e-News Edition #51 New

Date: 04-Sep-2025

Hot Topics

1. CEO Update

2. Wrap up 2025 with training - Open 2026 with opportunity

3. Boost your irrigation skills for just $110 – Limited places available!

4. Expressions of interest now open – Help us bring irrigation training back to the NT and Tasmania

5. Webinar recording now available: Beyond the Resume – How Social Media and Culture Fit are Shaping the Future of Hiring in Irrigation

6. The Irrigation Australia Talent Hub – Employers Wanted!

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

1. CEO Update

Today I'm sharing that I will complete my contract as CEO of Irrigation Australia shortly, with my last day being 11 September.

I expect to be involved for a little while beyond this date in a casual capacity, to transition to a flatter leadership structure, and assist in maintaining important projects and activities.

I will very soon be seeking my next job opportunity but hoping that I can get a short break in between gigs as well.

There will be more information released about Irrigation Australia soon.

Cheers Dave

2. Wrap up 2025 with training - Open 2026 with opportunity

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 recently 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 join the Certified Irrigation Installer course in Townsville this year!

Kicking off this September, this is your final opportunity in 2025 to gain nationally accredited skills and become a recognised professional in the irrigation industry!

Designed for both newcomers and those with industry experience, the course builds practical skills in irrigation installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and product knowledge, while exploring the latest technologies and methods. Across six accredited units, you’ll cover everything from interpreting irrigation plans and installing new systems to understanding soil properties and assessing system performance.

Plus, this course can be used as a direct pathway into the Certificate III in Irrigation Technology (AHC32424)! Register here to secure your spot!

Upcoming training

September:

October:

November:

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.

3. Boost your irrigation skills for just $110 – Limited places available!

Thanks to funding from the Queensland Government, Irrigation Australia is proud to deliver a heavily subsidised Irrigation Efficiency and Practical Skills Micro-credential, and at just $110 per student (incl. GST), this is an opportunity you can’t afford to miss.

Delivered entirely online via Microsoft Teams over two interactive half-day sessions, the program combines clear, practical theory with hands-on demonstrations and exercises you can complete from wherever you are. Senior trainer Stuart Alexander brings years of real industry expertise, ensuring every session is engaging, practical, and directly relevant to your workplace.

Participants are already raving about the course, calling it:

“A great course for anyone looking to better understand the irrigation industry or widen their knowledge.”

“Easy to follow, even if you’re not confident with technology.”

And with the intuitive Ammonite learning platform, logging in and keeping up is simple!

Why you should enrol

Gain practical, workplace-ready irrigation skills
Learn about irrigation systems, design, soils, pumps, and hydraulics
Complete interactive activities like the “bucket test” and soil textural jar test
Receive expert guidance from one of our leading trainers
No need to leave your workplace

Who can apply

This subsidised training is open to staff and industry entrants across Queensland. While state government departments and agencies are excluded, local councils and other organisations are encouraged to register.

Next intake: 23 – 24 September

Register now to avoid missing out on this intake or view the full schedule of upcoming dates through to March 2026.

Invest in your skills, your career, and the future of irrigation in Queensland - all for just $110. Register today and help us grow the next generation of skilled irrigation professionals!

4. Expressions of interest now open – Help us bring irrigation training back to the NT and Tasmania

We’re excited to announce that expressions of interest are now open for three nationally recognised irrigation training opportunities in the Northern Territory and Tasmania!

It’s been some time since we’ve delivered training in these regions, and we’re eager to gauge demand. Our goal is to ensure that irrigation professionals across every state and territory in Australia have access to the skills and qualifications they need to succeed.

From accredited qualifications to short courses, our training programs are designed to support both newcomers and experienced professionals looking to strengthen their skills, boost their credibility, and grow their careers in the irrigation industry.

Register your interest today and help shape the future of irrigation in your region! It only takes a quick 1-minute form for either Tasmania or the Northern Territory, and our training team will be in touch shortly.

Interested in private training?

If you have 8-10 participants, we can bring the course directly to your workplace or community, tailoring the program to meet your needs.

Email training@irrigation.org.au if you would like to discuss your options further.

5. Webinar recording now available: Beyond the Resume – How Social Media and Culture Fit are Shaping the Future of Hiring in Irrigation

A few weeks ago, we partnered with Goheadhunt to host an engaging webinar exploring the changing landscape of hiring in the irrigation industry. Employers can no longer rely solely on technical resumes - effective recruitment now means assessing mindset, cultural fit, and digital presence as drivers of long-term success.

The session unpacked how forward-thinking organisations are reshaping their recruitment strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent in today’s competitive skills market.

Missed the live session? The full webinar recording is now available to watch on the Irrigation Australia website.

6. The Irrigation Australia Talent Hub – Employers Wanted!

Finding and keeping great people is one of the biggest challenges across our industry. That’s why Irrigation Australia, in partnership with Goheadhunt, has launched the Irrigation Talent Hub - a platform where employers can connect with pre-screened, job-ready candidates.

Register your free employer profile
Access the growing talent pool
Only pay if you hire (Pay-for-Success model)

Featured talent now available:

N.I. – Irrigation Technician Installer | Cert III in Irrigation Technology (TAFE NSW), 4 years’ experience, based in Sutherland Shire, willing to relocate across Sydney.
M.S. – Irrigation Manager | Bachelor of Science Agricultural Engineering, 10 years’ irrigation management experience.
A.O. – Irrigation Apprentice | Based in Central Highlands, QLD.
J.P.H. – Agriculture Technician | Brisbane, Bachelor of Agricultural Engineering, 3 years’ experience.
K.G. – Agronomist | Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Graduate Diploma in Protecting Crops, willing to relocate to Greater Shepparton.
C.R. – Irrigation Technician | WA, 3 years’ experience as Grounds Keeper in the Shire of Murray.

These are just a few of the candidates already registered and ready to connect.

Irrigation Australia Members: Don’t miss out - set up your free profile today and access a growing pool of talent.

Join the Irrigation Talent Hub

7. 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: