e-News Edition #50 New

Date: 21-Aug-2025


Hot Topics

1. Real skills, real results – Finish the year strong with irrigation training!

2. That’s a Wrap! Highlights from the 2025 Waterwise Irrigation Expo

3. Celebrating the 2025 Waterwise award winners

4. Train smarter, not harder – Unlimited irrigation training for your whole team

5. South Australia kicks off 2025 with first networking event

6. Welcoming our new members for July 2025

7. Farewell for now: Maddison Coward begins maternity leave soon

8. Connect with local talent at the 2025 Toowoomba Jobs Expo

9. Let’s Talk About Mental Health – Staying steady through droughts, floods and change

10. Upcoming webinar: Risk Cultures and Water Futures

11. Registrations are open for the 2025 Western Australian Horticulture Update!

12. Construction Inquiry – Interim Report released

13. Skills Insight appoints new CEO


1. Real skills, real results – Finish the year strong with irrigation training!

There’s still time to make 2025 count! With plenty of course options still open, now is the perfect opportunity  to gain practical skills, boost your confidence, and strengthen your professional profile in the field of irrigation.

From hands-on welding workshops, to nationally recognised qualifications, Irrigation Australia’s flexible training options are designed to suit your schedule and deliver real-world results, whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your career.

Plan ahead – courses now available through June 2026

We’ve just loaded our training calendar through to June 2026 on our website, giving your even more flexibility to plan your learning journey! Whether you want to lock in your next qualification or schedule short courses to boost your skills, you can now view and book well in advance.

Training that works for you

More and more intakes are now delivered through our brand-new training platform, Ammonite, and the feedback has been fantastic! Learners are loving:

  • User-friendly navigation
  • Simple, streamlined course structure
  • Easy progress tracking throughout the program

Last chance to start the Certificate III in Irrigation Technology in NSW this year!

We're back in Paterson, NSW for our final Certificate III intake of 2025, and it kicks off in just 3 weeks!

This nationally recognised qualification is your gateway into the irrigation industry. Whether you’re starting out or upskilling, you’ll gain the hands-on knowledge to install, operate, and maintain irrigation systems across a variety of environments.

With strong job prospects and government support available for eligible students, now’s the time to secure your place in this growing, essential industry. Secure your spot today by registering here or emailing training@irrigation.org.au. 

Irrigation Australia is an approved Smart and Skilled provider for the Entitlement Program, offering government-subsidised training. This training is fee-free and fully subsidised by the NSW Government for eligible participants. Click here for more information.

Upcoming training

August:

September:







Click here to view all upcoming training.

Train your team and save

Upskill your workforce while saving on costs! Discounts are available for multiple staff enrolments from the same organisation. Contact training@irrigation.org.au to discuss group bookings.

Explore your funding options

Funding and subsidies are available for the Certificate III in Irrigation Technology (AHC32424) across QLD, NSW, SA, and WA. Several states have recently updated their funding programs, and Irrigation Australia has extended and renewed contracts to support trainees under new pathways like Career Start and Career Boost. Check your eligibility here or reach out to training@irrigation.org.au to learn more.


2. That’s a Wrap! Highlights from the 2025 Waterwise Irrigation Expo

The 2025 Waterwise Irrigation Expo, held on Wednesday 13 August at The Vines Resort, was our biggest and most vibrant yet - and it’s all thanks to you!

With a record-breaking number of registered delegates and an enthusiastic, engaged crowd, the day was filled with innovation, inspiration, and connection. Your energy, curiosity, and passion for water-efficient solutions are what make this event a highlight of our industry calendar year after year.

Feedback has been rolling in, and so far, it’s been overwhelmingly positive - this year’s Expo was a hit! The Mini Golf Challenge had everyone talking, with competitive spirit (and plenty of laughs) on display, while the TIACS mental health presentation was widely praised as one of the day’s most powerful and thought-provoking sessions.

One exhibitor summed it up perfectly:

“On behalf of Franklin Electric, Luke and I would like to thank Irrigation Australia for hosting such a well-run and engaging Waterwise Irrigation Expo. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry peers, catch up with familiar faces, and meet potential new customers. We truly value the platform the event provides to showcase our products and solutions, and to contribute to conversations around sustainable and efficient water management. We appreciate all the hard work that went into organising the day especially by you Bec, and look forward to supporting future events.” - Stephen Jennings, Franklin Electric

This year’s Expo brought together leading experts, suppliers, and practitioners to share knowledge, showcase innovation, and inspire change. Here’s what we explored together:

  • 27 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge irrigation solutions
  • Project spotlights on major irrigation upgrades from Rain Bird, Living Turf, and Western Irrigation
  • An innovation showcase with the latest smart tech from Hunter Industries
  • Demo of the new Ammonite learning platform, updates on course development and delivery, a preview of future training priorities, and an open feedback session to shape future training
  • An inspiring mental health session from TIACS
  • Waterwise Panel discussions on WA’s sustainable future
  • Mini Golf Challenge fun - with prizes for both the best and worst performances!

