News

TGAA ACT Name Change
The Turf Grass Association of Australia ACT Region (TGAA ACT Region) held an Extraordinary General Meeting on Tuesday 22nd November at the Bruce Campus of Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT), to discuss and vote on the proposal to change the name from Turf Grass Association of Australia (ACT) to Sports Turf Australia (ACT). The decision of the name change was not taken lightly, with discussions had at the committee level, with members, and our sponsors.  The advantages of the change are as follows: improved relationship with our members to ensure that they obtain maximum benefits for their membership, providing support, networking opportunities, education and training opportunities to our members by tapping into a broader area by working with STA NSW, broader advertising opportunities for our sponsors, improved newsletter which will incorporate NSW, Queensland, New Zealand and ACT. There was a unanimous vote of yes by members of the association who voted in person or by proxy. There will be minor changes to how we run as we align with STA NSW.For example, current members will enjoy six months free membership till the start of 2013.  Costs for seminars, golf days or other events will be charged separately.  Membership fees will be aligned to STA NSW. We will continue to work closely with other TGAA regions in Australia and maintain our close link with the ACT turf industry by retaining our local identity in the region. We are hopeful that our members and sponsors will take advantage of the benefits, and enjoy becoming part of STA. Garry Dawson – President
Evergreen / Dad & Dave's Race Day
A fantastic day was had by all who attended the Race Day on 3rd February at Hawkesbury Race Course. Despite the dreadful heat the event was a great success. The turf industry came together to support a worthy cause - Hawkesbury Living Cancer Trust, which is a fund set up to build an Oncology Ward at Hawkesbury Hospital. Currently anyone living in the Hawkesbury area has to travel to either Penrith or Westmead Hospitals for cancer treatment - way too far when dealing with the stress and struggles of chemo etc. Graeme Colless is the mastermind behind the race day and does an amazing job organising the event. The guests were treated to a talk by legendary Cricketer Glenn McGrath. Thanks to his connections with Elders, Glenn was at the event and talked about his experiences on the cricket field from starting out through to the representing Australia. He talked about the enjoyment of time with his family and watching his son play cricket. Glenn congratulated the people behind the push to get Cancer treatment in the Hawkesbury and encouraged them with reflections on how the McGrath Foundation first started and the success they have had. There were some fantastic auction and raffle prizes available for guests and $70,000 was raised from the event bringing the total funds to over $200,000. The Oncology Ward is getting closer all the time. Well done to everyone involved in the day and STA NSW was pleased to support the event.
STA supports the Camp Quality 'Laugh on the Grass' Event
The generousity of sponsors and guests at the Charity Luncheon, STA NSW allowed us to help provide the 'Laugh on the Grass' Event. This event provided a fun afternoon and evening for the kids living with cancer and their families. It was held on the training field at Parramatta Stadium and included games and activities, Bulldog Players playing footy with the kids, face painting etc and then a open air movie to finish off the night. STA NSW Committee members manned the BBQ and worked hard during to feed the hundreds there on the night. Report from Camp Quality HQ: Camp Quality the children’s family cancer charity’s had a great “Laugh on the Grass” at Parramatta Stadium Training Ground on Thursday 20th January 2011. In line with Camp Quality’s objective to bring optimism and happiness to the lives of children and families affected by cancer, there was fun for the whole family including jumping castles, face painting, BBQ and games with the Bulldogs NRL Team. We then relaxed under the stars with a screening of the family classic “Hook”. Camp Quality is a national charity that supports more than 3,500 families across the country. Families are serviced by 13 Camp Quality local offices around Australia, with 350 families supported by the Camp Quality Sydney Office. “The day definitely lived up to its name with many laughs and a full dose of fun therapy for our children and their families, volunteers, guests and supporters.” said Heidi Bock, Sydney Fundraising Coordinator, Camp Quality. The event was sponsored by Sara Lee and Sports Turf Association. Additional support was provided by The Bulldogs, Lindt, Red Earth Organics, Bakers Delight, Planet Cake and Next Media. Further Information Email: Heidi.Bock@campquality.org.au Visit www.campquality.org.au for further information on Camp Quality		STA Committee Members working hard to cook the BBQ for the Camp Quality families.
Sportsman's Charity Luncheon Review - 2010		Thank You to our Sponsors
