Doug Peel cutting the cake with James Hyne
This year marks Hyne Timber’s 140th birthday and to kick off celebrations, fifth generation family member James Hyne hosted a community event as part of Tumbarumba’s annual Tumbafest. Source: Timberbiz
“Hyne Timber has proudly sponsored Tumbafest for many years and this year’s event was perfect timing for us to also celebrate our 140 years with some of our key community supporters,” he said.
“We wanted to give back to the wider community that has supported us through the 21 years we have been part of the town, so we sponsored the Hyne Community Markets to make them accessible to all without the need for a ticket.
Fran Brown, Glenn Muller, Uncle John Casey and Auntie Lorna
“We’re proud to support Tumbafest which attracts thousands of people each year and is a showcase of talent and produce from the region,” Mr Hyne said.
Hyne Timber hosted a small marquee by the creek, with invited guests including Justin Clancy MP and Snowy Valleys Mayor, Ian Chaffey who both said a few words of support to commemorate the milestone and significance of Hyne Timber and the industry as a whole to the region.
“This is a particularly historic year for my family where we reflect on our ancestry, the trials and tribulations through wars, financial crisis, bushfires, pandemics and floods including the one right now impacting Maryborough operations again for the second time this year,” Mr Hyne said.
Erin Gilliland and the first, excited cake recipients
“2022 is our year to celebrate 140 years of growth, resilience, innovation and sustainability, all of which, couldn’t have been done without the support and hard work of our team members and key stakeholders.
“While we were founded in Maryborough, Queensland, we are proud to be part of the Tumbarumba community and to make a lasting contribution to the infrastructure of the town through the Hyne Community Trust and as the town’s largest employer.”
The Hyne Timber story began in 1882 when Richard Matthews Hyne opened the
National Sawmill on the banks of the Mary River in Queensland.
Six generations of the Hyne family have led the business through two world wars, natural disasters, pandemics and challenging economic conditions, such as the Great Depression and the Global Financial Crisis.
During the Tumbafest celebrations, one of the Tumbarumba Mill’s longest serving team members, Doug Peel was invited by James Hyne to cut the birthday cake using a novelty, timber-handled hand saw.
“I have been working at the site in Tumbarumba for 42 years, double the time Hyne Timber has owned it,” Mr Peel said.
“Fourty-one years ago, at the age of 19, I lost my arm in the sawmill, but I have remained committed to working in the industry, and for the past 21 years, to Hyne Timber.
“It was a real honour to be part of the company’s 140-year celebrations with James Hyne and to be asked to cut the cake. The surprise hand saw certainly got a laugh from the crowd. It isn’t too often you see a cake cut like that,” he said.
