100 Years of Building in Regional Victoria

Hansen Yuncken’s regional story stretches back more than a century, with records showing projects in the Goulburn Valley as early as 1921 – just three years after the company’s founding. What began with seasonal cannery work in Shepparton, Kyabram and Leeton quickly grew into a permanent and enduring presence across regional Victoria and southern New South Wales.

Early Beginnings: A Century of Craftsmanship

The early 1920s marked the start of our journey in Shepparton and the broader Goulburn Valley. With the region’s fruit and dairy industries booming, our teams worked on canneries for SPC, Ardmona, Kyabram and Leeton, building a reputation for quality, trust and reliability under the tight seasonal construction windows.

It was here that Hansen Yuncken’s hallmark culture took root – employing and training generations of apprentices and tradespeople who would go on to become leaders in the business. Many young people from Shepparton and surrounding towns began their careers on our sites, and the skills they learned have contributed to the strength of our business ever since.

Expanding Across Regional Victoria and NSW

By mid-century, our regional operations extended beyond the canneries to include schools, civic projects, health facilities and community infrastructure. Shepparton remained our anchor, but our footprint grew to towns such as Bendigo, Wangaratta, Echuca, Wagga Wagga and Alexandra.

A defining feature of this growth was our ability to adapt to the changing needs of regional economies. From fruit processing to healthcare, education and beyond, Hansen Yuncken remained a trusted partner in shaping local communities. This commitment was further reinforced in 2006, when we established our Albury/Wodonga office – strengthening our presence across northern Victoria and southern NSW.

Healthcare and Education: A Lasting Legacy

Our long association with Goulburn Valley Health began in the 1970s and has continued through decades of hospital redevelopments and upgrades. These projects required careful staging in live environments, ensuring patients and staff remained safe while critical services stayed operational – a hallmark of the expertise we continue to provide today.

Education has also been central to our regional contribution. Most recently, we delivered the Greater Shepparton Secondary College, the largest school in Victoria, through the immense challenges of the COVID period. This landmark project demonstrates not only our technical capability but also our enduring commitment to building infrastructure that supports the next generation.

Proudly Regional: Then, Now and Next

For more than 100 years, Hansen Yuncken has contributed to the regional economy through employment, skills training, and strong community partnerships. Our regional business has grown alongside the success of local industries, maintaining close ties and a genuine interest in the prosperity of the communities we serve.

Today, under the leadership of our Shepparton and Albury/Wodonga teams, we continue to deliver projects across northern Victoria and southern NSW – hospitals, schools, aged care centres, police stations, and civic buildings that strengthen the fabric of regional communities.

“Our roots in regional Victoria run deep. The story of Hansen Yuncken is one of resilience, craftsmanship, and genuine connection to the communities we build for.”

From our earliest cannery projects to today’s landmark healthcare and education facilities, Hansen Yuncken’s regional legacy is a story of resilience, growth and community pride. And while we celebrate 100 years of history, we are also looking ahead – ready to continue building the future of regional Victoria for the next century and beyond.