Issue No. 47 January 2019 Page 49REFERENCES1. Barton L, G Wan, R Buck and TD Colmer 2009. Does ‘splitting’ annual N application rates decrease N leaching from turfgrass on a sandy soil? Plant and Soil 316: 81–96.2. Barton L and TD Colmer 2006. Irrigation and fertiliser strategies for minimising nitrogen leaching from turfgrass. Agricultural Water Management 80: 160–175.3. Barton L, GGY Wan and TD Colmer 2006. Turfgrass production on sandy soils: I. Effects of irrigation and fertiliser regimes on growth and quality. Plant and Soil 284: 129–145.4. Barton L, GGY Wan and TD Colmer 2006. Turfgrass production on sandy soils: II. Effects of irrigation and fertiliser regimes on N leaching. Plant and Soil 284: 147–164.5. Evaluation of a soil moisture sensor to reduce water and nutrient leaching in turfgrass (Cynodon dactylon cv. Wintergreen). Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 47: 215–222.6. Ruscoe P, K Johnston and G McKenzie 2004. Turf Sustain: A guide to turf management in Western Australia. Sports Turf Technology. 88pp.7. Poulter, RE, Holborn, S & Dahler, J 2008, ‘Collation, analysis and research of thermal benefits of green life in the urban landscapes’, Horticulture Australia Limited Project Report HG06133, p. 35.8. Steinke, K, Chalmers, DR, Thomas, JC & White, RH 2009, ‘Summer drought effects on warm-season turfgrass canopy temperatures‘. Applied Turfgrass Science doi:10.1094/ATS-2009-0303-01-RS.9. Public greenspace and life satisfaction in urban Australia Christopher L. Ambrey and Christopher M. Fleming No. 2012-01 Series Editor: Professor Tom Nguyen10. http://www.plants.uwa.edu.au/research/turf-research-program11. http://uwa.academia.edu/KarenMartin12. https://www.natureplaywa.org.au/resources/green-time-vs-screen-time13. https://outdoorclassroomday.com.au/resource/screen-time-vs-green-time-tool/14. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side15. https://billionsinchange.com/solutions/water/16. http://www.turfgrasssod.org/pages/consumer-resources/how-turfgrass-affects-the-environment/17. http://www.dsr.wa.gov.au/support-and-advice/facility-management/developing-facilities/synthetic-turf-decision-guide OUR EXPERTISE SETS US APARTFLAME_LIV4733 12/18 Carbon Green® Activating, Buffering, Hydrating Carbon Green® is a nutritionally balanced, high carbon formulation to ensure strong turf establishment and even, sustained growth by combining the benefits of carbon, humates, magnesium, calcium and slow release methylene urea in a homogenous high grade fertiliser. Danny Hambleton | 0409 991 122 Jeff Lane | 0409 991 133 1300 556 116 | LivingTurf.com Turf Grass Times
Page 50 STA(WA) Member ProfileYour job title, where you work and what you do? Chris MarshCurrent title. Senior Technician Grounds University of WA.I contract manage all major Turf and Horticulture contracts over all UWA sites, Crawley, Nedlands and Claremont campuses and UWASports Park (McGillivray). As a qualified Turf manager and horticulturist I assess performance of the contractor, in addition I overseearbor (tree) and hardstand (paving) assessment and works of the sites mentioned.How long have you been in the WA turf industry?It’s actually 40 years this year since I commenced work at the Crawley campus on new years eve in 1976. I then spent 38 years turf curatingat UWA Sports Park (McGillivray), 34 of those years living on site as caretaker with my wife Sandy and our son Thomas.Thomas spent all his first 34 years, bar 3 months with us until we recently moved as the caretaker role was no longer required. Sandy andI moved to Northbridge and Thomas, now married with his beautiful young wife went his way to Bedford in 2014.Thomas worked with me as a qualified turf manager for 15 of those years.Your early years – where you started out, your work history and studies undertaken.I was educated in a private school, an then in 1968 studied Architecture at WAIT (now known as Curtin University). However due to therecession in 1974 I was retrenched and being a little disillusioned, I worked in hospitality for a few years before gaining 6 months workdraughting for the UWA Landscape Architect. One good thing happened in 1974, I met my future wife.Since I already knew the UWA Campus foreman because I had previously worked on the grounds during my 1968 holiday from WAITunder the