The EBE team has begun demolition of UNE buildings damaged by the October 2021 tornado and deemed to be a total loss.

These buildings – C014 Arts Education Annexe, E015 Heritage Storage and E017 Old Grounds Shed – are being progressively removed over the weeks prior to Christmas. The sites will be cleared of all debris and landscaped, after which the fences will come down to allow access. 

A major priority for the demolishers has been ensuring safe access and clearance of hazardous materials prior to the demolition.

EBE have worked closely with the Faculty of HASSE and Professor Jane Edwards to retrieve instruments where possible. Unfortunately two pianos – a Kawai KS-3F upright and an upright deemed of little value – were not able to be saved, but a clavichord has been retrieved. EBE engaged the services of John Hadfield, a local instrument repairer, to inspect the instruments and advise on the feasibility of repair.

There are further demolitions planned for next year. EBE will ensure that notice is given prior to demolition to ensure safety of all.