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Sports Turf Association

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25.01.2022 Dear members and readers, In these difficult times - STA (Vic) invites you to share with our much loved industry, your ideas for managing these unchartered waters and unique time in history. Please share a video/photo and brief explanation on how you are getting through at home and the workplace.... Creativity is key lots of good ideas are coming through which would possibly never have been discovered in normal times. Some serious and some funny. The STA (Vic) Committee held its first monthly meeting by telephone conference this week and it was both productive and positive. What are you doing?

24.01.2022 Meet the new crew member at Syngenta Turf & Landscape Syngenta Turf & Landscape are delighted to announce that Peter Frewin will become a member of the team from mid-August 2020. Peter joins Syngenta as the Territory Sales Manager for Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. Peter is an experienced and well-known face in golf, working in the industry since 1981 across many clubs including Cheltenham and Maryborough in Victoria, Rich River and The Lakes Golf Club in NSW, befor...e moving to The Barwon Heads Golf Club where he spent almost 21 years in a variety of roles. He has contributed significantly to the turf industry through his roles as President of the VGCSA (1993 - 1998), committee member for the TGAA in Victoria (1995 - 1997) and President of the AGCSA (1997 - 2001). Peter has also been recognised by his peers, being a Life Member of the VGCSA, as well as awarded the AGCSAs Distinguish Service Award in 2009, and the Australian Sports Medal in 2000. Since 2009, Frewin has worked in the corporate sector, spending time at Globe Growing Solutions, the ASTMA (previously known as the AGCSA), Rain Bird, and most recently at FMC as commercial head of specialty products. We are very pleased to have someone with Peters experience and capability joining the Turf & Landscape team. Peters knowledge of all things turf and Landscape is exceptional, I believe Peter will be a great resource, not just for Syngenta, but for all turf and landscape managers throughout Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. says Paul Jackson, Business Manager for the Turf & Landscape portfolio at Syngenta. Peter Frewin will join the Syngenta team effective Monday 17th August 2020. If you are in Victoria, South Australia or Tasmania and would like to make contact with your new Syngenta representative, Peter can be contacted on 0428 274 069 or at [email protected].

23.01.2022 Premier cricket kicks off this weekend! Shout out to all the curators and groundsmen/women who work hard to prepare wickets and sports fields at all levels for the community. Some great shots this week from Greenvale Reserve and Walter Galt Reserve, home of the Greenvale Kangaroos and Kingston Hawks. Both outfields and pitches are presenting beautifully! #STAVIC #Grassup #humecitycouncil #kingstoncitycouncil #premiercricket #cricketvic

23.01.2022 As Summer starts STA Australia has the latest edition of SportsTurf REFLECTIONS newsletter. This season we give you an introduction to 2 of the National body’s Committee members as well as an update on our National sponsors for 2021. With summer comes a quest to handle the heat and water for our playing fields in trying conditions we have an intro to a new \app from Toro and IPSOS gives insight into managing water for best effect. And whilst Australia is emerging from the Covid19 pandemic we hear from STMA in USA where the resolve of a considered plan has not been adopted. Enjoy the read. http://vicsportsturf.asn.au//Sports-Turf-Reflections-v4-Su

23.01.2022 Endeavour Turf Professionals is seeking to fill three positions :- Agronomist Senior Consultant - Natural Turf Sport Surfaces Agronomist Graduate - Natural Turf Sport Surfaces Field Assistant - Natural Turf Sport Surfaces... Click on Seek Jobsite - https://www.seek.com.au/ETP-Turf-jobs

22.01.2022 What has been everyone’s greatest challenge post Covid??? -Excess thatch levels? -Disease? -Budget restraints? -Catching up on lack of winter maintenance?... -Explosion of use post Covid? Be great to hear from everyone and get the discussion going See more

