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Highlights of ASW 2024

3 April, 2024

The hybrid Annual Surveillance Workshop 2024 (ASW 2024) took place at the Twin Towns Conference and Events Centre at Tweed Heads, NSW from 20 - 21 March 2024, addressing the theme ‘Surveillance in remote locations: challenges, solutions and incorporating community engagement’. Under this theme, ASW 2024 covered four sub-topics: Communities (Session 1), Connections (Session 2), Risks and challenges (Session 3), and Opportunities (Session 4).

Through presentation sessions, a panel discussion, and workshops, the program brought surveillance practitioners and members of the PSNAP network together to share their knowledge and learnings, and facilitate connections and collaborations. The first day of ASW 2024 overlapped with the Annual Diagnostics Workshop (ADW) 2024, allowing both PSNAP and National Plant Biosecurity Diagnostic Network (NPBDN) members to meet and network between sessions.

Highlights of ASW 2024 included:

23 presentations, including three presentations delivered by invited guests Prof. Michael Douglas who spoke about the evolution of large research collaboration supporting biodiversity conservation and environmental management; Dr Heleen Kruger who shared her insights into unlocking the potential of general surveillance programs in remote regions; and Dr Desi Ramoo who spoke about the challenges posed by Brown marmorated stink bug in New Zealand and the adoption of new surveillance technologies and preparedness techniques to combat this pest
a panel session delivered by several delegates from Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Timor Leste that addressed the topic of surveillance perspectives and case studies from our near neighbours
two presentations from our successful 2023/2024 PSNAP residential awardees
three shoulder workshops: overview and demonstration of AUSPestCheck®; introduction to National Surveillance Protocols (NSPs) and their applications; and putting NSPs into action
74 in-person delegates attended the event from all Australian states and territories, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, and New Zealand
35 delegates attended virtually
a social networking event was held at the conclusion of Day 1.

Workshop materials are available to PSNAP members. Click here to join.