The Sportsman’s Charity Luncheon was the perfect way to celebrate 10 years as an Association in NSW. 150 guests enjoyed the great facilities at ANZ Stadium starting with the Toro Pre-lunch drinks on the Stadium arena. Guests then made their way up to the Millennium room for lunch and the day’s entertainment. They were welcomed by legendary MC Steve Allen who is a great asset to any event. We were pleased to have Mark Geyer as the guest speaker. Mark was a presenter at the first luncheon held 2002. Mark’s presentation was not only very entertaining but also very heart felt as he discussed the personal struggles he faced during his football days and how he now uses those issues as motivation not only for himself but other young unpriviledged kids. The charity chosen this year was Camp Quality, a wonderful organisation who support children with cancer. We were pleased to have Heidi Bock from Camp Quality at the event and talk to the guests about the work they do and to also present a thank plaque to the Association. After a great meal and a few drinks, guests were then entertained by comedian Mick Meredith. A very funny and clever guy. Once again we had a great array of raffle prizes on offer and the ‘Dad & Daves’ Hostesses worked very hard selling tickets. Many thanks to all the companies who donated items for the day. Without their support we would not be able to donate to Camp Quality. From the Golf Package worth over $3,000 to Chill-Out Package of a bar fridge $250 liquor voucher to the mower and BBQ as well as many other small items - there was certainly something for everyone. The wheel spin again proved very popular with some great prizes available. Normally at the Luncheon we do away with any formalities but this year was special. Not only was a 10 years celebration but also an opportunity to thank Graeme Logan for his role as President for 10 years and welcome Chris Chapman to the position. After discussing his decision to stand down Graeme then ‘officially’ handed the role to Chris. Chris expressed his pride in taking on the job and then carried out his first offical duty as President. He announced that a nomination for Life Membership had been received and the committee had approved it. Chris then presented Graeme with a plaque and congratulated him on recieving the first Life Membership award. Graeme was taken back but the recognition. He had no idea and it was a big effort to keep it quiet. Graeme reflected on the satisfaction he has had from being involved with STA NSW and thanked everyone for the honour of the award. Thank you to everyone who attended the day and special thanks to all the staff at ANZ Stadium for providing a fantastic venue and great service. Whilst the day went off without a hitch and we received some great feedback, the committee will review the future of the event and whether we need a change or not. We welcome feedback from our members and particularly those who support it each year.   Paul Jackson, Peter McMaugh, Peter Semos. Tony Janson, Nadeem Zreikat, Peter Douglas Graeme Colless, Mark Geyer, Graeme Logan Heidi Bock of Camp Quality presenting Chris Chapman with a thank you plaque Guests enjoying the event     Evergreen Table Mark Geyer and Graeme Colless with the 'Dad &Dave's Hostesses'		4 Promote ANZ Stadium Barmac Bulldogs Rugby League Club Concord Golf Course Cricket NSW Cypress Lakes Dad & Dave’s Turf Eastern Creek Tavern ETP Globe Australia Ground Control GWS AFL Club GYC McDonald’s Millers Turf National Australia Bank Sony Music St Aloysius College St Michael’s Golf Club Strathfield Golf Course TAFE NSI The Vintage Golf Club Toro Australia Wenty Leagues A very hard working committee setting up the table centre pieces prior to the Luncheon. "The stuff Jen gets us to do" The finished Job! Many thanks to NAB for providing the soccer and AFL ball money boxes, not only used for decoration but fund raising. Guests arriving for the Toro Prelunch drinks on the arena. Graeme Logan presented with Life Membership by Chris Chapman Dad & Dave's Table sporting Camp Quality by spending up big on raffle tickets
Changing of the Guard at STA NSW The big news from the STA Annual General Meeting is that Graeme Logan stepped down from the position of President, after 10 years. The AGM was held yesterday (21/9/10) and after presenting his President's report for 2009/10, Graeme advised the committee that he felt the time was right for him to step down as President and let someone else carry the torch. The Committee were shocked to say the least. Graeme thanked the committee for their support over the past 10 years and felt very proud of what had been achieved. "Starting out as a group of guys wanting to make a difference to being an organisation that does." Frank Dempsey acknowledge Graeme's committment and passion for the Association, particuarly holding the role of President's since the inception of the Association. He thanked Graeme for all his work over the years and mentioned that Graeme's role as a figure head in the industry has been a major player in the development and success of the Association. We are very pleased to announce the new President for STA NSW is Chris Chapman who has been with the Association for several years and previously held a position as Vice President. After being nominated Chris accepted the role and expressed that it would be a hard job trying to fill such big shoes! Graeme still has a strong commitment to STA and he accepted the role of Vice President along with Gary Hoy. Other changes on the committee were Dave McGlynn of Strathfield Golf Club stood down from the Committee. Dave was thanked for his time and work he puts in for the Association and great support and whilst he may not hold a position on the committee he will still be there to help out whenever needed. We are pleased to welcome Ryan Buttel of Wenty Leagues as a new member of the STA NSW Committee and know that he is keen to get involved and will be a valuable member of the team.		"I am very proud of what we have achieved over the past 10 years and feel that it is time for me to pass the torch to someone else". Graeme Logan 21/9/10   Chris Chapman accepting the role of President for STA NSW for 2010/2011 from Graeme Logan.
Click here to read Graeme's Final President's Report.		Click here for full list of Committee

