A heartfelt ceremony was held at Kialla Recreation Reserve on Thursday, December 14.
The memorial for beloved student Andrew Hammer, who died in a tragic accident in 2005, found a new and permanent home at the facilities of the Old Students Cricket Club.
Built originally on the Shepparton High School grounds, the pavilion was moved to its new location thanks to the joint efforts of the Hammer family, local community members and several businesses such as Hansen Yuncken.
“It’s a real privilege to have the pavilion moved,” Ross Hammer, father of Andrew, said.
However, the process was far from straightforward.
“The pavilion has almost been demolished.
“It’s been a long journey to get it moved.
“It’s taken four years (of council applications)” he said.
According to Mr Hammer, the memorial’s conservation would have never been possible without the consistent dedication of Richard Bryce, an Education Department employee, and Chris Limosani, a family member and landscaper.
“Andrew and the Hammer family have touched many people’s lives,” a statement from company Hansen Yuncken said.
“We are grateful to be part of this important project.”
According to Jason Williamson, project manager for Hansen Yuncken, the memorial’s relocation to Kialla required the structure to be pulled down, bundled up, and stored over a few years.
It was re-erected but also refreshed with new roofing and a full repaint thanks to the involvement and generosity of Hansen Yuncken, Quicklift Crane Hire, J.R and J.D Baldi Pty Ltd, Mawsons Concrete Shepparton, Cobram Plumbing and Engineering, Sinclair and Rooney Painting and Decorating, Dulux Shepparton, AH Landscaping, Syndicate Engineering and Coates Hire Shepparton.
As family members, school staff and builders gathered to pay homage to Andrew’s enduring spirit, the ceremony was a touching reminder of the powerful connection between the past and the present.
The newly built memorial is a collective commitment to preserving a legacy transcending time.