Australia's peak industry body for Sports Turf Management
Australia's peak industry body for Sports Turf Management
The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA) was formed in 1981 and represents over 1,500 members as the peak industry body for sports turf management in Australia.
Formerly known as the Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association (AGCSA), the Association underwent a name change in September 2019 to be further representative of all members of the Association.
A not-for-profit incorporated Association, the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association represents professional Sports Turf Managers across Golf Courses, Sportsfields & Grounds, Racetracks, Lawn Tennis, Councils, Turf Equipment Technicians and other related fields. The Association supports members through education, facilitating Industry Awards, advocacy, and research & development into professional and environmentally sustainable Turf Management.
The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association works to improve the knowledge, welfare and professional standards of its members and other industry professionals as well as the production of quality turf playing surfaces at Sport & Recreation facilities across Australia.
In 2022, the Association became a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 46011) to deliver nationally recognised Qualifications in Sports Turf Management, and a range of short courses to turf managers in Australia. Find out more about the Associaitons RTO Qualification Training here
Working to support Sports Turf Managers, the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association operates various business services, including:
Mark Unwin |
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Simone Staples |
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| Chief Executive Officer | Events and Education Manager | ||
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Mobile: 0438 320 919 |
Simone, a former administration manager for the Victorian branch of the TGAA, is now responsible for putting together the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association's major events, including the annual Australian Turfgrass Conference and roving workshops, as well as Australian Sports Turf Managers Association education and accreditation. Simone also plays a critical role with the National Turf Education Working Group of which the ASTMA is secretariat. Email: simone@astma.com.au Mobile: 0415 322 213 |
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Bruce MacPhee (Dip. Sports Turf Management) |
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Tim Fankhauser (Dip. Sports Turf Management) |
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| Senior Agronomist | Consulting Agronomist | ||
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Email: bruce@astma.com.au Mobile: 0409 183 710 |
He was named Chisholm Institute’s Outstanding Diploma Student in 2010 and went on to win the AGCSA Award for Academic Achievement at the 2011 Australian Turfgrass Conference in Adelaide. As part of his Diploma, he undertook a comprehensive research project studying the effects of ethephon on bentgrass. Email: tim@astma.com.au Mobile: 0422 418 038 |
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Brett Robinson (B. Communication Studies, Print Journalism) |
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Nick Creely |
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| Editor | Communications Co-ordinator | ||
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The token Kiwi of the office, Brett joined the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association in a part-time capacity in 2003 as editor of Australian Turfgrass Management Journal (ATM). His role became full-time in 2004 and now encompasses the range of Australian Sports Turf Managers Association publications, including ATM, The Cut e-mail newsletter and website management. Brett has twice won the Tom Ramsey Award for excellence in journalism at the annual Australian Golf Media Awards, first in 2009 for his coverage of the Black Saturday bushfires and again in 2011 for his article on Cottesloe Golf Club superintendent Simon Bourne.
Mobile: 0434 144 779 |
Nick joined the ASTMA team in April in a part-time capacity and assists editor Brett Robinson with the suite of association publications, including Australian Turfgrass Management Journal, The Cut newsletter and social media/website management. Nick has been a sports journalist for nearly nine years and got his start in the industry working for Star News Group in Melbourne’s southeast. After cutting his teeth there for five-and-a-half years, Nick moved to Warrnambool where he joined The Standard, south-west Victoria’s leading daily newspaper. There he produced digital and print content ranging from award-winning football coverage, netball, cricket, basketball, soccer, speedway racing, cycling and much more. Between 2021 and 2023, Nick founded and co-hosted the ‘Pace and Pens’ podcast which provided in-depth coverage and insight into the Victorian Premier Cricket Men’s and Women’s competitions. A total of 49 episodes were produced across its debut season which attracted 20,000 listens and took out a 2021/22 Cricket Victoria Media Award.
Mobile: 0479 192 450 |
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Frank Joseph |
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Allison Jenkins |
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| Finance Manager | Membership Services Manager | ||
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Frank joined the ASTMA in September 2023, after having worked in wholesaling, construction, manufacturing, motor vehicle dealerships, management consulting and retail, and continues a 30-year career in finance and accounting with the Association. Outside of work Frank enjoys spending time with family, cooking, eating out, baking, performing arts, playing drums (loudly) and barracking for Richmond in the AFL. Email: frank@astma.com.au Phone: 9548 8600 |
Allison initially joined the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association team in April 2010 to assist with the operations for the annual conference, and moved into a role as an Administrative Assistant, and then into Membership Co-ordinator. It was a return to the workforce after seven years of being a stay-at-home mum. Prior to that Allison was a PA to a professor of a university/hospital department at the Austin Hospital for 20 years.
