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The Board of the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA) has released its new Strategic Plan for 2023-2027, which it describes as “a significant milestone in our continued progression”.

Following a six-month review of the current Strategic Plan (2019-2023), the Board and Association team have developed the new Strategic Plan, following the previous plan as it approaches conclusion at the end of this year.

In a statement ASTMA advise “we have seen a tremendous amount of success and development of the Association delivered through the previous Strategic Plan, which has provided the opportunity to continue our work in supporting members and the industry.

“Direct outcomes from the previous plan include Association membership more than doubling over the past five years and approaching close to 2,000 members, the implementation of simplified membership categories, developed turf research, sustainability and GC2030 programs, delivered a series of leadership and professional development events, the Women in Turf program and an update to the Association name to be more representative of all members from right across the industry.

“Looking to maintain this momentum, the updated Strategic Plan recognises the need to continue our work in supporting members and capitalise on opportunities to drive the industry forward.

“The approach under the revised Strategic Plan will guide our efforts and initiatives from 2023 to 2027, and has been developed on the foundation of the Association mission and values that will focus the team on five key pillars to shape our activities in the years ahead.”

The five key pillars of the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association 2023-2027 Strategic Plan are:

1. Education
In an ever-evolving industry, the Association’s focus on education remains paramount. Our updated strategic plan underscores our commitment to providing comprehensive educational opportunities for our members. We will continue to organise the industry leading Sports Turf Management Conference, establish our RTO operations to support members, support State Associations in the development of education through workshops and seminars, and through collaborating with industry partners and experts to keep members informed about the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices.

2. Industry Capability
Maintaining and enhancing the capabilities of our industry is essential for growth. ASTMA’s strategic plan will see us working to elevate industry standards by promoting sustainable practices, conducting, supporting and sharing research, and fostering innovation.  The plan will drive efforts around workforce attraction & retention, continue the success of the Women in Turf Program and support states looking to develop their governance structures.  The association will continue to drive advancements that positively impact the sports turf management industry.

3. Member Support
Our association thrives on the strength of its members, and recognising this, the strategic plan emphasises member support through enhanced communication channels, networking events, and forums for idea exchange. We will continue driving benefit to all members, and developing engaging opportunities through working in partnership with State Associations to ensure that every member is valued, connected, and supported.

4. Advocacy
Advocacy remains a crucial aspect of our Association mission. The updated strategic plan will intensify our efforts to advocate for the recognition and importance of sports turf management, and sports turf managers.  By collaborating with stakeholders, industry partners, governing bodies, and local, state and federal government, we will work to influence decisions that impact our profession positively with increased focus on advancing education, workforce, turf research and the promotion of sustainability

5. Professional Development
The ASTMA is committed to nurturing the growth of its members as professionals and leaders. Our strategic plan outlines initiatives to create a strong professional identity through development of mentoring programs, leadership training, development programs, and career advancement opportunities.  This focus on professional development will support our members and our industry to develop a strong professional identity, and opportunities to advance their careers.

The five pillars are intended to serve as the guiding principles for ASTMA’s actions over the next five years.

ASTMA add “we believe that this strategic plan will not only benefit our members individually but also continue the Association’s efforts to strengthen the sports turf management industry as a whole.”

Click here for more detailed information about the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan.

Main image credit: Pexels/Thomas Ward.

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