Editor:
I've lived on the Sunshine Coast since 1980, working various jobs in the forest industry since 1981, from logging to tree falling, watershed restoration and forestry crewman. Unfortunately, after several years of working with great companies on the Coast, a new position took me away from home, away from my wife and three wonderful boys, for long stretches.
In 2006, we found out one of our sons had a heart condition and needed open heart surgery. Soon after, I moved back to the Sunshine Coast to be closer to my family. I had no job. I did odd jobs, but it was unsustainable.
Knowing I wouldn't leave my family again, I looked into working for the Sunshine Coast Community Forest. I was hired as a contract engineer involved in block and road layout locally. I couldn't have been happier. I was working in my community doing the work I love - nothing could be better.
I am just one of many local people positively affected by the existence and direction of the Community Forest. I am grateful to all those who worked so hard to make it happen and those who continue to contribute to it. I think the community in general here is well served by having such a great asset and I see the benefits working through the community to many of my friends and neighbours through the business it generates and the focus it projects.
Paul Tingley
Roberts Creek