Phone: 9548 8600 |
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Pam Irvine |
Albert Sherry |
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Exhibition, Advertising, Sponsorship & Partnerships Co-ordinator |
National Training Manager (Dip. Sports Turf Management, Dip Training & Assessment) |
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Pam commenced with the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association team in September 2019, having recently returned from a safari trip to South Africa. Born in Canada, Pam has a number of years experience in Business Development in the Sport & Recreation and Exhibition industries, and has spent many years as both Client Relationship Manager and Executive Assistant working with Councils and Government Agencies. Pam has a background in recruitment with a number of years spent involved with job ready programs, employment assistance and developing external training courses.
Phone: 9548 8600 |
After spending more than 30 years in the sports turf management industry, Albert joined the Association in 2023 as its inaugural Training Manager, looking after the delivery of national Qualifications and RTO operations.
Email: albert@astma.com.au Mobile: 0473 064 726 |
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Chris McCulloch |
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Amy Dingle |
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State Training Manager - South Australia (Dip. Sports Turf Management) |
Agronomist (Bachelor of Agriculture from the University of Melbourne) |
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Chris joined the Association in 2024, responsible for the Training and Development of Apprentices studying the Certificate III in Sports Turf Management throughout South Australia. Chris has more than 25 years experience in the industry, having worked at venues across Sportsfields and Ground, Hortculture, Landscaping and Golf Courses. Orignially hailing from England, Chris moved to Australia in 2013 where he joined the team at Avondale Golf Club. Following this, Chris spent 3 years as Senior Turf Manager at the prestigious Ellerston Golf Course in NSW, before moving back to Sydney as Second Assistant Superintendent at the Australian Golf Club. Following a move to South Australia in 2018 to take up the position as Senior Assistant at The Grange Golf Club, Chris spent 3 years assisting with the day to day running of the championship golf courses. After leaving the Grange, Chris spent the next 3 years working consulting in Horticulture and Landscape contruction works, prior to commencing with the Association in 2024 to assist in training the next generation of Sports Turf Managers. Email: chris@astma.com.au Mobile: 0488 338 805 |
Amy joined the Association in late April 2025 and works closely with Bruce and Tim to deliver agronomic initiatives, providing technical advice to members, contributing to education and professional development programs supporting national research activities, and assisting with industry advocacy projects. She plays a key role in developing new resources, case studies, and technical bulletins designed to assist Sports Turf Managers in achieving best practice outcomes at their facilities. Amy brings with her extensive experience, passion, and technical expertise that greatly benefits our members and the wider sports turf industry. Amy came to the Association from SportENG, where she built a strong reputation for her work in sports field design, construction consultation, and surface management. With a Bachelor of Agriculture from the University of Melbourne, Amy’s professional journey has been defined by her commitment to enhancing turf quality, improving maintenance practices, and supporting the long-term sustainability of sports facilities. Her practical, research-driven approach and deep understanding of turfgrass science. Email: amy@astma.com.au Mobile: 0498 852 063 |
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Profile: Ben Tilley’s appointment to the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association Board at the 2022 AGM marks another milestone in what has been a storied career for the Queensland based superintendent. That career, which has spanned nearly four decades, was recognised in July 2020 when Ben received the GCSAQ’s highest honour - the Superintendent Industry Recognition Award - at the Queensland Golf Industry Awards. Ben has been superintendent at Headland since 2007 and prior to that was an assistant at Twin Waters Golf Club and superintendent at Beerwah Golf Club. Ben is a multiple award winner, having collected the 2000 AGCSA Claude Crockford Environment Award during his tenure at Beerwah, as well as the AGCSA Excellence in Golf Course Management Award in 2012 for his work at Headland. Like fellow ASTMA Board member Peter Lonergan, Ben also played a major role on the GCSAQ committee over an impressive 16-year period, holding most positions including two years as president.