22.01.2022 Are you enjoying working remotely these days? Well, the team at ETP Turf have taken to working remotely like fish to water. Our senior consultants and design team were captured here working collaboratively on current client projects, with the Commander In Chief Grant Greenway bunkered down at HQ, planning priorities and making sure the team is safe, healthy and coping well in what is a difficult time for all, including our clients and industry partners. Reach out to us as you normally would as we are still here to help. #workingremotely #remotework #etpturf #teamwork #agronomy #sportsindustry #InThisTogether #coronavirus #covid19 #parksandrecreation #parks #fieldofplay #naturalturf

21.01.2022 *SPORTS TURF APPRENTICESHIP* An exciting opportunity exists for a young, enthusiast and hard working individual to join Kingston City Council’s dedicated sport turf maintenance team. Kingston Council boasts some of the best playing surfaces in the state, the successful applicant will play a key role maintaining a variety of sporting fields throughout the municipality. The 4 year apprenticeship will provide the successful applicant with the required skills and mindset for a s...uccessful career within the turf industry! See below job ad and position description. https://westvic.org.au//sports-turf-management-apprentice/ https://westvic.org.au//PD-Turf-Apprentise-December-2020.p

21.01.2022 Sports Turf Association (Vic) is keeping abreast of COVID-19 Updates. Our many council members will no doubt be receiving tailored information to suit their workplaces and individual businesses will be guided by their own COVID Safe Plans. Under Stage 4 Stay at Home Restrictions the default is that workplaces in metropolitan Melbourne are closed unless the workplace is a permitted industry.... Under the Department of Health & Human Services directive in regard to Sports and Recreation Activities: it states - Essential maintenance for safety and upkeep of public and recreational spaces such as parks, gardens, golf courses. Regional Victoria & Mitchell Shire Stage 3 Restrictions will be effective in Regional Victoria from 11.59pm on Wednesday 5th August and the Mitchell Shire will remain at Stage 3 Restriction levels. There is still some clarification required around what is allowed in the broader sense, however, the employer will make their own interpretations and determine at which levels they want to operate. Helpful websites are Department of Health & Human Services https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-daily-upda If anything is unclear or you have further business or industry questions please email them to [email protected] Apply for a grant for your sporting club or business to help get you through this difficult and challenging time. https://vicsport.com.au/grants Australian Government : https://www.australia.gov.au/ Safe Work Australia : https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/covid-19-information-w Business Victoria : https://www.business.vic.gov.au/ We will keep you posted as more information comes to light. Stay safe and well.

21.01.2022 Ernie Gmehling and the Ground Science team have been members and supported the TGAA /STA for 20 years. Our knowledge in soil physics related to turf sporting facilities, cricket wicket design & testing, synthetic playing surfaces and pavement platforms, sand track facilities used in the horse racing industry, equestrian arenas, grey hound racing tracks and associated leisure facilities, ensures you are receiving the best advice available. We are Australias leading sport fie...ld testing laboratory with National and International experience and are Accredited importers of soil and water samples for testing. Ground Science have over 37 years experience in assisting designers, curators, operators, ground managers and consultants solve the complicated issues associated with sporting facilities. Many industry leading agronomic consultants and sports field designers choose to use Ground Science for laboratory testing, engineering design advice or complicated subgrade issues. Ground Science also provide specialist geotechnical design advice for all synthetic and hard courts surfaces including; Netball, Basketball, Soccer, Rugby, AFL, Hockey, Athletics and school play spaces. Contact: Ernie Gmehling E: [email protected] M: 0401 924 205 For further information view our web page www.groundscience.com.au See more

20.01.2022 XtraGrass unites the positive properties of natural grass with the strength and durability of artificial grass, providing an all-year-round, safe playing surface. The artificial grass fibres are woven into a partially biodegradable backing. Weaving ensures the fibres are anchored for long-term benefit. The biodegradable backing allows the plants roots to grow into the sub-base, accessing moisture and nutrients, creating a strong, durable plant. By combining artificial grass ...with natural grass, playing hours increase 3x on average. Although the artificial grass is only 5% of the playing surface, its enough to sustain play after the natural grass is worn away. An all-weather playing surface tested to meet FIFA Quality standards. XtraGrass can be easily installed on-site and grown in from seed or sprigs. XtraGrass can also be supplied as pre-grown turf, in 40mm thick maxi-rolls, offering instant stability and immediate play after installation. Perfect for a goal box replacement! Players of all levels prefer the playing characteristics and benefits of natural grass. With XtraGrass, you now have the confidence to recommend hybrid grass and receive the best of both worlds. Key benefits: Playing hours are increased fibres protect the natural grass Guaranteed stability and safety sure-footed playing surface Versatile installation turf replacement or grow-in onsite Responsible investment long-term performance, end-of-life recycling For further information please contact us at: [email protected]

