"Larry the Lifter" farewelled 
SHARE

The Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment has reached another milestone as the new acute services building approaches its highest point, with one of its two tower cranes, affectionately named “Larry the Lifter,” dismantled and removed after playing a key role supporting construction on site.

The 60-meter tower crane has been dismantled in preparation for the next phase of construction, having been a familiar local landmark on the hospital site.

“Larry the Lifter,” named by local student Hugh Thirlwall, has been instrumental to supporting the project since its arrival less than 12 months ago.

Over that time, it has lifted more than 14,500 loads, including one weighing nearly 10 tonnes.

Hugh recently joined the project team and some of the crane operators to farewell the crane.

“It was really fun to be involved in the project and was great to meet some of the crane operators on site recently to learn more about their work," Hugh said.

“Larry did us proud! I’m sad to see him go, but his legacy will live on forever.”

Caption: Hugh Thirwall and crane operator Michael Matich

The remaining crane, “Jane the Crane,” named by Pleasant Heights Primary School student Jack Bartlett, will remain on site, continuing to undertake the heavy lifting required to support construction for the multi-storey hospital building.

The new acute services building is expected to be completed in 2026.

Caption: Hugh with his mum, Cathleen Chang, and the crane operators