Gymnasium 1968 — 2010
| Date Opened: | March 1968 |
| Sponsored by: | Parents Association and the Ladies Auxiliary |
| Principal: | John Pascoe |
Back in 1968 Foundation Hall began its life as our school’s first Gymnasium. Parents had joined forces and raised money to build it along with a Tuckshop. The Gym and Tuckshop were not part of the main building plans, but the parents group were determined and formed a cooperative to raise funds. It was built in 1967/8 for $70,988.
Foundation Hall 2011
| Date Opened: | August 2011 |
| Opened by: | Board Chairman Ms Sarah Tipping and Principal Dr Mark Merry |
| Dedicated by: | The Most Reverend Dr Philip Freier, Archbishop of Melbourne |
| Principal: | Dr Mark Merry |
In 2000 our old Gym took a back seat when sports moved to the new John King Sports Complex. Led by Richard Simpson, Chairman of the Yarra Valley Grammar Foundation, they embarked on an idea to give the old gym a new and vibrant role in the life of the school. A fundraiser started in 2010 to make it happen.
It has seating capacity for up to 250 people and is perfect for hosting lunches and dinners, concerts, and events. It features the Yarra Foundation Honour Boards highlighting philanthropy to the school. Once again a place to play meet and create new memories.
The Story Behind…
Foundation Hall began life in 1968 as the School’s first gymnasium, created at a time when Yarra Valley Grammar was still in its formative years and growing rapidly. While the School itself had launched a successful Building and Development Appeal in 1968, the gymnasium was not part of that formal program. Instead, it emerged from the determination and initiative of parent-led groups - the School Association and the Ladies’ Auxiliary - who identified the urgent need for a multi-purpose indoor space.
Building on earlier fundraising success, including financing the School’s first tennis courts, these groups formed a co‑operative society in 1967 to support the project. Their vision extended beyond sport alone, anticipating a space that could also bring the community together. Their efforts reflect a defining characteristic of the early Yarra years: a strong, hands-on partnership between families and the School in shaping its future.
Specifications
Foundation Hall was designed as a multi‑purpose building combining a gymnasium with an adjoining tuckshop and supporting spaces. Built by W. O. Longmuir and Sons, the accepted tender in August 1968 totalled $70,988, with completion scheduled for 31 January 1969.
From the outset, the building was intended to be flexible. It accommodated physical education and sport, while also functioning as an assembly hall for the growing School population. Its integration with tuckshop facilities ensured it also supported daily student life and the activities of parent volunteers.
In the Making
The construction of the gymnasium and tuckshop was driven almost entirely by community effort. In 1967, the School Association and Ladies’ Auxiliary formalised their commitment by establishing a co‑operative structure to fund the build. Their fundraising was energetic and diverse, ranging from balls, dinner dances and theatre outings to luncheons, street stalls and wine tastings, with the annual School fair remaining the cornerstone of their efforts.
Within that single year, the two groups raised more than $10,500 - a remarkable achievement at the time and a clear demonstration of both belief in the School and willingness to invest in its future. Council recognised this initiative and moved forward with plans, culminating in the acceptance of the building tender in 1968.
Opening / Dedication
Completed in early 1969, the building quickly came into use as the School’s gymnasium and a central gathering space. The building was certainly in full use as a gymnasium and assembly hall early in 1969, and two Junior School drama productions were held in the building during that year. Although no formal opening ceremony is recorded, it was clearly embedded in the life of the School from the outset.
Decades later, the building entered a new phase. Following the opening of the John King Sports Complex in 2000, its role diminished temporarily. In response, the Yarra Valley Grammar Foundation, led by Richard Simpson launched a revitalisation appeal in 2010.
The renewed Foundation Hall, reimagined as a venue for events, exhibitions and community gatherings, was officially opened in August 2011 by Board Chairman Ms Sarah Tipping and Principal Dr Mark Merry, and dedicated by the Archbishop of Melbourne, Dr Philip Freier.
The People
Foundation Hall stands as a tribute to the commitment of early Yarra families. The leadership of the School Association and Ladies’ Auxiliary was instrumental, with figures such as Dr D. Dewhurst and Mrs Marjorie Dewhurst guiding the effort, supported by a dedicated network of volunteers.
These parent groups not only raised substantial funds but also contributed time, energy and creativity to sustain School life. Their work in operating the tuckshop, organising events and supporting infrastructure projects reflected a deep sense of ownership and community spirit that helped define Yarra’s culture in its early years.
Daily Life
From its earliest days, the gymnasium was a lively and well-used space. It hosted physical education classes, assemblies and performances, quickly becoming a focal point of School life. Even outside formal school hours, it remained active – with members of the School Association reportedly gathering for evening exercise sessions, adding to its sense of vitality and shared ownership.
The attached tuckshop also played a crucial role in daily routines, particularly given the School’s relatively remote location at the time. Run by dedicated parent volunteers, it provided an essential service while reinforcing the strong connection between families and the School.
This Site in History…
The site of Foundation Hall reflects broader phases in the School’s development. Initially built to meet immediate and practical needs, it became a central gathering place during a period of rapid growth. Its later decline in use following the opening of more modern facilities mirrors the School’s continued expansion.
Yet its revival in 2011 demonstrates the enduring value of historic spaces when reimagined for contemporary needs. Today, Foundation Hall serves not only as a functional venue but also as a place where the School’s story can be shared and celebrated – linking present generations with the pioneering efforts of those who built the School’s foundations.
