Biosecurity Tasmania hosted the inaugural Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards in 2023, and the awards will continue to be held annually.
Biosecurity is foundational to the economic, social, and environmental assets of Tasmania and we all share the benefits of our strong biosecurity system as it:
The Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards:
spotlight outstanding biosecurity projects and initiatives
represent a platform to reinforce, recognise and promote positive biosecurity behavioural change in our industries and the Tasmanian community
recognise those in our communities and industries who have gone above and beyond to help protect our environment, primary industries and economy
Award categories
There are two categories in the Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards:
In addition, all finalists in each category will be recognised as ‘Biosecurity Champions’ and join a prestigious network of biosecurity advocates across Tasmania. Nominations are assessed by an independent panel.
Award criteria
The Community Biosecurity Award, and the Industry Biosecurity award each have their own criteria:
Community Award:
The Community Award recognises individuals, groups, organisations, and associations that make a significant contribution to the development or delivery of biosecurity initiatives for the Tasmanian Community.
| Designs, implements and/or contributes to biosecurity reform initiatives within their organisation and/or community to support the integrity of Tasmania’s biosecurity system.
Demonstrates significant biosecurity integrity and raises biosecurity awareness within their operations or community. Identifies, reports or contributes to the mitigation and/or management of a disease outbreak or pest incursion. Reports activities or events that may be of biosecurity concern.
Makes an outstanding contribution to protecting or maintaining animal or plant health. Raises awareness of Tasmania’s biosecurity requirements within the state, or with external or interstate audiences.
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Industry Award:
The Industry Award recognises individuals, groups, organisations, and associations that have demonstrated a significant contribution to maintaining or improving biosecurity practices for Tasmania’s primary industries.
| Designs, implements and/or contributes to biosecurity reform initiatives within their organisation and/or industry sector to support Tasmania’s biosecurity system. Demonstrates significant biosecurity integrity and raises biosecurity awareness within their operations and/or industry sector. Identifies, reports and/or contributes to the management of a disease outbreak or pest incursion. Makes an outstanding contribution to protecting or maintaining animal or plant health. Reports activities or events that may be of biosecurity concern. Collaboratively works with the department to manage and mitigate biosecurity risks, including education within their industry sector on biosecurity requirements.
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2024 Tasmanian Biosecurity Award winners
Winners of the 2024 Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards were:
Tasmanian Industry Biosecurity Award - TasPorts
- TasPorts were the winners of the Industry Biosecurity Award for the work by their Environment and Sustainability Team to increase awareness and knowledge of biosecurity threats at their ports.
- TasPorts has developed educational and reference material tailored to each port, workshopped biosecurity threats and reporting pathways with operational staff, and conducted follow-up inspections and verifications to ensure compliance.
Tasmanian Community Biosecurity Award – Bettina Elischer
- Bettina is an employee at the Office of the Governor at Government House, Tasmania, and has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to the Tasmanian beekeeping community and Biosecurity Tasmania’s statewide bee pest surveillance program.
- Bees were reintroduced at the Government House Tasmania Estate in 2015 and have been managed since then to improve horticultural pollination onsite. One hive is also used as a ‘sentinel’ hive for Biosecurity Tasmania surveillance activities. Bettina has also promoted the importance of biosecurity in beekeeping through educational workshops and bee pest training days onsite at Government House Tasmania.
Additional to the winners of this year’s award categories, a highly commended certificate was presented to Just Cats Inc. in the Community Biosecurity category for their community education about stray and feral cats. They were also recognised for the success of multiple initiatives aimed at reducing the impact of stray cats and promoting responsible cat ownership.
2023 Tasmanian Biosecurity Award winners
Winners of the inaugural Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards in 2023 were:
Tasmanian Community Biosecurity Award - Robyn Lewis
- Robyn has been involved in the management and conservation of the Milford Forest for many years, and has successfully implemented very strong biosecurity measures on the property. The need to protect Milford Forest- home to multiple critically endangered species found no where else in the world- is undeniable . Robyn is also passionate about educating others and regularly presents to community groups and councils on the importance of good biosecurity practices, especially when moving between different properties.
Tasmanian Industry Biosecurity Award - Nic Hansen
- Nic is an avid supporter of the development and improvement of biosecurity in Tasmania and has been heavily involved in our biosecurity system. Nic was involved in the 2018 fruit fly emergency response in Tasmania, and worked extensively with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania both during and after the response to ensure the best possible outcomes for our Tasmanian horticultural industries. He is actively involved in the future development of Tasmania’s biosecurity system, particularly related to our fruit and berries industries.