legendary gardener George Munns, he asked me to work in grounds department and set up a mowing program. I think thenthat the great outdoors had finally captured me. My turf career started when I moved to McGillivray in 1977 to prepare wickets for thefirst time, luckily at the time a chap by the name of Roy Abbott was still around. “Keep it Simple Stupid” was his mantra. A great mentorin those days! My love of sport (playing cricket and AFL), botany, art and mowing my parent’s lawn set me on my way. It was only in thelate 80’s that I completed my horticulture and turf certificates as well a diploma in Management.Getting my name engraved on the C.H.Bailey shield was a major highlight of that time.Apart from working at McGillivray I spent 10 years commuting to UWA campus to prepare wickets on James Oval during the era ofGraham Wood and Chris Rogers.Managing a team, the ups and downs? How many staff work with /for you?Have had some interesting characters working along side me over the journey.Started out working for what I thought were old men, hard workers, very hands on, a shovel and wheelbarrow...to now days young blokesand women working with this old man, using all the swanky gear imaginable plus the gadgets to go with it.In the early years, we had at least 8 in the team at the McGillivray ovals. With no in-ground irrigation it seemed that we were forevermoving portable water pipe and travelling irrigators as well as an endless cycle of mowing with 36” Dennis mowers to cut 18 hectares ofturf. With new machinery and methods the past 20 years has seen the staff reduced to 4, including me as supervisor with help now andthen coming from the main campus. For many years McGillivray was known to the UWA campus horticulture team as the ‘green desert’. Itwas the place to send wayward youth and or apprentices for me to ‘sort out’ or toughen up... some times easy, sometimes a real challenge.I must say that in recent years the UWA ground staff have been dedicated, qualified and driven individuals with a wonderful work ethic,who love to work hard with humour and committment. All have gone on to forge brilliant careers in turf and elsewhere.What do you love about your work?I think my architectural background (design and presentation), my reasonably ordered mind for planning purposes and a love of sportshas influenced the way I approach maintenance and the preparation of sports facilities, i.e, precise measurement, dimensions, function,design for maintenance and final presentation whether it be for the built form or sports grounds.Don’t we all like the final product! It is however the challenge of growing turf in our harsh environment, constraints of the weather, whichis ever changing, and getting people on the park whenever they want to is really why I love my job.Give us a humorous or interesting work story.As on site caretaker for many years I experienced several unwanted after hours activities, mainly involving vehicles doing silly things onthe ovals. One lad I caught doing doughnuts on the cricket wicket the Friday night before a game. I told him I would not call the police ifhe fronted both teams on Saturday to say he was sorry for his actions. He did with fear in his eyes and a better person for it now I think!The best day at work you can recall.Many best days...they are the ones where a major event commences after weeks of lead in preparation going relatively smoothly. Generallyit’s a Friday, to see your field mown and striped up with straight marking, is a good day every week.World lacrosse July 2002 was a major challenge and ultimate triumph. Then to receive a letter of gratitude was a bonus. Turf Grass Times Issue No. 47 January 2019
