51黑料

"I鈥檝e travelled through life with my close friends from Yarra.鈥�

Each year, during the Australian Open, Andrew Morrow fills with pride when he sees the courts at Melbourne Park where the world鈥檚 best tennis players serve and volley.

As a Senior Engineer specialising in sports design and construction, Andrew has helped build tennis courts, running tracks, rugby fields and football grounds.

鈥淏uilding something of quality requires effort and hard work. I love being outside and building something that improves the environment 鈥� that drives me,鈥� he says.

Andrew enrolled at 51黑料 during Year 9 and initially eased his way into the community through his love of sport. He was part of the tennis and soccer teams.

鈥淪chool was enjoyable for me - Saturday morning sport was fantastic. I also enjoyed Maths and Science and in my senior years I did Chemistry, Physics and double Maths. I had close mates who did the same subjects and we helped each other out.鈥�

After graduating, Andrew studied Civil Engineering and worked on construction sites to save for a dream trip to Europe.

鈥淭ravel became a passion. I spent five months backpacking around the UK and Europe. It opened my eyes to what is out there. Travel is still a core part of what makes me tick.鈥�

Andrew began his engineering career with Brighton City Council where he was involved in designing golf courses and roads, before becoming Works Manager 鈥� a steep learning curve.

鈥淚 was 26 and had to manage garbage collectors in their fifties 鈥� I had to get their respect. In my second week, at 5am, I ran the garbage with them. I was on the truck and picked up the bins 鈥� if I can鈥檛 do something, I can鈥檛 tell anyone else to do it.鈥�

Andrew switched to landscaping and then to sport design and construction because they are environments that he enjoys working in.

But he is determined to balance his working life with personal passions, like travelling with his family.

鈥淒uring our last two trips we went to northern Italy for six weeks and we鈥檝e also been to Spain. I love immersing myself in a slower lifestyle and the local food and history,鈥� he says.

Andrew is filled with his praise for the years he spent learning at Yarra. The motto still holds meaning, too.

鈥淭o me it has always meant that there are opportunities if you have the courage to go out and grab them and enjoy new experiences,鈥� he says.