LAWN SOLUTIONS AUSTRALIA CONFERENCE 2025
The 2025 Lawn Solutions Global Turf Conference brought together the Lawn Solutions Australia Network of Turf Producers from across the nation for an inspiring day of presentations and networking in Surfers Paradise, Queensland.
Lawn Solutions Australia (LSA) is a national network of turf producers who supply premium turf varieties such as Sir Walter DNA Certified and TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda. This conference
is the largest of its kind in the Southern hemisphere and celebrated its 25th year since the inception of the Sir Walter brand. With the theme ‘People, Purpose, Progress’, the conference delivered a packed agenda designed to challenge conventional thinking, showcase technological advancement, and celebrate collective achievement. Members from all over Australia attend the conference to be educated, motivated and to celebrate the successes achieved throughout the network.
Events like these could not happen without the contribution of some incredible organisations and industry partners. A networking evening was held the day before the conference, presented by Trimax Mowing Systems. This event provided attendees the opportunity to engage with leading turf industry companies. These companies are partnered with LSA, offering cutting edge technologies, equipment and resources to enhance and support turf producers.
Conference day kicked off with Master of Ceremonies Marty Wilson setting the tone with an energising keynote, sharing his unique perspective on navigating change, hardship and stress, with humour and resilience. As an award-winning comedian and TED Talk veteran, Marty’s message resonated with attendees, encouraging adaptability in the face of challenges.
LSA Director Gavin Rogers followed with his presentation, ‘Fields of Opportunity: The Next Era of Turf’. Gavin reflected on the key milestones achieved throughout LSA’s journey and officially welcomed the newest members to the LSA Member Network. While celebrating past successes, he also looked ahead, offering insights into the strategic focus and vision for the future of the LSA House of Brands and the LSA Network.
Attendees were then inspired by mountaineer and martial artist Paul Hockey, whose remarkable life journey and motto, ‘Never give up… Never ever give up’ which served as a powerful reminder of perseverance. Despite losing his right arm to cancer at just three weeks of age, Paul became the first disabled person to reach the summit of Mount Everest from the North Side.
Following morning tea, the focus shifted to the future. Technical Manager at LSA, Joe Rogers discussed ‘The New Turf Road Ahead’, highlighting turf research and development which has led to the recent announcement of Stampede Hybrid Buffalo, a new and exciting buffalo grass variety which will be available exclusively through LSA Members. The LSA Marketing team followed this presentation with ‘Selling the Road Ahead’, presenting strategies for brand growth and market development for the LSA House of Brands and the official launch of Stampede Hybrid Buffalo to the market in 2026.
Sales and Marketing Expert Abbie White closed the session with a high-energy, insightful dive into today’s rapidly evolving consumer landscape. She explored the level of ‘disruption’ now required to cut through the noise and highlighted the growing influence of AI and digital technologies. Attendees were encouraged to rethink how consumers discover their businesses online and explained why a seamless user experience is essential for driving conversions.
After a networking lunch, the conference moved into future-focused technologies. Dr. Brett Morris of Syngenta revealed the latest in turf-specific chemical advancements, including updates on Recognition Herbicide. Mike Burdick from Sabanto shared the advancements they’ve made in autonomous technology, which have culminated in the development of retrofit tractor robotics, while Daniel McLean and Ester Gomez from Heuch Cooling Solutions shared real-world solutions for improving turf shelf life by several days using advanced cooling systems.
The final speaker of the day was Professor Arnold Dix, celebrated globally for his heroic leadership during the Silkyara Bend-Barkot Tunnel rescue in the Himalayas of India. 41 construction workers were trapped underground for 17 days after a tunnel collapse, with Professor Dix leading the team to have them carefully extracted safely. This was a highly compelling keynote titled ‘The Promise’, encouraging attendees to lead with purpose and redefine the impossible.
Abbie White returned to wrap up with ‘Unlearn and Re-learn: What Are Your Next Steps?’, challenging attendees to make real change and take the lessons learned throughout the day back to their businesses for implementation.
The day concluded with the highly anticipated LSA Awards Night, presented by Syngenta, where turf producers and industry partners gathered to celebrate the year’s achievements. There were some incredible results achieved, project involvements, dedication and hard work which we are so pleased could be acknowledged and celebrated together. Congratulations to all the winners, in particular Coolabah Turf who took out this year’s top national award for the 7th year in a row!
Thank you to everyone who attended this years’ highly successful event, here’s to the next 25!
