133 years of Hyne Timber was recognised last night at the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame annual function.
Hyne Timber was officially inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame by The Honourable Quentin Bryce AD CVO to celebrate, record and retell the outstanding Hyne Timber stories from the past and into the future.
In his acceptance speech at last night’s black-tie event held in Brisbane, Director Peter Hyne, 5th generation Hyne family to have worked within the company, said this recognition is truly an honour for all those past and present who represent Hyne Timber.
“Thank you to our employees, both past and present, throughout 133 years of history. This recognition is for them, their families and something they should all be proud of.
“It is our employee’s dedication and hard work which in turn, has significantly contributed and continues to contribute to Queensland’s economic and social development throughout a vast and diverse supply chain.” Mr Hyne said.
“Since the company’s beginnings in 1882, my family have always acknowledged that our employees are the most valuable asset. Not mills or machinery, but the people of Hyne Timber.”
“Hyne Timber has survived through wars, floods, recessions and most recently, the global financial crisis. We have evolved, innovated, grown and condensed.
“Product range and production has changed considerably over the years but our family values have remained the same throughout. According to my grandfather, Lambert Hyne, there were even dark periods in our history which saw Hyne Timber paying employees to ensure they could put food on their family’s tables despite us having absolutely no orders.” Peter Hyne said.
In conclusion, Peter Hyne, on behalf of the Hyne Timber Board of Directors and the management team expressed his sincere thanks to the Business Leaders Hall of Fame Governing Committee for their nomination.
QUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Little said Hyne Timber had made a significant contribution to developing the timber industry in Queensland,
“It is a fantastic example of how hard work and innovation can transform a small family business into a flourishing industry leader.
“Hyne Timber is deservedly an iconic business, not just in Maryborough and the Wide Bay Region but throughout Australia.” Professor Little said.
As an inductee, Hyne Timber satisfied the following criteria:
• Sustained leadership which has significantly enhanced the Queensland economy;
• Major financial contributions to the Queensland economy through the generation of revenues and employment;
• Pioneering the establishment of an industry which has made a major contribution to the economy of Queensland;
• Outstanding contribution to the reputation of the Queensland economy;
• Achievement of iconic status as a leader, business, product and brand;
• Length of service having been established since 1882.
The Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame was established by the QUT Business School, State Library of Queensland and the Queensland Library Foundation in 2009 to recognise the public contribution made by leaders of business to the reputation of Queensland and its economic and social development.
A central repository of digital stories and accompanying historical data has been established in a dedicated and purpose-built space at State Library of Queensland which will now include Hyne Timber. The digital story collection is available online at www.halloffame.slq.qld.gov.au.
Picture: James Hyne, Chris Hyne, Peter Hyne, Martin Kriewaldt and Richard Hyne at the Awards Evening.