About Turf NSW
Turf NSW is the representative body for Turf Producers in NSW and has been operating for 40 years.
The role of Turf NSW is to support growers with opportunities of education, networking and advocacy. Turf NSW is a not for profit association, guided by a voluntary board with an Executive Officer managing the day-to-day operations and projects.
2024/2025 Turf NSW Board
President: Troy Franks – Dad & Dave’s Turf
Vice President: Patrick Muscat, Musturf
Treasurer: Anthony Muscat – Greener Lawn Supplies
General Committee:
Joshua Muscat – Greenlife Turf
Jessica Micallef – Abulk Turf
Ben Muscat – Greenway Turf
Strategic Plan 2021 - 2026
Our Vision: To develop and promote the natural turf production industry to improve the economic, environmental and social wellbeing of the NSW community.
Our Purpose: Provide our members with products and services that improve the profitability and sustainability of their business.
Life Members
Turf NSW recognises the support of members who go above and beyond expectations and are awarded with Life Membership.
- Peter McMaugh AM
- Geoff Hatton
- Dennis James
- Noel Ferris
History of the Association
By Peter McMaugh
The Turf growers Association of NSW was formed in 1983 under the influence of Hugh Alan who was the District Agronomist with the Department of Agriculture at the time in Windsor.
Terry Allen and Peter McMaugh were both involved – and an initial meeting was held at Hawkesbury Agricultural College and then another event at the North Richmond Sports Club in Kurrajong soon thereafter. The Guest Speaker was Don Burke.
The principal discussion was about were turf growers getting as proper value for their turf. Don put two pot plants on the table one 4″ pot, one 6″ pot. The 4″ pot sold for $2.90, the 6″ pot for $3.80. He then put up a roll of turf. How much more plant matter are you selling in a roll of turf compared with these 2 pots he asked? And what is the price of the turf? Kikuyu $1.90, Couch $2.85, Buffalo $4.50. Does this make sense?
During the period 1983 – 1986 the Hawkesbury went through one of its most destructive flood cycles. There were 6 floods in 2 years, and this saw a huge influx of new growers from the vegetable industry coming across to turf production. Most of these were Maltese families and they have become a dominant part of the Association to date, particularly in the Hawkesbury Valley.
There was a hiatus in the industry for 2 years and the Association ceased to function until Dennis James from Yarramalong turf, who was the treasurer at the time, came to the realisation that all the Associations assets would go into consolidated revenue unless Dennis restarted the Association with its current name.
Norm Bartholomew from Yarramalong became President. After 18 months, the Central Coast team invited the Hawkesbury back into the Association. Dennis James was President for a short time and the Hawkesbury group led by Terry Allen took over the running of the committee.
History of Growing Turf in the Hawkesbury
The Hawkesbury has been referred to as the breadbasket of the Sydney region for over two hundred years. Vegetables, citrus and stone fruit were taken to Sydney by steamers down the Hawkesbury River. In recent decades, repeated disastrous floods have prompted farmers to change crops, for example, citrus to vegetables and vegetables to turf.
The fertile floodplains of the Hawkesbury river and its tributaries are home to Australia’s largest turf industry, comprising one-quarter of national production. The timeline below lists some major events and people involved in the growth of the local sod (or instant) turf industry. Read More
