After 25 years with Hyne Timber, Di Brown hangs up the high vis for the last time!

Di was a valued member of the Drymill team, a strong mentor and friendly face who, at the 25 year milestone, was set on retirement.

The Mill's Site Training Co-Ordinator, Maureen Dowell said Di will be missed in the workplace,

"She was incredibly friendly to all employees with all the time in the world for new starters.

"Di never hesitated to help out where she could, always keen to share her knowledge with co-workers and all round contribute to better working environment.

"She was also extremely reliable.

"We already miss her and hope she has a great retirement," Ms Dowell said.

Di started work at the mill when the operation was owned by Boral doing what she described as "the coldest, most physical wor" she had ever done: manually stacking frost covered stickers (the timber strips that separate the structural timber packs to aerate them for the drying process).

Coming from working in an Officer's Mess on a Defence facility, The Tumbarumba Mill was a considerably contrasting environment and climate!

Until Hyne Timber took over many years later, the shed was open ended allowing the wind to blow through. Not surprisingly, Di says she cried for almost a week!

However, sticking it out for 12 months as a casual employee before being offered a permanent role in the Drymill, manually pulling timber off the chain and stacking it before being taught how to do the docking.

15 months later, Di began visually grading timber, marking defects with crayon before being trained in Quality Control. Di looks back on this role as a significant achievement, knowing how to use the board testing machine, understanding the required standards while learning how to use equipment, recalibrate, test for moisture etc.

When Hyne Timber bought the mill, more technology was introduced which changed roles and opportunities again. Learning the grading station involved watching timber with no ability to move from station to station so Di moved to the wrap station which presented her with more of a learning challenge.

Eventually, Di moved to the stacker, a role she really enjoyed and kept until her point of recent retirement. This presented emerging technology challenges and upskilling in the use of computers.

As Di looks forward to retirement, she has horses, gardening and walking to enjoy.

The company's CEO, Jon Kleinschmidt also extended his thanks and appreciation on Di's many years of hard work.

"I too would like to extend my thanks and appreciation on Di’s many years of hard work, mentoring new employees and being a role model to others.

"Thank you Di and on behalf of Hyne Timber, we wish you a long and enjoyable retirement!" concluded Mr Kleinschmidt.