Profile: Peter completed his second stint as Australian Sports Turf Manager president in June 2022, having previously held the role between 2012 and 2016. He was initially co-opted to the Board in August 2011 following the resignation of director Bryce Strachan. Peter’s career started at Latrobe Golf Club in suburban Melbourne and included a one year stint as 'curator' at Colac Golf Club in Victoria’s western district. Peter then moved to Victoria Golf Club where he spent 14 years before working in sales at Nuturf for two years and then making his latest move to Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club on the NSW/QLD border. Peter has vast experience at state association level having been a former president of both the VGCSA and GCSAQ and was one of Victoria’s representatives at the state presidents meeting at Metropolitan Golf Club in 1991 that voted to form the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association as we know it today. Peter was awarded Life Membership of the ASTMA in June 2019.
Profile: Following completion of his sports turf management apprenticeship at Camberwell Grammar School (Melbourne) in 2006, including experience at Punt Road Oval and several cricket grounds, Troy moved to the Hawthorn Football Club where he was head groundsman at Waverley Park for three years. That was followed by a move to what was then Etihad Stadium (now Marvel Stadium) for a further three years. In 2011, Troy headed across the Tasman after being appointed as head turf manager at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin to lead the team in preparations for that year’s Rugby World Cup. After working as a turf management consultant for the 2014 FIFA World Cup held in Brazil, Troy returned to Melbourne where he joined PGG Wrightson Turf for a short period before returning to Marvel Stadium in 2015 where he took on the position of arena manager. In July 2023, Troy shifted across town to take on the head of horticulture and sports grounds role at the Melbourne Olympic Park Trust which oversees the likes of AAMI Park and the Australian Open tennis precinct.
Profile: Dennis joined the ASTMA board at the 2025 Australian Sports Turf Management Conference in Sydney. Dennis began his career three decades ago as an apprentive greenkeeper at Young Golf Club in regional NSW. Dennis then moved on to Yowani Country Club in Canberra and then Garangula Polo Club which paved the way for his first senior role as assistant superintendent back at Young in 2000. After three years at Young, Dennis took up his first superintendent posting at Harden Country Club, a role he would hold for over six years. In 2013 he made the move to the NSW South Coast as superintendent at the 27-hole Club Catalina in Bateman's Bay. After 11 years there, Dennis headed to Canberra where he joined the crew at Royal Canberra as assistant superintendent under Ryan Stores.
Profile: One of this country's most experienced and accomplished turf managers, Damian joined the ASTMA Board in 2020. A member of the ASTMA for almost 15 years, the co-opted appointment of Damian brings new skills and knowledge to the Board in the area of sportsfields and grounds management and assists greatly with the delivery of the association's strategic plan over the next few years. Damian has been part of the Grounds Department at the Adelaide Oval since 1996, taking over as head curator in July 2010 and completing his Advanced Diploma in Sports Turf Management in 2011. Throughout this time, Damian has overseen the complete redevelopment of the oval's playing surfaces, including the successful introduction of drop-in wickets and transition of the playing surface to ryegrass.
Profile: Mark joined the ASTMA Board at the 2023 AGM held during the Australian Sports Turf Management Conference in Adelaide. Mark has notched up more than 30 years in golf course management, with his career literally coming full circle. He started as a junior labourer in 1989 at the 18-hole public access Werribee Park Golf Club in Melbourne’s south west before taking on apprenticeship there in 1990 and eventually rising to be 2IC. In February 1998, he took on his first superintendent posting at RAAF Williams Golf Club, before shifting across to the nearby Sunshine Golf Club where he worked on the club’s existing course before transitioning across to the new Mt Derrimut site. After a seven-year stint there, in 2012 Mark headed to regional Victoria where he took over as superintendent at Midlands Golf Club in Ballarat. In April 2018, Mark headed back to Melbourne as superintendent of the Greg Norman-designed Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club, before returning to where it all began at Werribee Park, taking over as superintendent there in June 2023.
