The expression “strength in numbers” is the driving force behind the recent joint venture for STA NSW & ACT (Sports Turf Association).

At the end of 2011, the committee of TGAA ACT voted to change its name to STA and join forces with NSW to help promote its events and strengthen membership. This amalgamation will allow ACT members to have access to the On Common Grounds magazine produced by NSW as well as enewsletters. This will help promote education and networking throughout both regions.

NSW recently held its first event for the year, the annual Golf Day, held at Lynwood Country Club, a links-style course at Pitt Town set among the Hawkesbury River and Pitt Town Lagoon. Concern arose as only days before, the river was to flood and potentially wash out the event, not to mention the many turf farms, businesses and homes that would be affected in the area. Luckily, the anticipated high waters were not seen and amazingly, despite torrential rain before the event, it was a dry day. An amazing job was done by Martin O’Malley, course superintendent, and his staff to present it so well.

Preparations are now underway for STA’s first educational event for the year on April 17 at Ryde TAFE. This sports turf seminar and trade show offers up-to-date information for people working on and managing sports fields, bowling greens and golf courses etc. An extensive program is planned including machinery demonstrations and displays of the latest equipment and products available.

All information on the seminar can be found at www.sportsturf.asn.au

The website also includes a list of all events for 2012 in NSW and ACT.