1. health and fitness
2. disease
3. cold and flu

April 2015
NEWSLETTER
20 Elliott Street
Midvale
WA 6056
Email: midlandmowers@iinet.net.au
Website: www.midlandmowers.com.au
1
Issue 536
INDEX
Features
Page
Sponsor Spotlight
3
For Sale
4
Previous Month Minutes
5
Minutes continued
6
Treasurer’s Report
7
Articles
7 & 11
Lawn Care in April
12
Health & Lifestyle Article
13 & 14
Sick Work Assistance
15
For Sale
15
Committee Nominations
15
Committee Details
16 & 17
For Sale
17
Emergency Mower Hire
17
Meeting Dates
18
Shop Talk
18
For Sale
19
Residential Turf Management
21 & 22
Water Corp Information
23
Chemical Application Course
24
SICK WORK Fact Sheets
25 & 26
Starter Round for Sale
27
On behalf of the Association, we would
like to thank Graham Knight and Arnold
Mervis for attending our March meeting
and for giving our members some very
valuation information regarding insurance.
We would also like to thank Graham for
generously donating an Echo Blower,
supplied at cost by Balcatta Mowers as a
raffle prize. Well done Howard on winning
this awesome prize!
Guest Speaker
Graham Gould from Lawncare 500 will be
giving us a short talk on weed types and
eradication. Graham’s talks are always very
informative.
Ken Griffiths will be putting on short videos of
maintenance on equipment prior to the meeting, so get there at 7pm if you’re interested.
You can also check the videos out on the LMCA
website if you like.
DISCLAIMER:
The advice contained in this newsletter is given in good
faith. It does not necessarily represent the opinion of the
Lawn Mowing Contractors Association of WA Inc, neither
Committee or Members. Unless otherwise stated, it is
given from the point of view of experienced LAWN
MOWING Contractors, but it is not intended to infer any
specialised technical knowledge other than that of a
contractor. If in doubt, readers should seek specialised
technical advice.
The Lawn Mowing Contractors Association of WA Inc.
accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of claims
made by advertisers in this newsletter.
2
APRIL
Balcatta Mowers understand the importance of contractors machines which is why
they prioritise these and get you back to work ASAP. They stock a full range of
quality commercial machines, parts &
accessories in store. Their friendly and
knowledgeable staff will be there with advice and
assistance any time you require repairs or replacement
of machinery.
This month, along with being the sponsor of the month,
Balcatta Mowers is celebrating its 30th year and have
some amazing birthday specials available in store only.
3
For Sale
Greenfield ipd slasher 28” cut $2,600




