OUT of quarantine and on to the chopping block, a Korweinguboora woodchopper was recently victorious at the Whittlesea and Bairnsdale Agricultural Shows.
Tony Ross sported a gold trophy after winning the Whittlesea Open Underhand 2008 on Saturday, November 1.
He then went on to win the open underhand event at the Bairnsdale show on the following Saturday.
With 15 years of chopping behind him, Mr Ross has managed to divide his time between working as a public servant for the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service and being a competitive woodchopper.
Mr Ross said that in the earlier days of the sport, axemen were mostly working in the bush.
"Now axemen can be found from all walks of life, including shearers, truckies and spray painters."
Mr Ross said the key to professional woodchopping was more about skill than strength and, at this stage, all his toes were intact, and he's had no near misses.
With a razor sharp eye and blades to match, Mr Ross has won chops at the Cairnes show, in WA and around country Victoria.
When asked what makes a good woodchopper, Mr Ross was quick to reply it was an ability to think on your feet.
"It requires concentration, as well as skill and also a good coach and training."
Mr Ross said there would be a training day run by the Victorian Axeman's Council for all novice woodchoppers or anyone with an interest in the sport at the Spargo Creek Hotel on Saturday December 7. Details: 5348 th6532.
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