2024 - 2025President: Ben Tilley (Headland Golf Club, QLD, pictured) Board Members: Troy Jordan (Marvel Stadium, VIC - Treasurer), David Thomson (Bermagui Country Club, NSW), Damian Hough (Adelaide Oval, SA), Peter Lonergan (Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club, QLD), Mark Findlay (Werribee Park Golf Club, VIC) 2025 Conference: Sydney Showgrounds Convention Centre, New South Wales |
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2023 - 2024 |
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2022 - 2023 |
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President: Ben Tilley (Headland Golf Club, QLD) Board Members: Troy Jordan (Marvel Stadium, VIC - Treasurer), David Thomson (Superintendent, Bermagui Country Club, NSW), Damian Hough (Adelaide Oval, SA), Peter Lonergan (Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club, QLD), Mark Findlay (Werribee Park Golf Club, VIC) 2024 Conference: Brisbane Convention Centre, Queensland |
President: Ben Tilley (Headland Golf Club, QLD) Board Members: Chris Burgess (Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club, VIC - Treasurer), David Thomson (Superintendent, Bermagui Country Club, NSW), Damian Hough (Adelaide Oval, SA), Peter Lonergan (Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club, QLD) 2023 Conference: Adelaide Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Australia |
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2021 - 2022 |
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2020 - 2021 |
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President: Peter Lonergan (Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club, QLD) Board Members: Chris Burgess (Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club, VIC - Treasurer), David Thomson (Superintendent, Bermagui Country Club, NSW), Ben Tilley (Headland Golf Club, QLD), Damian Hough (Adelaide Oval, SA) 2022 Conference: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Victoria (20 - 23 June 2022) |
President: Peter Lonergan (Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club, QLD) Board Members: Chris Burgess (Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club, VIC - Treasurer), David Thomson (Superintendent, Bermagui Country Club, NSW), Ben Tilley (Headland Golf Club, QLD), Damian Hough (Adelaide Oval, SA) 2021 Conference: Gold Coast Convention Centre, Queensland (21 - 24 June 2021) |
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2019-2020 |
2018-2019 |
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President: Brett Balloch (Anglesea GC, VIC) Board Members: Chris Burgess (Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club, VIC - Treasurer), David Thomson (Superintendent, Bermagui Country Club, NSW), and Peter Lonergan (Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club, QLD) 2019 Conference: Brisbane Convention Centre, Queensland (24 - 27 June 2019) |
President: Brett Balloch (Anglesea GC, VIC) Board Members: Steve Lewis (Royal Hobart Golf Club, Tas - Treasurer), Chris Burgess (Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club, VIC), and Peter Lonergan (Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club, QLD) 2018 Conference: TSB Arena, Wellington, New Zealand (25 - 28 June 2018) |
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2017-2018 |
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2016-2017 |
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President: Brett Balloch (Anglesea GC, VIC) Board Members: Steve Lewis (Royal Hobart Golf Club, Tas - Treasurer), Chris Burgess (Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club, VIC), and Peter Lonergan (Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club, QLD) 2017 Conference: Sunchine Coast Convention Centre, Sunshine Coast, QLD (23-28 June 2017) |
President: Brett Balloch (Anglesea GC, VIC) Board Members: Steve Lewis (Royal Hobart Golf Club, Tas - Treasurer), Darren Wilson (Wembley GC, WA), and Peter Lonergan (Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club, QLD) 2016 Conference: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Melbourne VIC (24-28 June 2016) |
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2015-2016 |
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2014-2015 |
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President: Peter Lonergan (Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club, QLD Board Members: Brett Balloch (Anglesea GC, VIC - Treasurer), Darren Wilson (Wembley GC, WA), Steve Lewis (Royal Hobart Golf Club, Tas). 2015 Conference: Hunter Valley, NSW (22-27 June 2015) |
President: Peter Lonergan (Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club, QLD Board Members: Darren Wilson (Wembley GC, WA - Treasurer), Brett Balloch (Anglesea GC, VIC) and Steve Lewis* (Royal Hobart Golf Club, Tas). * Lewis co-opted to the AGCSA Board following the resignation of Robin Doodson (Sanctuary Cove G&CC, QLD) in July 2014. 2014 Conference: Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, Broadbeach, QLD (22-27 June 2014) |
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2013-2014 |
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2012-2013 |
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President: Peter Lonergan (Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club, QLD - pictured right) Board Members: Darren Wilson (Wembley GC, WA - Treasurer), Brett Balloch (Anglesea GC, VIC) and Robin Doodson (Sanctuary Cove G&CC, QLD) 2013 Conference: Novotel Twin Waters Resort, Sunshine Coast, QLD (22-28 June 2013) |