20.01.2022 STA (Vic) Rye Grass Transition Trial In the past week AGCSATech have completed the establishment of a transitional ryegrass trial which is being conducted on behalf of the Sports Turf Association (Vic). This important trial is being run concurrently with ANTEP 5 trial at Evergreen Turf in Pakenham and involves assessment of various chemical options for the removal of ryegrass which has been oversown into an existing couch grass surface. The trial will consist of 8 treatments ...including, control plots (which will remain free of ryegrass), naturally transitioned treatments and various chemical treatment options to remove ryegrass. Half of each trial plot will also be exposed to wear treatments throughout the duration of the trial to assess the influence wear/ traffic has on establishment, turf grass quality, ryegrass control and recovery of the couchgrass sward. Wear will be applied with AGCSATechs wear machine throughout the duration of the trial. (See Pic 2). This trial should provide the turf industry with vital information in the most effective options available for removal of ryegrass and the ideal timing for the transition back to a warm season surface for summer sports. The trial will be undertaken using equipment and methods to closely replicate real life situations. The top half of the established surface has been receiving wear for the past several weeks (as can be seen in the photograph below) prior to being over seeded with rye grass, using industry standard equipment. Adding the element of wear will also highlight the effect traffic has during establishment period and the vital transition period back to a warm season surface. The ASTMA look forward to keeping you updated with the progress of this trial over the coming months. Its not too late to provide input into this trial with suggestions on chemical options currently registered for use or which you believe could be investigated further. To provide suggestions or further information please contact STA Vic on [email protected]

19.01.2022 STA (Vic) was very excited to receive three nominations for the 2019 Graduate of the Year. It was a difficult task for the interview panel to choose a winner as all three nominations were worthy of going through to the finals. Representing Victoria will be Jayde Robson who studied at The Gordon and works with Citywide, Melton. Congratulations Jayde. Jayde describes herself as a country girl who loves working outdoors and in different locations. Prior to joining the turf ind...ustry, Jayde spent time as a manager of a fast food franchise in Ballarat, giving her the ability to work as part of a team as well as independently. Jayde works as part of a four person team maintaining over 50 hectares of irrigated turf surface. This is made up of a variety of sporting facilities and high profile sites. As well as mowing they undertake all renovations, chemical application, turf upgrades and irrigation repairs. Jayde has been working with a wide variety of equipment gaining experience in a variety of machinery and tools. Jayde was nominated for the Women working in Horticulture Scholarship and was a finalist in the Gordon Awards for Excellence Environmental Apprentice. Jayde is currently studying a Certificate 3 in Horticulture at the Gordon. We wish Jayde all the best in the finals and look forward to hearing about her future in the turf industry. See more

19.01.2022 Waldo Miticide (Re-Entry Period change)...

19.01.2022 Bairnsdale Farm Manager job at Lilydale Instant Lawn. Would you love the opportunity to lead an amazing team of people at our Lindenow South Turf Farm? Are you a team person with a strong work ethic? Do you love a fast paced environment with a great remuneration package?... A successful completion of a Diploma of Sports Turf Management would be advantageous. Then this position is for you. The successful candidate will possess the ability to: Provide a solid experience in performing and managing all aspects of production, plant health, and stock management. Assist with driving the business to maximise efficiencies and quality of our turf products that emphasise the Lilydale Experience. Work closely with the Senior Management Team, providing regular reporting on budgets, P&L, procurement and business strategies. Oversee all aspects of farm operations, and training programs in conjunction with the Assistant Farm Manager. Demonstrate a positive, inclusive management style. Schedule and handle all farm chemicals and reporting using Ag-World software. Undertake general farm duties as needed. Provide medium to high IT skill set, including experience with Outlook, Excel, Word and Ag software package. Demonstrate strong organisational skills with the ability to multi-task. Provide excellent interpersonal skills and presentation skills. Please forward your resume to [email protected] By close of business, 25th May, 2020. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