Review of Cricket Wicket Seminar 2010
"I learnt more in these 2 days than I have in 12 months" Comment from a Delegate. "My guys haven't stopped talking about the event, they want to change many of the things that we do to improve our wickets" Comment from a Manager who sent several staff members to the event. "I found the information provided was presented at a level that all attendees could understand and as a company it was well worth us having a stand. We would be more than pleased to sponsor and be involved in a similar day in the future" Comment from Sponsor. The Cricket Wicket Seminar has received some fantastic feedback from delegates and sponsors. 160 Delegates were provided with valuable information and tips of the trade from the Les Burdett. Les' 40 years experience at Adelaide Oval was invaluable and he demonstrated his techniques on wickets at the venue. Blacktown Olympic Park was the venue for the 2 day event and it proved to be a great location. We were able to have all aspects of the event in one area, presentations inside the cricket centre, exhibitors and demonstrations in the practice wicket area. Not only does it have many full size practice wickets which we used for demonstrating wicket preparation but Les Burdett was also able to get onto the oval to show how he would repair a wicket that has come out of football season and get it ready for cricket. This unique style of seminar was really well received by everyone. A lot more can be learnt by showing techniques on a surface rather than just watching it on a screen. Les Burdett not only provided a wealth of knowledge but is a very inspirational man. His enthusiasm and passion for the industry was very motivating to everyone there. He encouraged and inspired everyone over the 2 days of the event. It was great to see this 'guru' of the industry taking the time to teach and chat to the guys both at the event and during the function at the end of day 1. He would happily have his photo taken with the delegates and sit and talk to them about their wicket issues. A real legend. We were not only very fortunate to have Les take time out of this very busy 'retirement' to help us with the event but also had Ricky Aitken from Hong Kong Cricket Club present to the delegates on life as a Curator in Hong Kong as well as local Curator, Adam Lewis from Hurstville Oval. The time and effort from our speakers is very much appreciated. We had delegates from all over NSW, as far wide a Broken Hill, Bathurst, Orange, Warrambungle, Wollongong and many Sydney Councils and Schools. We were also pleased to welcome Karl Johnson from New Zealand and Steven Lord from Hobart Council. The support of both Cricket NSW and Blacktown Olympic Park (BOP) was very much appreciated. The guys at BOP were definitely put on the spot as they demonstrated the machinery and techniques under the Les' guidance, to all the delegates. Many thanks also to Perry, Luke and Michael from ANZ Stadium who were on site the day before and during the event to help out when required. The star of the show had to be Nick from BOP. At times it was the Les and Nick show. Nick was enthustiastic, quick witted and very willing to put his wicket techniques on the line for all to see. A big thank you to Matt Cairns of BOP, Nick and all the staff for their support and efforts during the event. As an Association we were very pleased with the outcome of the event and the hardest decision now is how often do we hold this event and/or similar events with both presentations and the practical learning. We were very fortunate to have such great support from companies within the Turf Industry and we thank them for attending the event. Gold Sponsors Bayer   Globe Australia   Living Turf   Toro Australia   Sustainable Turf Renovations     Silver Sponsors Green Horticultural Group   Sterling Group Services   Syngenta   Sydney Feral Animal Control   Turfcraft Machinery   Turf Drain Australia     Event Sponsor Colin Campbell Chemicals   Endeavour Turf Products   Evergreen   Gabba Sporting Products   Greencare   M Collins & Sons   Mentay   Nuturf Australia   Pitchcare   PJC Sportsturf   Synthetic Grass & Rubber Surfaces     Event Supporter ANZ Stadium   Blacktown Olympic Park   Cricket NSW   Novotel Rooty Hill	Graeme Logan (STA NSW/ANZ Stadium) , Les Burdett (Adelaide Oval), Karl Johnson (Hamilton Council NZ) & Ricky Aitken (Hong Kong Cricket Club)     Delegates during the presentations     Trade Exhibitions     Ricky Aitken, Hong Kong Cricket Club     Delegates learning about wicket machines     Les teaching rolling techniques     David Gilbert and Janine Stainer of Cricket NSW with STA Vice President Chris Chapman     Adam Lewis, Hurstville Oval     Delegates watching demonstrations
2010 Regional Seminar Review, 17th August	Kurri Kurri TAFE
Kurri Kurri TAFE was again the venue for the annual STA Regional Sportsturf Seminar and Tradeshow. We were blessed with great weather once again and the event was received well with over 150 people in attendance. The day started with Craig Paget from the Pacific Dunes Golf Club talking about the challenges he has faced at the Club with the drainage and water table management. This was then followed 2 young guys of our industry with a topic titled "The future of Sports Field Turf Management, A Young Managers Approach". This was presented by Greg Askew from Newcastle Council who looks after No. 1 Sports Ground at Newcastle and also Ryan Buttel of Wenty Leagues who is the Turf Manager at Wenty Leagues Club in Sydney.
