Biosecurity Training Centre, Charles Sturt University
The centre was established in 2022 as a partnership between the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Charles Sturt University. It has since become a centre of excellence in biosecurity training and workforce capability. The centre has trained more than 3,000 department officers and 180 international participants, and provided over 3,000 training days in 2024–25 on regulatory, scientific, policy and operational matters. Its short courses on professional development help the department meet its capability uplift goals set out in the DAFF Biosecurity 2030 Roadmap.
The centre uses an integrated training model that combines technical expertise with regulatory professionalism, leadership and operational practice. Courses are designed to meet the department’s regulatory biosecurity requirements and are delivered by over 20 academic facilitators specialising in veterinary and agricultural sciences, education, psychology, business, law and scientific research. Training pathways enable officers to progress from entry-level courses to executive level with a consistent focus on integrity, collaboration and capability.
Through this holistic model, the centre is strengthening Australia’s biosecurity system by equipping officers with the skills and confidence to prepare for and respond to complex and evolving biosecurity threats. By embedding a culture of learning, innovation and regulatory stewardship, they are building long-term capability and resilience and supporting a workforce that is ready to protect Australia’s people, environment and economy.
The centre is contributing to Australia’s regional and global biosecurity leadership by delivering impactful international training programs that strengthen institutional capacity, improve frontline biosecurity readiness and build lasting partnerships. This training initiative is in line with the Pacific Biosecurity Strategy 2022 to 2027 and the DAFF Biosecurity 2030 Roadmap.
This includes the design and delivery of a dual-location program (Australia and Indonesia) that trained 160 veterinarians from the Indonesian Quarantine Agency. Using a train-the-trainer model, the program enhanced technical expertise and regulatory understanding, equipping participants to deliver biosecurity training within their own institutions and networks.
The centre developed and implemented a program that trained nearly one-third of Timor-Leste’s national biosecurity officers and included a foundational in-Australia program followed by in-country mentoring. This initiative provided in-language training resources and built a group of local trainers capable of supporting Timor-Leste’s biosecurity training needs and laying the foundation for long-term capability uplift.
As part of their growing international engagement, the centre delivered tailored training on Australia’s biosecurity system to 12 participants from the Central American Organismo Internacional Regional de Sanidad Agropecuaria (OIRSA) in Brisbane. This highlights the centre’s expanding global profile and ability to deliver tailored programs.
The centre’s international engagements are improving biosecurity outcomes in participating countries and have enhanced Australia’s global standing as a trusted partner in technical and regulatory biosecurity practice.
Watch a video about their work
Introduction
This is the accessible text transcript of the 2025 Australian Biosecurity Awards winner video featuring Professor David Mackay.
Transcript
In a rapidly changing world, biosecurity is essential to protecting Australia’s people, environment and economy.
Operated by Charles Sturt University in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Biosecurity Training Centre is proud to provide education and training that builds a skilled, agile and confident workforce to safeguard our nation’s future.
The BTC was a bold vision to create a centre of excellence for biosecurity training in the Asia-Pacific region.
In just three years, that vision has become a reality.
We’ve delivered over 227 courses to more than 3300 biosecurity officers, creating a trusted hub for professional development and capability building.
What makes the BTC unique is the format and calibre of our teaching team.
Every session is delivered by a subject matter expert. Scientists teach biosecurity pest and disease; lawyers guide officers through regulatory powers; psychologists build resilience; and experienced regulatory experts teach biosecurity systems and regulatory practice.
The BTC’s influence extends beyond Australia.
We’ve trained 160 veterinarians from Indonesia’s quarantine agency and one third of Timor-Leste’s biosecurity workforce, using dual location and in-language training models.
In 2025, we welcomed delegates from OIRSA, the Central American Biosecurity Organisation, thereby further strengthening Australia’s role as a global leader in biosecurity training.
We have also developed training for industry compliance with biosecurity requirements, in particular the methyl bromide fumigation methodology e-learning course was developed for treatment providers to support the implementation of the latest methodology.
This innovative resource supports safe, compliant fumigation practices and reinforces effective biosecurity across Australia’s import and export supply chains.
The BTC was a bold vision made real through the collaboration and hard work of Charles Sturt University and DAFF staff.
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