PEOPLE and organisations that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to strengthening Australia’s biosecurity system have been recognised in the 2020 Australian Biosecurity Awards ceremony.
Agriculture minister David Littleproud said the annual awards were an important recognition of those making vital contributions to protecting our biosecurity.
“Biosecurity is a shared responsibility. Government, industry and the community all have an essential role to play in safeguarding Australia from biosecurity risks,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Australia’s biosecurity system supports our way of life, our nearly $60 billion in agricultural production and $49 billion in agricultural export. All vital contributors to jobs and growth, particularly in regional and rural Australia.”
The winners included four new award categories: Community, Education, Environmental Biosecurity, and the Dr Kim Ritman Award for Science & Innovation.
Farm Biosecurity Producer of the Year
• Brendan Finnigan – Kia Ora Merino (Vic)
• KW Orchards (NSW)
Community Award
• Biosecurity Queensland’s Panama TR4 Program (Qld)
• Brett Burdett (ACT)
• Wellesley Islands Rangers (Qld)
Education Award
• Hagley Farm School Visitor Centre and Department of Education – Revitalising School Farms Initiative (Tas)
Environmental Biosecurity Award
• Dr Geoff Pegg – Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (Qld)
• Dr David Abdo – DHI Water and Environment Pty Ltd (Australia) and Dr Justin McDonald – Aquatic Pest Biosecurity, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (WA)
Dr Kim Ritman Award for Science and Innovation
• Prof. Brendan Rodoni – Agriculture Victoria & La Trobe University (Vic)
Biosecurity Commendation Certificate
• Merv Buffett & Ms Clare McPherson (Norfolk Island)
• Kate Elliot (Farrer Primary School) and Kathryn Glanville (Namadgi Primary School) (ACT)
•Dr Ed Morton – Rapiscan Systems Ltd (NSW)