18.01.2022 Green Options have prepared and made ready the practice wickets and the main table at Junction Oval for the VIC Cricketers nice and early this season. Great feedback from the teams. Green Options curators right across Melbourne are keeping our elite sports surfaces in pristine condition for our clients, some are able to utilise them, others are patiently waiting for their game day!

18.01.2022 WEBINAR ALERT! Hear about how the City of Kingston implemented a sportsfield maintenance program utilising innovative technology to control all turf damaging insects for the season, with one application.

17.01.2022 The City of Casey is looking for your feedback on how they could maintain their open spaces.

17.01.2022 Read up on Sports Turf Reflections a short newsletter to members for members of the Australian Sports Turf industry, Spring 2020 edition, produced by STA Australia. http://vicsportsturf.asn.au//Turf-Reflections-Spring-2020.

17.01.2022 Congratulations to the STA (Vic) Executive Committee and General Committee elected at last week’s virtual Annual General Meeting. Members of the Committee are:- President: Danny Edmunds V/President: Mark Doyle Treasurer: Garry Woolard Secretary: Janelle Hart... General: Jim Porter, John Cann, Steve Cole, Hugh Gardner, Daniel Sacco, Luke Armstrong, Erik Kinlon. Great to see some new faces in Luke and Erik, we look forward to working with you and collectively, we look forward to supporting our sponsors and members and to providing a great program of events in 2021. Many thanks for the work and support given by Rob Jenkins who has stepped off the Committee but won’t be far away after offering his ongoing support via Turfmate and as a valued sponsor. A huge thank you to Toby Lumsden (CSTM), Head Curator International Cricket Council Academy for jumping online with us after the AGM very early in the morning Dubai time, to share his experiences as they continue to produce quality wickets in tough conditions for the IPL competition currently underway in UAE. Toby passed on some astounding statistics including soil types; water temperatures; water usage and outdoor temperatures.

16.01.2022 ESSENTIAL SERVICES Whilst we are hopeful restrictions will be eased in the foreseeable future, the Sports Turf Association (Vic) previously wrote to the Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews and the Minister for Sport & Recreation, Martin Pakula in relation to the importance of maintenance of sports and leisure areas during the COVID-19 crisis. It was pointed out that if the sports turf surfaces and recreational areas throughout Australia are not consistently maintained, the co...st to the Australian sports turf industry could be enormous and take an inordinate amount of time to rectify. Not to mention the flow on effect of unmaintained surfaces to associated industries dependent on the purchase of agricultural materials and the like. STA (Vic) will monitor the situation closely and communicate further with Government if further restrictions to services become likely.

16.01.2022 The Premier cricket ground awards have been announced with the Albert Ground judged the best Premier ground for season 2019/20. Congratulations to Glenn Arnup and the Melbourne CC. Congratulations also to Frankston City Council curators Daniel Streker and Phil Regos who were awarded Best 3rds and 4ths Ground for the Coburn Oval and third place for Butler Oval.

16.01.2022 Green Options have an opportunity for a Curator to join their Sports Turf team in Melbourne. You’ll be working at Junction Oval with some of the best curators around. Email [email protected], or visit https://greenoptions.com.au/careers for more information.

16.01.2022 Green Options have an opportunity for a Curator to join our Sports Turf team in Melbourne. You’ll be working at Junction Oval with some of the best curators around. Email [email protected], or visit https://greenoptions.com.au//sports-turf-green-keeper-cric for more information.

