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AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 22.6
A year that challenged all, but brought out the best
As an extraordinary year draws to a close, it’s an opportunity to reflect on events and assess how much has changed over the past year. This year has been referred to as a year of chaos, where almost every element of our daily lives were impacted to some degree or another. Whether it be impacts and changes to our personal or professional lives, it’s fair to say that 2020 will be remembered for a long time and many of the changes resulting from restrictions and changing regulations will be with us for some time yet.
For the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA), the changes to restrictions and regulations resulted in the need to significantly adjust our way of operating. Despite that, I remain very pleased with the level of support we were able to provide when it was needed the most. 2020 also saw the induction of a new Board, with Peter Lonergan (Coolangatta & Tweed Heads GC, NSW) taking over the reins as president from Brett Balloch (Anglesea GC, Vic) in August. We also welcomed Ben Tilley (Headland GC, Qld) and Damian Hough (Adelaide Oval, SA) to the Board and with this change we have developed a clear approach to deliver on industry priorities for 2021.
One constant that changes very little from year to year are the challenges that summer brings with it for sports turf managers. Presenting a range of challenges already, this year is perhaps further compounded with long-term forecasts predicting either an exceptionally long dry summer or a very wet few months ahead, depending on which part of the country you are in.
The previous months have seen golf rounds continue to increase right across the country. While this is a great sign for the sport as it bounces back from COVID, it does place further pressure on already stretched teams to manage their playing surfaces and conditions.
MEMBER FEEDBACK
The ASTMA recently completed a comprehensive member survey with a fantastic response rate. Members provided feedback on the activities and performance of the association, as well as a great deal of insight into the areas they would like to see us continue our focus into 2021 and beyond. (See page 34 for a summary of the survey results).
As noted in member feedback, one of the largest areas of concern for turf managers at facilities right across the country in 2020 is staffing. Both bringing new talent into the industry and the retention of qualified staff are high on the priority list to work through.
We started working with government departments in various states on this issue, with the first programme of work a range of sports turf management advocacy videos being released in Victoria. Further activities across other states have been delayed due to COVID-19, however, the work will pick up again in 2021 to continue to attract talent into the industry and improving conditions.
Through a difficult year, the ASTMA has continued to undertake and deliver some great work and I would like to take the opportunity to thank the team for their stoic approach to continuing to support the industry through a trying 12 months. In addition to the employment videos, the team delivered a suite of initiatives, among them including;
l The launch of the 2020 Golf Course Sustainability Project;
l Becoming a signatory to The R&A’s Women in Golf Charter;
l Completing an affiliation agreement with
l the US Sports Turf Managers Association; Delivering leadership development support for members;
l Embarking on the ANTEP 5 trial and couchgrass variety trial;
l Developing essential turf maintenance statements for sports turf facilities for State Governments through COVID;
l The development of the ASTMA Certification Program;
l In conjunction with the Australian Golf Industry Council, support was also provided for bushfire relief, research into golf participation and mental health;
l 2021 will also see the launch of the Golf
Course 2030 programme which is being led by the ASTMA and Golf Australia.
As I have taken the opportunity to reflect, I am constantly thankful for the support we have received over the past 12 months. I therefore would like to take the opportunity to pass on our gratitude to each of our trade partners who continue to support us. Your assistance and collaboration are truly valued and the programmes we are able to develop and deliver to thousands of sports turf managers wouldn’t be possible without your support.
Lastly, but by no means least, I would also like to thank the diligent and continually hardworking team at the association who push forward despite the challenges, collectively strive to deliver the best support possible and who all remain committed to taking the industry forward.
This year, more than ever, stay safe.
AGCSATech embarked on a number of turf trials in 2020, including a couchgrass variety trial recently planted out at Sorrento Golf Club, Vic
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