e-News Edition #54 New

Date: 16-Oct-2025

Hot Topics

1. Farewell to Ash

2. A New Direction for Training – Building the Future of Irrigation

3. Gippsland Irrigation Expo 2026 – Early Planning

4. Upcoming WIOA Conferences – Queensland 2025 & Victoria 2026

5. Federal Review of Apprenticeship Priority List – Have Your Say

6. Wrap Up 2025 with Training – Open 2026 with Opportunity

7. The Irrigation Australia Talent Hub – Employers Wanted!

1. Farewell to Ash

This month we farewell Ashleigh Lang, who is moving on to a new chapter in her professional journey after two and a half years of dedicated service to Irrigation Australia.

Known for her enthusiasm, kindness and professionalism, Ashleigh has been a constant source of support for our members and learners. Her genuine care and commitment have made a lasting impact on our organisation and the broader irrigation community.

We sincerely thank Ashleigh for her valuable contribution and the heart she brought to growing both the industry and the people within it. On behalf of the Board, staff and members, we wish her every success in her next endeavour.

During this transition, our team will continue to assist with enquiries until a new appointment is made. For assistance, please contact info@irrigation.org.au.

Please join us in celebrating Ashleigh’s contribution and in wishing her all the best for the exciting path ahead. Her final day with Irrigation Australia will be Friday, 31 October 2025.

2. A New Direction for Training – Building the Future of Irrigation

Irrigation Australia has always been more than an association, it’s a community built on dedication, expertise and passion. Together, we’ve championed best practice, delivered vital training, and supported the growth of the irrigation industry.

Today, we face a changing environment that demands we adapt. Financial pressures, rising costs, and a subdued training market have made it clear that our current RTO-funded model is no longer sustainable. The administrative and compliance burden of operating a funded RTO has grown significantly, diverting focus and resources away from what matters most, supporting our members and strengthening our industry.

To address this, we are moving towards a more sustainable, industry-led model of training. This new approach will partner directly with suppliers and industry experts to deliver practical, relevant, and up-to-date learning opportunities.

It’s designed to:

Focus on real-world skills and current technologies
Reduce overheads and reinvest in member services
Be more agile and responsive to industry needs
Support broader access to training across regions

This shift ensures Irrigation Australia continues to lead in professional development and industry standards, and without the limitations of the traditional RTO framework. It’s an exciting opportunity to modernise how we deliver education and to create a more connected, future-ready irrigation workforce.

Your ongoing membership and support are essential to making this transition successful. Together, we can shape a training system that works for our members, our suppliers, and the industry as a whole.

We invite you to join us at our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 at 11 am (AEST), where we’ll share more about our plans for this new direction and the broader strategy to strengthen your association.

How You Can Support:

Renew your membership or certification
➤ accounts@irrigation.org.au or call (07) 3517 4000
Partner with us on training or sponsorship opportunities
➤ info@irrigation.org.au or call (07) 3517 4000
Get involved in your local Regional Committee or support upcoming events
➤ info@irrigation.org.au

3. Gippsland Irrigation Expo 2026 – Early Planning

Agriculture Victoria and partners are preparing for the Gippsland Irrigation Expo 2026, returning to the region’s dairy and mixed-cropping heartland to showcase the latest in water-efficient technologies and on-farm innovation.

The previous Expo, held in 2020 at the Sale Showgrounds, featured exhibitors such as Flow Smart demonstrating variable-rate systems, controllers and channel-automation devices. The 2026 event will build on that foundation, highlighting regional innovation and practical solutions for irrigation management.

This year’s East Gippsland Youth Agritech Expo (16–17 September 2025) offered a glimpse of what’s to come. Supported by Swifts Creek Futures, the Gippsland Agricultural Group and the East Gippsland Shire Council, students toured local farms before attending a hands-on jobs expo at the Gippsland Agriculture Centre to explore agritech careers. The success of that event reinforced the region’s strength in agricultural technology and community collaboration.

The 2026 Irrigation Expo will continue this momentum, connecting irrigators, suppliers, training providers and researchers to share knowledge and promote sustainable water management across Victoria.

Want to get involved?

If your organisation develops innovative irrigation products or services and would like to exhibit at the Gippsland Expo, please email info@irrigation.org.au to register your interest.

Irrigation Australia is compiling an expression-of-interest list to ensure members receive exhibitor information as soon as it becomes available.

4. Upcoming WIOA Conferences – Queensland 2025 & Victoria 2026

The Water Industry Operators Association (WIOA) continues to deliver Australia’s premier technical and trade events for water professionals, offering opportunities for learning, networking and showcasing innovation.

The 2025 Queensland Water Industry Operations Conference & Exhibition will run 29–30 October 2025 in Bundaberg, featuring over 100 exhibitors, operator-led presentations, and live competitions such as the Reece Civil + Viadux Main Tapping Contest and the IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water Challenge.

The 2026 Victorian Conference & Exhibition follows on 25–26 March 2026 in Bendigo, featuring keynote speakers, technical papers, a Women in Water networking breakfast and the annual industry awards program.

Both events are excellent platforms for operators, suppliers and innovators to exchange ideas and celebrate excellence across the sector.

5. Federal Review of Apprenticeship Priority List: Have Your Say

The Federal Government is reviewing how occupations are selected for the Australian Apprenticeship Priority List, with the goal of ensuring it accurately reflects national skills shortages.

Currently, only occupations within Major Group 3 (Trades and Technicians) and Major Group 4 (Community and Personal Service Workers) are eligible for consideration. However, this excludes several occupations outside these groups, limiting access to the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive Scheme even when shortages exist.

The following roles are proposed for removal:

362411 Nurseryperson
362511 Arborist
362711 Landscape Gardener
362712 Irrigation Technician

With Irrigation Technicians at risk of losing recognition, Irrigation Australia urges members and stakeholders to make a submission before 17 October 2025.

Read the discussion paper and have your say

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

As the year draws to a close, there’s still time to finish strong — and prepare for an even bigger 2026. Whether you’re new to irrigation or looking to advance your expertise, now is the perfect moment to gain practical skills, strengthen your credentials and invest in your professional growth.

Plan Ahead – Courses Now Available Through June 2026

Our training calendar is live through June 2026, giving you greater flexibility to plan your learning journey and secure your place early in the new year.

Training That Works for You

Our new online training platform, continues to receive outstanding feedback from learners who value:

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

Upcoming training

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.

8. 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:

T.L. – Team Leader Irrigation | City of Belmont, WA – Full-time, 9-day fortnight, competitive salary.
F.L. – Irrigation Technician | Perth, WA – Full-time role with Frenchams Landscaping Services, seeking experienced technician.
B.R. – Reticulation Technician | Perth, WA – Full-time, hands-on field role with Beyond Reticulation.
F.I.N. – Irrigation Channel Operator | Emerald, QLD – Full-time position with Fairbairn Irrigation Network, supporting regional water delivery.
P.S.S. – Landscape Supervisor | Mandurah, WA – Full-time role with Peel Scape Solutions, leading projects across residential, commercial and local government.
N.W.S. – Commercial Irrigation Serviceman | Perth Metro, WA – Full-time, service and maintenance role with Newground Water Services.

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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