Issue No. 47 January 2019 Page 51Example of what a bad day at work is?Similarly, bad days and weeks do happen, but hopefully for the good of your experience. Have you ever gotten the wicket rollerbogged? I have, many times! Preparation for major events tend to be stressful, particularly when you lose control of the movement ofinfrastructure vehicles, semitrailers etc, taking over your pristine turf. A Silverchair concert in the 90’s was a case in point.Much repair work required, a bloody nightmare, we leant a great lesson though, total control and no more concerts on my patch!Why did you choose this career?It was the circumstance of disillusion with a desk bound career, sport, particularly cricket and interests in horticulture. It is thesurface (turf grass,synthetic grass, clay for tennis ) we prepare for people to exercise, recreate and compete on that is the key thatdrives us turfies.It is the turf that is a part of the greater landscape that in turn is so important for our physical and mental health. Wander throughUWA Campus, Kings Park or Burswood and you will see what I mean.What do you think that your legacy will be for the WA Turf Industry?Legacy, legend, guru are words bandied around when someone like me has been in the business or career for a long time. I thinkfor some of my fellow workers it’s been my work ethic,good nature and humour that has worn off on them, my ability to pass onknowledge and years of experience to others at the same time being a good listener for new and different ways of doing things. It isan industry that accepts the old like me and the young.I call it the Industry that keeps on giving without fear or favour .Closer to home the reputation of UWA Sports Park as a premier multisports facility, State, Nationally and Internationally, I thinkhas been earned by the continued improvements made by myself and my professional colleagues over a long time.Conservatively over 500,000 people use Sports Park every year.Who has inspired you in the turf industry and why?Most practitioners in this business are passionate. All those who have crossed my path have inspired me to continue to improve andachieve. Several, however tend to stand out.Way back my lecturers, Jim Clements and Lin Hambleton... the hands on approach of Jim and the academic prowess of Lin marriedtogether equals success in this industry.John Forrest and Danny Hambleton...close friends and confidants, a wealth of knowledge to tap into without hesitation.Phil O’Neill, his work ethic through good times and bad, a great mate with many stories. Matthew Lunn...his amazing knowledge ofthe plant world and vision for landscape and Vinnie Kapur.... at true turf manager extraordinaire.Who inspires you in life and why?My wife Sandy, her sense of style and the unwavering ability to be for many years a cricketer’s widow and then cricket curator’swidow.My son Thomas, for his ability to work with me for 15 years with some of his fellow workers at times not realizing he was my son.He has a strong work ethic, kind nature and ability to make you laugh. He is my mate as well as my son. He’s now moved on into asuccessful career within the mining industry.Work/life family balance, how have you found this working in turf?Living on site for so many years was a bonus for looking after turf, particularly cricket wickets, but one becomes married to it. Forany worthwhile holiday we had to go elsewhere.My position now entails office work (come full circle) and site visits...less on the tools, less sun, less frosty mornings. My doctoronce told me my job was good for my health, I do agree so I aim not to spend a lot of time in front of a screen...definitely not good for your health!Going home to Northbridge where I have a house and small garden by walking around the river orthrough Vinnie’s park is a privilege not a chore. Although all those years at McGillivray and justwalking across the road to work was also very acceptable.Sandy says I don’t dream and talk in my sleep about grass much anymore.If you won lotto would you remain in the industry?Yes I would, although more of a chance to travel, my passion is photography.Even working now as a contract manager the contact I still have with young turf peopleis ever present, so tend to chew the fat more often than not on turf matters ,it isa form of mentoring isn’t it? Lets hope there is something I can pass on of value,although I can’t tell them how to do their jobs. The ability to keep in contact withthe industry through the Association is paramount... cant see me disappearingany time soon! Regards, Chris. Turf Grass Times
