Welcome to the August edition of Tendrils.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve continued our focus on strengthening connections through networking and workshopping challenges and opportunities. Over the coming week, this will continue as we delve into shaping the future of the Australian biosecurity landscape and encourage system participation by all Australians.

In mid-August, Plant Health Australia (PHA) sponsored the Crawford Fund’s 2024 annual conference titled Food and Nutrition Security: Transformative Partnerships, Local Leadership and Co-Design, that was held at Parliament House in Canberra. The two-day event explored the significance of partnerships, collaboration in agricultural research and co-design for food and nutrition security.

Last week the PHA team attended the AgriFutures’ Rural Women’s Awards (RWA) at Parliament House in Canberra. This annual initiative is aimed at empowering women in rural and emerging industries by awarding grants and access to professional development opportunities. Congratulations to Tanya Egerton from the Northern Territory, Founder and CEO of Circulanation and the Remote OpShop Project, on being named the 2024 RWA winner for her work in empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across remote Australia. Grace Larson from Victoria was awarded the National Runner Up title for her work in addressing health disadvantages faced by rural children.

This week over 400 of Australia’s key agricultural, government, research, and community sectors will converge for the 3^rd Australian Biosecurity Symposium (ABS) at Sea World on the Gold Coast. The Symposium is delivered by the Biosecurity Collective (Animal Health Australia (AHA), Invasive Species Council, Centre for Invasive Species Solutions and PHA) and will build on the ideas and conversations to drive system reform. Between the welcome address, panel discussion, presentations and chairing of sessions, the event promises to be an unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to visit us at booth nine adjacent to the Innovation Lane and keep a look out for the special ABS segment in the September edition of Tendrils.

Coinciding with the Symposium this week, we’re also celebrating the inaugural National Biosecurity Week (NBW) that aims to increase awareness and participation in our shared biosecurity culture by actively engaging all Australians. Our biosecurity system is based on the principles of partnership, shared responsibility and interconnectedness to build a resilient and robust system, and we all have a role to play. A Decade of Biosecurity (DoB) initiative, NBW is funded by PHA and AHA and delivered by PHA. Find out more by visiting bioweek.org.au.

At the end of July, our Board participated in a two-day Strategy Workshop where they analysed PHA’s current business model, reviewed current systems and explored opportunities for business development. The PHA team and I will work through the key findings of the workshop and I look forward to leveraging opportunities to improve efficiencies, diversify our revenue streams and strengthen relationships with our Members.

I’d like to congratulate Dr Samantha Scarratt on her appointment as Vinehealth Australia’s new CEO. Dr Scarratt has extensive knowledge of the wine industry from previous roles as Senior Consultant for Wine Network Consulting, and Director of Grape Supply for Accolade Wines, leading a large team.

Within PHA, I’d like to congratulate our newly promoted staff:

• Amanda Yong was promoted to General Manager, Corporate Services
• Dr Rachel Mann was promoted to National Manager, Response
• Karin Steenkamp was promoted to National Manager, Marketing and Communications
• Dr Caroyln Blomley was promoted to Manager, EPPRD
• Dr Harsh Garg was promoted to Coordinator, Protocols.
• Michelle Jones was promoted to Management Accountant.

In other staff news, Dr Sharyn Taylor moved into the role of Manager, AUSPestCheck® and Dr Cheryl Grgurinovic moved to Manager, Preparedness from Diagnostics.

At the end of July we said farewell to Jessica Arnold, Chief Operating Officer, and last week Sarah Hilton, Bee Biosecurity Manager, finished up with PHA. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

I hope you enjoy the wide variety of articles covering agriculture, horticulture and biosecurity in this edition. Happy reading!