The 2019 Hyne Community Trust grants will be opening on 1 June for applications.

As we approach this next round, we take a look back at past recipients and how grants continue to benefit the Tumbarumba region today.

Granted almost $27,000 in Trust funds and with continued support by way of timber supply, the Tumbarumba Men’s Shed officially opened in 2012.

Inaugural President and active member, Graham Derrett says the Men’s Shed is part of the community, for 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 12noon.

“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,” Mr 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 covering 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 remains 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.” Mr Hall said.

Anyone wanting to join the Tumbarumba Men’s Shed or find out more can either call in on a Monday or Tuesday morning after 9.30am, or contact Gerry Hall on 0427 254 250.

The Hyne Community Trust was established in Tumbarumba in 2007.

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 said 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.” Mrs Anderson said.

Community groups considering applying for a Hyne Community Trust grant this June should start reviewing the guidelines available here 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.

The application form will be made available once the 2019 round is open on 1 June.

For more information, email tumbatrust@hyne.com.au

CONTACTS:
Hyne Community Trust: 0455 087 118
Tumbarumba Men’s Shed: Gerry Hall on 0427 254 250

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Image 1: Janet Anderson, Gerald Hall and Graham Derrett at the Tumbarumba Mens Shed
Image 2: Gerald Hall and Graham Derrett with a Timber Picnic Table
Image 3: Gerald Hall and a Timber Jeep - Sample of Toys Made and Sold at Street Stalls
Image 4: The Tumbarumba Men's Shed