Garner is a fourth-generation Murray Plains local and brings an extensive range of skills and experience. He is an economist, farmer, small business owner and Mayor. He is married to Julie and has a daughter, Abby, and a son, Trey.

After growing up on a dairy farm between Leitchville and Gunbower, Garner studied commerce at Melbourne University. His degree included accounting, business law, a major in economics and a post-graduate Honors year.

Garner is experienced in both politics and government. He wrote a full policy platform for the National Party in the mid-1990s and was an electorate officer for Nationals Senator, Julian McGauran. He became a Ministerial adviser for Bill Baxter in Roads and Ports, and was involved with VicRoads, Melbourne’s ports and the awarding of the City Link contract to Transurban. Garner was president of the Young Nationals for two years, Junior Vice President of the Victorian Nationals, a delegate for the Young Leaders Conference in Shanghai, and a Political Exchange Tour of Japan.

After his education and political experience, Garner chose to return to Leitchville for a practical, real-world lifestyle. For over 25 years, he and Julie raised a family, built a home, developed a business, employed people, played local sport and operated irrigated beef farms.

In his current role as Gannawarra Mayor and a member of Murray River Group of Councils, Garner has shown transparency, accountability and putting the community first. He has been at the forefront of opposing both the VNI West power line and water buybacks. He has driven the need for local benefits from renewable energy projects and mineral sand mines.

Garner believes Victoria needs change. Under Victoria’s current direction our children will inherit lower living standards than we enjoyed. He is convinced of the strength and importance of the Murray Plains region and seeks to use his real-world, political and economic experience to benefit the entire community.