Honda 35cc whipper snipper $300
Mow Master 28” cut cylinder mower with height adjuster
$3,400
Please contact Graham Bruce
0407 995 305
For Sale
21 customers in the Balcatta/Stirling area with basic earnings
of approx $10,500.00 plus fertilising and weedspraying
More than 60% of the customers are long term over 5 years.
Price $5,400.00 firm
Call Tania on 0402 428 112
4
MINUTES OF THE LAWN MOWING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION GENERAL MEETING FOR
THE MONTH OF MARCH 2015, HELD AT THE MORLEY NORANDA RECREATION CLUB ON MONDAY 16th MARCH 2015
____________________________________________________
The President opened the meeting at 7:30pm.
ATTENDANCE, VISITORS, SPONSORS AND ALLIED MEMBERS:
As per attendance sheets. The President welcomed visitors and sponsors and invited them to have a complimentary
drink.
APOLOGIES:
Graham Humble, Matthew Polkinghorne, Vince Butler, Rob Bennett, David Harbidge, Thomas Riedel.
A Lawson advised members of the 2 raffles for the night, the usual monthly raffle and the Sponsor Raffle, being an
Echo blower kindly donated by Graham Knight Insurance Brokers and supplied by Balcatta Mowers at cost.
GUEST SPEAKER:
The President suspended the meeting to introduce Graham Knight from Graham Knight Insurance Brokers to give a
talk on insurance. The President also introduced Arnold Mervis who will be the broker from Knights who will
attend meetings and be there to assist the members and be the point of contact for insurance enquiries.
After Graham answered some queries from Members present, A Lawson thanked Graham for his very informative
talk.
NORTHSIDE MOWERS:
A Lawson advised members that Northside Mowers is being sold and encouraged members to continue to support
Terry whilst the business is being sold. Terry Willison has been a very valued sponsor for many years.
FERTILISING:
A Lawson advised members that now is the time to prep the lawns for winter and to be thorough with cleaning up
after fertilising as it can stain paving and driveways.
COMMITTEE NOMINATIONS:
A Lawson advised that a couple of nominations have been received and encouraged members to think about being
on committee. Aaron advised members that they are welcome to attend committee members if they are thinking of
nominating. Nomination forms available at the March, April and May meetings.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING:
Moved, Graham Bruce, seconded Sonia Allin that the Minutes as published in the newsletter were a true and
accurate record of the February meeting. Carried.
BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES:
Nil
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Moved Colin Craig, seconded Graham Bruce that the Treasurer’s Report, as published in the newsletter be accepted
and the accounts paid.
CORRESPONDENCE IN:
Nil
CORRESPONDENCE OUT:
Nil
WATERWISE:
A Lawson updated members with the outcome of the Water Corporation meetings and the ongoing problems for our
Association with the Waterwise Programme. He advised the Water Corporation that we will stay associated with
their programme, but at arm’s length and reported that the assistance from the Water Corporation has changed and
the benefits to the Association have been greatly reduced but we will continue to assist with the endorsement of
Waterwise contractors.
DONATIONS:
Request from P Watterston for the Association to consider donating to the Bindoon Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade to
assist in helping them replace the defibrillator which was recently destroyed in a burnover. Members asked to vote
with majority voting for the $1000 to be donated to Bindoon Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade.
5
SPONSOR RAFFLE:
Echo Blower, donated by Graham Knight Insurance, supplied at cost by Balcatta Mowers won by Howard McIndoe.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
M Watterston advised members of shop specials including fire extinguishers, newly in stock.
C Steele-Butler encouraged members to complete LMCA questionnaires so that the results can be collated and feedback given.
T Butler advised that there is a round for sale, City Beach/Scarborough suit starter round.
S Polkinghorne advised that invoices are ready for membership fees for 2015/16. A Lawson advised that the fees