16.01.2022 Dear Sponsor Members and Members, As the announcements continue to flow through to us regarding the impact of COVID-19, STA (Vic) would like to reach out to make a small offering to our members by way of freezing STA (Vic) memberships until January 2021. This will bring us into line with future membership renewal payments on a calendar year basis.... This means if you are currently a paid up member your membership subscription will not be renewable until January 2021. This basically equates to six months free membership. We remain hopeful to be able to bring you the scheduled seminars later in the year and paid up members will be eligible for member entry rate. If you have any queries please dont hesitate to contact Jan Email: [email protected] Stay well, safe and healthy we will all meet at the other end. STA(Vic) Committee.

15.01.2022 STA (Vic) Student Sponsorship Diploma of Sports Turf Management Horticulture STA (Vic) is happy to announce two applications were received for the Diploma Sponsorship and this year, being certainly the most unusual and challenging in most of our lifetimes, therefore it seemed most appropriate to accept and sponsor both students. Congratulations to Dan Nichols who is studying at Holmesglen and working at Latrobe City Council and Tyler Stanner-Farley who is studying at Melb...ourne Polytechnic and working at Hume City Council. Good luck with your studies Dan and Tyler. For more information on this sponsorship contact Jan: E: [email protected]

14.01.2022 City of Casey has an exciting new opportunity for a Turfie to join the team, working across our vast number of Sportsground Reserves. If you think this may be for you, click on the link below for further information! https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/careers/jobs/494327

14.01.2022 Turf Culture is leading the charge to help turf managers manage their turf and facilities. Recently Turf Culture were granted New uses and New Pests to the Monarch 100 Insecticide registration by the APVMA. New uses (i.e. Situations) External areas and surrounds of domestic, commercial, public and industrial buildings and structures. Spot application to nests in domestic situations.... New pests i.e. Nuisance & Nesting Ants, Red Imported Fire Ant & Yellow Crazy Ant. If you wish to use our latest registered claims when using the Monarch 100 Insecticide they have in stock, you can simply print the leaflet from our website for use, keep in mind you must attach & keep this latest leaflet with your Monarch 100 Insecticide bottle. https://www.turfculture.com.au/Pro/monarch100/DownloadLabel This information is provided by Turf Culture and current as at 19 October, 2020.

14.01.2022 MCG Confirmed As Natural Home Of Boxing Day Test The 31st consecutive Boxing Day Test will be played at the MCG in December, underscoring Melbourne’s unique standing in world cricket and backed by a new contract between the ground’s manager and Cricket Australia. A new venue hire agreement between the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) and Cricket Australia covers the next three Boxing Day Tests through to 2022. The three-year contract was confirmed as Cricket Australia today unv...eiled its summer schedule Melbourne’s iconic December 26-30 fixture will be the second of four Test matches to be played between Tim Paine’s Australians and Virat Kohli’s Indian team. The Victorian Government, MCC and Cricket Australia will develop a rigorous COVIDSafe plan based on the most up-to-date public health advice to enable a limited number of fans to safely attend the Test this year. Crowd numbers will be confirmed closer to the match, but will be capped at around 25,000 spectators a quarter of the MCG’s capacity. See more

14.01.2022 Curators Wanted The Melon South and Melton Centrals cricket clubs seek a suitably qualified person/s to prepare wickets at both Blackwood Reserve in Melton and St. Pauls Campus of Emmanuel College, Altona. We will accept applications from people who could prepare either or both wickets.... Please contact Paul Davies on 0418 535 211 Or Chris Hulett on 0414 795 859 if you are interested.

13.01.2022 STA (Vic) congratulates the Office of the Victorian Skills Commissioner (OVSC) and Our Astma who have produced an advocacy video that highlights the benefits of choosing sports turf management as a trade career, the great work opportunities available and the variety of roles across all industry sectors. More can be seen at http://vicsportsturf.asn.au/video-shines-light-on-sports-t/

