Master Landscapers of SA

What Master Landscapers of SA does

Master Landscapers of SA (MLSA), founded in 2002 and based in Adelaide, South Australia, is a non-profit professional industry association representing landscape contractors, designers, maintenance providers and suppliers across Adelaide and regional South Australia. The organization operates as the peak body for the state's landscaping industry, providing member verification, consumer-facing directories, professional development programming, career pathway support, and the annual Awards of Excellence recognition program. MLSA also holds a distinctive regulatory role as the designated Assessing Authority for Trade Recognition Certificates issued under the South Australian Skills Commission, assessing competency for experienced landscapers without formal qualifications at a fixed fee of $1,702 per applicant.

MLSA's core technology footprint is minimal: the organization runs on the third-party Wild Apricot membership platform and has no proprietary software products, APIs or AI capabilities. Its "products" are service offerings rather than technology artifacts, including the Trade Recognition Certificate assessment service, the Find a Professional consumer directory, a Jobs Board, the Awards of Excellence program, building certification services, licensing support, and tiered sponsorship packages for industry partners (Foundation, Platinum, Gold, Silver) with more than 20 named partners such as Jeffries, Waterpro, Lynch Meyer and Cavpower.

MLSA's business model is a classic non-profit association model combining recurring membership dues with event-driven and transactional revenue. Revenue streams include subscription-style annual membership fees for landscape professionals, transactional fees from Trade Recognition Certificate assessments, and event revenue from the Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner (tickets priced at $250 per single seat, $2,250 per table of 10, and $2,750 per table of 12) supplemented by tiered sponsorship revenue. The association is governed by a Board led by CEO Chris Wiltshire and President Clint Adams, with a 6-person staff.

Name

Master Landscapers of SA

Legal name

Master Landscapers of SA

Website

https://landscapesa.com.au

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Master Landscapers of SA (MLSA) is a non-profit industry association founded in 2002 representing landscape contractors, designers, maintenance providers and suppliers across Adelaide and regional South Australia, offering membership, trade certification, an Awards of Excellence program and a tiered partner ecosystem.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Landscaping Industry Association

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Professional Organizations (81392)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Technical Committees, Working Groups & Expert Panels (BPADANAB)

Keywords

• Landscaping industry association
• Trade recognition certification
• Professional membership services
• Industry awards recognition
• Career pathway programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Adelaide

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Trade Recognition Certificates: MLSA acts as the Assessing Authority for Trade Recognition Certificates (Occupational Recognition Certificates) issued by the South Australian Skills Commission. Fees include application fee of $567 and competency assessment fee of $1,135, totaling $1,702 per applicant.
2. Event Tickets and Sponsorships: Revenue generated from Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner tickets ($250 single, $2,250 table of 10, $2,750 table of 12) and sponsorship packages from partners at various tiers.
3. Membership Fees: Annual membership fees for landscape professionals including designers, contractors, maintenance providers, and suppliers. Member categories include Voting Member types.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

MLSA is a professional industry association that provides membership services to landscape contractors, designers, maintenance providers, and suppliers in South Australia. It also operates the state's Trade Recognition Certificate assessment program (as Assessing Authority for the South Australian Skills Commission), runs the annual Awards of Excellence program, maintains a Find a Professional directory for consumers, delivers building certification services, hosts networking events and masterclasses, and offers career pathway programs for apprentices and trainees.

Product overview

Master Landscapers of SA is a professional industry association, not a software product company. MLSA offers a unified membership-based service portfolio centered on professional industry representation. The core offerings include membership verification and directory services (Find a Professional), Trade Recognition Certificates for competency assessment, Awards of Excellence for industry recognition, Building Certification Services, licensing support, career pathways (apprenticeships/traineeships), Jobs Board, and Events/Networking programs. All services are designed to support and promote the landscaping industry in Adelaide and regional South Australia.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• MLSA Membership Services Annual membership for landscape contractors, designers, maintenance providers, and suppliers in South Australia, providing access to networking, training, the Member Hub, verified directory listing, and industry representation.
• Find a Professional Directory Online directory listing verified MLSA member landscapers, designers, garden maintenance providers, and suppliers, connecting consumers and commercial property managers with qualified professionals across South Australia.
• Trade Recognition Certificate (TRC) Assessment Formal Occupational Recognition Certificate assessment service for experienced landscapers (minimum 4 years experience) without formal qualifications, issued via the South Australian Skills Commission. Application fee A$567 + competency assessment fee A$1,135 (total A$1,702).
• Building Certification Services Certification services for building and construction work within the landscaping industry, supporting compliance for members and their clients.
• Awards of Excellence Annual recognition program celebrating outstanding achievements in residential and commercial landscaping across construction, design, and maintenance categories; 2025 event drew 390+ attendees and recognised 19 recipients.
• MLSA Jobs Board Employment platform connecting landscaping employers with job seekers across the MLSA member network in South Australia.
• Career Pathways Program Programs supporting apprenticeships, traineeships, and career advancement in landscaping, including pathways to landscape construction, design, and maintenance.
• Licensing Support and Pre-Licensing Interviews Resources, guidance, and pre-licensing interview services for individuals seeking landscape industry licensing in South Australia.
• Events and Networking Programs Industry events including Annual General Meetings, Gala Dinners, masterclasses, workshops, and social gatherings for professional development and networking.

Quantifiable outcome

• 390+ industry professionals attended the 2025 Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered foundation partner, platinum partner, gold partner, silver partner and silver sponsor.