have not gone up.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
T Butler advised members about the importance of having work cards up-to-date when sick work assistance is required. Terry advised members that an article will be in the April newsletter with a sample ‘work card’ and sample
‘sick work book sheet.’ Discussion took place regarding sick work assistance.
A Lawson advised that the Keep it Easy computer programme is going to the ‘Cloud,’ with a free trial version available.
B Bruce advised of cord and oils he has available.
Paul St Jack advised members about the Residential Turf Management Course.
K Griffiths reminded contractors about the importance of keeping clutches well-oiled and further advised that he was
working with Balcatta Mowers to refurbish MEY clutches.
S Williams reported that MowMaster had re-conditioned an MEY clutch which he says is working well.
RAFFLE:
Loose cylinder grind donated by Joondalup Mowers won by Steve Polkinghorne
Loose bottom blade sharpen donated by Balcatta Mowers won by Ken Griffiths
Edger blades donated by Blades Galore won by Jamie Everington
Plastic fuel can donated by Blades Galore won by Jean-Claude Said
Brush cutter cord donated by Blades Galore won by Liam Brady
Bottle of wine donated by Rob Hooker won by Tony Parsonson
Dan Murphy’s $30 gift card donated by LMCA won by Tony Humphreys
Chase the Joker not won, will be $370 next month
MEETING CLOSED: 8:45pm
6
March 2015
Payee
Sensis
Carol Steele
Terry Butler
Terry Butler
Terry Butler
Steve Polkinghorne
Steve Polkinghorne
Steve Polkinghorne
Blades Galore
Ken Griffiths
Aaron Lawson
Morley Noranda Rec Club
Telstra
Terry Butler
Details
Yellow Pages
Honorarium
Honorarium
Shop Stock
Raffle Prize
Honorarium
Postage
Computer Stationery
Shop Stock
Honorarium
Honorarium
Supper meeting
Office Phone
Buddy system—Insurance claim
Amount ($)
217.80
1208.33
750.00
198.00
350.00
750.00
39.00
21.60
167.35
750.00
750.00
95.30
117.94
70.00
Steve Polkinghorne
WORK PRACTICES
It is always good to have a look at how you are doing things, perhaps the ramp you are using is not locking
onto your trailer or ute properly, maybe you are not putting cones or signs out when you pull your
machinery out of your trailer with traffic behind you.
If unloading a ute, have you got room behind you in case the mower takes off!
Do you every put your hand anywhere near the cylinder if pushing grass up into
the catcher? Do you ever pull your edger behind you or walk in front of it while it
is still running? I have see accidents sometimes severe with all of these things
coming into play and have escaped injury myself on several occasions when I
have done something stupid to try and save time.
Small things like wearing padded fingerless gloves can save a lot of ‘wear n tear’ and protect you from
sharp objects and sharp plants. Wearing fluoro shirts gives that early morning motorist the chance to see
you when the sum is full on in their windscreen. Good quality glasses are an essential, wrap-around wings
on glasses are very important and will help to protect you from injury and cataracts.
Just self-awareness as to how much you are drinking and eating on the hot days, if you had a few beers the
night before it can cause dehydration the next day when the weather warms up. We are all at risk of injury
and have to self-manage. NO union or safety rep to protect us. If you would like to talk about this at
meetings for tips on how to do it properly, feel free to bring it up.
Terry
7
Lawn Mower Equipment & Vehicle Finance
No fuss finance – we come to you!
Low doc options – no need for tax figures or financials.
Finance available from $3,000 upwards
We also arrange Home Loans and commercial property finance.
Contact Stephen Heath
Ph: 6142 6899
Mob: 044 88 99 707
Email: stephenh@wfb.com.au
1 Alvan Street
Subiaco WA 6008
Westminster National Pty Ltd ACN 102 212 671 ABN 66 102 212 671
Trading as Westminster National
Australian Credit Licence 391520
8
9
10
TO ALL LAWNMOWING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION MEMBERS
I read the Article in your last newsletter about servicing equipment and wanted to respond to the last
paragraph:
MowMaster Turf Equipment has always been dedicated to offering WA Lawnmowing Contractors the
very best equipment money can buy! You have always had:







