Celebrating a career that helped shape Western Australia’s turf industry
11 March 2026
Western Australia’s turf industry has been fortunate to have many outstanding innovators, leaders and turf managers. From time to time, however, someone emerges whose contribution and influence place them among a very select.
As John Forrest prepares for retirement, it’s fitting that the industry — and his current employer, Living Turf — recognises a career defined by expertise, service and genuine investment in people.
Speaking on Water Budgeting and efficiency (ASTMA, 2019)
John joined TAFE in the mid-1990s, spending 24 years there, most notably as Lead Lecturer in Turf Management.
Beyond the classroom, he contributed across numerous committees and boards, helping shape the direction of the WA turf industry.
Jeff Austen, a long-time TAFE colleague, sums it up:
“I always trusted his advice as it was always in the best interest of preserving, maintaining or creating an exceptional Sports Turf surface. This was based on feedback, budget and very much needed education when required. John always had environmental sustainability being part of his mantra.”
His impact has been widely recognised. John is a Life Member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of WA and an honorary member of the Sports Turf Association of WA. He has also served as long-standing Course Director and Life Member at Hartfield Country Club.
Yet John’s greatest legacy is the people he has trained, mentored and supported throughout their careers. As Danny Hambleton, WA State Manager at Living Turf, puts it:
“He is as trusted and respected within the industry as anyone I have encountered. That is a remarkable achievement.”
After TAFE, John moved into consulting and later joined Living Turf as Lead Consultant, where he has spent the past five years supporting clients and developing the next generation of agronomists.
Danny reflects:
“John has played a major role in developing our younger team members and has always been driven to make a real difference and deliver better outcomes for clients. That legacy will continue to shape the way we serve the WA turf industry.”
John Forrest has been an educator, industry representative and consultant — and above all, a trusted colleague and friend to many across Western Australia. On behalf of Living Turf and the broader WA turf industry, we wish John and his wife Jen the very best in the years ahead.
Mowing Green as Apprentice in 1976
Subsurface Irrigation trial – measuring moisture (2005)
Life membership award WAAGCSA with wife Jen (2019)
Installing Lysimeter McGillvray Oval (2004)