The Minns Labor Government has congratulated its staff who were recognised for their outstanding contributions to protecting Australia’s primary industries, environment and communities, winning three 2026 Australian Biosecurity Awards this week.
These national Awards celebrate 12 winners across 9 categories and recognise Australians who help make our biosecurity system world-class.
Projects and individuals from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development biosecurity team won three of the Awards in the categories of Government, Education and Biosecurity Lifetime Achievement Award.
These three Awards showcase the breadth and strength of NSW’s contribution to Australia’s biosecurity system, from emergency preparedness and response to research, education and building capability for the future.
The Award for best in Government went to the NSW Government’s National Varroa Mite Emergency Response program for coordinating one of the largest and most complex biosecurity operations in Australia’s history.
Nominated by Berries Australia, the Award specifically recognises the extraordinary efforts of the response team, working in collaboration with industry, to maintain essential pollination services for the state’s raspberry, blackberry and blueberry crops during an exceptionally complex and demanding emergency response.
More than 2,000 personnel and volunteers worked across an operational footprint of over 3.4 million hectares, helping support pollination-dependent industries and maintain business continuity during an unprecedented biosecurity challenge.
Industry estimates indicate that measures implemented during the eradication phase substantially reduced projected economic impacts over a 30-year period, compared with an uncontrolled spread.
Kevin Cooper received the Dr David Banks Biosecurity Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his more than 40 years of service to Australian biosecurity.
During this time, he excelled in senior leadership roles while within the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), including spearheading the design and establishment of the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute and later overseeing its technical operations.
His expertise in emergency disease management responses allowed him to serve as the Controller of the Local Disease Control Centre during the 2027 equine influenza outbreak, implementing disease control measures.
In the latter stages of his career, he has mentored the next generation of emergency managers and biosecurity personnel.
The Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative (PBRI) received the Education Award for its outstanding work connecting research, education and industry to develop the next generation of plant biosecurity professionals
Through national collaboration, research and capability building, PBRI is helping ensure Australia is prepared for future pest and disease threats.
For more information on the Awards visit: Australian Biosecurity Awards – DAFF
Minister For Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:
“These Awards once again demonstrate that the Minns Government, through historic funding and modernisation of our biosecurity sector, is delivering a world-class biosecurity system which we should celebrate.
“Our biosecurity personnel do incredible work protecting NSW’s primary industries, environment and communities, and these awards are peer recognition of their expertise, dedication and commitment.
“The work of the NSW Government benefits all of Australia, not just our state. From leading emergency responses to advancing research and building the skills of future biosecurity professionals.
“Kevin Cooper’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognises more than 40 years of service and deep experience within our biosecurity system. His leadership and commitment to mentoring the next generation leaves a legacy that lays strong a foundation for future efforts.
“The NSW Government’s varroa mite response and our contribution to the Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative demonstrate our commitment to fostering collaboration across government, industry, and research to tackle biosecurity challenges.
“I congratulate everyone recognised through these Awards and thank them for their commitment to protecting NSW’s primary industries, environments and local communities.”
