A big sense of community spirit
The township of Tumbarumba may be small but its sense of community spirit is big, according to Forests NSW forester Chris Rhynehart, who this year received an Australia Day award for his contribution to sport.
For the past ten years, Chris has helped local kids with cricket, athletics and football.
“I’ve really enjoyed it. I have four children of my own, and it’s a way of helping them while also putting something back into the community,” he said.
Chris’s 16-year-old son Bernard is also experiencing some community spirit of his own. Along with 16 other senior students from Tumbarumba High, he will be walking the Kokoda Trail in April on a trip organised by the local Rotary Club.
Rotarians Bruce Wright and Dave Bennett, who work for Hyne and Son, came up with the idea to help broaden the teenagers’ experiences.
Bruce said Hyne and Son, one of Forests NSW largest customers, had been supportive with four students working at its Tumbarumba mill during their holidays to raise money for the trip.
“The students have been busy fundraising to get to Papua New Guinea and donations from local businesses and individuals have been amazing,” he said.
“As well as raising money, they have to find time to get fit. I can see them really developing mentally and getting fitter.
“One child lost around 15 kilos alone before Christmas. Some of the parents are coming along too to get fit and lose weight. These are spin-offs we did not see coming.”