e-News Edition #52 New

Date: 18-Sep-2025

Hot Topics

1. Honouring the Legacy of Frank Woodroffe, A Founding Voice in Irrigation

2. Perth to Host Global Irrigation Symposium in 2026

3. Wrap up 2025 with training – Open 2026 with opportunity

4. Last chance to secure your spot – Subsidised irrigation training this September

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

6. The Irrigation Australia Talent Hub – Employers Wanted!

1. Honouring the Legacy of Frank Woodroffe, A Founding Voice in Irrigation

Irrigation Australia acknowledges with respect the passing of Frank Woodroffe, one of the pioneers who helped shape our industry more than four decades ago. Alongside Eric Tucker, Frank played a central role in establishing TII Australia Pty Ltd, laying the foundations for a business and a profession that continue to influence irrigation practices across Australia today.

Former colleague Paul Willmott reflected on his time working with Frank at TII during the late eighties and early nineties:

“I remember my time at TII during the late eighties and early nineties with great fondness. Frank, Eric, Simon, and I made up the team that was based in Ruse St, Osborne Park. Frank’s light-heartedness, enthusiasm and positive attitude made it such a fun place to work. Always quick with a smile and a joke, whether making sales or packing/unpacking orders, the place was always humming when Frank was around. He will be missed.” – Paul Willmott

Industry peer and long-time friend Eric Tucker shared memories that stretched back to 1972, when the two first met in Perth:

“I first met Frank Woodroffe in 1972 at a company called Edwards Business Machines in East Perth. We were both in our early twenties and were “eastern staters” as true West Aussies characterized us as with a hint of suspicion to newcomers. Frank was from Tasmania, and I was a South Australian. Frank was a keen motorcyclist as I was, and we hit it off as good friends. Frank was a cheerful friendly person who never let anything get him down. He had a wild streak in him and a love for speed, he bought the biggest, meanest bike of its day, the Kawaski Z900, and naturally a V8 car.

Our careers went their own ways for several years, but we found ourselves working together again at HR Products, I was transferred to Adelaide in 1980 to establish HR Products in the eastern states whilst Frank stayed in Perth doing a great job in sales. On returning to Perth in 1984 Frank and I decided to establish our own company, which over a few beers at the Wentworth Hotel named the new venture Technical Irrigation Imports, which the industry called TII ever since. Frank was always full of energy and never lost his good humor regardless of hardship. I recall that we had not been in business long when the PM Paul Keating made his famous statement of Australia being a banana republic with gloom for Australia’s future and crazy high interest rates. Frank shone through this and applied himself to the irrigation industry promoting a new unknown product line we had secured called Bermad along with the range of Irritrol and Signal controllers. Frank was a technically talented person and being an ex-mechanic, he loved to take things apart to see how they worked. Frank arranged many seminars with local government promoting the merits of TII’s products, making a solid foundation for the future.

Above all Frank was a genuine good bloke in the true Aussie sense of being down to earth with no pretenses, always joking and friendly, full of yarns and a love for life and people. Frank had the ability to lift people’s spirits with good humor and to look at the best side of life which Frank did every day of his life. Frank, you fought health problems to the end, nothing was going to stop your love for life, you were an inspiration to many of us in never giving up, thanks Frank and farewell.” - Eric Tucker

We extend our condolences to Frank’s family, friends, and colleagues, including those at TII and across the wider irrigation community who knew him well. His dedication will be remembered as part of the story of irrigation in Australia.

2. Perth to Host Global Irrigation Symposium in 2026

Australia will take centre stage on the global irrigation stage when Perth welcomes the XI International Symposium on Irrigation of Horticultural Crops from 27–30 October 2026 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

This landmark event, hosted by Irrigation Australia in partnership with the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS), will unite leading researchers, growers, policymakers and innovators from across the world.

Transforming irrigation for a sustainable future

Themed “Transforming Irrigation for a Sustainable Future”, the Symposium will showcase cutting-edge advances in irrigation science and practice. Delegates will engage with keynote speakers, workshops, technical tours and poster sessions covering critical issues such as climate adaptation, sustainable water management and emerging technologies that are shaping the future of horticultural irrigation.

For members, it is a rare opportunity to network with global peers, present Australian expertise on an international stage, and bring fresh insights back to their businesses and communities.

Be part of the conversation

We encourage members, researchers and practitioners to mark their calendars now and be part of this pivotal event for our industry. Register here.

3. 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.

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

Upcoming training

September:

October:

November:

December:

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.

4. Last chance to secure your spot – Subsidised irrigation training this September

Delivered online via Microsoft Teams over two interactive half-day sessions, the program combines 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.

“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.”

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!

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

Irrigation Australia is inviting expressions of interest for three nationally recognised training opportunities in the Northern Territory and Tasmania.

Designed for both newcomers and seasoned professionals, our accredited qualifications and short courses provide the skills, credibility, and career growth needed to thrive in the irrigation industry.

Take one minute to register your interest for either Tasmania or the Northern Territory and play a part in shaping the future of irrigation in your region.

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.

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

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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