Continuing along the theme of development of greenkeepers, Daniel Palin of NSW Golf Course shared his experiences with the Ohio Program where he worked in the US and the impact this has had on his career. The presentations were finished off with a talk from Murray Fraser discussing soil testing procedures for the Turf Industry. Delegates then spent the afternoon watching machinery demonstrations on the various turf surfaces at the TAFE.
As has been the case in the past several years, the staff and students at Kurri Kurri TAFE presented a fabulous venue and we thank Chris Booth and the staff for all their assistance in the organising of the event. There were several companies who supported this event and we are very grateful for their contribution to the event and support of STA NSW
Gold Sponsors Bayer   Globe Australia   Living Turf   Toro Australia   Sustainable Turf Renovations     Silver Sponsors Green Horticultural Group   Sterling Group Services   Syngenta   Sydney Feral Animal Control   Turfcraft Machinery   Turf Drain Australia     Event Sponsor Colin Campbell Chemicals   Country Club International   Endeavour Turf Products   Fountain Line   Greencare   Macquarie Turf Technology   Nuturf   Pila Group   Becker Underwood
2010 Golf Day Review, 2nd March
The first STA event for 2010 was a great day at Strathfield Golf Course on 2nd March. We had around 80 golfers arrive bright and early for breakfast. They then took their spots on the course for tee off a the Four Man Ambrose competition. The weather was excellent and there was some great golf played. All arrived back to the club house in time for lunch, and a well deserved drink. After everyone enjoyed a great meal the presentation was held to announce the winners. Photo - Ryde TAFE team
1st Prize Nett Score Sterling Group: Wayne Shelton, Wayne Martin, Murray Williams & Mark Hornery 1st Prize Scratch Score Oatlands Team 2nd Prize Nett Score Living Turf: Rob Cooper, Dave Stone, Dane Thatcher & Laura Hanckel 2nd Prize Scratch Score Living Turf headed by Kodie Beckett 3rd Prize Nett Score Graeme Logan, Luke Logan, Steve Jacobsen & Paul Delaney, Dave Somerville 3rd Prize Scratch Score Living Turf headed by Dave Worrad Nearest to the Pin on 12th D Tomaszewski Longest Drive on the 18th Steve Jacobsen Bradman Award Ryde TAFE Teachers Thank you to Dave McGlynn and the staff and management at Strathfield Golf Course for presenting such a great course and all help in organising the day. Many thanks to our great sponsors who support our association and make it possible for us to hold this event. Photos: Above left - Living Turf Team supporting Jane McGrath Foundation Above Right - Sterling Group Services team. Winners 2010 Below - Dave Sommerville, Luke Logan & Graeme Logan (ANZ Stadium), Steve Jacobsen (Carnarvon Golf Club) & Paul Delaney (Mark Parker Golf) Thank you to all the companies who donated items for the event: PJC Sports Turf, Dint Golf, St Aloysius College, TAFE NSI, Better Methods, Vermont Sands, Nuturf, Eastern Creek Tavern, Sustainable Turf Renovations, ANZ Stadium, Strathfield Golf Course, Greater Union, ETP Turf, Colin Campbell Chemicals.	Thank you to all our valued sponsors: Gold Partners Bayer Environmental Science Globe Australia Living Turf Sustainable Turf Renovations Toro Australia Silver Partners Turfcraft Machinery Syngenta Turfdrain Australia Sydney Feral Animal Control Sterling Group Services Green Horticultural Group Event Sponsors Irrigation Management Millers Turf
Sportsman's Charity Event, 13th November 2009
On 13th November we held our Annual Sportsman’s Charity Event at Parramatta Leagues Club. After a review of the event in 2008 and listening to the feedback we made a few changes to the day. Firstly the time of the event changed to a 3.30pm start so that people were able to get wickets and grounds prepared and then head off in the afternoon. Secondly we programmed the day to include a lot more socialising time so everyone had a chance to catch up after another busy year. The start time wasn’t very popular so we will return to a lunch time start in 2010. The program on the other hand has received some great feedback. Reports were that the guests found the day to be more relaxing and easier to catch up and a great day all round. There were over 170 people entertained throughout the event by our guest speaker, Canterbury Rugby League star, Brett Kimmorley, MC Steve Allan and Magician Ace McDermott. We also had Nathan Cayless and Geoff Robson from the Parramatta Eels on the Sterling table and they were happy to mingle with guests and get into the spirit of the day. The chosen charity this year was Movember, selected due to the very male oriented industry we work. Movember is a great organisation promoting men’s health and we had our first STA Movember Man of the Year announced. Gary Hudson a Ryde TAFE teacher took out the title for 2009. Gary then put the challenge to the audience that he would shave off his beard, that he had been growing for 30 years, if someone donated money to Movember. Tim Jeffs from Oatlands Golf Course took up the challenge and offered $300. Luckily we had an electric shaver in the room (a raffle prize kindly donated back) and the Canterbury cheergirls who were our hostesses for the event were happy to do the honors. Many thanks to all the guests who attended and the companies who donated items for the event. Everyone had lots of fun with the phantom race call, raffle items and the new chocolate wheel.	Gary Hudson getting shaved for a good cause Winner of Phantom Race Call

