Historical information

This image is one from a series of portraits taken by Rob Elliott to record the character of the Border District through the faces if its identities.
Garry Smith was a champion axeman from Northeast Victoria who represented Australia on more than 40 occasions including winning 28 world titles and more than 200 state and district wood chopping events. Memorial wood chopping events are still held in his honour including an annual event at the Mitta Muster in Northeast Victoria.Garry Smith was a hardwood logging contractor for Dunstans at Wodonga for 25 years. After retiring from competition, Mr. Smith managed the Australian senior and junior teams for 10 years. He was a prime mover in the establishment of the Victorian Axemen's Council and the Australian Axemen's Association. He served 21 years as president of the North-East Axemen's Association. At one stage, Garry was president of the Australian, Victoria and North-East Axemen's Associations at the same time. Mr. Smith passed away in Wodonga in 2011.

Significance

This is a portrait of a district axeman who represented Australian many times including winning 28 world titles and made a major contribution to his sport.

Physical description

A photo of Garry Smith, a champion axeman, honing the edge of one axe with a 2nd axe in a log on the ground. He is leaning on a log held upright in a vice. He is wearing trousers and a white singlet.