Author: Sarah

The year is 1996 and several thoroughbred Racecourse Managers from across Australia assemble at the Rosehill racecourse in Sydney under the guise of a Conference with the objective to work together to improve track management practices and efficiencies. It’s a successful event and quickly becomes an annual occurrence.

ARMA is Founded

The Racecourse Managers in August of 2004 travelled across the Bass Strait for the Racecourse Managers Conference to be held at the Mowbray Racecourse (Tasmania Turf Club) where it was agreed the group be formalised and the Australian Racecourse Managers Association (ARMA) is born.

Delegates of the Conference unanimously supported the proposal as an important milestone in the industry quest for improvements in race and training track construction, management, and presentation of racecourses, to promote and advance best practice, facilitate research and development, and represent racecourse managers, as required, on racing industry matters.

ARMA thrives under the formalisation and extends invitations to their colleagues in New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and the United Kingdom, with New Zealand (2017) and Singapore (2013) becoming future destinations for the newly labelled “Australian Racecourse Managers Association Conference”.

The ARMA Conference

The ARMA Conference has become such an important event in the Australian racing calendar where Racecourse Managers, representatives of the different State’s governing bodies and industry suppliers gather to discuss important industry issues, trends, practices and innovation as well as to highlight support networks.

So, the blight of COVID-19 and the corresponding impacts of the pandemic not only forced the cancellation of the Conference for two years, but also increased the strain and stress imposed on Racecourse Managers across both Australia and New Zealand as they worked within reduced budgets, staffing levels and strict protocols to ensure that the thoroughbred racing industry could continue to keep the industry going and everyone associated employed.

Such was the struggle; it became never more important for a Conference to be held.

The 2022 ARMA Conference was finally held from 18-20 August and hosted by the Australian Turf Club at Royal Randwick Racecourse. Beginning on Thursday 18 August, over 160 delegates and sponsors attended each day of the Presentations & Trade Shows with delegates flying in from every state of Australia, a strong contingent from New Zealand, with some even travelling from the United Kingdom to partake.

ARMA Chairman Lindsay Murphy was delighted with the event that saw a record number of delegates in attendance and a record number of partners. “We are extremely grateful to all our Members who not only made the trip to attend the Conference but contributed throughout all the facets of the event. After three long years of cancellations and postponements, it was a huge thrill to have all our ARMA Members together again.

The support from our 33 partners has been overwhelming as the show doesn’t happen without them, it’s that simple. A special thank you to Jackie Hanslo and the Polvin Fencing Systems team for their support as the naming rights sponsor of our event.

We would like to thank Michael Wood and the ATC (Australian Turf Club) for hosting the Conference. The new facilities of the Winx Stand are amazing, and the event and catering staff and service were all tremendous.

We would also like to thank all those that presented at the Conference, with many of them flying into Sydney just to present for the betterment of our Delegates. We worked hard to provide a range of highly qualified speakers to present across a range of topics and we hope that all our Members are going back to their Clubs after the Conference, armed with new ideas and information to help them succeed in their roles.

Topics that were covered throughout the Conference included;

• Using drones for racecourse aerial surveying and analysis
• The impact of climate change on turf management practices
• Major industry project updates of the construction of the Caulfield Inner Track as well as the Gold Coast Turf Club Master Plan
• Recognising and addressing mental health
• The important role Racecourse Managers play in the media
• Advantages of foliar feeding
• Leadership discipline, culture and tackling conflict
• Preventing racehorse injuries with Professor Chris Whitton
• How UK Racing navigated through Covid-19 and TurfTrax future developments
• The impact and management of recent NSW floods on the turf industry

Jason Petch, an ex-horse trainer and founder of Behind The Barriers presented on day one of the Conference about the importance of recognizing and addressing your mental health. Behind The Barriers is an industry- focused mental health support service which Jason explained before announcing that the organisation has generously opened their service to now include all Racecourse Managers. Behind The Barriers provides free, immediate and confidential support to Racing industry participants and immediate family members suffering mental health issues due to the demands of the industry.

2022 Toro Industry Services Award

One of the highlights of any ARMA Conference Dinner is the announcement of award winners and the 2022 renewal was no different. In front of more than 180 guests in the Winx Stand of Royal Randwick, it was Sheldon Simmonds from Toro Australia who announced that the winner of the 2022 Toro Industry Services Award was Warren Williams (Racing Queensland) to an eruption of applause.

“Warren’s contribution to the Industry has already spanned almost 40 years so it was such an honour to be able to present this award. He is such a worthy winner” Sheldon explained post announcement.

ARMA Chairman Lindsay Murphy was quick to heap praise on to Warren; “ARMA is so thrilled that Warren’s tireless and continued contribution to the racing industry, which includes his important work with our Association, could be formally recognized tonight in front of his peers and friends.”

Warren Williams was overwhelmed by the announcement. “This was so unexpected. I’ve always thought it was important for ARMA Members to have an annual gathering to better the management of racecourses and for this Conference to still be thriving in 2022 since beginning in 1996 is something I am quite proud of. It’s almost been 40 years since I first started at Moonee Valley and I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve had along the way, with a lot of those people in the room here tonight.”

