Sports Turf Association (WA)

Well we did it again! After months of preparation, (and one deferral due to Covid), another hugely successful WA Turf Seminar and Trade Expo was held on Wednesday June 16^th, 2021, at Mills Park in Beckenham.  With over 200 delegates, (from across a wide sector of our industry and all over WA), turf industry apprentices and educators,  and trade in attendance  we were blessed with perfect weather, amazing trade sponsor displays and demonstrations, terrific, interactive delegates, informative, generous presenters, the support of the most incredible LGA in the City of Gosnells, and superb food! What more could you we ask for? Over 200 turfies and trade in one room and on one oval! The day ran without a glitch, on time and very calmly. The positive feedback received on the day and since from participants was phenomenal.

Darren Kirkwood, Turf Growers Association WA Chairperson capably managed the role of  Master of Ceremonies for the day.

The morning session was saw presentations from.

1. Daniel Ferguson, Senior Planner, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation who presented on GROUND WATER ALLOCATION REDUCTION, WATER ABSTRACTION REPORTING AND RESPONSIBLE BORE WATER USE

(Daniel has been in water planning for over ten years. He has extensive knowledge on the Gnangara Mound and water allocations. Daniel is also an active member of the Green Space Alliance WA and has presented to the STA (WA) previously at the Presidents breakfast in 2020)

1. Craig New, Coordinator Parks Operations, City of Gosnells who spoke about the incredibly INNOVATIVE IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT OF A SPORTS TURF FACILITY WITH LIMITED & SALINE WATER SUPPLY at the City of Gosnells, where there is little to no groundwater, and ovals and POS are irrigated via a brook that sources water from a man-made lake upstream.

(Craig went above and beyond in assisting the WA Turf Industry with the planning and coordinating the seminar. Craig was a golf Course Superintendent for over 18 years, he has been in local government since 2013 having worked at Nedlands before he moved across to Gosnells)

1. Peter Ruscoe, Sports Turf Technology conducted a Seminar Workshop on successful sand profiles installation and maintenance and the implementation of a turf management plans. Five sessions were conducted, these included the following topics;

Topic 1. Introduction: key issues for turf maintenance

Topic 2. Soil amendments: purpose and types of amendments

Topic 3. Irrigation practices: scheduling and monitoring of irrigation

Topic 4. Turf nutrition: fertilising requirements

Topic 5. Conclusion: implementing a turf management plan

(Peter has worked in the turf industry since 1990 after completing a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Horticulture with honours at the University of Queensland. Peter joined Sports Turf Technology in 2002 and is part owner of the company. He is a past president of the Turf Grass Association of Australia (WA) and has a long and committed history within the WA Turf Industry)

Copies of these presentations can be located online at https://tgawa.com.au/seminar-and-workshop-presentations/

During the morning tea and the spectacular, hot pot, luncheon breaks, delegates were directed through to view new innovations, products, and equipment from fifteen trade sponsored booths. The afternoon session saw delegates rotating through the five major trade demonstration sites in groups of thirty or so for half hour sessions of informational and educational equipment and product demonstrations. These sessions were led by members of the STA (WA) executive committee and  were conducted on the oval and were extremely well received. There’s nothing liking seeing the faces of industry members seeing new stuff for the first time!

In short, this was our best seminar yet! Hats off to the WA Turf Industry – the Sports Turf Association (WA) and  the Turf Growers Association WA for always working so well together to enable such an excellent industry day! Thanks to Tony Guy (STA (WA) President), Greg Jackson (Treasurer), Chris Langsford (Membership Officer) and Simon Wood ( South Metropolitan TAFE lecturer and committee member) for all your efforts in  the lead up to and on the day. Special thanks to Richard Gainsford (STA (WA) Secretary) for taking the hundreds of professional photos and drone footage on the day.  Thanks to TGAWA members for your assistance on the registrations desk and throughout the day. 

Grateful thanks to all our seminar trade participants, your support of our industry is valued and greatly appreciated.