Gary Blackwood and his wife Fritha live in Warragul with their large extended family, their childrenand grandchildren. Gary brings more than 30 years experience in serving his local community. Currently Chief Executive Officer at the Victorian Timber Harvesting Association, Gary understands the challenges facing small business owners, who are the corner stone of job opportunities for our young people.

Gary is a local Councillor for Baw Baw Shire, and the former City of Warragul, and has worked particularly hard on fixing our local road and bridge network.

Gary has a life long involvement in timber communities, formally operating his own contracting company.

Gary’s community involvement includes serving on the West Gippsland Hospital Board of Management for the last nine years and on the Management Committees/Boards of the Warragul Football Club, St. Joseph’s Primary School and Marist Sion College and Chair of the West Gippsland Hospital Development Appeal.