Shepparton Hospital celebrates major milestone

The redevelopment of the Goulburn Valley Health Shepparton Hospital is one step closer to completion with the new inpatient unit officially ‘topped out’.

In a traditional ceremony held by Lendlease and Goulburn Valley Health, a specially chosen eucalyptus tree was placed on top of level 5 of the new inpatient tower using the 'Lilyshay' crane, where it remained for 24 hours before being planted on the grounds.

With the last of the concrete slabs poured at the highest point, this marks a major milestone for the project and works can now get underway to start fitting-out the new floors in preparation for completion next year.

A crane name with meaning

Seen from all over Shepparton, the 'Lilyshay' crane used to build the new five storey inpatient unit tower has a touching story behind the name.

After holding a ‘Name the Crane’ competition, Goulburn Valley Health determined the winner as six year old Lily Shay, whose surname just happens to be ‘Crane’. Lily's middle name is Shay, which also belonged to her uncle who after a car accident spent time at Shepparton Hospital before passing away in 2002. He saved seven lives through donating his organs.

Lily has her own personalised hi-vis shirt and helmet and once the crane tower comes down, she'll get to keep the big 'Lilyshay' sign honouring her uncle.

Topping out ceremonies

Traditionally, ‘topping out’ ceremonies involve placing a tree on a building's highest structural point.

These ceremonies not only mark a key milestone for the structure, but celebrate the work completed so far, express the hope for a secure project completion and a ‘blessing’ for the building and its future inhabitants.

Tracing back its origins to ancient Scandinavia, topping out ceremonies continue to be celebrated all over the world using trees, branches, flags or streamers.

Shepparton Hospital redevelopment

The Victorian Government has invested $169.5 million to redevelop the Goulburn Valley Health Shepparton Hospital.

Delivering a new inpatient unit tower as well as an integrated women and children's precinct, this upgrade will provide 64 inpatient beds, 10 intensive care beds, seven operating theatres, a new emergency department and new maternity, dialysis and imaging departments, as well as a special care nursery, paediatric ward, new kitchen and morgue.

Learn more about the Shepparton Hospital redevelopment via our dedicated project page.