Goulburn's Keith 'Trapper' Woodman launches book

The well known owner of Trapper's Bakery at South Goulburn says it's been "a tough road," considering where he started.

"It's been a fortunate life - very much so," he told The Post at the launch of his book on Thursday.

Trapper: The Inspiring Story of a Self Made Man is the story of his life, career and family business, written with former Sydney sports journalist and now publisher, Gary Lester.

The near 300-page work, seven years in the making, documents Mr Woodman's modest start after his 1949 birth in Goulburn. He became an apprentice motor mechanic and did a myriad of jobs before embarking on his own businesses. These included machinery and one of the largest fodder operations in NSW.

All the while he enjoyed the country life, its bush tales around the campfire and of course, rabbit trapping.

The book also celebrates 22 years of the Woodman family's business involvement in Goulburn.

Mr Lester, of Playright Publishing, said 'Trapper' had a good yarn to tell.

"He's a self-made man and there's a lot of the wow factor in his story," he said.

"...The fact that out of nowhere he started to build a motel (in 1998) with no experience in the industry and then a bakery on virgin land, is pretty amazing. People said he was mad and that people would never come but it's been a huge success. Then he added on the Braidwood Bakery. He had terrific vision."

Mr Woodman is also a grazier and property investor.

Mr Lester said 'Trapper' was deeply devoted to his three children and involved them in his ventures.

The publisher said he and Mr Woodman had become good friends throughout the book's writing.

"It's definitely been enjoyable," he said.

The only problem was that 'Trapper' was an ardent Souths supporter, while Mr Lester backed The Sharks.

Several hundred people attended the book launch at the bakery, including many of Mr Woodman's former local rugby league playing mates. Former Goulburn Mulwaree mayor Geoff Kettle and Cr Margaret O'Neill also attended.

Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart helped launch the tome and promoted his charitable Foundation, supporting families who have children with a disability.

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