Kiama success story sells up

One of Kiama’s most iconic businesses will change hands this week when Cukuna Timber will be sold to Big River Timbers, ending 33 years of service to the local building industry.

Partners David Jones and Rob Danby and David’s father Dick started the company on May 12, 1975, working the business from their homes and operating in two small trucks – a two-ton Datsun and a four-ton Mazda.

David comes from a long line of timber merchants.

“We initially took all the orders from our homes and did all the deliveries ourselves and while we were looking for somewhere to set up business, Kiama Council engineer Dick Back contacted us and said that Council had redeveloped a small parcel of land in Shoalhaven Street that might suit us,” Rob Danby said.

“The site was ideal for a start but as the business expanded we soon realised we needed more room as we had timber stacked on both sides of the driveway and we were really stretched as to how much timber we could have on hand,” he added.

As the business grew the need for staff became vital and as a result the business expanded.

Eventually the block next door to their business became available and allowed the business to expand and they then purchased Vince Suckling’s property at the back of the yard that allowed even more room.

“To be honest if we had another five acres we would fill it.”

“You just find more things you should be carrying,” Rob added.

From their humble beginnings, Cukuna is now one of the best known timber suppliers in the country, having supplied timber for a multitude of projects including dams in Kangaroo Valley, the ski tube in the Snowy Mountains, the Airport, Cross City, Lane Cove and Harbour tunnels, Parliament House and the High Court in Canberra and many other projects across all states of Australia.

While David will continue to enjoy his retirement, which includes skiing, some business interests and travel, Rob will stay on at Cukuna until Christmas and continue to work on other projects he is interested in.