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EDITION 5 | May 2025
Message from the CEO
May has proven to be a month of strategic momentum and meaningful progress for PHA. From high-level Member engagement in Adelaide to national collaboration, our work continues to demonstrate the strength of a united biosecurity system. Significant milestones this month include surpassing over 8,000 LinkedIn followers and achieving 10 million surveillance records on AUSPestCheck®. We also celebrated the International Day of Plant Health and the launch of the Australian Research Centre (ARC)
for Plant Biosecurity.
You’ll find a snapshot of these highlights and more in this edition of Tendrils.
New ARC Training Centre for
Plant Biosecurity
PHA attended the official launch of the Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre in Plant Biosecurity on 12 May 2025. As a core partner, PHA is proud to support this initiative, which will help train Australia’s next generation of biosecurity professionals and foster cross-sector collaboration with real-world impact.
AUSPestCheck® hits 10 million surveillance record uploads
PHA’s flagship surveillance system, AUSPestCheck®, has reached a major milestone with 10 million pest surveillance records. Over 30 organisations have contributed and uploaded data to the platform, helping to build a smarter, faster, and more connected plant biosecurity system.
Celebrating International Day of Plant Health 2025
This year’s International Day of Plant Health was held on 12 May and highlighted the role of plant health in One Health. PHA celebrated the day with events, milestones and messages, recognising 25 years of strengthening plant biosecurity in Australia.
ILO training improves industry preparedness
PHA and Department of Primary Industries and Regions, South Australia (PIRSA) recently delivered Industry Liaison Officer (ILO) training to industry representatives in Adelaide, building confidence and preparedness for emergency plant pest responses. Further workshops are scheduled for Tasmania, WA and NSW.
Registrations are now open for ASW 2025
The 2025 Annual Surveillance Workshop (ASW) will be held online from 10–11 June 2025. This year’s theme, Enhancing awareness and empowering progress, frames two half-day sessions exploring general surveillance and surveillance program updates.
Non-Executive Director vacancies
Plant Health Australia is inviting applications for Non-Executive Director positions. We’re seeking candidates with strong industry, governance or financial skills to help guide Australia’s plant biosecurity system. Applications close 2 June.
Nominations for the Australian Biosecurity Awards are open
Nominations are open for the Australian Biosecurity Awards that recognise individuals, groups and organisations that have shown a commitment to supporting and promoting Australia’s biosecurity.
Fresh Xylella warning for olive growers
A new Xylella outbreak in southern Italy has prompted renewed warnings for Australian growers to remain vigilant and review biosecurity practices on-farm.
Finalists named for top cotton awards
Five finalists have been announced for the Cotton Grower and High Achiever of the Year awards, showcasing innovation and excellence in cotton production.
Partners unite for QLD Biosecurity Forum
Industry, government and community stakeholders met in May for a successful Queensland Biosecurity Partners’ Forum, focusing on turning the Queensland Biosecurity Strategy into action.
Illegal seed imports pose major risks
Buying seeds online might seem harmless, but non-compliant imports can introduce pests and diseases, and carry serious financial and environmental consequences.
Get ready for Hort Connections 2025
Hort Connections returns to Brisbane from 4–6 June, showcasing innovation, sustainability and collaboration across Australia and New Zealand’s horticulture sector.
Weather data and lentil disease risk
New research is improving disease forecasting in lentils by comparing microclimate data from sensors with standard Bureau of Meteorology readings.
Forestry responds to pest outbreak
South Australia’s forest industries are partnering with government to eradicate giant pine scale, a serious biosecurity threat to urban trees and commercial pine plantations.
Research aims to cut fertiliser costs
A new WA-led project is trialling ways to recycle leached nutrients and water in vegetable production, helping reduce grower costs and environmental impacts.
Podcast spotlights Aussie hazelnuts
A new AgriFutures on Air episode explores the growing potential of Australia’s hazelnut industry, featuring growers, chefs and researchers driving innovation.
Avo Connections returns 4 June
This year’s Avo Connections forum will feature global thought leaders sharing insights on trade, marketing and consumer trends in the avocado industry.
Winter edition of Australian Grower
Explore driverless agtech, onion fly awareness and highlights from the Tasmanian Agricultural Productivity Group (TAPG) Ag Innovation Expo in AUSVEG’s Australian Grower.
Latest from Grains Farm Biosecurity
Tend to your silos this winter
Cooler weather is the ideal time to clean, maintain and prepare grain storage facilities for harvest. Learn how good hygiene now can protect your grain and boost returns later.
Latest from Farm Biosecurity
Timely reporting is Australia’s best biosecurity tool
If you spot anything unusual on your property, don’t wait. Knowing when and how to report is one of the most important ways you can protect your property and your industry.
Out and about
Sarah Corcoran, CEO of PHA, officially opened the 41st Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD) Signatories meeting in Adelaide last week.
Trevor Dunmall, CEO of the Australian Mango Industry Association, Dr Lucy Tran-Nguyen, General Manager, Resilience and Innovation at PHA, and Dr Penny Measham, newly appointed CEO of Cherries Australia, caught up at PHA’s Member meetings in Adelaide last week.
Sarah Corcoran, CEO of PHA (centre), recently attended the Victorian Invasive Pests Advisory (VIPA) Board Meeting in Melbourne.
Sarah Corcoran, CEO of PHA, attended a workshop for the Queensland Biosecurity Strategy 2024–29 strategy, hosted by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries in Brisbane in April.
Sarah Corcoran, CEO of PHA, and Dr Lucy Tran-Nguyen, General Manager, Resilience and Innovation, Dr Jo Luck, Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative and Ashley Zamek, Hort Innovation Australia, attended the official launch of the Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre in Plant Biosecurity in Canberra recently.
PHA’s Bec Powderly, Biosecurity Planning Coordinator, and Marianne Coquilleau, Grains Farm Biosecurity Officer, joined a career panel at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra to speak to future graduates about career opportunities in biosecurity.