We thank every delegate, exhibitor, presenter, and sponsor for making the 2025 Waterwise Irrigation Expo a resounding success. If you missed it, or just want to look back on the day, you can now access the photos from the event here. We can’t wait to see you at the next one!







3. Celebrating the 2025 Waterwise award winners

Following the excitement of the 2025 Waterwise Irrigation Expo, the spotlight turned to recognising individuals and organisations making an outstanding contribution to water efficiency, innovation, and service within the irrigation industry. This year’s Waterwise Awards celebrated achievements that are shaping a more sustainable future for communities across Australia. Congratulations to the following award recipients:

Water Efficiency Individual Award - Mladen Thomas, City of Cockburn

Mladen has been a driving force in groundwater efficiency, maintaining usage at just 87% of the City’s groundwater allocation in 2023-24 through data-driven, adaptive irrigation practices. 

Water Efficiency Small Business Award - Alex Hall, Premier Turf Care

Led by Alex Hall, Premier Turf Care delivers projects that meet best-practice irrigation standards and align with Irrigation Australia’s Waterwise principles. By integrating smart systems, efficient design, and tailored solutions, they make sustainable practices both effective and accessible.

Water Efficiency Large Business Award - City of Gosnells

The City of Gosnells masterplan for a 29Ha sporting complex includes subsoil drainage, a new infield irrigation system, iron filtration, wetting agent dosing, and a weather station linked to a central controller. As a Gold Waterwise Council, the City is setting new benchmarks for irrigation efficiency and community engagement.

Irrigation Innovation Award - Agroglide

Agroglide has developed an affordable two-wire solution for residential and semi-commercial markets. Featuring NFC-enabled programming and multi-function automation, it delivers simplified installation, low maintenance, and smart, sensor-driven irrigation management.

Distinguished Service Awards

These awards are nominated either by regional committees or Irrigation Australia, recognising volunteers who’ve made a significant contribution to our Association and the industry more broadly.

Dave Furlong

Owner of Country Water Solutions, Dave has spent over 26 years building businesses, mentoring future irrigation professionals, and contributing generously to his community and the industry.

Paul Willmott

After an extensive career across the sector, Paul retires this month. Known for his passion, technical expertise, and dedication to training, Paul has inspired countless students and colleagues throughout his career.

These awards not only celebrate excellence but also highlight the collective efforts driving the irrigation industry towards a smarter, more sustainable future.


4. Train smarter, not harder – Unlimited irrigation training for your whole team

Our 12-month unlimited company subscription is helping teams across Australia upskill faster, onboard easier, and save money – and if you’re not on board yet, now’s the time!

For just $660 incl. GST, your team gets year-round access to our full suite of online irrigation training. It’s the simplest way to grow in-house expertise and stay ahead in a fast-moving industry.

Here’s what your peers are saying

“Being new to the industry and having done a lot of the online training available from suppliers, I can say that your training modules are very user friendly and more understandable than any of the others I have done or am completing currently.

It delves in far enough without going so far into technical depth that the basic learnings are lost or overcomplicated. At this early stage in my career, I’ve come away with more retainable information than anything I’d compare it to.”

What's included?

Introduction to Irrigation - Part A (4 hours, self-paced)

Certificate II fundamentals – perfect for newcomers in landscaping, property management, or retail. Learn the essentials of irrigation systems and components in an easy-to-follow format.

Introduction to Irrigation - Part B: Landscape (6 hours, self-paced)

Certificate III-level content for urban and open space environments. Covers advanced topics like commercial systems, filtration, pumps, backflow, design basics, and efficiency.

Introduction to Irrigation - Part B: Agricultural (5-hours, self-paced)

Certificate III-level content tailored for agriculture. Topics include drip and pivot systems, fertigation, pumps, water meters, soil management, and monitoring technology.

Why teams are choosing the subscription

  • Unlimited access for your staff for 12 months
  • Scalable - train 2 people or 200 for the same price
  • Cost-effective professional development
  • Supports onboarding and long-term skills growth
  • Learn anytime, anywhere

Already a member? Secure your training subscription now for just $660 incl. GST.

Not a member yet? Click here for instructions on becoming a member and sign up today to save!

Whether you're onboarding new staff, building technical knowledge, or supporting long-term career growth, this subscription is the easiest way to level up your workforce.

Click here to find out more and secure a subscription for your whole team today!


