Gary Walker Honoured with 2026 Clive Martella Service to Industry Award

Ruth Martella, Gary Walker, and FTMA CEO Kersten Gentle. Presenting Gary Walker with the 2026 Clive Martella Service to Industry Award

Gary Walker of Belmont Timber (NSW) has been recognised with the 2026 Clive Martella Service to Industry Award, acknowledging more than five decades of contribution, leadership and service to the Australian timber and frame and truss industry.

The award recognises those rare individuals who look beyond the success of their own business and dedicate themselves to strengthening the broader industry through integrity, generosity, innovation and genuine care for people.

Gary’s career reflects those values completely.

Growing up in the Walker family business, which began in 1951 as a small timber workshop in Alexandria, Gary helped guide Belmont Timber through decades of change and growth as it evolved into one of New South Wales’ most respected frame and truss manufacturers.
Under his leadership, the business continually embraced innovation and new technology, investing in automation, improving manufacturing capability and adapting to meet the changing demands of the industry.

However, Gary’s contribution has extended far beyond the walls of his own business.
Throughout his career, he has generously given his time and experience to a range of industry organisations, serving on the FTMA Board, the HIA NSW Board, including a term as President, the TABMA - NTHA Board and the Timber Development Association of NSW Board.
Across every role, Gary earned a reputation not only for his knowledge and leadership, but for the way he approached people.

He is someone deeply respected throughout the industry for his honesty, humility and willingness to help others. Whether offering advice, sharing knowledge or simply taking the time for a conversation, Gary has always understood that industries are built on relationships and people, not just products and businesses.
In reflecting on his career previously, Gary said the thing that made the timber industry special was “the people.” He spoke about the friendships formed over decades, sharing in weddings, births, successes and hardships alongside other family businesses throughout the sector.

That perspective says everything about the kind of person he is.

Within Belmont Timber, Gary built a culture centred on loyalty, opportunity and development, always believing in supporting people to learn, grow and succeed. Many across the industry have benefited directly from his encouragement, mentorship and willingness to openly share his experience and knowledge.

Perhaps what made the recognition even more special was how unexpected it clearly was for Gary himself.
Although he has received recognition from a number of organisations throughout his career, it was evident on the night just how surprised, humbled and genuinely delighted he was to receive the Clive Martella Service to Industry Award.

With Clive Martella’s devoted widow, Ruth, on hand to present the award, the moment carried significant emotion for everyone in the room.
An emotional Gary delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech that perfectly reflected the outstanding gentleman he is; humble, sincere and deeply appreciative of the people and industry that have been such a significant part of his life.

FTMA Australia congratulates Gary Walker on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for his extraordinary contribution to the timber and frame and truss industry over so many years.