Hyne Community Trust Grant Delivers for Tooma Hall

This important community hub, backed by a small army of passionate volunteers, continues to take shape with the commercial grade kitchen almost complete.

The Hall is nestled amidst the picturesque, rolling hills of Tooma, a rural town just 20 minutes-drive from Tumbarumba.

Importantly, Tooma Hall is officially recognised as a local evacuation centre in the event of an emergency, making its catering facilities and capability even more critical.

Overseen by a specialist subcommittee and supported by various grants, renovation work by local builder, Hugh McGrath and Tooma based Architect, Sarah Lebner have included general remodelling and restoration work, the installation of a large deck, accessibility compliance and overall aesthetic revitalisation.

The Hyne Community Trust has further contributed specifically to the commercial kitchen fit out including commercial fridge and dishwasher, a food preparation trolley, event tables, crockery and cutlery.

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Committee member and local resident, Sarah Whiteley said the Hall revitalisation is a labour of love and already delivering huge benefits,

“The Committee is focused on its vision to make this Hall an exceptional venue for quality events and the Hyne Community Trust has helped us to deliver this.

“At the end of 2025, we held our first community Christmas Tree party featuring a long-table lunch along the new deck. Shortly thereafter, we hosted our first 21st birthday party. Both events were a huge success.

“Soon, we will have our first Tooma Easter Gymkhana since the Hall was renovated, plus we have grand plans for a big opening, an annual ball and weddings.

“This is in addition to small, regular community events such as workshops, quiz nights, exercise classes, guest speakers and much more.

“The committee is also working on bringing back the Tooma markets using this venue to meet the increasing regulatory and licencing needs as a result of the large crowds the market attracted,” Ms Whiteley said.

Hyne Community Trust Director, Katie Fowden said the Tooma Hall is a good example of a successful Grant recipient,

“All grant applications are assessed competitively, within Trust budget and in consideration of the lasting benefits to the community.

“The Tooma Hall is a great project, backed by a talented committee with demonstrated ability to deliver their vision.

“We look forward to following the journey of the Tooma Hall revitalisation project and the many benefits this will deliver for the region,” Mrs Fowden said.

The Hyne Community Trust will open for applications in June 2026 for this year’s round of grants.

Eligible community organisations are encouraged to consider how the Hyne Community Trust can support them.

Projects must be valued over $10,000 and demonstrate how they will provide lasting benefits for the community to meet the eligibility criteria.

The Hyne Community Trust was established in 2007 and has provided almost $1,000,000 to the Tumbarumba region to date.

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