Recognising Australia's 2026 biosecurity champions

The Albanese Labor Government congratulates the winners of the 2026 Australian Biosecurity Awards which were announced today, recognising Australians who help make our biosecurity system world-class. 

The awards celebrate 12 winners across 9 categories, including science and innovation, First Nations leadership, farm biosecurity, industry, government, community and education. 

Among the award winners were the Djelk Women Rangers, recognised for undertaking nationally significant surveillance of migratory shorebirds along one of Australia’s most important biosecurity frontiers in northern Australia. 

Wildlife Health Australia was recognised for strengthening Australia’s preparedness for highly pathogenic avian influenza through its extensive wildlife health network. 

The awards also honoured Kevin Cooper, who has spent more than four decades shaping Australia’s biosecurity emergency response capability, and Professor Caroline Mohammed, an internationally recognised plant pathologist whose research has strengthened Australia’s plant health and biosecurity capability. 

The achievements of all award winners demonstrate the critical role individuals, communities and organisations play in maintaining Australia’s world-leading biosecurity system and protecting our agriculture, environment and way of life. 

At today’s awards the Government launched the Australian Biosecurity Research Hub, providing a national research discovery tool to connect researchers and identify opportunities for collaboration.

Visit biosecurity-research-hub.org.au to learn more. 

The Albanese Labor Government will never compromise on biosecurity. Since coming into Government, we have committed more than $2 billion in additional resourcing to Australia’s biosecurity system. 

To find out more about the 2026 Australian Biosecurity Award winners, visit: agriculture.gov.au/aba.

2026 Australian Biosecurity Award winners:  

Dr David Banks Biosecurity Lifetime Achievement Award 

• Kevin Cooper PSM AFSM 

Dr Kim Ritman Award for Science and Innovation 

• Professor Caroline Mohammed 

First Nations Award for Excellence in Biosecurity 

• Djelk Women Rangers 
• Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation 

Farm Biosecurity Producer of the Year 

• Allen’s Warrawee Park 

Industry 

• Melinda Hashimoto 
• David Hill

Government 

• Dr Ross Wylie 
• NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development-led response phase of the National Varroa Mite Emergency Response 

Environmental Biosecurity 

• Wildlife Health Australia 

Community 

• Eidsvold Cattle Drive 

Education 

• Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:  

“Australia has a world-class biosecurity system which we should celebrate.  

“Our biosecurity system plays a critical role to help protect our proud agriculture industry, Australia’s environment and our way of life.  

“These awards highlight the incredible work of individuals, groups and organisations that make our biosecurity system world-class. 

“I congratulate all of the 2026 award recipients and thank them for the important contribution they have made.”