e-News Edition #32

Date: 06-Nov-2024

Hot Topics

1. Announcing the 2025 Waterwise Irrigation Expo!

2. Welcoming our new members for September 2024

3. Last intakes for 2024 - Secure your spot now!

4. IALSA Member Event at Greenfields Wetland

5. Supporting mental health in our industry: Our commitment to TIACS

6. The importance of industry training in the irrigation sector: Why compliance and skills matter

7. Waterwise offer launched to ease pressure on dams

8. Mental Health Week - A time to reflect and act

9. WaterAid WASH Webinar - Registrations now open!

1. Announcing the 2025 Waterwise Irrigation Expo!

Mark your calendars for the 13th of August 2025! The highly anticipated Waterwise Irrigation Expo is set to take place at Novotel Vines Resort in Perth, WA. This event promises to bring together irrigation professionals, innovators, and industry leaders to explore the latest in waterwise technologies and practices.

Exhibitor registrations are now open, and with 50% of the available booths already allocated, the event is quickly gaining momentum! Exhibiting at the Waterwise Irrigation Expo offers a unique opportunity for businesses to showcase their products and services to a highly targeted audience focused on sustainable water management and irrigation efficiency. The unique approach with timed activities ensures high quality interactions between exhibitors and delegates.

With demand for booths high, interested exhibitors are encouraged to secure their spots as soon as possible to ensure they don’t miss out. For booth inclusions, sizing, and pricing, you can download the Exhibitor Prospectus here. For delegates, the full prospectus, including details on speakers, sessions, and networking opportunities, will be available early in 2025.

Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t miss the chance to be part of this landmark event that is driving the future of waterwise irrigation! Please send any enquiries to rebecca.new@irrigation.org.au.

2. Welcoming our new members for September 2024

Irrigation Australia is excited to announce the addition of several new members for September 2024. These members bring fresh perspectives and a shared passion for advancing irrigation technologies and practices across the country.

Welcoming our new members:

• Property Water Solutions (QLD)
• Irrex (WA)
• Shire of Collie (WA)
• Canegrowers Burdekin Ltd (QLD)
• SFA Australia Pty Ltd (NSW)
• Katy M (WA)
• Mark P (QLD)
• Sebastien R (WA)
• Mark W (WA)

Member Spotlight: How you can get involved

As we continue to grow, Irrigation Australia is pleased to announce the launch of our Member Spotlight initiative. Each month, we will feature one of our valued members in an exclusive profile that highlights their contributions, innovations, and experiences within the irrigation industry. If you’d like to be featured or know a member who deserves the spotlight, please reach out to maddison.coward@irrigation.org.au.

We look forward to showcasing the incredible work happening across the country and fostering connections within our vibrant community!

3. Last intakes for 2024 - Secure your spot now!

As we approach the final months of 2024, this is your final opportunity to enhance your expertise and gain valuable industry certifications and qualifications with Irrigation Australia’s training courses! Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned professional, each of our courses are designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to stay ahead in the irrigation industry.

Why choose Irrigation Australia?

• Expert instructors: Learn from seasoned professionals with years of practical experience in the field.
• Flexible learning options: With in-person intakes throughout Australia, virtual, and blended learning formats, you can choose the option that best suits your schedule.
• Hands-on training: Our courses emphasise practical, hands-on learning to ensure that you not only understand the theory but can also apply your knowledge in real-world situations.

Ready to take the next step? Register now to secure your spot!

• Electrofusion & Butt-Welding Course - 2 Day Training Course – Paterson, NSW 
• Meter Installation & Validation - 3 Day Training Course – Tamworth, NSW 
• Irrigation Pumps and Systems - 3 Day Training Course – Brisbane, QLD
• Certified Irrigation Installer – 3 Day Training Course – Perth, WA
• Certified Irrigation Systems Auditor – 4 Day Training Course – Paterson, NSW
• Irrigation Systems Efficiency – 3 Day Training Course – Perth, WA

Interested in training with Irrigation Australia but can't find the exact course, location, or time that suits you?