• Jeffriesfoundation partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerFoundation Partner since 1842. Jeffries delivers premium compost, soil and mulch for farmers, viticulturists, landscapers and home gardeners. Family-owned South Australian company with world-leading organic recycling technologies.
• Waterproplatinum partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerAustralia's best irrigation material supplier based in South Australia. Stockists of Rain Bird, Hunter, Grundfos, Netafim, Toro and Orbit brands. Head office: 36 Churchill Road North, Dry Creek, SA 5094.
• Lynch Meyerplatinum partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerIndependent full-service South Australian law firm providing corporate and commercial advice, property and development, construction and infrastructure, workplace health and safety, and private client services.
• The Turf Farmplatinum partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerLocated in the heart of the Mallee, services all of South Australia with instant lawn varieties including Sir Walter. Located at 280 Nickolls Road, Pinnaroo.
• Maughan Thiemplatinum partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerFamily owned Ford dealership serving Adelaide since 1912. Represents seven successful dealerships including Ford Ranger - Australia's number 1 selling nameplate. 3-year partnership arrangement.
• Freshfords Nurseriesgold partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerFamily owned tree nursery managed by brothers Ben and Dylan Freeman. Over 40 years experience supplying established trees to Adelaide and surrounding areas for streets, parks, gardens, and community spaces.
• NextMinutegold partnerTechnology or IntegrationAll-in-one job management app built for Aussie builders and residential tradies. Features quoting, scheduling, timesheets, invoicing, and reporting for small teams and growing businesses.
• ARO Educationalgold partnerImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerIndustry-experienced trainers providing nationally-recognised qualifications at Certificate II, III, IV and Diploma levels in landscaping, turf management, conservation and horticulture. 25+ years operation.
• Cavpowergold partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerExclusive Cat dealer for South Australia and Broken Hill since 1972. Over 50 years experience with 500+ technicians across 10 branches. Offers equipment sales, rentals, maintenance, repairs, and bespoke solutions.
• Outdoor Design Source (ODS)silver partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerInformation resource for specifiers of landscape products and services. Print directory 450+ pages, weekly enews to 21,000+ subscribers, online database, and digital editions covering landscape architecture and construction industries.
• Finestreamsilver partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerFinancial services provider offering accounting, business advisory, lending, property finance, and insurance for small businesses. One brand solution simplifying multiple service professionals. Located at 1 Hughes Street, Unley, SA 5061.
• Flaviosilver partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerFamily owned SA sandstone and outdoor living products company operating 20+ years. Hand-made sandstone products in Greenacres factory with 7-day display centre. Products include pots, fencing, letterboxes, outdoor furniture, pizza ovens, decorative screens.
• Before You Dig Australia (BYDA)silver partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerNot-for-profit providing free pre-excavation referral service protecting workers from underground infrastructure. Free enquiry service at byda.com.au preventing damage to electricity, gas, telecommunications, and water services.
• Gripsetsilver partnerGTM or Marketing Partner100% Australian owned manufacturer of high performance waterproofing products and systems. Leading innovator providing advice and knowledge for building professionals to help build damp-free buildings.
• SA Landscape Suppliessilver partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerFamily-run landscaping business with 40+ years experience, owned by Barry and Melissa Coombs. Evolved from Aldinga Landscape Supplies with Hackham yard and Railways Landscape Yard in Reynella. Online store providing 24/7 access state-wide.
• Bunnings Tradesilver partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTrade membership program PowerPass offering exclusive benefits for landscaping professionals. Business solutions team, account management tools, convenient payment and delivery options across Bunnings locations.
• Surewisesilver partnerGTM or Marketing Partner100% owned Steadfast insurance brokerage providing risk exposure analysis, insurance programme design and placement, responsive service, and efficient claims management for landscaping businesses.
• HR Productssilver sponsorGTM or Marketing PartnerManufactures, imports and distributes quality automatic irrigation equipment for agricultural, golf course, sports turf, landscape and home watering systems. Acquired by Valmont Industries in 2023. One of Australia's largest wholesale irrigation distributors.
• ATF Servicessilver partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerOver 25 years providing tough portable temporary fencing panels throughout Australia and New Zealand. High quality certified fencing with engineering endorsement for site security.
• Aquatecsilver partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerNation's largest supplier of water garden, fountain, and lake management solutions. Part of global Oase Group. Products include Oase German-engineered solutions, Otterbine aeration systems, and PondMAX products for Australian conditions.
• Allerasilver partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerFully Australian owned business based in South Australia since 2013. Specializes in landscape lighting with high quality products offering true value for money and personalized service.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Regional players

• Landscape NSW & ACT: State-based landscaping industry association serving NSW and the ACT. Comparable in mission and service mix (membership, events, advocacy) but geographically distinct from MLSA's South Australian focus.
• Master Landscapers & Designers Association of Victoria: Victoria's peak landscaping industry body offering the same membership, awards, and professional development model as MLSA. Directly comparable in structure and services, but serves a different state geography.
• Landscape Queensland: Industry association representing landscaping professionals in Queensland. Offers similar trade recognition, training, and event programming as MLSA, but operates in a separate state territory.

Broad incumbents

• Nursery & Garden Industry Australia (NGIA): National peak body for Australia's nursery and garden industry. Comparable as a horticulturally-adjacent industry association with national membership, events, and advocacy functions; serves upstream suppliers rather than landscapers directly.
• Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA): National professional body for landscape architects. Comparable as a membership-driven industry association, but operates at a national scope and serves a more design/architecture-oriented segment than MLSA's contracting-focused base.
• Housing Industry Association (HIA): National industry association for Australia's residential building sector. A broader incumbent with similar association services (membership, awards, training, advocacy) but operating one level upstream from landscaping.
• Master Builders Australia: National peak industry association for the building and construction sector. Operates a similar state-federation membership model with awards, training, and advocacy — providing the broader incumbent benchmark for trade associations MLSA sits within.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/masterlandscaperssa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/master-landscapers-of-sa
• Instagraminstagram.com/masterlandscaperssa

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Master Landscapers of SA