Regional Seminar, 18th August 2009

This was the fourth Regional Seminar held at Kurri Kurri TAFE and every year it continues to get stronger support and enthusiasm from the Turf Industry on the North Coast and Regional areas of NSW.
This year there was a big focus on the practical side of Greenkeeping including machinery demonstrations.
The event was kicked off by Adam Ayre of Muswellbrook Race Track who gave a presentation on his experience of winning the inaugural Steriline Racing & Australian Racecourse Managers Scholarship. This scholarship allowed Adam to experience time at the Hong Kong Race Club.

The next topic covered the extensive Water Management Program implemented at Kurri Kurri TAFE. Paul Park of Soil Conservation Service discussed the program and he was then followed by Alan England of SAS Solutions who reviewed the new wash down bay. Delegates then headed over to see the wash down bay in action. Time was also spent looking at TAFE's water management systems.

Delegates were then given the rare opportunity to see several different types of machinery operating on the sports field, bowling green and tennis green. It was a great experience for greenkeepers to have a close look at a variety of machines in operation and talk to the reps.

There were also presentations by the seminar sponsors on topics including new products, machinery and services available within the industry. The event was concluded by Graeme Logan who discussed the new Gro Lights system in place at ANZ Stadium. At the conclusion of the event a sausage sizzle was held where delegates could wrap up the day with a quiet drink and a snag.

STA would like to thank all the sponsors involved on the day, the delegates who made the effort to attend and inparticular Chris, Mark and all the staff at Kurri Kurri TAFE who put in a lot of work to get the venue ready for the seminar.

Despite a cold and wet morning everyone arrived ready to learn about identifying grass and weeds. It was a full class for this workshop and we are priviledged to utilise the facilities at Ryde TAFE and the expertise of organiser Frank Dempsey. Many thanks to Jim Hull from TAFE, Patrick Madden of Syngenta, Jyri Kaapro of Bayer Crop Science and John McCarthy of Barmac for their time in presenting to the delegates.

Whether they were there as a refresher course or to learn new information it was great to see such eager professionals of our industry. Thank you to all the staff at the TAFE for their assistance on the day, particularly Frank Dempsey.