We're committed to delivering training that best suits your needs, and we'd love to hear your input! To help us determine the most convenient training courses, locations, and times of year for delivery, we've created a quick and easy Expression of Interest form. Your feedback will ensure that we're offering the right opportunities for you and others in the irrigation industry. Our training team will review your submission based on the information provided and will be in touch with available dates, locations, and any further information. Complete the form here. 

Funding options available!

Irrigation Australia has a variety of funding and subsidies available in QLD, NSW, SA, and WA for the Certificate III in Irrigation Technology (AHC32422)! Click here to find out more and to see if you are eligible. If you have any questions, please email training@irrigation.org.au. 

4. IALSA member event at Greenfields Wetland

On Wednesday the 16th of October, Irrigation Australia is holding a member-only event at the Watershed Cafe and Wetlands Salisbury Highway. After a nice coffee and breakfast, members will embark on a guided tour of the wetlands with presentations from Bruce Naumann from City of Salisbury and from the newly appointed Chair of the South Australia Regional Committee, Brett Webber from Newtons Building and Landscape.

The City of Salisbury is renowned for its approach to urban stormwater management. Stormwater run-off passes through at least one of the City’s 70 + constructed wetlands prior to discharge to the marine environment. Trash, sediments and chemical pollutants are removed, and a significant portion of the cleansed water is harvested and stored for reuse. A dedicated business unit, Salisbury Water, was formed to operate the alternative water supply scheme. Salisbury Water staff and Council staff will provide a presentation and tour of the wetland. Infrastructure at the site includes stormwater harvesting, Managed Aquifer Recharge wells, pump station and a brackish groundwater desalination unit. Irrigation infrastructure includes a typical Hunter irrigation controller and surface irrigation typical of what is used across the City of Salisbury.

Spaces are limited, with 30 members already registered! For a unique opportunity to network with fellow members, enjoy a delicious breakfast, and gain insight into one of South Australia's most innovative stormwater management projects, secure your spot by registering here.

5. Supporting mental health in our industry: Our commitment to TIACS

Irrigation Australia has proudly handed a donation to This Is A Conversation Starter (TIACS) following our Sydney event. We decided to recognise the incredible work of the charity many months ago and make the donation in lieu of significant gifts for speakers.

But it gets better – inspired by Jason Banks’ speech at the conference dinner, both Maclean-Iedema award recipients, Ben Chapman and Chris Thompson have donated a sizeable proportion of their prize, and our own Senior Trainer and Assessor, Stuart Alexander contributed his recent training awards prize to the group. Their decision not only exemplifies the community spirit that defines our industry but also highlights the importance of mental health support. For those that don’t know, TIACS is a free phone and text counselling service dedicated to providing vital mental health support to Australia’s blue-collar community. At the core of our industry lies the hard work and dedication of countless individuals, and it is essential that we continue to champion their mental well-being. Together, with the continued support of organisations and individuals, we can ensure that mental health remains a priority in our community.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ben, Chris, and Stuart for their inspiring contributions and to TIACS for their incredible work that they do. If you'd like to get involved, check out the TIACS website here.

6. The importance of industry training in the irrigation sector: Why compliance and skills matter

In the world of irrigation, good training isn’t just a “nice to have” – it’s essential. With Australia’s water resources becoming more precious, we need skilled professionals who know how to make every drop count.

Australia’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) system, backed by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), makes sure that industry training sticks to national standards. For sectors like irrigation, this means workers are up to date with the latest techniques and fully compliant with industry regulations. This is especially important in rural areas where roles like Certified Meter Installers (CMI) and Duly Qualified Persons (DQP) are crucial. Some projects even require Certified Irrigation Installers to make sure everything is done right from the get-go.

ASQA plays a key role here by making sure Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) – like Irrigation Australia RTO #91313 – are delivering training that ticks all the boxes. Courses like the AHC32422 - Certificate III in Irrigation Technology and short courses like the Irrigation Installer course don’t just meet compliance requirements – they’re designed to teach the exact skills the irrigation industry needs right now.

Take AHC32422, for example. It’s a comprehensive program covering everything from installing irrigation systems to understanding the latest water management practices. It helps workers build a strong foundation for their career while staying ready for the changes coming in irrigation tech.