Page 52 SPORTS TURF ASSOCIATION (WA) Incorporated Association NEWS PO Box 8492 | Perth B.C. | WA 6849 PRESIDENTS REPORTThis year has without doubt been a year of the STA(WA) ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2018 continuing to move forward in strength. We have enjoyed a busy calendar of events and Membership and EVENTS 2017-2018 Since our last AGM we have successfully hosted:Sponsorship numbers are well up on last year. For that I am very • Toro Regional Sports Field and Grounds Forum (Lark Hillgrateful for all efforts made by my fellow committee members Sports Complex 8 November 2017)and most especially by Eva Ricci for not only all those behind • WA Turf Industries Awards 2017 (Hartfield GC, Forrestfieldthe scenes organisational tasks but also for her unwavering 23 January 2018)solicitation with new friends to become members and or • STA(WA) & SM TAFE BBQ Breakfast (SM TAFE, Murdochsponsors with the STA(WA). 7 February 2018) • STA(WA) Members Day at Ascot (Ascot Race Course 21 February 2018) • STA(WA) Irrigation Seminar (Reece Depot, Jandakot 12 April 2018) • STA(WA) Chemical Refresher Course (All Saints College, Bull Creek 14 June 2018) • MowMaster Cricket Pitch Seminar (Richardson Oval, South Perth 29 August 2018) • WA Turf Industries Awards 2018 (Hartfield GC, Forrestfield 30 October 2018) • STA(WA) Annual General Meeting & Golf Challenge STA(WA) Annual General Meeting 2018 (Hartfield GC, Forrestfield 21 November 2018)I am also glad to announce that with the support of my fellowcommittee members we have made a determined effort to MEMBERSHIP / SPONSORSHIPsafeguard the association’s administration and operations to As mentioned earlier membership numbers have continued tobe more securely transferred between successive office bearers, increase. At this time last year, we were very pleased to see thenow and into the future. Over the last few years we have association’s membership tally increase to 185, after many yearsadopted internet-based technologies such as online access to a of a slow but stable list of between 165 and 171. Although a fewpersonal WD My Cloud dual backup storage of our complete members have unfortunately decided to leave the association,organisational files and data. These files can be accessed, edited we have also gained some new members and sponsorship. Suchand replaced by any authorised member of the committee. that our new tally now stands at 217 members. Included in thisAlso, as you may know a few years ago we switched to Westpac number of new members are seven new sponsors. These areBank to allow online access to our bank accounts and the Hunter Industries, Rainbird Australia, Spraymaster Sprayshop,ability to perform bankcard transactions. Since then our latest EM & J Rosher, Living Turf, JBH Horticulture Services andacquisition has been a monthly subscription to a new online Ralphy’s Lawn and Garden Supplies. Joining them we also haveaccounting software for managing our accounting processes. three existing member companies who decided to increase theirThe QuickBooks online system allows us much greater flexibility level of sponsorship with the STA(WA). These are MowMaster,by having all the STA(WA) accounting data stored securely and Turfcare Australia and Toro Australia. Their support of thisaccessible in a subscribed cloud that can also be accessed via any industry is without doubt a valued endorsement towards ancomputer, device or phone. The new software has interactive link exciting and resilient future.between the STA(WA) bank accounts and the management ofissuing invoices and receipts of payments, giving us the ability totrack sales and expenses. New Members and Sponsors 2017-2018With the adoption of the new system, the transition has taken • Reece Irrigation – Andrew Webb (Rockingham), Jeromelonger than we would have liked. The switch to a fully emailissued invoicing system has presented some unfortunate Plassan (Canning Vale), Justin Foley (Osborne Park)instances where certain members have not been as responsive to • Ralphy’s Lawn & Garden Supplies - Kerion Ralphemail as they were to posted copy. However, it is hoped that these • JBH Horticulture Services – Jack Ma & John Forrestteething issues will be resolved in the very near future. • Toro Australia – Brad Anderson & Scott WallisI would like to take this opportunity to thank Hugh Gardner • EM & J Rosher – Cameron Rosher & Ben Russellfor his efforts in obtaining the new accounting software for the • Living Turf – Danny Hambleton & Jeff LaneSTA(WA). As many of you may know, in early October Hugh • Turfcare Australia – Stephen Dartnall & Greg Jacksonrelocated to Melbourne in search of greener pastures. We wish • Adam Davey Consulting – Adam DaveyHugh and his wife Rachel well and high hopes for their future • SST Australia – Tim Smithsuccess. Hugh’s sudden departure also left a vacancy in the • Hunter Industries – Rob Goughcommittee role of Treasurer and I would like to express my • Gro-Turf – Stuart Watsonsincere thanks to Greg Jackson for stepping up to fill the position • Rainbird Australia – Adam Strachanduring the interim. • Landscape Elements – Stuart McIntosh • Hartfield Golf Course – Nick Kinley • Landsave Organics – Brent Burns Turf Grass Times Issue No. 47 January 2019
