No images? Click here Message from the CEOThe past month has once again provided many opportunities to demonstrate our continued commitment to biosecurity excellence and our dedication to fostering strong connections with our industry and government Members. Board MeetingBoard Meeting #117 is scheduled for Thursday, 28 November in Canberra. Upcoming Member Meetings Save the date for PHA’s Member Meetings that will be held in Canberra from 26–27 November. The Notice of Meeting for the AGM, agenda and proxy forms will be circulated in the coming weeks. Sarah wins JCU 2024 Chancellor’s Distinguished AwardWe are extremely proud of PHA’s CEO, Sarah Corcoran, who won the 2024 Chancellor’s Distinguished Award from James Cook University (JCU) in Townsville on Friday, 30 August. With a 30-year career in entomology, policy and biosecurity, Sarah is a celebrated leader, and this award honours her excellence. New Cotton Biosecurity Plan to strengthen industryA new biosecurity plan has been launched to enhance the Australian cotton industry’s ability to prevent, prepare for, and respond to exotic pest and disease threats. This is a crucial step towards protecting an industry that contributes over $2 billion annually to Australia’s economy and employs more than 12,000 people. ToBRFV factsheet now available for downloadVigilance is key to curbing the spread of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV). Plant Health Australia (PHA) has developed a comprehensive fact sheet with all the essential information you need about the virus. Grains Biosecurity Advisory Committee (GBAC) launchedPHA, with support from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), has updated the Grain Industry's Biosecurity Plan. Following its endorsement, we will focus on implementation with the help of the newly formed Grains Biosecurity Advisory Committee (GBAC), comprising of representatives from various grains industry stakeholders. PHA launches mobile-friendly course to boost pest reporting among growersPHA has updated its Growers Guide to Pest Reporting and Responses course to be fully mobile-friendly and accessible on smartphones and tablets. This free, 20-minute eLearning course is specifically designed with growers in mind. Highlights from the inaugural National Biosecurity WeekAustralia celebrated the first-ever National Biosecurity Week (NBW) from 26 – 30 August this year. Led by PHA in partnership with Animal Health Australia (AHA), NBW is an initiative of the Decade of Biosecurity (DoB) with the support of the DoB partners. Endorsed NDP 52 strengthens defence against Maize dwarf mosaic virusThe National Diagnostic Protocol 52 (NDP 52) for Maize dwarf mosaic virus, MDMV (Potyvirus zeananus) was endorsed by the Sub-committee on Plant Health Diagnostics (SPHD) for use in the event of an incursion, providing an essential tool to protect Australia’s maize and sorghum industries. 3rd Australian Biosecurity Symposium accelerates biosecurity reformAt the end of August, more than 430 of the country’s leading innovators and influential players convened for the third Australian Biosecurity Symposium (ABS). This year’s Symposium theme was ‘Innovation. Inclusivity. Immersion’ and delegates had the opportunity to network, brainstorm and unite under a common purpose to accelerate biosecurity reform. PHA's Sarah Corcoran delivered the welcome address at the Symposium, which was held on the Gold Coast at the end of August. Costa Georgiadis, TV presenter, eco-visionary and landscape architect, was the MC at the Symposium and visited the PHA stand with Angela Ditton and Sarah Corcoran. PHA's Adam Hurrell presented AUSPestCheck: Supporting data partnerships and developing integrated digital biosecurity systems at the ABS . PHA's Annette Nel, Lorissa McCosh, Angela Ditton, and Kathryn Pagler, caught up with QDAF's Marni Manning, GM: Strategy Investment and Performance, and Rachel Chay, Deputy Director-General & Chief Biosecurity Officer at the ABS. Dr Beth Cookson, Chief Veterinary Officer of Australia, Kirsten Phillips, Director of Partnerships & Engagement at QDAF, Sarah Corcoran, Dr Gabrielle Vivian-Smith, Chief Plant Protection Officer of Australia, and Dr John Robertson, retired General Manager: Invasive Plants and Animals Program at QDAF, caught up at the ABS. PHA’s Sarah Corcoran joined a panel discussion at the ABS on Unleashing the power of women: Shaping the future of Australia’s biosecurity landscape. She was joined by the GRDC’s Callum Fletcher, AUSVEG’s Shakira Johnson, Price Cattle Company's Brigid Price, and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry's Dr Gabrielle Vivian-Smith. Melons Australia CEO, Johnathon Davey, stopped by to view our 3D pests at the PHA stand at the ABS. PHA’s Amanda Yong, Sarah Corcoran and Dr Lucy Tran-Nguyen celebrated National Biosecurity Week with special cupcakes at the ABS. Record start to selling season for Australian almondsThe Australian Almond Position Report for June 2024 shows that exports remain on record pace after the first four months of the selling season. $41m to spur development of new fruit and nut varietiesGrowers and plant scientists are joining forces in a new $41m tree crop program aimed at fast-tracking the development of innovative almond, apple, citrus, macadamia and mango varieties. Free cereal rust testing by the University of SydneyRust pathogens are evolving, and accurate identification is more crucial than ever. Agronomists and growers can now access free rust testing to protect crops and contribute to vital research efforts. CitrusWatch Australia’s webinar on Early Detector NetworkWatch CitrusWatch Australia’s recorded Early Detector Network webinar with Dr. Donovan to explore exotic and endemic citrus diseases and learn effective strategies to keep your trees healthy. Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards 2024 nominations extendedDon’t miss this opportunity to recognise those who have shown a commitment to supporting and promoting biosecurity in Tasmania. Nominations close on 30 September. New project to boost disease management in the grains industryA new project by Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development (DPIRD WA) and the Grains Research Development Corporation (GRDC) aims to enhance surveillance and diagnostics for these challenges. Real-time disease monitoring kicks off in WAThe Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD WA), with backing from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), is piloting advanced spore trapping technology to revolutionize crop disease monitoring. NT DITT launches mango field guideThe Northern Territory’s Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade (DITT) and Australian Mango Institute of Australia (AMIA) mango field guide offers essential insights into identifying and managing pests, beneficials, and disorders of mangoes. It also contains a new section on exotic threats to Australia’s mango industry. Managing fruit fly without dimethoateDimethoate, a widely used insecticide, is facing scrutiny with potential permit changes. Many blueberry growers have relied on Dimethoate up to, so it's important to explore alternative fruit fly control options to stay ahead. This article provides a summary of key resources available to berry growers. BerryQuest International 2025: early bird registrations now openBerryQuest International 2025 is a four-day event showcasing the latest innovations in growing techniques, research, packaging, export development, biosecurity, labour and marketing. Meet Queensland’s Biosecurity Mates ambassadorsQueensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ Biosecurity Mates ambassador program aims to boost biosecurity awareness and strengthen the state’s collective biosecurity system. Seed dressing essential for controlling loose smut in barleyLoose smut disease has become more prevalent throughout the grain belt this year. Western Australia’s DPIRD reminds barley growers that fungicide seed dressing will be critical in 2025. Latest from Prevent Fruit FlyPHA presents on adopting a think tank engagement modelPHA’s Stuart Burgess, Manager, National Fruit Fly Council, delivered a presentation titled: Collaboration: adopting a think tank engagement model is key to a strong and robust national fruit fly management system at the recent 3rd Australian Biosecurity Symposium that was held on the Gold Coast. Latest from Grains Farm BiosecurityEverything you need to know about barley stripe rustBarley stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp hordei) poses a significant threat to wheat and barley production globally. Although not present in Australia, the grains industry is going to great lengths to keep this damaging disease from being introduced. Latest from Farm BiosecurityHow to make your own footbathPests, weeds and diseases can be carried on anything that moves, including humans. Dirty boots can be one way that unwanted weeds and diseases may be carried onto your property. Staff movementsWelcome to Annette Nel We are excited to welcome Annette Nel as our new Communications Manager, based in Canberra. Annette brings over 20 years of experience in the advertising industry. In her most recent role as Creative Director at Supercurious in Canberra, she led multi-channel advertising and marketing communications for brands like the AFP and the National Museum of Australia. Before that, she successfully ran her own business, offering freelance advertising and marketing solutions to agencies and clients alike. Annette’s career began with copywriting roles at Net#work BBDO and Ogilvy, where she honed her craft. Throughout her career, she has created award-winning campaigns for brands like Nando’s, Coca-Cola and Jaguar Land Rover. With a passion for creative storytelling and impactful marketing, Annette is eager to make biosecurity everyone’s everyday concern. Out and aboutThe Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Developments (DPIRD) accompanied the PHA Board to Hyde Park in Perth to witness their efforts to combat Polyphagous shothole borer. The PHA Board also visited Fremantle’s Cargo and Maritime Port, guided by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) Biosecurity Officers to learn more about current pest surveillance operations in place to prevent hitchhiker pests. PHA’s CEO, Sarah Corcoran, received the 2024 Chancellor’s Distinguished Award from James Cook University (JCU) in Townsville together with five other inspiring alumni. Kate Glastonbury, New South Wales Grains Biosecurity Officer, attended AgQuip in August to share the latest grains biosecurity information with growers. PHA’s training team delivered Industry Liaison Officer (ILO) training in Darwin last month in partnership with the Northern Territory Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade (DITT). PHA’s Training Coordinator, Lorissa McCosh, virtually delivered a National Biosecurity Training Hub presentation to the Burdekin Dry Tropics Regional Pest Management Group in August. |