2025 Australian Biosecurity Award recipients

The Australian Biosecurity Awards recognise significant commitment to our nation’s biosecurity system.

These are the recipients for 2025.

Read the announcement for this year’s winners.

Winners

Dr Allison Crook

Dr David Banks Biosecurity Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr Nerida Donovan

Dr Kim Ritman Award for Science and Innovation

Torres Strait Island Regional Council

First Nations Award for Excellence in Biosecurity

Ella Matta Pastoral

Farm Biosecurity Producer of the Year

Queensland Beekeepers’ Association

Industry

Dr Kirsty Richards

Industry

Argentine Ant Eradication Team, Norfolk Island Regional Council

Government

Dr Geoff Pegg and Aj Perkins

Environmental Biosecurity

Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group

Community

Dr Richard Willan

Community

Biosecurity Training Centre, Charles Sturt University

Education

Biosecurity Commendation Certificates

These certificates recognise individuals, groups and organisations that have demonstrated commendable impact, innovation or dedication. The certificates also acknowledge contributions to supporting and promoting Australia’s biosecurity on a local or regional scale.

2025 recipients:

• Camford Distributions – for playing a critical role in protecting Australia’s local ecosystems and agricultural industries by identifying and reporting a significant pest threat.
• Hillary Cherry – for outstanding contribution to environmental biosecurity through the strategic development and delivery of post-border weed management initiatives.
• Dr Heather McKimm – for outstanding contribution and biosecurity advocacy during the 2025 high pathogenicity avian influenza outbreak response.
• Sal Milici – for dedicated efforts in advancing biosecurity awareness across the international freight and logistics sector.
• Duncan Rowland – for valuable contributions to biosecurity initiatives and for championing biosecurity, traceability and surveillance across livestock industries.
• SAIC Anji Logistics – for exceptional commitment to managing biosecurity risks associated with new vehicle imports from China.
• Dr Andy Sheppard FTSE – for outstanding scientific contribution to invasive species management and leadership in advancing national biosecurity innovation and strategic research initiatives.
• Dr Adam Ślipiński – for significant contributions to biosecurity preparedness and response through extensive research on native and exotic beetle species.
• Oliver Tester – for outstanding contribution to national policy development and Indigenous leadership in biosecurity management.
• Dr Annelise Wiebkin – for exceptional commitment to safeguarding Australia’s biosecurity through collaborative feral deer management efforts.