Message from the CEO

Each year we focus on strengthening the partnerships that underpin a robust and resilient plant biosecurity system. Our strategic plan serves as a foundation, guiding our priorities towards building a response-ready, innovative, and integrated national approach.

PHA leads biosecurity planning to safeguard plant industries

From October to December 2024, PHA’s Biosecurity Planning team facilitated meetings with key agricultural sectors, including lychee, papaya, passionfruit, berry, rice and production nurseries. 

Entomology experts gather in Hobart for 55th Australian Entomological Society Conference

The Australian Entomological Society (AES) hosted its 55th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Hobart from 17-21 November 2024. Co-sponsored by PHA the conference brought together over 180 entomology experts from across the country to discuss cutting-edge research and developments in the world of invertebrates.

From boardroom to frontline: empowering industry leaders for business beyond the usual

In October 2024, AUSVEG Board Directors and State Member Organisation leaders undertook a training session on the Australian biosecurity system and how emergency plant pest responses are managed under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD). PHA’s Lily McDonald, A/Coordinator Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed, led the session.

PHA’s achievements highlighted at Member meetings

During PHA’s Member meetings in November, we presented our progress and achievements against the key performance indicators that are set out in our Annual Operational Plan. Some of these highlights were summarised in a video. Watch the video to get a glimpse into our operations that aim to build a resilient plant biosecurity system.

SIT update: Doubling capacity at Port Augusta

The National Fruit Fly Council (NFFC) visited the Port Augusta sterile insect technique (SIT) facility to observe recent upgrades, including a doubling of SIT production capacity.

GBO highlights biosecurity best practices at annual Grains Plant Pathology 

Adam Jalaludin, Queensland Grains Biosecurity Officer (Qld GBO), attended the Annual Grains Plant Pathology Update on Endemic and Exotic Threats workshop at the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Tor Street Facility in Toowoomba on Wednesday 20 November 2024. 

We are delighted to introduce a number of new staff members. A big warm welcome to Christopher Gan, Madeleine Riddell, Annabelle Nshuti, Stacey Liu, and Marianne Coquilleau. We also want to announce an exciting new role for Lorissa McCosh. 

Chris joined our team at the end of November as project officer, corporate services. He will assist the governance and corporate services team with administrative support, reporting, and corporate governance. Chris holds an honours degree in politics, philosophy, and economics from the Australian National University (ANU). Before joining PHA, Chris worked in various research and public sector organisations, including the ANU Development Policy Centre and the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore. 

Maddie has joined the marketing and communications (Marcomms) team as marketing and communications officer in December. Maddie has a journalistic background and, if you’re Canberran, you might have heard her on Hit 104.7 and Mix 106.3. She studied a Bachelor of Communication at Charles Sturt University and has a keen interest in the science field. Maddie also brings experience in social media, content writing, and podcasting to PHA. 

Annabelle joins the Emergency Response Team. She holds a Bachelor of Science, specialising in nature and environmental management, as well as Evolution and Ecology from the Australian National University (ANU). Welcome, Annabelle!

Marianne joins us from Cesar Australia, where she worked on practical aspects of testing for resistance in the green peach aphid. Now a member of the Preparedness Team, Marianne will be working closely with the rest of the crew. We’re excited to have you on board, Marianne.

Stacey is joining our Finance Team as an all-rounder, with extensive knowledge in accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll. Stacey comes to PHA from Tehnika Canberra, where she was the Finance and Operations Officer. Welcome to PHA, Stacey!

Lorissa McCosh might not be a new name to PHA, but after just over a year as training coordinator, we are excited to announce that she is moving to the Marcomms team. Her new role as Marcomms specialist will be second nature for Lorissa, who built a 23-year career in the Queensland public service working in digital communication and engagement. Before joining PHA, Lorissa worked at Biosecurity Queensland, where she led digital projects to raise awareness of biosecurity risks and promote positive behaviour change among stakeholders.

During her time in PHA’s training team, Lorissa developed the Industry Resource Toolkit project, implemented a governance process for the National Biosecurity Training Hub, and assisted in developing and delivering workshops for Industry Liaison Officer training, the Oriental Fruit Fly Exercise, Avocado Australia board training, and Cotton Biosecurity Guardians. 

PHA’s CEO, Sarah Corcoran, welcomed Members to the Government Members Forum recently held in Canberra.

PHA’s Dr Rachel Mann presented to Members at the recent EPPRD meeting in Canberra.

PHA’s Dr Harsh Garg presented at the 55th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Hobart from 17-21 November 2024.

Shayne and Blaise Cini from Edari Bananas, winners of the 2024 Farm Biosecurity Producer of the Year award!

PHA’s CEO, Sarah Corcoran, alongside GRDC Chair Sharon Starick, at the Australian Grains Industry Showcase Event last month.

Our CEO Sarah with Peter Arkle from Grain Producers Australia, at the Australian Grains Industry Showcase Event.