Job Title: Biosecurity Officer

Organisation: AUSVEG

Since May 2017, Maddy has worked for the AUSVEG Farm Biosecurity Project, which is co-managed by Plant Health Australia and AUSVEG. Maddy’s role involves working with the vegetable industry, government, researchers and community to raise awareness of priority pest threats and promote on-farm biosecurity. Through her work, Maddy provides practical information to strengthen biosecurity practices on-farm and assists with the development of innovative biosecurity programs and industry communications.

Prior to working in the biosecurity space, Maddy worked at AUSVEG as a grant writer, assisting with the development of new projects. Maddy has a Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts from Monash University.

Maddy is passionate about biosecurity, and believes that it is the key to the future of agriculture. However, biosecurity is a shared responsibility, so industry, government, and the community must continue to work together to prevent pests and diseases from entering and establishing Australia.

With increasing trade, travel and globalisation, it is becoming more and more important to report suspect pests and diseases. Maddy’s favourite tool for reporting a pest or disease of concern is the MyPestGuide Reporter tool, which is accessible online or via smartphones. Pests and diseases can also be reported via the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

Gardening Australia has some fantastic resources for gardeners, and Maddy has also learnt a lot from the MySmartGarden program, a Victorian-based initiative run by Hobsons Bay City Council, Maribyrnong City Council, and City of Moonee Valley.

Maddy’s favourite social network is Facebook – she finds that it is the easiest way to connect with her family and friends. Professionally, she uses LinkedIn.

Maddy receives news from a variety of news sources. Mostly, she reads articles that appear on Facebook, or through the News app on her smartphone.

 

Twitter Profile: @biosecurityveg https://twitter.com/biosecurityveg?lang=en

Orcid profile or other research profile: 

Links to other professional profile you would like (i.e. LinkedIn, ResearchGate):

https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeleine-quirk-10b26913a/

 

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