Anco Turf VRC Carnival Experience

Anco Turf proudly again offered the Anco Turf VRC Carnival Experience which is open to young and enthusiastic racecourse employees to work alongside Liam O’Keeffe, Racecourse Manager of Victoria Racing Club (VRC) during the 2022 Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington. Anco Turf’s Projects and Commercial Sales Manager Tim Elligate announced that given the missed opportunities through the COVID pandemic, Anco Turf, in conjunction with the Victoria Racing Club were awarding two winners in 2022. Tim announced the winners were Scott MacKinnon from the Sunshine Coast Turf Club (QLD) and Wayne Tucker from the Bendigo Jockey Club (Vic). Both award winners qualified for the award as full-time employees of an Australian Racetrack and work on the track. ARMA encouraged Clubs to enter a staff member for the award as the winner will be provided with a unique opportunity to work within the biggest horse racing event in the Southern Hemisphere.

Another highlight of the Conference was the guest speakers during Thursday night’s Conference Dinner, with Richie Callander interviewing jockey Hugh Bowman, aptly held in the Winx Stand. Hugh provided some amazing insights into riding the four-time Cox Plate winner and what his own future holds, while Richie’s comedic efforts were enjoyed by the crowd as always. Many thanks to Evergreen Turf for organising both Richie and Hugh to attend.

The 2022 Polvin Fencing ARMA Conference concluded on Saturday when all in attendance at the Group 1 Winx Stakes Race Meeting were treated to a magnificent day of high-quality racing and hospitality at Royal Randwick, with Anamoe the star of the show as he dominated the Group 1 Winx Stakes for a successful start to what looks like another epic Spring Carnival preparation.

The ARMA Conference Organising Committee are now working hard behind the scenes to finalise the host Club, date, and a range of other details for the 2023 ARMA Conference.

To ensure that you don’t miss out on your place in 2023, please register your interest – www.racecoursemanagers.com.au/2023-conference

Brisbane’s leading home improvement expo took place from Friday 9th of September to Sunday 11th of September. This year’s expo was unbelievable, attracting more than 16,000 visitors and bringing together over 280 exhibitors in building, renovation, furnishing, sustainable and outdoor living.

This year’s show was bigger and better than 2021, with everyone able to come out and explore the expo and what it had to offer.

All Turf Solutions Display

Turf producer All Turf Solutions has been an exhibitor at the Brisbane Home Show for many years now and loves being able to give guidance and ideas to many homeowners looking to improve their outdoor space.

All Turf Solutions is a family-owned and operated farm located in the heart of the Scenic Rim situated at Tamborine and Rathdowney. All Turf Solutions supply quality turf throughout Southeast Queensland as a Lawn Solutions Australia Member. The people within the business are locals and have a strong focus on producing quality products and excellent customer service. Their passion is helping people find the right lawn solution for their needs.

This year’s lawn display was all about bright and eye-catching colours. The setup took place on Thursday the 8th of September leading into the start of the show. The display featured premium turf varieties, Sir Grange Zoysia, TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo and Nullarbor Couch.

Madeleine Lamrock, General Manager of All Turf Solutions was particularly focused on catching the attention of visitors as they walked around the show.

“We really wanted to make the display pop this year and catch the eye of our visitors, hopefully bringing them a little bit of happiness as they looked at our display.” Ms Lamrock said.

“Everyone was eager to touch and feel the grasses on display, with some people even asking if they were fake!”

There was plenty of interest in Sir Grange Zoysia and TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, with people loving the idea of being able to keep Sir Grange at a no-mow level or TifTuf’s extreme wear tolerance and sturdy drought tolerance. Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo will always have a place in Aussie’s hearts and is always loved as the best all-around variety.

With the show ending at 5 pm on Sunday 11th of September, the team tackled bump out beaming with how successful The Brisbane Home Show was this year and looking forward to what next year’s show will bring.

TIFTUF BERMUDAGRASS RECEIVES MAJOR AWARD FOR WATER CONSERVATION BRYAN TOLAR, TOLAR CAPITOL PARTNERS

Mention winning an award and the first thing that comes to mind, for me, is the leg lamp. You know, the infamous prize in the cult classic movie “A Christmas Story.” Ralphie Parker’s father – “The Old Man,” as he is described – is elated after winning a “major award:” a table lamp in the shape of a woman’s leg in fishnet stocking and high heel. As cameras roll, the lamp is feverishly assembled and proudly placed in the home’s feature window, in full view of the neighbors and passersby.

Indeed, an award typically validates the effort and/or rewards the accomplishment of outstanding labor. Some industries, such as music, sports and film, regularly fill auditoriums and arenas with hordes of industry leaders, passing out top awards to celebrities. Landscaping and green industry sectors, too, present awards. They usually honor outstanding design and beautification. But never have we seen awards for water conservation from these sectors.

