2023 NABRC medalists, from right: Don Heatley, Home Hill; Jon Condon, Beef Central; Bernie English, QDAF; Col Paton, consultant; Chris Gardiner, James Cook University; Kylie Hopkins, QDAF Click on image for a larger view

THE achievements of leading figures who have demonstrated excellence in the production, research, development or extension fields of North Australia’s beef industry are set to be recognised through the next round of the North Australia Beef Research Council’s NABRC Medals.

Awarded every three years in conjunction with the Northern Beef Research Update Conference, the medal presentations will be a highlight of the next event to be held in Brisbane in March. The previous awards were made during the 2023 NABRC conference in Darwin.

The awards recognise individuals whose commitment to the northern Australia beef industry is acknowledged by their peers and industry, and who have demonstrated success in advancing the industry in five categories:

• Research
• Production
• Extension
• Young Achiever (under 35 years)
• Lifetime Achievement.

2023 saw the addition of a new Lifetime Achievement Award to the Medals program, celebrating an individual who has contributed to the North Australian beef industry in a variety of ways throughout their life, demonstrating leadership, encouraging innovation and growing the industry. That award was shared by North Queensland beef extension veteran Bernie English and respected grazing consultant Col Paton.

The Lifetime Achievement award will continue in 2026.

NABRC chairman Paul Burke said the medals provided a valuable way for the industry to recognise and thank those who work tirelessly for the northern Australia beef industry.

“Those nominated for the producer, researcher or extension awards are only the tip of the people advancing our industry – our industry is blessed with a range of qualified, experienced and passionate people from all facets of the supply chain, who make a difference to the productivity, profitability and long-term sustainability of the northern Australia beef industry on a daily basis,” Mr Burke said.

“However, the nomination process and the presentations of the NABRC Medals provides an opportunity to recognise those who have gone over and above in their dedication and pursuit of excellence for the industry,” he said.

The Lifetime Achievement Award provides well-deserved acknowledgement of those who have been pivotal in advancing and promoting the northern Australia beef industry over the course of their lives.

Medal recipients will be announced at NBRUC’s Conference Dinner in Brisbane on Wednesday 11 March 2026.

Nominees can self-nominate or be nominated by their peers. Nominations close 19 December.

• Nomination details can be found here.
• For further information on the NABRC Medals Awards 2026, contact Jackie Kyte