Check out the Education Page for some Facts and Features on Grasses

Sydney Sports Turf Seminar Review

	Martyn Black admiring Gary Beehag's tie with Dave Worrad		Joel Toogood of Green Horticulture and STA Committee with Chris Stig of PJC Sports Turf		Delegates enjoying Martyn Black's talk

On Tuesday, 21st April we held our Sydney Sports Turf Seminar and Tradeshow and all went extremely well with 175 attending and some great feedback from members.  This year we made some changes to the event including a new venue, Ryde TAFE which proved to be a great venue for us. We also added a choice of Streams for the delegates to go to including Cricket Wickets, Golf & Bowls and Management. This also worked well as our members were able to listen to talks specifically relating their workplace.

We started the seminar with Major Grant Gleeson who motivated everyone on team leadership from his extensive experience with the Defence Force.  This was followed by a very entertaining and inspiring presentation by Martin Black on achieving goals. Martin gave us an insight into his trek on the Kokoda Trail.  The morning session also included presentations from Living Turf, Sustainable Turf Renovations, Globe and The Green Horticultural Group.

Session 2 of the seminar was the Streams. The Cricket Wicket included a presentation by Bob Paddison on Cricket Wicket Construction and Peter McMaugh provided an understanding of wicket soil behaviour.  In the Golf/Bowling Greens Stream, Martin O’Malley provided details of the construction of Lynwood Country Club and Dave Westall talked about Nematode Control. The Management stream included a presentation on communication and management by Symon Scott of Avondale Golf Club and then a forum was held on ‘The Difficulties of Sports Facility Management” from the perspective of the Greenkeeper and the Manager. We had Pittwater RSL Club represented by Ben Hargy and Bruce Smith and ANZ Stadium was represented by myself and Daryl Kerry.  In addition to the above talks we also had presentations from Country Club International and Syngenta.

During the morning tea and lunch breaks guests were able to visit the Trade Display area with 22 sponsors displaying their products and services and machinery.

The day concluded with a talk from the Bulldogs Rugby League Club CEO, Todd Greenberg. Todd spoke of the challenges he has faced in rebuilding the club, getting the right people in the right place and improving the image of the Club.

Many thanks to all the sponsors and presenters for their support of the event.

	Trade Area
	Living Turf Team of Rob Cooper, Dave Worrad & Stuart Miller with Sam Hole of Syngenta
	Guest Speaker, Todd Greenberg, CEO Bulldogs Rugby League Club with STA President Graeme Logan

	Nadeem Zreikat of Colin Campbell Chemicals & STA with Sam Hole of Syngenta
	Grant Gleeson with Albert Leggett of Ecofertiliser

Gold Sponsors
Globe Australia
Living Turf
Sustainable Turf Renovations & Equipment
The Green Horticultural Group

Silver Sponsors
Country Club International
Syngenta Crop Protection
Sydney Weed & Pest Management

Trade Sponsors
Colin Campbell Chemicals
Bayer Environmental Science
Eco Plant
Endeavour Turf Products
Fountain Line
GYC
Maxwell & Kemp
Outdoor Design Source
Pitchcare Oceania
PJC Sportsturf
Silvan Australia / GWS Machinery
Sterling Group Services
Synthetic Grass & Rubber Surfaces
Turfcraft Machinery
Turfdrain Australia
Turf Tec Australia
Worksafe Medics

2009 Golf Day - Magenta Shores

Sponsors Green Horticultural Group Globe Australia Sustainable Turf Renovations & Machinery Living Turf Sydney Weed & Pest Management Country Club International Syngenta Benedicts Sand & Gravel Sterling Group Services Turfdrain Australia PJC Sportsturf Supporters Eastern Creek Tavern Parramatta Eels Canterbury Bulldogs Strathfield Golf Course St Aloysius College Barker College

On Tuesday, 17th March 88 Golfers headed to the magnificent Magenta Shores Golf Resort on the NSW Central Coast for the annual STA Golf Day. This was the first time the committee had taken the Golf Day out of Sydney. It was a great opportunity to play at a Group 1 course. The weather was fantastic and Magenta Shores if a fabulouse venue. The course was very challenging and many a ball was hit - to never be seen again!

Once all the golfers headed back to the Club, we were treated to a great lunch and presentation by Kenton Boyd on the environmental issues faced at Magenta.

