Queensland Biosecurity Mates Ambassador Program

In her role as the Executive Officer of Friends of Parks Queensland (FoPQ), Jessica leads extensive community engagement efforts focused on environmental issues. She works to grow the number of on-ground volunteers to improve biosecurity responses in Queensland's national parks.

FoPQ is an ACNC-registered charity that supports conservation volunteers across Queensland's protected areas, with most working on the removal of invasive species.

Jessica is deeply committed to community engagement, demonstrated through leading grassroots movements to raise awareness of environmental issues and providing avenues for community action. Additionally, she dedicates significant volunteer hours each year to combatting biosecurity challenges and contributing to environmental projects. This includes serving as secretary for a threatened species organisation and participating in on-ground efforts to combat weeds.

With over 5 years of experience in the NATA-accredited AquaPATH Detection Lab (James Cook University), Phoebe has acquired profound technical expertise in aquatic disease and biosecurity principles. Her engagement with community and industry through workshops, conferences and fieldwork has been extensive.

Phoebe has collaborated with farms to devise and implement enterprise-level biosecurity plans and responses. Her research focus is on enhancing pathogen detection capabilities for the Queensland aquaculture industry.

She has a strong technical background and established industry relationships that equip her well for this role, providing practical insights and emphasising the importance of robust biosecurity systems. Phoebe regularly presents at scientific and industry gatherings, engaging with diverse audiences effectively. Recognised as an emerging leader, she has received awards such as the Crawford Fund and the Australian Science and Innovation Awards.

During her 3 years at the Australian Agricultural Company, Julia has cultivated a passion for the cattle industry and a dedication to ongoing learning. Her expertise centres on animal health and welfare, complemented by adept skills in coordinating training events, effective communication and fostering teamwork. Within her current role, Julia has prioritised biosecurity, working closely with managers, peak industry bodies and government to deliver training and awareness.

Participation in the NT Future Leaders Program in 2023 provided valuable industry insights through tours, including an immersive experience in Indonesia. This exposure underscored the significance of effective processes and collaboration in disease outbreak management. Julia believes that such initiatives can enhance awareness of good biosecurity practices, offering invaluable training and collaboration opportunities for passionate young individuals.

Recognised for her strong communication and presentation abilities, Julia has contributed to panel discussions at Rabobank events, presented at a business women's event in Darwin and engaged audiences through ABC radio. Her confidence in presenting to diverse audiences and enthusiasm for teaching and training others reflects her commitment to making a tangible difference in the agricultural industry through the ambassador program.

Trevor has dedicated himself to varied natural resource management and environmental roles in Cape York for more than 30 years. His indigenous cultural knowledge and ground-level experience in biosecurity efforts bring a unique perspective to the ambassador program.

He emphasises the importance of community engagement and practical solutions to address biosecurity challenges. Trevor's work with Cape York Weeds and Feral Animals Incorporated based at Cape York, is focused on culturally strategic biosecurity and changing people's behaviour to actively participate in biosecurity. His proposed communication strategies include case studies and face-to-face engagement. He believes modern science and ancient traditional knowledge can be used together to address biosecurity issues now and into the future.

Trevor's advocacy for indigenous voices and hands-on experience make him an invaluable ambassador.

Jerry is a multifaceted individual with a diverse range of roles and accomplishments. He serves as the Director of the Seed Savers Foundation and is the Founder of Bellis, an award-winning sustainable house and garden in Brisbane. He is also the Patron of Householders’ Options to Protect the Environment (HOPE) Incorporated, Australia. Additionally, Jerry works as a freelance curator, writer and broadcaster, contributing to various media platforms.

As an internationally renowned horticulturist and advocate for sustainability and organic best practices, Jerry brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his endeavours. His involvement in biosecurity response and preparedness, coupled with his ability to engage diverse audiences, makes him a valuable advocate for biosecurity programs.

Jerry's commitment to the ambassador role includes actively sharing advice and knowledge with his large following on social media and websites, as well as through talkback radio and presentations to garden clubs and conservation societies. He also contributes to ABC TV's Gardening Australia program, discussing topics such as controlling diseases of bananas, domestic quarantine and red imported fire ants.

Brigid is a rural and regional advocate, experienced in managing multigenerational family businesses with a broad network across industry, government and community. She champions strict biosecurity measures and emphasises the importance of risk mitigation with a best-practice approach.

As the 2022 Farm Biosecurity Producer of the Year award recipient, Brigid was recognised for leading the way in farm biosecurity, innovation, technology, record keeping, environmental sustainability and business transparency.

As a graduate of the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program and Cohort 28 of the Australian Rural Leadership Program, Brigid supports individuals to thrive while recognising the need to ensure growth and viability within operating environments and communities.

Brigid is the Deputy Chair of the Dawson Catchment Co-ordinating Association and Queensland Chair of the 2026 International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists committee and advocates for collaborative solutions and effective communication with stakeholders, particularly farmers. Her practical approach to biosecurity, combined with her industry experience, positions her as a strong ambassador.

As a senior lecturer at The University of Queensland (UQ), Kayvan’s research focuses on:

• invasive pest surveillance
• novel management strategies
• metagenomic surveys of emerging plant viruses.

Kayvan was engaged in research projects in the Pacific Islands, training biosecurity officers in emerging pest identification and implementing surveillance strategies aligning with international biosecurity efforts.

His collaboration with stakeholders such as growers, industry bodies and government agencies has been instrumental in advocating for and implementing biosecurity measures in Queensland. He is committed to educating students on biosecurity principles at the university level—shaping future industry leaders.

Kayvan believes that being an ambassador presents an opportunity to integrate biosecurity into his communication efforts within UQ and wider communities, further strengthening biosecurity awareness and preparedness.

At the Gold Coast City Council, Andrew works with a broader team that deals with invasive plants, red imported fire ants and vectors for disease.

Andrew has a wealth of experience in on-the-ground management. He has a profound understanding of the impacts of restricted and prohibited matter as outlined in the Biosecurity Act 2014, along with effective mitigation and management strategies. He cultivates relationships with a diverse array of stakeholders, including executives, public servants, the on-ground workforce, landholders and the broader community.

He has been involved in emergency responses, such as the white spot disease outbreak, and red imported fire ant management, providing invaluable operational experience. Andrew has also contributed his expertise to executive boards, working groups and forums, offering both on-ground insight and strategic direction.