5. South Australia kicks off 2025 with first networking event

Last week, Irrigation Australia’s South Australian Committee hosted its first networking event of the year, bringing members and industry professionals together for a morning of insights and connection.

A big thank you to SAGE Automation for sponsoring the event and to the City of Tea Tree Gully for being such welcoming hosts.

Attendees heard from SAGE Automation on the rollout of low-cost SCADA as a Service (SCaaS) deployments for councils across Australia, a cloud-based model delivering Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition without the burden of managing infrastructure. The City of Tea Tree Gully team also shared their firsthand experience, demonstrating how SCADA has boosted efficiency, reduced manual tasks, and improved data visibility across operations.

The morning concluded with coffee, breakfast, and lively discussions, giving attendees the chance to exchange ideas and strengthen industry connections.

Thank you again to SAGE Automation, the City of Tea Tree Gully, and all who attended for making the event a success. We look forward to welcoming you to our next South Australian networking event!







6. Welcoming our new members for July 2025

Irrigation Australia is excited to announce the addition of several new members for July 2025. These members bring fresh perspectives and a shared passion for advancing irrigation technologies and practices across the country.

  • Smithtek Pty Ltd
  • Frenchams Landscaping Services
  • Mr Garron. D
  • Dr Fatemeh. K
  • Mr Chris. K
  • Mr Mark. V
  • Mr Clinton. W

Join Irrigation Australia today! 

As the peak national organisation representing Australia’s irrigation industry, we offer unmatched support and resources to help you thrive. Our members include professionals from across the sector, from manufacturers and retailers to water authorities and regulatory bodies, making this a powerful network for anyone in the field. 

Did you know, as a member of Irrigation Australia, you’ll gain access to exclusive networking events, discounted training and certification opportunities, and industry insights designed to support your growth and success. Don’t miss out on member-only benefits such as access to advocacy initiatives, discounted advertisement in our publications, and regional updates to keep you informed and ahead in the industry. Learn more about becoming a member and join here.


7. Farewell for now: Maddison Coward begins maternity leave soon

We would like to share that Maddison Coward, a valued member of our team, will be commencing maternity leave shortly. Her last working day will be Thursday, 4th September 2025.

Maddison has played an integral role in shaping and delivering our communications at Irrigation Australia, and her contribution has been greatly appreciated. We wish her all the very best as she begins this exciting next chapter and look forward to welcoming her back in 2026.

We are currently recruiting for Maddison’s maternity cover and hope to have someone commencing soon. In the meantime, if you have any questions or require assistance, please contact us via email at info@irrigation.org.au or call 07 3517 4000.

Thank you for your continued support.


8. Connect with local talent at the 2025 Toowoomba Jobs Expo

The Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET) has partnered with Workforce Australia to bring you this year’s Toowoomba Jobs Expo, happening on Thursday, 11 September from 9 am to 3 pm.

Following an incredible turnout of more than 2,500 attendees in 2024, this event is a must for employers wanting to:

  • Meet motivated jobseekers from a wide range of industries and backgrounds
  • Promote your current and upcoming vacancies, at no cost
  • Showcase your business as a leading employer in our region

Stallholder spots are still available for employers with job opportunities now or within the next four months.

Click here to learn more about the Expo or click here to register to be a stallholder.


9. Let’s Talk About Mental Health – Staying steady through droughts, floods and change

In our last Let’s Talk About Mental Health article, we talked about building a supportive team environment - the kind of culture where people feel safe to speak up and check in with each other.

That’s all well and good when the day-to-day is running smoothly. But what about when the challenges come from outside the team? Those things like the environment where the weather won’t play ball, when the rain either doesn’t come or doesn’t stop. Or when the rules change overnight? Those moments can really test all of us, not just our systems and budgets, but our mental and emotional reserves as well.

From working in the Irrigation Industry, you’ll know these situations aren’t rare. Droughts, floods, and sudden regulatory changes have a way of throwing our plans into chaos. They can leave us lying awake at night, wondering what next week will look like, or how we’re going to keep everything on track. While we can’t turn off the rain or rewrite the water plan, we can make those decisions on how we prepare for, respond to, and look after each other during these times.

Why these events hit hard

A long, dry spell can slowly grind you down. Every day you’re stretching resources, rethinking priorities, and watching costs creep up. Floods, on the other hand, hit fast and hit hard. You’re suddenly dealing with damage, delays, and a long list of things that need fixing, often before you’ve even had time to take it all in.

Then there’s regulatory changes - maybe not as dramatic as a flood, but still enough to unsettle us. Learning new requirements, adjusting processes, or worrying about penalties adds pressure on top of the work you already have. It’s no surprise that these situations can lead to stress, burnout, and mistakes - the exact kind of psychosocial hazards our WHS laws are designed to address.