President: Peter Lonergan (Coolangatta & Tweed Heads GC, QLD) Board Members: Darren Wilson (Wembley GC, WA - Treasurer), Brett Balloch (Anglesea GC, VIC) and Tony Fogarty* (Club Catalina, NSW). *Fogarty steps off board Jan 2013 after resigning from Club Catalina 2012 Conference*: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, VIC (4-8 June, 2012). *Incorporated the International Summit of Golf Course Superintendent and Greenkeeping Associations. |
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2011-2012 |
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2010-2011 |
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President: Allan Devlin (Secret Harbour GC, WA) Board Members: Darren Wilson (Wembley GC, WA - Treasurer), Tony Fogarty (Club Catalina, NSW) and Peter Lonergan* (Coolangatta & Tweed Heads GC, QLD). *Lonergan co-opted to Board in August 2011 following the resignation of Bryce Strachan in July 2011. Conference: Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide, SA (13-17 June, 2011) |
President: Allan Devlin (Secret Harbour GC, WA) Board Members: Pat Pauli (Horton Park GC, QLD - Treasurer), Bryce Strachan (Pambula-Merimbula GC, NSW) and John Odell (Royal Sydney GC, NSW) Conference: Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Broadbeach, QLD (21-25 June, 2010) |
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2009-2010 |
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2008-2009 |
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President: Allan Devlin (Secret Harbour GC, WA) Board Members: Pat Pauli (Horton Park GC, QLD - Treasurer), Bryce Strachan (Pambula-Merimbula GC, NSW) and John Odell (Royal Sydney GC, NSW) Conference: Hobart Convention Centre, Hobart, TAS (13-17 July 2009) |
President: Allan Devlin (Secret Harbour GC, WA) Board Members: Pat Pauli (Horton Park GC, QLD - Treasurer), Bryce Strachan (Pambula-Merimbula GC, NSW) and John Odell (Royal Sydney GC, NSW) Conference: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, VIC (21-25 July, 2008) |
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2007-2008 |
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2006-2007 |
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President: Jeff Gambin (Gold Coast Burleigh GC, QLD) Board Members: Martyn Black (Castle Hill CC, NSW), Allan Devlin (Secret Harbour GC, WA - Treasurer) and Pat Pauli (Horton Park GC, QLD) Conference: Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns, QLD (24-26 July, 2007) |
President: Jeff Gambin (Gold Coast Burleigh GC, QLD) Board Members: Jon Penberthy* (Tewantin Noosa GC, QLD - Treasurer), Martyn Black (Castle Hill CC, NSW), Allan Devlin (Secret Harbour GC, WA) *Pat Pauli (Horton Park GC, QLD co-opted to AGCSA Board in February 2007 following the resignation of Jon Penberthy in February 2007. Allan Devlin becomes Treasurer. Conference: Brisbane Convention Centre, Brisbane, QLD (17-21 July 2006) |
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2005-2006 |
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2004-2005 |
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President: Jeff Gambin (Gold Coast Burleigh GC, QLD) Board Members: Jon Penberthy (Tewantin Noosa GC, QLD - Treasurer), Martyn Black (Castle Hill CC, NSW), Allan Devlin (Secret Harbour GC, WA) Conference: Moama Bowling Club, Moama, NSW (6-10 June 2005) |
President: Jeff Gambin (Gold Coast Burleigh GC, QLD) Board Members: Martyn Black (Castle Hill CC, NSW), Martin Greenwood* (Kingston Heath GC, VIC) and Jon Penberthy (Tewantin Noosa GC). *Allan Devlin co-opted to the AGCSA Board following the resignation of Martin Greenwood early 2005. Conference: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, VIC (21-25 June 2004) |
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2003-2004 |
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2002-2003 |
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President: Mark Couchman (Tewantin Noosa GC, QLD) Board Members: Jeff Gambin (Gold Coast Burleigh GC, QLD), Martyn Black (Castle Hill CC, NSW) and Martin Greenwood (Kingston Heath GC, VIC - Treasurer) Conference: Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide, SA (23-27 June 2003) |
President: Mark Couchman (Tewantin Noosa GC, QLD) Board Members: Jeff Gambin (Gold Coast Burleigh GC, QLD), Robert MacDonald (Joondalup Resort, WA) and David Warwick (Avondale Golf Club, NSW - Treasurer) Conference: Brisbane Convention Centre, Brisbane, QLD (17-21 June 2002) |
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2001-2002 |
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2000-2001 |
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President: Mark Couchman (Tewantin Noosa GC, QLD) Board Members: Jeff Gambin (Gold Coast Burleigh GC, QLD), Robert MacDonald (Joondalup Resort, WA) and David Warwick (Avondale Golf Club, NSW - Treasurer) 2001 Conference: Sydney Convention Centre, Sydney, NSW (18-22 June 2001) |
President: Peter Frewin (Barwon Heads Golf Club, VIC) Board Members: Mark Couchman (Tewantin Noosa GC, QLD), Peter Schumacher (Elanora GC, NSW) and Jeff Gambin (Gold Coast Burleigh GC, QLD) Conference: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, VIC (5-9 June 2000) |
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