This month in ‘Meet A Villager’ we introduce you to long-time Paluma resident Lynn Hyland.
- Lynn and her husband Les bought their 5-acre property at Paluma in 1986, having been regular bushwalkers and campers to the area for many years.
- For 38 years Lynn worked as an Early Education teacher and then as a Primary Deputy Principal in Townsville schools for 28 years.
- Lynn and Les were regular weekenders to Paluma up until 2003 when they retired to paradise and made ‘Barr’ na ‘Coille’ their principal residence.
- Barr’ na ‘Coille’ derives from Les’ Irish heritage and translates literally as ‘Top of the Forest’, but with a little licence the Hylands like to call their home ‘Woody Heights’.
- Over the past 25 years they have battled fires and cyclones on their property. They were burnt out in 1993 and then trees fell on the house during Cyclone Yasi in 2011.
- It has taken much hard work and perseverance to restore their property. They planted 760 trees to revegetate the block after the fires and to re-establish their extensive gardens.
- Lynn’s motto has always been “if you are going to live in a small community then one should be willing to contribute to that community”. And contribute she has.
- Lynn has been a Paluma Rural Fire Brigade member for 30 years and a Mt Spec SES member for 29 years.
- In 2007, Lynn took the position of Vice President of the Paluma and District Community Association. She then served as President for 9 years up to 2018. She is currently the Second Vice President.
- Lynn has served as an active member on many fundraising committees including the Paluma Rainforest Festival, Northern Beaches Festival, Paluma Art Exhibitions and local markets.
- Lynn is currently involved with the Paluma Local History Display and she is the coordinator of the annual Paluma Garden Competition.
- In her spare time (!) Lynn loves to paint and to follow her interest in gem and opal fossicking.
- The Hylands love to travel and they have made many tours around Australia in their motorhome. They also love to travel overseas and they have made 11 trips to Europe during their 39 years of marriage.
- In 2017, they embarked on a 7 week cruise to Ireland. Their next big adventure is planned for 2019 with a 5 week cruise around the South Pacific.
- Lynn enjoys the tranquility and peaceful lifestyle that Paluma offers.
- If there is a community or social event at Paluma, then Lynn is sure to be there. She is often the first to arrive and the last to leave, selfless with her time and dedication to our village community.