Not until now, that is. Over the past few years, the focus on reducing outdoor water use has grown, and with it, the growing recognition of water conservation accomplishments in landscaping. One beneficiary of this increased attention is the University of Georgia’s Dr. Brian Schwartz for his work to breed TifTuf Bermudagrass. The accolades are deserved: Data continue to validate reduced water needs for TifTuf to maintain high quality for lawns, parks, sports fields, and more. In fact, put this in the feature window: Research shows a whopping 38% less water is required for TifTuf compared to the most popular bermudagrass.

It’s no surprise then, that the latest kudos for TifTuf, in July 2022, came from no less venerable an organization than the Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP), which bestowed its Phil Karr Water Wise Award upon Dr. Schwartz as recognition for his great “contributions to water conservation in Georgia” as TifTuf continues to show effectiveness for reduced outdoor water use in landscapes. More than 800 attendees from the water industry sector attended the presentation.

The recognition reinforces the importance of UGA’s Turfgrass Program and the role of TifTuf. But make no mistake: From this association, this is a “major award.” During Georgia’s deep drought of 2007-2009, as lake levels and stream flow plummeted, GAWP was a key voice in the regulatory arena urging a ban on outdoor water use.

Regulators concurred. The ban resulted in billions of dollars lost and closed businesses in the landscape, sod, and green industry sectors as consumers stopped buying products and associated services. It was devastating.

Since 2016, TifTuf has given Georgia and a growing list of states an answer to water conservation in the landscape. And this award demonstrates that former foes in the water industry have taken notice.

Dr. Schwartz and TifTuf have received other state and local awards and recognition. Among them:

• Resolutions passed by the Georgia House and the Georgia Senate during the 2020 Georgia legislative session
• A Commendation issued by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp in 2021 as part of his recognition of water conservation initiatives in the Atlanta region
• A water stewardship award from the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government in response to the success of TifTuf in 2021

In “A Christmas Story,” Ralphie Parker’s parents feud over the leg lamp (which “accidentally” breaks), highlighting that not everyone agrees on major awards. Yet TifTuf has earned praise from diverse groups: conservation-minded organizations, state leaders, and local governments. This is indeed extraordinary validation of a green industry viewed very differently just a decade ago. The marketplace, too, has taken notice: TifTuf is now the fastest warm-season turfgrass to achieve the milestone of 1 billion square feet sold and installed.

Water conservation efforts must carry on. TifTuf continues to show what is possible through science, research, and leadership. In the world of outdoor water use and conservation, each special recognition of TifTuf is a true “major award” for the future of water stewardship by the landscape industry.

OAK FLATS NSW ROUNDABOUT

Large roundabouts are a consistent hassle for council maintenance teams to manage. With any plants or grass, there is regular upkeep required for the space to be presentable as well as keeping them safe for the community and traffic.

Shellharbour City Council was looking for alternative options for reducing the maintenance requirements of an existing high-traffic roundabout in the town of Oak Flats. The roundabout is centred right next to the local train station, the police station, and numerous businesses, so it is an important part of the community’s infrastructure.

The roundabout previously had garden beds that required regular site visits for maintenance, around 10 times a year. When works were undertaken it required four traffic controllers at $200 per hour to manage the logistics of undertaking the maintenance while continuing traffic flow. Closing off the streets and diversions or detours were simply not an option due to the importance of the roundabout for nearby services.

Turf Selection

Council maintenance employees were invited to an open day at local turf business Turfco where they were educated on the different grass varieties available, and the research and development that goes into their release by Lawn Solutions Australia. It was during this open day that Council representatives were introduced to a relatively new grass variety called Sir Grange Zoysia.

After learning about Sir Grange Zoysia with its low input requirements and the benefits of being able to leave the grass left un- mowed, Council decided it was the solution they had been looking for.

The Project

This initiated a new design and project plan to upgrade the roundabout. Community consultation as to the appearance of the roundabout was also an important factor. The roundabout is a very prominent one with locals travelling past it in many cases several times a day. So, it needed to be more than ‘just another roundabout’ and needed to reflect the environment and the community it represents. Locals were keen to see something green that didn’t involve simply concreting it over.

After much consultation, the concept was for the roundabout to become a living art piece, with pencil pines a reference to an avenue nearby and the grass mounds to the coastal headlands.

The roundabout has now been solid turfed with Sir Grange Zoysia supplied by Turfco and the result is outstanding. Council installed underground irrigation to ensure the grass was able to be watered without the need for traffic control to do so, with a sand base installed to ensure the specific preparation requirements of the grass were provided to ensure its success.

The Result

Since installation, Council has only needed to undertake six hours of maintenance over approximately 15 months, with no traffic control measures required. With this time being spent primarily just picking up rubbish that has blown in as Sir Grange has not required mowing, not once. Fortunately, with Sir Grange, any rubbish and debris tend to sit on top of the grass without getting buried, making the clean-up process easy.

Council is extremely happy with the result. They no longer need traffic control at the roundabout when maintenance is carried out. Council is so impressed with how Sir Grange is going they are looking at another two roundabouts in Oak Flats, along with other areas with similar conditions.

“With reduced risk and maintenance costs, what’s not to like!”

Council has received incredibly positive feedback from the local community since completion, with many locals commenting on how cool it looks and requesting that more roundabouts in the area be completed with Sir Grange as well.