STA would like to thank Kenton for his time in preparing the course and for the presentation. To all the ground staff at Magenta - thank you, a job well done.

In addition to the ground staff, many thanks to the staff in the Golf Shop and the function facilities for great support and service.

As always, this event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our wonderful sponsors and the companies who donated prizes.

To our members who were unable to attend this year, whether it be cost or location, be assured that we take all of these issues into consideration when chosing our venue for next year. The Golf Day is not a big profit day for the association - it is a day to get the members together for a bit fun.

We hope everyone had a great day and plans are underway for 2010 Golf Day.

The Winners

National Meeting of STA & TGAA Regions

	Touring the WACA
	Martyn Gillespie, Rob Sunblom, Sue Bailey, Matt Roche, Peter Ruscoe, Jenny Zadro, Graeme Logan, Scott Harris, Stuart Miller & John Forrest.

On Tuesday, 10th February 2009 a National Meeting of the STA and TGAA states was held in Perth. It was our turn to venture to the Great West as TGAA WA have always made the trip to the East Coast for other meetings.

The meeting was very productive and continues to strengthen our associations as one group working for the benefit of our members and the turf industry. We had a full day of meeting and it included a tour the WACA. We then caught up for a casual dinner that evening and up early the next day to join the TGAA WA President's Breakfast at Kings Park. The group were then given a tour of the magnificent park and its facilities. Following the Breakfast Peter Ruscoe and Tony Guy organised a visit of the University of WA and Subiaco Oval. Then it was back to the airport for flights home.

In Attendance
STA NSW: Graeme Logan, Jenny Zadro.
TGAA ACT: Scott Harris & Stuart Miller,
TGAA VIC: Rob Sundblom and Sue Bailey,
TGAA SA: Martyn Gillespie,
STA QLD: Matt Roche,
TGAA WA: Peter Ruscoe, Tony Guy, John Forrest & Eva Ricci.

Many thanks to Peter Ruscoe and Tony Guy and the TGAA WA
committee for their great organisation and hospitality.

Outdoor Design Source Directory

Recently all STA Members would have received a copy of the 2009 Outdoor Design Source. We hope this Directory assists you in your workplace.

Outdoor Design Source (ODS) is Australia’s most comprehensive annual directory servicing the external works industry. With over 500 pages of landscaping and external works products and services, and over 10,000 company listings and 1500 product images, ODS is the leading industry directory, covering all stages of an external works project.

ODS is endorsed by over 30 industry associations who support the publication as a vital communication tool and directory service for their members. And now with the Sports Turf Association on board, ODS will be reaching an even wider audience.

Sportsman's Charity Luncheon 2008

The STA’s final event for the 2008 was the Sportsman’s Charity Luncheon held at Parramatta Leagues Club with 200 people from the Turf Industry getting together for a great day of entertainment and socialising.

Many thanks to all the companies who supported the day and for everyone attending.

This year’s line up included Sports Commentator and Radio personality Ray Hadley. Ray shared his experiences at many Olympics from starting as the new boy on the block and learning the ropes up to many years experience and calling more events than most other commentators would dream of. We were also pleased to include Parramatta Eels tough man Nathan Hindmarsh as a late entry to the line up on the day. Originally Noel Cleal was booked but due to an illness in the family Noel wasn’t able to make it. Nathan was interviewed by MC Brian Melrose and was very entertaining with his dry sense of humour and his ‘tell it as it is’ style was enjoyed by all.

Despite such great sporting commentary from Ray and Nathan, the most talked about presenter was our first speaker, Professor Max Livingston from the UK. Max surprised many of our guests with his insight into the world of management and consultants and no doubt many of the guests were wondering why on earth he was presenting at all. This wasn’t the norm for an STA lunch - all too formal. It took a little while but they did eventually get it – Prof Livingston was in fact comedian David Cummings, a hoax presenter. David did a great job and was very entertaining.

Many thanks to our MC Brian Melrose and to our presenters. We again had some great prizes on offer for the race call, golf package and raffle prizes. Thank you to everyone who donated items.

This event for 2009 may be getting a bit of a revamp. We feel it is time to make a few changes to keep the interest and momentum of the event going. We are happy to get feedback from our members and sponsors on suggestions for 2009.

Not only is it great to be able to support the Children’s Hospital at Westmead but the highlight of the day is to see so many people from the Turf Industry enjoying themselves and catching up after a busy year.

	Guests at the Luncheon