Over the years, the Hyne Community Trust has been supporting the Tumbarumba community through their grants for various local projects.
With the application process for the next round of grants opening on 1 June, Hyne Community Trust takes a look back at past recipients and how these grants continue to benefit the Tumbarumba region today.
The Hyne Community Trust was established in Tumbarumba in 2007. The Tumbarumba Men’s Shed officially opened in 2012 with almost $27,000 in Trust funds and continued support by way of timber supply.
Inaugural president and active member, Graham Derrett says the Men’s Shed is part of the community.
“We are regularly commissioned to help out the Tumbarumba region, whether it’s table tops for the Tumbarumba Show, frames for the Photographic Club or odd jobs for St Vincent’s, to name a few.
“We open on Monday and Tuesday mornings and we are actively encouraging more members to join. Anyone interested should come down for a meet-and-greet on one of these mornings between 9.30am and 12 noon.
“It’s a great way to stay busy, learning new skills while spending time with the other members and delivering back to the community.
“Occasionally we will simply have a tools-down social morning, play some cards and have a coffee,” Derrett said.
The Tumbarumba Men’s Shed currently has 14 members with room to grow. There is an annual $40 membership fee to assist with the operating costs.
Gerry Hall, Secretary of the Men’s Shed said the support of the Hyne Community Trust and the continued supply of timber remain instrumental in the Shed’s ongoing operations.
“We needed financial support to assist with establishing the shed and purchasing equipment. Donations of timber assisted us to build a mezzanine storage area and the meeting room and amenities wall framing. Hyne Timber also donated a band saw.
“We happily take seconds or offcuts from the mill and other sources. We can use this timber to make toys and other items, which we sell at street stalls to assist us to fund other costs of operating such as power.
“While much of our work is timber, we also have welders. We recently made the handrails for an elderly resident’s stairs before the frost comes.
“It is good to provide a service and we all enjoy helping out where we can,” Hall added.
Hyne Community Trust directors Janet Anderson and Katie Fowden called into the Men’s Shed for an update on progress, membership and community activities.
Trust director Janet Anderson observes it is always reassuring that the grants are awarded well, with funds continuing to benefit the community.
“The Men’s Shed provides an important service for the Tumbarumba region.
“Nationally, they are recognised for the social benefits they bring to their members who are often retired and otherwise face isolation.
“It is great to see the Hyne Community Trust delivering ongoing value to the residents of the Tumbarumba region.
“I was also impressed with the layout of the shed and the quality of the end products being produced,” Anderson said.
Community groups considering applying for a Hyne Community Trust grant this June should review the guidelines and consider how their application will provide long-lasting benefits to the community. Projects must be valued over $10,000 in order to meet the criteria.