The widest cut in the narrowest frame
The heaviest duty in the lightest frame
The longest lasting more durable cutting blades
Easy Maintenance in a Commercial Product
Product Back Up
Expert Service and Industry Knowledge
Choice
Yes! We do continually change our products and add new ones, all to suit your unique industry. No one
has done it better than MowMaster. That is now well and truly clear! Remember! This business was
established in 1947. We have done nothing but purely specialise in Superior Turf Maintenance
Equipment from Grandfather to Great Grandson, we possess more industry knowledge than any other
person or company could ever dream of. You need it! We understand it! That’s why we are, where we
are.
Just to let you members know about where we stand on pricing. MowMaster has just increased pricing
by an average 2%, some only by 0.9%. I think that’s way below the CPI? Our last price list had not
changed since 01/05/13, that’s pretty close to 2 years. What’s changed in 2 years, The Dollar? The cost
of living? Material Costs? Wages? Consumables? Which ones would you say would contribute to a
manufacturers price increases, some or all? Or some might think it’s that we are the only manufacturer
in the country that we choose to make these increases?
No! We could have put our prices up by 100% including parts and services quite some time ago if we
really wanted?
We could have very easily but we did not!
That’s who we are, that’s how we are, and that’s how we stay!
Just an example—If you were able to purchase imported equipment equal to MowMaster’s quality, you
would be paying “Double”. That is a fact! There is not another product built like it in Planet Earth. There
are other Mowers but not to do the work you require from them?
Thank you for your time to read this and please believe that MowMaster is dedicated to your industry
and will remain so for the next 68 years.
Cheers
DAVE HARRISON
DIRECTOR
13 April 2015
11
Lawn Care in April
Weed control:
Autumn rain will bring with it a huge surge in the weed population that we don’t see every year. They need
controlling or they become established as regulars to invade each summer.
Seed set of summer weeds can be prolific. Plants not controlled will provide a seed bank for many years.
Mowing can help.
Spraying weeds when they are young will give the best result. They need to be actively growing. Don’t spray
lawns that have been recently mowed or show signs of stress.
Spraying early in the morning after a dew can help the uptake of the herbicide. This also reduces the
evaporation risk.
Autumn is an excellent time to control broadleaf weeds in lawns. Why wait until spring when you can get a
jump on them early.
Advise your customers that mulching the garden beds can help reduce the weeds. Garden weeds tend to drift
into the lawn and that is where all of our problems come from. If they are going to mulch the garden beds,
make sure that they keep the mulch away from the edge of the lawn, otherwise when you use your edger, it
will throw the mulch everywhere.
Wintergrass is considered by some to be a serious weed of fine turf, to be eradicated at all costs. If you can
knock wintergrass in autumn, you will have better turf grass growth. It will remain green for longer into late
autumn and early winter, and should also start to green up earlier in late winter.
Wintergrass is a small winter-growing annual grass forming a tussock up to 10cm tall.
It first appears about May, with the onset of colder weather and fewer hours of
sunlight, and continues to germinate throughout winter and early spring. Seed heads
develop in mid-winter and continue into spring. Treatment requires chemical methods of control by a licenced spray contractor.
The spray for wintergrass is generally applied as a pre-emergent which means it kills the seed before they
germinate. It is really important that you don’t allow wintergrass to get into full growth as it is much harder to
eradicate. We have found that when a lawn is sprayed regularly for around 3 years, you can eradicate it
completely from a lawn that is contained, i.e. not a front verge or an open lawn.
Ants occasionally cause problems where there is extensive mound building over
lawns. Populations can occur throughout the year because the Queen lays eggs
almost continually and all life history stages (eggs, larvae, pupae and adults) may
occur at any one time in the colony. The tunnelling activities of ants create an
artificial drought by removing soil from around the turf root zone. It is best management practice to attend to cultural aspects of turf and fertilise and irrigate to
deter the ants. Chemical control may be applied by a licenced spray contractor.
12
Flu (influenza) - Vaccination
Definition of flu: a common disease that is caused by a virus and that causes fever, weakness, body aches
and breathing problems.
How if flu spread?

