Biosecurity Queensland is on the hunt for ambassador “mates” to enhance the state’s biosecurity resilience and preparedness.
Applications are now open until 9 February 2024 for six leaders to join the Biosecurity Mates Ambassador Program for a 12-month engagement.
Emerging leaders with knowledge of biosecurity in the fields of agriculture, community engagement, environment, science, and technology are strongly encouraged to apply.
Ambassadors will advocate for the importance of biosecurity in their field, and help raise the profile of biosecurity across the broader community.
In doing so, they’ll help to spread vital and clear messaging on safeguarding Queensland throughout their peer groups, and play a pivotal role in channelling community concerns and issues back to Biosecurity Queensland.
Successful recruits will be appointed in February 2024.
The ambassadors will have their travel and sitting fees covered to attend at least four events located throughout Queensland.
They will receive training from Biosecurity Queensland, develop leadership, communication and advocacy skills, enhance their own biosecurity capacity, and be connected with a national network of biosecurity champions.
The program is an initiative funded under the Safeguarding Queensland program to boost our preparedness capability.
Quotes attributable to the Minister:
“Queensland faces a number of biosecurity challenges, and we need to be able to evolve and adapt as new challenges emerge,” Minister Furner said.
“Initiatives like the Biosecurity Mates Ambassador Program will help keep our biosecurity system strong for the future of Qld’s beautiful environment, growing communities and vital agriculture sector.”
Quotes attributable to Chief Biosecurity Officer Rachel Chay:
“Preserving our abundant natural resources and ensuring access to fresh, locally grown food is so important to Queensland communities,” Dr Chay said.
“By raising the profile of biosecurity, ambassadors will help to empower all of us to play an even greater role in protecting those resources for future generations.”