12.01.2022 Melbourne City relocates to Casey Field - Melbourne City CEO Brad Rowse said: Our infrastructure strategy is fundamental to the success of Melbourne City and City Football Group, creating the foundation for our long-term and sustainable growth. The opportunity presented at Casey Fields is clear a brand-new purpose-built facility with bigger capacity, more pitches and right in the heart of a diverse and growing community with a deep footballing tradition.... Today’s announcement marks the end of an extensive process and the beginning of an exciting journey. We are delighted to call southeast Melbourne our new home. https://www.news.com.au///a2797f235610c79d22d1d0a391246806

11.01.2022 Supporting apprentices and trainees The Australian Government is helping businesses retain apprentices and trainees by offering a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of the apprentices or trainees wage for nine months. The subsidy of up to a maximum of $21,000, will be available to businesses employing fewer than 20 full-time employees who retain an apprentice or trainee, or, where a small business is not able to retain an apprentice, the subsidy will be available to a new employer. This will support up to 70,000 small businesses employing around 117,000 apprentices. https://treasury.gov.au//Fact_sheet-Cash_flow_assistance_f

11.01.2022 Destiny, from Bayer, is a unique and versatile selective post-emergent turf herbicide. For more details, see the link below. http://vicsportsturf.asn.au//Destiny-Tech-Sheet_Website.pdf

10.01.2022 STAs Sponsor Abel Sports & Flagpoles would like to let everyone know that they are still open for business during this Lockdown period. John Cann, Abel GM advises that this lockdown of Sports Grounds offers a great opportunity for Councils and Schools to get their AFL , Soccer and Rugby goals upgraded and ready for when the grounds are reopened. Abel Sports and Flagpoles is an Australian Made partner and appreciates any support for their 15 plus employees in these difficult... times. Stay Safe.

10.01.2022 ETP Turf (Endeavour Turf Professionals) specialises in the planning, design and construction supervision of natural turf sports grounds for all sports. Blending agronomy with specialist knowledge gained from working closely with local government authorities, sport governing bodies, stadium curators, sport planners, engineers and architects, ETP Turf provides leading-edge technical advice for all forms of sports grounds. The core of the ETP-Turf approach is our understanding o...f the specific turf agronomy and design requirements for a natural turf sports grounds and our appreciation of how these open space facilities will be constructed, operated and maintained. Our specialist team of agronomists, consultants, qualified design team and certified irrigation designer is one of the largest specialised turf consultancy and sports field design businesses in Australia. We bring every skill we have to the table to ensure we can deliver the highest quality and most appropriate outcomes, recommendations and design options for clients. See more

09.01.2022 Women in the Turf Industry Eden Zanker We sat down with Sports Turf apprentice and 1st pick for Melbourne in the AFLW draft in 2017, Eden Zanker, to hear her perspective on the industry. http://vicsportsturf.asn.au/eden-zanker/

08.01.2022 HG Turf Group and SISGrass sign exclusive partnership in Australia SISGrass stitching machine to arrive in Australia October 2020 The new partnership offers the Australian sports turf industry a revolutionary new hybrid grass system - stitched hybrid grass by SISGrass. The SISGrass machine is versatile and provides the fastest installation on the market. Injecting... artificial grass fibres into the playing surface, the surface is instantly stabilised, and the natural grass is protected. SISGrass is stitched in a 20mm x 20mm square pattern, with 20mm of fibre above the surface and 180mm of fibre below the surface. The hybrid surface, which comprises 5% artificial grass and 95% natural grass, increases the playing hours by up to 3 times. SISGrass is designed for long-term performance, with a life expectancy of 10 years+. The polyethylene fibres are UV stable and wear resistant. The fibres can also be recycled, which makes SISGrass a sustainable choice. The SISGrass machine is powered by electricity and guided by laser for greater accuracy during installation. One machine can stitch a full-size soccer pitch in 7 days. A smaller version of the stitching machine is also available for goal boxes, golf tees, tennis courts and cricket pitches. SISGrass was launched in 2015 and has been installed in over 100 pitches including 50 stadium pitches worldwide. SISGrass has been used with cool-season grass in the Premier League, FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League and Rugby World Cup. SISGrass has also been used with warm-season grass in the AFC Asia Cup. SISGrass is also widely used in community sport. HG Turf Group has been supplying the market with hybrid grass for more than 20 years. HERO and XtraGrass are the benchmark for lay & play turf replacement, and for the onsite resurfacing of sports fields. The introduction of SISGrass expands HG Turf Groups offer of hybrid grass systems. We are very excited to partner with SISGrass and offer their patented technology in Australia. Our collaboration includes the purchase of a SISGrass stitching machine, which will guarantee local supply and support of this international technology. SISGrass completes our hybrid grass portfolio. Our partnership with SISGrass is a significant milestone for HG Turf Group, and we are thankful for this opportunity. For further information or to register your expression of interest in SISGrass in Australia please contact; Erik Kinlon Business Development Manager HG Turf Group [email protected]

