Central Queensland cattle producer David Hill and the organisers of the Eidsvold Cattle Drive have been recognised for their contributions to strengthening Australia’s biosecurity system in the 2026 Australian Biosecurity Awards.

The awards, announced on Monday, recognised 12 winners across nine categories, including science and innovation, farm biosecurity, industry, government, community and education.

David Hill recognised for industry leadership

Mr Hill was recognised in the industry category for his leadership in emergency animal disease preparedness, industry advocacy and collaboration.

A second-generation cattle producer, Mr Hill operates Clarkwood, an 8500-hectare EU-accredited cattle breeding and fattening enterprise in Central Queensland.

He is also the founding chair of the Cattle Australia Biosecurity Working Group, which has played an important role in coordinating industry responses to emerging animal disease threats.

His leadership was particularly significant during the emergence of lumpy skin disease and foot-and-mouth disease in Indonesia, when the working group helped assess risks, share information and support industry preparedness.

Under his chairmanship, the group has strengthened communication between government and industry and helped ensure producer perspectives are reflected in national biosecurity decision-making.

Mr Hill has also contributed to national biosecurity initiatives, including consultation on the National Lumpy Skin Disease Action Plan, improvements to vector surveillance capability and emergency animal disease preparedness programs.

His advocacy has helped support investment in emerging surveillance technologies and encouraged greater producer participation in biosecurity training.

He has also coordinated industry input into national policy discussions covering sustainable biosecurity funding, the National Biosecurity Strategy and AUSVETPLAN development.

Eidsvold Cattle Drive recognised

The Eidsvold Cattle Drive was recognised in the community category for demonstrating how a major livestock event can promote biosecurity awareness while preserving regional heritage.

Held every two years, the event brings together approximately 500 cattle, 40 riders and numerous volunteers to retrace historic stock routes in Queensland.

Recognising the potential biosecurity risks associated with livestock movements, organisers have developed a comprehensive framework covering livestock health, traceability, pest identification and disease preparedness.

Biosecurity training is mandatory for participants, with 54 volunteers and riders completing induction programs covering their responsibilities and practical disease prevention measures.

The event has also introduced systems to support livestock movement management, traceability and biosecurity risk identification.

Beyond its biosecurity contribution, the Eidsvold Cattle Drive has raised more than $400,000 for regional charities, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service and LifeFlight.

National recognition for egg industry leader

Other award recipients included Egg Farmers of Australia chief executive Melinda Hashimoto, recognised alongside Mr Hill in the industry category for her leadership in avian influenza preparedness.

As Chief Executive Officer of Egg Farmers of Australia, she has played a key role in improving industry resilience, supporting disease preparedness and ensuring producers are equipped to respond to emerging biosecurity threats. Through her work with industry, government and research partners, she has helped strengthen biosecurity awareness and preparedness across one of Australia’s most important agricultural industries.

A significant focus of Mrs Hashimoto’s contribution has been supporting the layer industry’s preparedness for, and response to, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). She has provided leadership and coordination during recent HPAI responses, including outbreaks in 2020, 2024, 2025 and 2026, helping ensure producers received timely information, practical support and clear guidance during periods of heightened biosecurity risk.

The awards also recognised Wildlife Health Australia for its work strengthening preparedness for highly pathogenic avian influenza, and Kevin Cooper for more than four decades of service to Australia’s biosecurity emergency response capability.

Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins congratulated the recipients, highlighting the importance of their contributions to protecting Australia’s agricultural industries.

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

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

The Government also used the awards to launch the Australian Biosecurity Research Hub, a national research discovery tool designed to connect researchers and encourage collaboration.

Source: DAFF.  The full list of award recipients is available at agriculture.gov.au/aba.