Meet our Biosecurity Officers – DAFF

Tracy is a team leader based at Adelaide Airport supporting her team to process incoming international passengers.

What is your role?

I’m a Biosecurity Officer Team Leader based in the traveller’s pathway at Adelaide Airport. I support a team to process incoming international passengers, assessing the biosecurity risk of the goods that they are bringing in from overseas. 

What do you do daily at work?

We screen passengers using various methods including x-ray and detector dogs to detect high risk material that may harm Australia’s environment or agricultural industries. We also respond to heightened risk from outbreaks around the world such as foot and mouth disease and khapra beetle, through a variety of measures.

What words of wisdom do you have for young girls looking to decide on a career path in Agriculture or in a related sector?

If you have a passion for Agriculture, then there are several pathways to get there. Don’t be discouraged if things don’t progress in the most direct way. My path to the job I love wasn’t direct, but the experience gained along the way makes me more appreciative of it now.

Are there other women in your field who inspire you?

I am inspired by the women that I work with daily within my team and the department. We come from a range of backgrounds and every one of them offers a unique perspective to the job, which is valuable in creating a well-rounded team.

What/who got you into your field? What keeps you in your role?

I’d always been fascinated by biosecurity whenever arriving home from travelling while younger. When the opportunity to apply as a biosecurity officer presented, I applied and was lucky enough to be selected. My love for the job as well as the variety and surprises each day are what keeps me here.

Do you have any future aspirations you would like to share?

I aspire to continue working in the job I love, surrounded by a great team. I thrive on the unexpected surprises that present themselves and love that no 2 days at work are the same. I hope to continue to grow and evolve in my current role.