He travels to England to study and work under Trollope and Colls – builders for the London Stock Exchange.
Eric Lyons officially retires from his role as Working Director of the company, but maintains his role as an advisor to the business.
“Dad didn’t really retire – he just worked for other people.” Eric’s daughter, Heather Lyons.
Gary Iacono joins the business as a trainee Estimator.
Allan retires on November 17th, his 65th birthday, after 48 years with the company.
Bernie Henry joins the business as a Site Manager.
Joe Astall retires from the company after 23 years.
After 26 years of loyal service to the company, Beverley Earl retires.
E. J. Lyons & Sons commences work on a project very close to the hearts of many of those involved – the construction of the new Charles Brownlow Stand & Players Facilities at the Geelong Football Club.
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.
Steve, Norm’s son, joins the business as a Contracts Manager.
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.
At the Australia Institute of Building Awards, E. J. Lyons & Sons wins the Professional Excellence in Building Award for our work constructing Smorgy’s Restaurant on Cunningham Pier, Geelong.
At the turn of the millennium, the company commences work on a project a little different for them – the Geelong Art Gallery.
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 Construction is the Overall Winner at the Geelong Advertiser Business Excellence Awards.
Lyons Construction is recognised by Master Builders of Victoria for our work on the Gordon Institute of TAFE, East Geelong.
The company, now trading as Lyons Construction, moves to a new office at 100 Fyans St, Geelong.
Lyons Construction celebrates 75 years of business.
Lyons Construction is awarded Commercial Builder of the Year – South West Region by Master Builders of Victoria for our work on the restoration of St. Mary’s of the Angels Basilica, Geelong.
Gary Iacono is appointed as Managing Director and is appointed to to the Board of Directors.
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.
Steve Lyons, now the Senior Estimator, becomes a member of the Board of Directors.
Lyons Construction starts work on a project a little outside our usual ones – the Bellarine Aquatic Centre.
Lyons Construction celebrates its 80th anniversary.
Lyons Construction is recognised by Master Builders of Victoria for our work constructing The Edge, Geelong.
Bernie Henry joins the Board of Directors after 31 years with the company.
Lyons Construction wins Master Builders of Victoria’s Regional Commercial Builder of the Year – South West and Regional Builder of the Year.
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.
Lyons Construction completes a $5M extension and refurbishment of Faggs Mitre 10. This project holds added significance to the company because of the long partnership Lyons has had with Faggs – we are their oldest customer!
Norm is awarded Life Membership of Master Builders of Victoria.
At the Master Builders of Victoria Awards, Lyons Construction is awarded both Regional Builder of the Year and Commercial Builder of the Year – South West.
Lyons Construction is wins the Master Builders of Victoria Excellence in Construction Award for Commercial Buildings $3-6M (Waurn Ponds Library & Community Hub).
Lyons Construction is wins the Master Builders of Victoria Excellence in Construction Award for Commercial Buildings Over $6M (New Generation Library, Deakin University – Waurn Ponds campus).
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.
Lyons Construction wins the award for Excellence in Construction – Commercial Buildings $3-6M for Geelong Technical Education Centre.
Christine, Kevin’s daughter, joins the business as a member of the board and the HR, Marketing and Communications Manager.
Lyons Construction wins the award for Excellence in Construction – Commercial Buildings Over $10M for Star of the Sea Aged Care Residence.
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.
Lyons Construction celebrates 90 years of business!
Steve Lyons celebrates 25 year milestone with Lyons Construction.
Bernie Henry celebrates 40 year milestone with Lyons Construction.
Lyons Construction awarded 2021 Master Builders Victoria – South West Regional Building Awards – Excellence in construction of commercial buildings over $10.5m for The Court Precinct at Sacred Heart College.
Gary Iacono celebrates 45 year milestone with Lyons Construction
Lyons Construction company restructure took place on September 1, 2022. The restructure included the newly appointed roles:
– Steve Lyons, Managing Director
– Gary Iacono, Operations Manager (Interim)
David Bauzon celebrates 20 years with Lyons Construction.
