Queensland Biosecurity Mates Ambassador Program

Queensland's biosecurity champions will ignite change, educate communities, and safeguard our future together.

About the program

Biosecurity champions supported under the Queensland Biosecurity Mates Ambassador Program will help raise awareness of biosecurity and strengthen Queensland's collective biosecurity system.

The 6 ambassadors are from across Queensland and are emerging industry leaders and/or experts across a range of sectors to help advocate and engage the community in biosecurity awareness, prevention and preparedness.

2024 Queensland Biosecurity Mates

Meet our 6 biosecurity ambassadors for 2024.

• Craig Magnussen — Chief Executive Officer, Darling Downs-Moreton Rabbit Board

  Craig is a highly accomplished professional with extensive experience in biosecurity and Natural Resource Management (NRM). With a career spanning 28 years in various roles at local, state and national levels, he has demonstrated success in implementing and leading initiatives in biosecurity and NRM, resulting in positive on-ground outcomes.

  Craig has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Darling Downs-Moreton Rabbit Board and holds positions as deputy chair and non-executive director at Qld Water and Land Carers (QWaLC). He has a strong background in stakeholder engagement and has broad networks across government, industry and community sectors. His involvement with the QWaLC Board provides direct communication channels to over 500 community groups and 40,000 volunteers.

  Craig also manages a farming operation with his family on the Granite Belt, focusing on fat lamb production, and actively contributes to the Granite Belt community through membership in various community groups. He has served as a past president and current member of the executive committee of Invasive Species Queensland for more than 10 years.

• Jessica Lovegrove-Walsh — Executive Officer of Friends of Parks Queensland Incorporated

  In her role as the Executive Officer of Friends of Parks Queensland Incorporated (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 removal of invasive species.

  She 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.

• Phoebe Arbon — Researcher and PhD candidate in aquatic animal health

  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.

  She 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. She 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 Australian Science and Innovation Awards.

• Julia Harkin — Animal Health and Welfare Advisor with Australian Agricultural Company

  During her 3 years at 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, she 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. She 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, she 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 Meldrum — Environmental Operations Manager – CEO of Cape York Weeds and Feral Animals
  Incorporated

  Trevor has dedicated himself to varied natural resource management and environmental roles in Cape York for more than 30 years. Trevor's 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. His work with the 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 makes him an invaluable ambassador.

• Jerry Coleby-Williams — Director, Seed Savers Foundation and freelance curator, writer, broadcaster

  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) Inc. (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.