Through the air when someone coughs, sneezes or talks

By touching something that has the virus on it and then touching your nose, eyes or mouth
Symptoms:
Symptoms of flu most commonly include a fever combined with a cough and/or sore throat.
Other symptoms may include:

Fatigue

Headache

Runny or congested nose

Muscle or joint aches and pains

Chills
Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhoea have also been reported, particularly in children.
Several flu virus strains circulate every year in Australia. Flu usually causes mild illness in most people.
However, some people are more likely to develop severe illness from flu.
People who are at increased risk of severe illness from flu
Some people are more likely to develop severe illness from seasonal flu and human swine flu. They
include:

Pregnant women

Young children aged 6 months to under 5 years

People aged 65 years of age and older

Aboriginal Australians older than 15 years of age

Very obese people

People with underlying medical conditions including:

Heart disease

Chronic respiratory conditions

Chronic diseases requiring medical follow-up or hospitalisation in the past year, including diabetes

Chronic neurological conditions

People with weakened immune systems, which may be caused by cancers, HIV/AIDS or certain
Medications
If you are in one of the groups above, you:

Are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against flu

Should seek medical attention if you develop flu symptoms
Protecting yourself from flu
Vaccination is voluntary, but everyone is encouraged to get a yearly vaccine. Good personal hygiene will
also help prevent the spread of flu.
If you are travelling
If you are travelling overseas, you should check smartraveller.gov.au for updates and travel advisories.
Travellers should consider getting vaccinated against flu before going to countries where the flu virus is
active. Always wash your hands thoroughly after coming into contact with people who have flu-like
symptoms, after coughing, sneezing, going to the toilet, and before eating.
13
Vaccination:
The seasonal flu vaccine is available on prescription or via GP, immunisation clinics and many chemists,
and is provided free for the following groups:

Pregnant women

People aged 65 years of age and older

Aboriginal Australians aged 15 years and older

Individuals aged 6 months and older with medical conditions that put them at risk of severe
influenza, including:

Heat disease

Chronic respiratory conditions

Chronic diseases requiring medical follow-up or hospitalisation in the past year.

Chronic neurological conditions

People with weakened immune systems

Children aged six months to 10 years receiving long term aspirin therapy

Children aged from 6 months to under 5 years of age are eligible for a free vaccine in WA
If you are unsure if you are in a high category for complications from influenza, or if you require medical
advice, speak with your GP or immunisation provider, or ring healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222
Note: Some immunisation providers may charge a consultation fee for administering vaccines. It is
recommended that you check if the vaccine is available and what the costs will be when making an
appointment with your immunisation provider.
Vaccination Safety:
All vaccines used in Australia have been extensively tested for safety.
Common side effects and what to do:
Like any other medication, vaccines can have side effects. Side effects after vaccination are usually mild
and short-lasting and do not need special treatment.
Pain: An injection can cause soreness, redness, itching, swelling or burning at the injection site for 1-2
days.