07.01.2022 Have you seen the short newsletter for members of the Australian Sports Turf industry produced by STA Australia?

06.01.2022 REVIEW OF AGVET CHEMICALS REGULATORY FRAMEWORK As you may be aware, an independent panel has been appointed to review the AGVET Chemicals Regulatory Framework. The panel is currently seeking feedback from stakeholders on any issues paper and any other matters relating to the regulatory system. As part of this work, public consultation has been underway since 4 March 2020. The panel has already received some great feedback and ideas from a number of industry, organisations, go...vernment bodies and individuals through targeted stakeholder consultation, however, we would like to hear from as many stakeholders as possible. Consultation is open until 5pm on Friday 28 August 2020. This is being hosted through the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment Have Your Say webpage and is accessible here: https://haveyoursay.awe.gov.au/agvet-chemicals-regulatory-r. The panel encourages you, your organisation and stakeholders to make a submission before the due date to help inform their recommendations. AGVET Chemicals Review Secretariat Email: [email protected] Phone 02 6272 4298

06.01.2022 Endeavour Turf Professionals (ETP Turf) is a long-term sponsor/supporter of the STA Victoria for fifteen years and its founder Grant Greenway has had two separate stints as a committee member contributing to the growth of STA Vic and its membership. Whilst the COVID 19 lock down required some changes in the running of ETP-Turfs business, the key function of providing a premium turf agronomy service and sports field designs to STA Victoria members has continued. Of course the three principal consultants cant wait to get back to some extracurricular activities as social distance restrictions ease. In particular Jim Porter cant wait to swing the sticks, David McGeary to watch the footy and Grant Greenway to catch a wave or two! NB: Photo taken pre COVID-19 social distancing restrictions

05.01.2022 In a normal or pre-COVID world, today we would all be enjoying a great seminar at the MCG for the STA (Vic) Sports Turf Seminar, however, we get to continue to work on the program for next year and plan on bringing you an even bigger day, jam packed with speakers and information to carry you through the year. We hope you are all keeping busy and well and look forward to getting to the other side of this epidemic hopefully sooner than we think. In the meantime, would love to... hear from you if you have any suggestions for speakers topics and items to be included in our great seminar next July 2020. Email Jan [email protected]

05.01.2022 EPG Australia joins SportsTurf Consultants as part of STRI Group STRI Group, the worlds leading sports surface provider, has completed the acquisition of prominent geo-environmental engineering and design consultancy EPG. The global business will form part of STRI Groups ambitious growth strategy into sustainable design for both sport and public realm facilities and will continue to operate under the EPG brand.... Founded in 1998, EPG delivers a range of specialist services including land remediation design, geotechnical engineering, sustainable drainage design and flood risk management to its existing client base of government agencies, major developers, sports facilities and private clients. EPG has been working closely with STRI Group for a number of years supporting the delivery of large-scale water management and contaminated land projects. Together they have successfully delivered significant environmental value and cost benefits for some of the most high-profile venues in Australia. EPG Australia, director, James Lucas, said: Joining STRI Group provides the perfect platform for EPG to expand its innovative design services to its client base here in Australia. Our combined commitment to research, testing and training will accelerate our rapid growth in the Australian market. SportsTurf Consultants, Australia, General Manager, Sam Myott, said: STRI Group continues to expand its global offering as the demand for cutting edge and sustainable sports surface solutions and we are delighted to welcome EPG. The combined expertise of our teams presents a unique offering to clients and sectors new and old. Interested in speaking to SportsTurf Consultants and EPG Australia about our environmental services? Contact: [email protected] or call +61 3 9558 6514 for information.

