Hyne Timber has once again presented a $10,000 cheque to the Rotary Club of Tumbarumba to assist in funding 18 Tumbarumba High School students participating in this year’s trek of the Kokoda Trail.

Renee Moxey, a Process Operator with Hyne Timber completed the trek in 2017 as a year 11 Tumbarumba High School student. This year, Renee’s younger brother, Adam will be on the trekking team,

“The commitment ahead of the trek and the physical challenge in Kokoda is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“Without the support of the community and the fundraising, it simply couldn’t happen so I’m pleased to see Hyne Timber, my own employer continuing to provide financial support.

“This year, my younger brother Adam gets the opportunity to participate. While I can help him prepare, nothing is better than your own experience including learning about the historical significance first hand.

“My only advice is to really take it all in. Meeting incredibly happy villagers, even though they have so little was eye opening for me and makes you see life through a different lens.

“The Tumbarumba community involvement is fantastic and a real benefit to living in a regional town. We are really fortunate to have this kind of positive energy, coordination and team effort to provide such a unique opportunity, one which I personally will never forget.” Renee Moxey said.

Hyne Timber Tumbarumba Mill Site Manager, Noy Garner said this is a great initiative with significant community support which Hyne Timber has proudly sponsored since its inception in 2007.

“The Tumbarumba High School students, many of which are children of our employees, have been preparing for their trek for two years, raising funds while training for the physical and mental two-week trek next month.

“Preparation involves much of the community through fundraising initiatives such as charity dinners and community functions, ‘trekathons’, catering for the Bridge Congress, catering for over 400 fruit pickers at the Costa Berries Christmas party, Tumbafest food stalls, stage plays, clean up Australia Day and catering at the Lions Club New Years’ Day BBQ.

“Hyne Timber is proud to support Tumbarumba High School students participating in the Kokoda Trail experience for the seventh time, totaling well in excess of 100 students to date and $70,000.” Mr Garner said.

The year 11 and 12 students will walk the Kokoda Trail while experiencing local villages, exploring the Isurava Battlefield Memorial, the Eora Creek battle site, the Brigade Hill Memorial and many other historic sites. Upon completion, the students visit Bomana War Cemetery and the sights of Port Moresby.

CONTACTS:

Hyne Timber: 0455 087 118