Give paracetamol (not aspirin) if needed

Soreness at the injection site can be eased by placing a wet cloth over the site

A small hard lump may appear where the injection was given and can persist for some weeks or
months. No special treatment is needed.
Fainting: This is mainly seen in adolescents and adults. Anyone who feels giddy or light-headed before
or after vaccination should lie down until free of symptoms.
Vomiting and diarrhoea: See your doctor if severe or persistent.
Irritability, decreased appetite, sleepiness: These are common reactions and do not require treatment.
Children may need comforting after vaccination. These symptoms usually disappear after 24 to 48
hours—if they don’t, see your doctor.
Fever: (temperature above 38.5°) A fever can occur after receiving any vaccine. Please see your doctor
if a persistent high temperature is present. Have extra fluids and reduce clothing. Paracetamol may be
taken if there is fever and pain after vaccination.
Seizure: (convulsions, fits) Usually lasts 20 seconds, rarely more than 2 minutes. Call an ambulance
immediately or present to hospital.
As with any medication, very rarely a person may experience severe allergic reation such as anaphylaxis.
Your immunisation provider is trained to recognise and manage any immediate, severe reactions. A
severe, anaphylatic reaction will generally occur within the first 15 minutes after receiving a vaccine.
For more detailed information go to www.health.wa.gov.au
14
INELIGIBLE FOR SICK WORK ASSISTANCE
The members listed below are ineligible for Sick Work Assistance as per the Constitution.
In order to be eligible for Sick Work Assistance, a member must regularly attend meetings and provide proof that he/she
currently holds Public Liability Insurance cover. The relevant sections of the Constitution are detailed below:
Eligibility for Assistance Rule 20 (a) - A Member must attend at least one general meeting in every three to be eligible for Sick
Work Assistance. A Member who fails to do so is ineligible for Sick Work Assistance.
Public Liability Cover to be maintained Rule 20 (b) - A Member must maintain a Public Liability Insurance Policy with a
minimum cover of five million dollars ($5,000,000) and is required to supply the Administrator or Vice President with a
Certificate of Currency for their Public Liability insurance within 28 days of the renewal date of this policy, stating the renewal
date and the amount insured. A Member who does not comply with this rule, will be unable to perform Sick Work and will be
ineligible for Sick work Assistance.
The form can also be emailed to the office direct from your brokers at your request
Brendan Adams
Kim Milne
Bradley Dale
Wayne Thompson
Wayne Hill
Chris Watson
Ba Long
Simon Williams
Please remember that if you now miss 3 or more meetings in a row, you are required to attend
2 consecutive meetings to become eligible for Sick Work Assistance. You will, however, still be
required to do Sick Work for other Members.
KEV’S TIPS
If you have engine
starter cords older than
one year, change them
now! The rain will cause
them to swell and break which will ruin your
day. Always carry spares.
Carry spare spark
plugs and the correct
plug spanners. You
need a particularly
long one for your
mower. If your
mower ever stops
suddenly, it will be either the plug or the fuel!
NOMINATIONS WELCOME FOR COMMITTEE POSITIONS 2015/16
All positions on committee are for a one year period and become vacant at the June
meeting which is our Annual General Meeting.
Any financial member wishing to nominate for a position must lodge his/her application
with the Vice President before the commencement of the May committee meeting.
Forms will be available at the next 3 general meetings.
The duties are flexible so give it a try and learn more about your industry. If you would like
to have a talk about what the duties involve, please phone Terry 9207 3656
Please phone Terry on 9207 3656
Thank You
15
2014/15 LMCA Committee Structure & Job Descriptions
16
2014/15 LMCA General Committee
LMCA Emergency Mowers for Hire
The LMCA own 2 x 28” lawnmowers which can be hired for $35.00 per day plus a refundable deposit.
The mowers are currently held at the following locations:
SOUTH: Contact Kevin Shynn 0408 804 277 or 9398 7558
NORTH: Contact Terry Willison at Northside Mowers, Balcatta
Tel: 9240 2411
Both Mowers are in perfect condition and ready to go!
For Sale
Lawn Mowing Trailer
8ft x 4.5ft fully enclosed and lockable
Single axle Holden hubs
Racks inside. Full rear ramp
White sides, newly painted and ready for sign writing
Immaculate condition
Reduced to bargain price $2000
Contact Steve Lindsay 0418 912 257
17
General Meeting Dates
(7:30pm)
Committee Meeting Dates
(7:00pm)
Monday 20th April
Tuesday 28th April (TBC)
Monday 18th May
Monday 25th May
The General Meetings are held at the Morley Noranda Recreation Club
Shop Talk!
Fire extinguishers now in stock $45 each
(including vehicle bracket)
Get all your stationery needs from the shop including job cards
and quote books.