04.01.2022 Sportsground networking group catchup: 10 sportsground coordinators/supervisors from metro Melbourne all joined forces in MS Teams discussion this week. It was great to see them connect and hear about how they all have adapted to the current COVID-19 environment. Topics discussed included: impact of operations and maintenance, budget pressures and staff wellbeing as well as the impact on delivery of Capital Works in the sportsground sector. Thanks for sharing Luke Armstrong and congratulations on this great initiative! STA Vic will be keen to hear of progress after the next hook up!

02.01.2022 The Toro Groundsmaster 3000 Series delivers unparalleled productivity. Featuring a powerful diesel engines, CrossTrax all-wheel drive and legendary Groundsmaster decks, the Groundsmaster 3000 Series makes quick work in even the toughest terrain while delivering an exceptional quality of cut. From the fully adjustable suspension seat and steering column, the fingertip engine controls, this new mower is designed for all-day comfort. Routine maintenance is also easy with the Groundsmaster 3000 Series. The innovative tilt-up deck design making blade maintenance and deck cleaning simple. Productivity, comfort, reliability. Thats the all-new Groundsmaster 3000 Series. For more information visit toro.com.au.

02.01.2022 Update on the STA (Vic) Transition Trial at Evergreen Turf, Pakenham As previously advised STA (Vic) will support the ANTEP 5 trial undertaken by the Australian Seed Federation (ASF) and also run a herbicide trial alongside the ANTEP 5 to trial and compare the various chemical options available to assist in transitioning out rye grass from a couch base. Latest update is that the ASF Trial will be sown next week and the STA trial the following week (first week in April) once t...he couch has taken root and been cut. During this difficult time and taking precautions into account - access to the trial area for running the trial, should be no issue as Evergreen Turf have a range of protocols in place to avoid contact with staff. Its not too late to send in your suggestions of chemicals or especially mixes that you are using or believe could be investigated further.

01.01.2022 Introducing the Allett Sports and Pro Range, supplied and distributed by ADE Turf Equipment...

01.01.2022 https://www.seek.com.au/job/50968941

01.01.2022 STA (Vic) congratulates Matt Wolfe, the winner of the National Sports Turf Graduate of the Year 2019. Matt is from Albany, Western Australia. Congratulations also to all the other candidates. Each year the job of the judges becomes harder, however, it is rewarding to know the future of the turf industry will be in the capable hands of these up and coming stars. Thank you to Toro Australia and STA Australia for sponsoring and coordinating this wonderful program for Sports Tu...rf graduates nationally. To read the press release click here: http://vicsportsturf.asn.au//Graduate-of-Year-2019-Press-R To read more about the outstanding candidates click here: https://mcusercontent.com//c2ee75/Graduates_22.3_FINAL.pdf

01.01.2022 On 30 October 2020 Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) Commissioners agreed to extend the transition period of AHC31316 Certificate III in Sports Turf Management until 20 December 2021. ASQA made the decision following a request from an RTO, with the support of Skills Impact in their role as a Skills Service Organisation. This extension is granted to all registered training organisations (RTOs) delivering the qualification to current learners. The decision extends the ...transition period for these RTOs to complete the training, assessment and Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) certification issuance for existing learners. Whilst it is not mandated that learners must be enrolled in the replacement qualification, enrolling further students into the superseded qualification if they are unable to complete by the transition end date would be a disadvantage to those learners. The AHC31316 Certificate III in Sports Turf Management will remain on your RTO’s scope of registration until the end of the extended transition period, unless your RTO chooses to withdraw it from scope prior. ASQA will publish this decision on its website. If you have any questions about this decision, please contact [email protected] Thanks to Albert Sherry, David Priem of NSW Skillspoint and the team involved.

01.01.2022 Looks incredible!