Spotting the signs

Sometimes, the signs of stress are pretty obvious - people snapping at each other, getting frustrated, or clearly exhausted. Other times, it’s more subtle: someone who normally has an eye for detail starts making small errors, or a usually chatty colleague becomes quiet. Maybe you find yourself making decisions you’d normally think through or start skipping steps in a job because you’re under pressure.

The earlier we notice these signs in ourselves and our mates, the earlier we can do something about them.

Some practical steps to help us stay grounded

  • Control the controllables - focus on daily actions you can take.
  • Break big problems down - tackle one job, one zone, one valve at a time.
  • Stay connected - talk to a mate, a supervisor, or a service like TIACS.
  • Take short breaks - a few minutes can help clear your head.
  • Share accurate updates - especially when regulations change, clarity reduces anxiety.

Keeping team culture strong when it matters most

When things are unpredictable, team culture isn’t just “nice to have” - it’s essential. Leaders who keep the lines of communication open, check in regularly, and acknowledge the pressure everyone’s under can make a huge difference. A quick conversation in the morning, an honest update about what’s happening, or even just listening without rushing to “fix” the problem can go a long way.

And it’s not just up to managers. Every one of us can help keep the culture strong, by looking out for each other, sharing the load when we can, and reminding our mates they’re not in it alone.

Where to get help

You might not be able to control the weather or the regulations, but you can control how you show up for yourself and the people around you. Stay connected, focus on the things you can influence, and remember, even the best systems need maintenance, and that includes you. 


10. Upcoming webinar: Risk Cultures and Water Futures

Join OneBasin CRC’s next webinar on Thursday, 28 August at 1pm (AEST), as four global experts explore how risk and decision-making are being reimagined in a world of climate volatility, water scarcity, and complex change.

Speakers

  • Professor Vaughn Tan - Organisational adaptability & innovation
  • Lina Srivastava - Cultural & community transformation
  • Professor Ariella Helfgott - Foresight & scenario planning
  • Professor Seth Westra - Climate risk science

Through short, provocative presentations followed by a dynamic panel discussion, this webinar offers fresh perspectives on one of the most urgent and rapidly developing conversations in water, governance, and societal resilience today.

Register now to find out more about these issues and query our panel on what they see as the critical issues.


11. Registrations are open for the 2025 Western Australian Horticulture Update!

The Western Australian Horticulture Update (WAHU) returns on Wednesday, 22 October at Mandoon Estate, Swan Valley, bringing together growers, researchers, industry leaders, and government stakeholders to shape a more sustainable and resilient horticulture future.

This year’s theme will explore:

  • Advancing sustainability and food system resilience
  • Strengthening WA’s market position through innovation and collaboration

This one-day event is designed to spark meaningful conversations and foster powerful collaborations across WA's horticulture sector. Attendees will gain insights from leading voices in the industry through expert presentations, panel discussions, and real-world case studies. The program will highlight groundbreaking research and celebrate Western Australia’s world-class produce.

From sustainability strategies to economic resilience, WAHU 2025 will examine how we can future-proof our horticultural systems. It’s also a unique chance to connect with peers, providers, and changemakers who are helping shape the future of food and farming in WA.

Tickets are available now - register here to secure your spot!

Exhibitor enquiries: Contact Jennifer Birkhead at jennifer.birkhead@dpird.wa.gov.au or (08) 9777 0120.


12. Construction Inquiry – Interim Report released

The Queensland Productivity Commission (QPC) has released its Interim Report for the Opportunities to Improve Productivity of the Construction Industry inquiry.

This report outlines the Commission’s preliminary analysis, reform directions, and recommendations, and highlights areas where further evidence is sought. It follows the initial round of stakeholder consultation and is now available on the Commission’s website, along with submissions and comments received so far. Read the Interim Report here. 

Have your say

Stakeholder feedback is essential in shaping the final recommendations. The QPC is inviting comments on the issues raised in the Interim Report via its online submission portal. Submissions close 5:00pm, 28 August 2025. Click here to lodge your feedback. 


13. Skills Insight appoints new CEO

Skills Insight has announced the appointment of Dugald Murray as its new Chief Executive Officer, commencing 7 October 2025, following an extensive national recruitment process.

Murray brings more than 20 years’ experience in strategic leadership, governance, and stakeholder engagement, having held senior roles across industry, government, and education, including CEO of the Victorian TAFE Association and Executive Director at the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Skills Insight is the custodian of the AHC training package – the national source for all the accredited courses Irrigation Training Australia delivers.

Read the full media release to learn more about Dugald’s background and expertise.


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.

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