General News
10 October, 2025
Axes to swing at the Showgrounds
THE Camperdown Showgrounds has become the new home of one of the region’s oldest sport, allowing residents to learn more about the art of wood chopping.
The Western Victorian Axemens Association is one of seven wood chopping associations in Victoria, believed to be the oldest association, and covers from the South Australian border to above Casterton, and down to Geelong and the Surf Coast.
Club president Scott Anderson, who has been involved in the sport for over two decades, said the association began with a group of friends having wood chopping competitions around Cobden and has grown ever since.
He said there was a surge of interest in the sport following the televised Stihl Timbersports.
“People see wood chopping on TV and remember it from the local shows,” Mr Anderson said.
“We regularly have people asking how they can be involved.
“Our club has a good member base of about 20 members but we are trying to at least double that and encourage junior and female competitors.
“It’s a good sport to be involved in – you can travel all over Australia and the world.
“I’ve got friends nationally and internationally who I have met through chopping.”
With the Camperdown Showgrounds now the new home of the association, residents can now drop by on the first Wednesday of the month from 5pm to learn more about the sport and try their hand.
“Previous to this, there’s been no real training nights for wood chopping – people usually do their own training in their backyards,” Mr Anderson said.
“They might have known someone or had family competing and gotten involved that way.
“We’re hoping to make it more accessible for people to come and have a go or be involved through volunteering.”
Recent years has seen a surge of young competitors and female competitors, with competitors ranging from age six to 90 years old.
Mr Anderson said it has been “fantastic” to see the influx of new comptitors.
“Among the club’s rising stars are two members who have earned spots on the Victorian under-21s wood chopping team, showcasing the emerging talent from the region,” he said.
“Their success highlights the importance of nurturing young competitors and providing local pathways for them to excel at state and national levels.
“We’ve had juniors join and then their parents and grandparents get involved – one junior’s mum is now our secretary.
“It’s great for our numbers and helps us run shows and keep the sport alive.
“We also have non-competing members of the association and encourage anyone keen to be involved to reach out.”
Wood chopping is often described as Australia’s oldest sport and has a rich and rugged history.
“It started with a bet between two guys in Tasmania to see who could fell a tree the fastest,” Mr Anderson said.
“I don’t think there’s a more Australian sport than that.
“One swing at a time, the Western Victorian Axemens Association is proving that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand.”