Power of the Past, Force of the Future

THE LAWN SOLUTIONS AUSTRALIA NATIONAL CONFERENCE IS BACK!

Lismore suffered the most serious floods ever experienced in the region earlier this year with thousands of people being displaced from their homes and lives sadly lost in the devastation. Lawn Solutions Australia have been so excited to hold what was planned to be the 2022 LSA Conference in Ballina, that is until these recent tragic events.

With both the 2020 and 2021 conferences having to be cancelled due to the Covid Pandemic, nothing was going to stop the national network of turf members from finally getting together, networking and sharing a laugh in 2022.

The Largest Turf Industry Conference in the Southern Hemisphere Finally Returns

The Lawn Solutions Australia Conference was finally able to return and what an event it was! This year’s LSA Conference and Awards Night were held at Panthers Penrith in NSW. It was so great to catch up with LSA Members and industry partners and to see the successes we are all achieving throughout what has been a difficult period for many.

We heard from some exceptional speakers who provided insights into turf science and research, product developments, economic insights and stories of endurance, inspiration, and motivation.

Lawn Solutions Australia are proud to have hosted some of Australia’s best talents in their fields and international guest speakers for presentations throughout the conference.

Conference Speakers

Dr. Brian Schwartz

Dr. Brian Schwartz is an Associate Professor of Turfgrass Breeding in the Department of Crop & Soil Sciences at the University of Georgia in Tifton. Dr. Schwartz provided insight into his turf breeding program and the rigorous research and investment that goes into producing an industry-changing new turfgrass. Dr. Schwartz is the man behind the release of what is proven to be the world’s best couch grass, TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda. While in Australia, Dr. Schwartz also visited some of the industry’s best turf growers and suppliers of TifTuf.

Bernard Salt

Bernard Salt is widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading social commentators by business, the media and the broader community. Bernard spoke of the march of millennials towards middle age, the expected growth of suburbia, a shift from the city to the urban fringe and what this means for lawns and turf. While we have experienced many challenges recently, Bernard believes Australia and the turf industry are in a strong position for the coming years.

Jacqui Cooper

Jacqui Cooper is an entrepreneur, an author and a former five-time World Champion and Olympian Aerial Skier. Jacqui told her story, one of triumph, tragedy, defeat and success. Conference attendees were in awe of the courage and strength that Jacqui possessed and how she was able to keep on moving forwards toward her goal of competing at five Winter Olympic Games. Jacqui had many setbacks and numerous injuries resulting in surgeries throughout her career. But Jacqui was able to overcome all obstacles (that many believed to be impossible) because she refused to give up.

Billy Skaggs

Billy Skaggs is a seasoned Production Field Inspector for the International Turfgrass Genetic Assurance Program (ITGAP) and

is Georgia Crop Improvement Association (GCIA) Certification Program Manager. ITGAP operates in coordination with AusGAP – Australia’s Genetic Assurance Program for Turfgrass. Billy explained how ITGAP works and why the work they do in conjunction with AusGAP in Australia is so important when it comes to the quality and purity of turfgrass. While here in Australia, Billy also toured and undertook field assessments at turf farms to ensure policies and procedures were being followed. These assessments help to ensure the genetic purity of certified grasses like TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda and Sir Grange Zoysia.

Peter Switzer

Peter Switzer is one of Australia’s leading business and financial commentators, launching his own business 20 years ago. The Switzer Group has since grown into multiple successful companies spanning media and publishing, financial services and business coaching. Peter provided commentary on the current economic climate and how the budget and a new government will impact our industry. Peter also provided his forecast on what we should be expecting in the coming years with his information pointing to a positive outlook pending expected improvements in global supply chains and a declining impact of the war in Ukraine and Covid-19.

Tom Potter

As the founder of Eagle Boys, Tom Potter pioneered the pizza industry by implementing pizza delivery and a radical approach to marketing. Tom told his incredible story of success and perseverance, through the highs and the lows. Tom was a baker by trade and took his expertise in food and customer service into the building and running of his own business which developed into a very successful national franchise. Tom had what some considered a difficult time slot, presenting as part of the awards dinner but captured the audience’s attention with his matter-of-fact delivery and dry-witted humour.

Charlie Albone

Lawn Solutions Australia Brand Ambassador Charlie Albone welcomed conference attendees at the Cocktail Welcome Function. Charlie made his TV debut on the hit series ‘Selling Houses Australia’ before joining Better Homes and Gardens as a host. Charlie addressed the audience with his story of becoming a landscaper, his passion for the green life industry and his journey into television. Charlie explained how proud he is to represent and partner with LSA and how he looks forward to promoting LSA’s premium turf brands in the coming years.

Jason Hodges

Lawn Solutions Australia Brand Ambassador Jason Hodges has been an important part of the LSA family for many years.

Jason had the important role of MC throughout the conference and kept the audience entertained while encouraging strong involvement with speakers during post-presentation Q & A. Jason’s love of gardening and landscaping led to his media career where he worked on Auction Squad and Better Homes and Gardens. It is always a pleasure having Jason with us and we thank him for his continued involvement with LSA.

Lawn Solutions Australia would like to thank the many sponsors involved with this year’s conference. Without them, the quality of presenters and the knowledge accessible to the LSA network through such an event would not have been possible.

Thanks to all the LSA Members. We hope you had an amazing time at this year’s Lawn Solutions Australia Conference, it was great seeing you all. Congratulations to the award winners, there were some truly outstanding individuals who are a massive credit to their respective turf businesses. We couldn’t be prouder of the resilience, hard work and dedication we see right across Australia from LSA Members – you are the best of the best.

Lawn Solutions Australia is looking forward to the 2023 conference with plans already beginning to take place to ensure it is one of the best conferences yet.

SPECIAL THANKS TO

Trimax Mowing Systems, Husqvarna, Firefly Automatix, Greenway Turf Solutions, ICL Group, NuTurf, Syngenta, STRI, Bayer, Adama, Tama, Finlease, Equipment Solutions, AusGAP.