See Matt at the April meeting!
Reminders from the Office
ALL MEMBERS: Don’t forget to sign the attendance register as it helps
keep your Sick work eligibility up-to-date.
Please note the LMCA no longer has a fax machine.
If you have changed any contact details: phone numbers, addresses and email addresses,
please advise Carol in the office on 9440 1559 / 0400 340 449 (call or SMS) / email:
lmcawa1@bigpond.com
Looking for work? Are you registered on the LMCA website? If not, please register at
www.lawnmow.com.au and existing members will be sent logon information.
Don’t forget to update your profile at least every 2 months, set a date in your diary!
Your work areas will automatically be removed from the website after a period of 3
months has elapsed. If this has happened to you, please contact Carol. Any logon
problems, please phone Carol for assistance.
18
For Sale
Blundstone Boots Size 8
Non steel toe caps
New $30
Contact Kevin Shynn: 0408 804 277
For Sale
24” MEY Mower with Catcher
Excellent condition $1950
Contact Kevin Shynn
Mob: 0408 804 277
19
Do you have any work for sale?
Condensing your round?
Equipment for sale?
If so, please contact Terry Butler : 0431 804 121
We can also advertise your work or equipment for sale on the LMCA website
Just send the details to Terry or Carol
Free listing for members
20
Residential Turf Management Course
This course covers a wide range of topics, all relevant to the domestic and small commercial mowing
contractor.
Topics include OHS, fertilisers and pricing, soils and soil preparation, turf recognition, plant structure and
function, mowing techniques, turf renovation, irrigation, weeds, pests and diseases, sales and marketing,
planning, debtor control and summer and winter survival.
If you are not sure whether you need to enrol in this course, test yourself on the following questions—all
the answers will be provided during the course.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
What is the maximum towing capacity of your vehicle for a trailer with brakes, or a trailer without
brakes?
What are the minimum required safety items you must carry in your vehicle to comply with
Worksafe regulations?
Nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium are all essential macro elements. What effect do they each
have on turf grass?
Which are the trace elements that are typically deficient in Perth soils?
How do wetting agents work and when should they be applied?
How do you calibrate your fertiliser spreader to deliver an application rate of 25 grams per square
meter of turf?
How do you calculate the amount you should charge clients for fertilising their lawns?
Describe the correct process for preparing for and installing roll on turf
How do you mow fine lawns without leaving lines and gouge marks?
What is the best technique for mowing slopes?
What is vertimowing and how do you do it?
When is the best time to verimow and why?
What is the difference between gear drive sprinklers and popups and how long should they each be
left on to deliver 15mm of water?
If you break a PVC pipe underground, how do you fix it without digging up a lot of lawn, and how do
you ensure it won’t break again if run over?
What is an articulated riser and how do you install one?
Can you identify weed and pest problems in a client’s lawn?
Do you know the life cycle of weeds sufficiently to be able to advise a client when they should be
sprayed?
Do you know which weeds can be sprayed selectively in a lawn?
What strategy do you have in place to market your business to clients?
What strategy do you have in place to manage your debtors?
For details on enrolment to the Residential Turf Management Course, please see page 22.
21
Please note that the price has been revised down to $481.27
22
Perth Watering Days
The 2 day per week sprinkler roster now applies to all scheme water users in Perth
Sprinklers can only be used either before 9am or after 6pm, on designated watering days
(2 days per week) based on the last digit of street numbers.
Garden bore users in Perth can continue to use their garden bore either before 9am or after 6pm, on
designated watering days (3 days per week).
Last Digit of Street
or lot number
Scheme Users
2 day roster
Bore owners
Additional day
1
Wednesday & Saturday
Monday
2
Sunday & Thursday
Tuesday
3
Monday & Friday
Wednesday
4
Tuesday & Saturday
Thursday
5
Sunday & Wednesday
Friday
6
Monday & Thursday
Saturday
7
Tuesday & Friday
Sunday
8
Wednesday & Saturday
Monday
9
Thursday & Sunday
Tuesday
0
Friday & Monday
Wednesday
It is important that your customer’s irrigation controllers are programmed correctly to their current rostered watering days.
Advise your customers that they can save litres of water and avoid fines for breaching watering restrictions with the proper
setting of their irrigation controllers.
It’s important to advise your customers to regularly check their irrigation system’s controller units—and advise them to turn
them off when it rains!
Some handy Dos and Don’ts for sprinkler & outdoor use
Specific to your customers:
You can:

Water lawns and gardens with a hand held hose or watering can

Top up a pond, fountain or swimming pool

A person, during the course of their employment in the turf, garden or landscaping industries can operate an
irrigation system to the minimum extent necessary while the system is being installed, maintained, tested or repaired. An
‘Authorised sprinkler testing in progress’ sign must be clearly displayed on the site for the duration of the testing.

A person, during the course of their employment in the turf, garden or landscaping industries, can apply 10mm of
water immediately after the application of fertilisers, wetting agents or vertimowing.

You can wash your car with a hose

Water lawns and gardens using irrigation systems with sprinklers or drippers on your watering days, EITHER once in the
morning before 9am or once in the evening after 6pm.

Households and businesses can apply for a watering exemption if establishing a new lawn or garden.
You can’t:

Water gardens and lawns using irrigation systems in BOTH the morning and evening of your allocated watering days
unless an exemption has been applied for.

Water lawns and gardens using irrigation systems between the hours of 9am and 6pm.

Clean driveways, walls or windows of buildings with a hose.

Run your irrigation outside your allowed watering days or times to see if the system is operating OR adjust sprays on
sprinklers.
(the above information has been obtained from the Water Corporation website)
Waterwise helpline 24 hours 13 13 85
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SICK WORK
Our sick work cover is the only one of it’s type in any self-employed industry that we know
of. You cannot protect your livelihood in any other way, having wage protection is
excellent, but if you have nobody to do the physical work on your behalf while you are ill,
then the round will fall apart within 6 weeks.
THE FACTS RE: ELIGIBILITY AND PROVIDING SICK WORK ASSISTANCE
To be eligible for Sick work, you need to qualify under the following points:Are you financial? i.e. fees paid to date
Are you a sick work member?
Have you attended the correct number of meetings? Are you on the ineligible list?
To apply for Sick work, you need to be incapacitated for more than 5 working days
You will require a sick note from your Doctor stating that you are off work for more
than 5 working days
Is your Public Liability Insurance Certificate recorded in the LMCA office?
Has your sick work been approved by the Committee?
If any of the above points are not covered, you will be Ineligible for Sick Work Assistance
When you contact our office for Sick Work assistance, you will be supplied a Sick Work
Book and a list of Contractors to attend to your work while you are incapacitated.
Unless agreed with the Contractor, we will require at least 3 working days’ notice before
your work begins. Your work will be added to the existing rounds of our Contractors so
that work might be attended slightly before or after its due date.
If you require grass to be removed from your clients’ properties, you will need to advise
your customers that this might not be possible. Most of our Contractors have no provision
for removing clippings. If necessary, you will need to supply them with full-sized bin liners
that can be left on the properties to be collected by you when you are recovered.
All relevant notes about your clients’ needs should be given to the Member doing the Sick
Work, as in keys, codes, dogs on properties etc.
You are responsible for all monies owing. If cash is left out for you on your properties, you
need to inform the Member doing the work.
Payment should be made via direct bank deposit as the work is completed by your sick
work contractor. Make sure you have the funds in place to pay 50% owing to the Member
doing the work.
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Stay in touch with both the office and the Members doing the sick work for the duration of
the illness.
If you are involved in an accident, can your partner/friend/family member pass on your
work roster to the LMCA?
Are you on a computer program that we can access?
If your injury is short-term, you might be able to find a work mate who can give you assistance without going to Sick work.
Immediately you receive your sick work lists from the office, contact the Members by
phone or email and get your written work lists out as soon as possible.
Work lists need to be between $250 and $300. Although the contractors will do the best
they possibly can, jobs that are not accessible due to locked gates, carports etc. will not be
attended to. If you have advised the contractor to go and do the work, you cannot expect
them to return to site at a later date for any reason.
Sick work is a privilege, not a right, you need to fulfill all the criteria to be eligible.
If you are given sick work to do, it means that our office is sure that the sick work member
is legitimately ill. You do not need to phone the office to confirm this. Work the list into
your round and advise the sick member as soon as the work is completed so that he might
invoice his customers.
If you are going on holiday during the period of sick work, you are still responsible for that
work. Get someone else to do it for you or try and work something out with the
contractor who is sick. Going on holiday does not excuse you from sick work, otherwise
during the winter, we would have no members available for sick work.
You are obliged with your membership to cover legitimate sick work. Family problems,
being behind with your work, inclement weather, none of these are legitimate reasons for
non-compliance.
The Association is built on mate ship, come to regular meetings, have a beer with the
guys, introduce yourself around and hope that YOU never fall sick.
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