On the other hand, the Irrigation Installer short course zeroes in on the essential skills for maintaining and repairing irrigation systems, which is crucial for keeping everything running smoothly in a water-conscious country like Australia.

By sticking to ASQA standards, these courses guarantee that the people working in the irrigation sector have the skills, safety know-how, and environmental awareness needed to get the job done right. Plus, employers and workers alike can feel confident that they’re meeting all the necessary regulations.

Investing in training that aligns with nationally accredited qualifications not only boosts the skills of the workforce, but also ensures the irrigation sector continues to thrive. The training support from Irrigation Australia RTO #91313, along with help from industry partners, keeps training efficient and accessible – making it a win-win for employers and students.

Click here to view our upcoming training programs for 2024/ 2025.

7. Waterwise offer launched to ease pressure on dams

To help save valuable water and reduce bills, Water Corporation, in partnership with Irrigation Australia WA, has launched a new Waterwise Irrigation Rebate (WIR) offering up to $200 off eligible waterwise irrigation products or services for residents in Perth and Peel.

The rebate aims to save 155 million litres of water by encouraging upgrades to waterwise irrigation systems and controllers. Last year's program saved 286 million litres, and this initiative supports the state's Waterwise Perth Action Plan. The rebate is available until May 2025 or until the allocation is exhausted, with regional offers coming soon. For more details, visit the Water Corporation website.

Read the full media statement here.

8. Mental Health Week - A time to reflect and act 

This week we celebrate Queensland Mental Health Week, featuring World Mental Health Day World Mental Health Day on Thursday 10th October. It’s also National Safe Work Month.

Social media is likely to be filled with important messages reminding us to check in with one another. Since its founding in November 2009, the "R U OK?" movement has grown, empowering people to open up conversations about mental health. This week, we recognise that the awareness of mental health is something that is ongoing and discussed more openly.

At Irrigation Australia, we’re proud of fostering a culture where conversations about mental health happen year-round in our workplace. We don’t wait for a particular day to ask how someone is doing; we start the conversation when it is needed. We have been building an environment where checking in with each other, sharing our struggles, and normalising mental health discussions is becoming part of who we are. Those of you who attended Jason Banks’ keynote address at the Irrigation Australia Conference likely felt the deep significance of his message. His insights into mental health underscored the importance of continuing these conversations in our workplace.

A key takeaway from that event is this: we always have someone to reach out to. It’s vital to keep talking, keep connecting, and keep pushing against the stigma that still surrounds mental health. And as important as it is to check in with others, we must first check in with ourselves. Are we genuinely OK, or are we barely staying afloat, overwhelmed by the pressures of life? Are our coping mechanisms still working, or is it time to reassess and develop new strategies for navigating the world around us?

So, during Mental Health Week or any day that works for you, take a moment for yourself. Sit back, breathe, and ask: “Am I really doing OK?” If the answer feels uncertain, reach out. You are not alone. If you need someone to talk to confidentially, remember you can always call or text TIACS at 0488 848 988 for a confidential and free consultation.

As the “R U OK?” campaign reminds us, “Asking the question, 'Are you OK?' can make a real impact in the workplace. By fostering a culture where we can be comfortable asking and answering this simple, yet powerful question, we’re not just fulfilling our legal responsibility to provide a safe and healthy workplace – we’re making a genuine difference in the lives of those around us.”

9. WaterAid WASH Webinar - Registrations now open!

WaterAid Australia works to unlock people’s potential with clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene. We use the acronym WASH a lot. WASH stands for water, sanitation and hygiene, three of the most important things when it comes to living a healthy life. Globally 703 million people lack access to clean water close to home, almost 1.5 billion do not have a decent toilet of their own and almost 2.3 billion people in the world lack soap and water for handwashing at home.

In this webinar, a member of WaterAid’s technical team will discuss in more detail exactly what is WASH and why it is so important, and how the water industry can support its objectives.

The webinar is taking place on Wednesday 30th October, at 11AM AEST. To register for the upcoming webinar, click here.

Click here if you are interested in becoming an Irrigation Australia Member.

Click here to view upcoming Training Courses.

Click here to view the latest Career Opportunities available within the Irrigation Industry.