For the first time this year First Super is sponsoring the Festival of the Falling Leaf. 

This support underlines First Super's commitment to supporting the regional communities where its members and their families work and live.

As First Super is the industry super fund for the timber, pulp and paper, and furniture and joinery industries, it has a particular connection to Tumut and the surrounding areas.

So much so, that when the chance came up to open an office in the town, it went ahead and Stephen Gooley was appointed super coordinator for the region.

"Instead of sitting in a head office waiting for your call, First Super's Coordinators are based in regional offices," Stephen said.

"So we're part of and understand these communities."

Compared with other bigger funds, First Super prides itself on providing super products and personal service designed around members' needs.

"Because we're an industry super fund, First Super is run only to benefit members," Stephen said. 

"Profits from investments go to members, not shareholders.

"Our focus is truly on putting members first."

Putting that principle into action, First Super recently ran a retirement-planning seminar for the area's over-55s.

Then the Fund supported a barefoot bowls night at Club Tumut so locals could find out more about super in an informal setting, while also raising money for Gotcha4Life Foundation.

With added back-up from NSW business development manager, Lee Surace, First Super is also able to deliver a local superannuation support service to employers in the Tumut region.

"Lee and I regularly visit work sites in the area to help employers with managing their superannuation obligations," Stephen said.

"We also run 'lunch and learn' sessions to give employees the basics about how super works, and then offer the chance to follow up with individual meetings."

To find out about how First Super can help you or to book a meeting contact Stephen on 0436 305 820, email Stephen.Gooley@firstsuper.com.au or go to firstsuper.com.au.

Disclaimer: This article was issued by First Super Pty Ltd (ABN 42 053 498 472, AFSL 223988), as Trustee of First Super (ABN 56 286 625 181). It may contain general advice that has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consult the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making any investment decision. Content was accurate at the date of issue, but may subsequently change. Please contact First Super's Member Services Team on 1300 360 988 for updated information or to obtain a copy of the PDS.