Issue No. 47 January 2019 Page 53 at the seminar for their input and so please contact either myself• Naturaliste Turf – Chris Shreeve or Eva as soon as possible.• Amazon Soils / Richgro – David Miles• Spray Master Spray Shop – Kevin Kentish & Brad Costello Likewise, please know that we also invite all members, sponsors,• LWP Property Group – Scott Steer trade and industry to have input at any time into the organisation• Wanneroo City Council – Chris Langsford, Grant of our future events. We are very keen to seek your assistance andChettleburgh, Dave Howson, Gavin Hasset, David Green, remain abreast with current educational and promotional trendsJohn Watson, Roger Goulding, Evan Pethick, Bill Whalley, for the benefit of a sustained and vibrant industry. During 2019Graeme Beaton, Nicole Weber we will be holding STA(WA) Committee meetings on the second• Kojonup Shire Council – Marina Murray Tuesday of each month of at 4:00pm in the ground’s shed office at All Saints’ College in Bull Creek.New names and new industry positions• Globe Growing Solutions – Trevor Strachan and Brent NEW COMMITTEEMcPherson STA(WA) Executive Comittee 2018-2019• Nuturf – Aaron Petrovski President: Tony Guy (All Saints’ College)• T-Quip – Nick Clayton, Richard Gainsford & Jo Clements Treasurer: Greg Jackson (Turfcare Australia)• C-Wise – Colin Rossbridge Secretary: Richard Gainsford (T-Quip)• Baileys Fertilisers – Goff Manuel & Dave Parsons Education: John Forrest (JBH Horticulture Services)• Subiaco CC – Graeme Southey Events: Haydn Hamilton (Programmed PS)• Syngenta – Dean Moshe Memberships: Chris Langsford (Wanneroo City Council)• Dardanup Shire Council – Nigel Lyon In closing I would like to thank my fellow committee members, past and present, for their outstanding committement of volunteerNEW EVENTS 2019A 2019 STA(WA) calendar of events can be seen on page 41. hours & professional effort that they put in without complaintPlease note that this is a draft only. As you can see to start the time and again. Similarly I would also like to express my sincereyear, we proposed to change the single morning breakfast BBQ at gratitude and appreciation for the support an encouragement ISouth Metro TAFE for a round of BBQ lunches to better acquaint receive from the grounds team at my work, including the Facilitiesthe apprentices and students of each year group with industry Manager and leadership team at All Saints‘ College.colleagues. I hope you can support this initiative, regardless as Regards, Tony Guywhether you’re a supervisor or not. STA(WA) President2019 also marks the return of the WA Turf Seminar. Planningfor the event has begun and following feedback from pastevents we intend to split the seminar day with more externaldemonstrations and practical displays. The STA(WA)committee would like to especially invite all interested trademembers who wish to either demonstrate, display or present Triumphant STA (WA) Golf Challenge participants Turf Grass Times
“ To promote education and research forthose engaged in the turf grass industry...” PRESIDENT TREASURER SECRETARY Tony Guy Greg Jackson Richard Gainsford Mob: 0499 211 303 Mob: 0487 880 001 Tel: (08) 9313 9378 [email protected] [email protected] Fax: (08) 9310 4726 Mob: 0417 977 [email protected] MEMBERSHIPS EDUCATION EVENTS Chris Langsford John Forrest Haydn Hamilton Mob: 0428 100 104 Mob: 0457 766 552 Mob: 0400 589 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] WA WA Turf Executive Officer Eva Ricci Tel/ Fax: (08) 9437 2180 Mob: 0422 120 990 [email protected] Sports Turf Association of Australia (WA) Incorporated.PO Box 8492 | Perth BC, WA 6849 | [email protected] | www.sportsturfwa.asn.au
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