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AMRRIC’s Biosecurity Pilot Project evaluation report has been launched as part of National Biosecurity Week, with the project exceeding expectations and demonstrating marked improvements in community animal health, biosecurity surveillance capacity and collaboration.
The Biosecurity Pilot Project was delivered in partnership with remote Indigenous communities across Northern Australia from 2022 to 2024, and was funded by the Australian Government’s Biosecurity Business Grants Program.
The project’s evaluation report details that not only were all anticipated project outcomes achieved, but outcomes exceeded expectations in key areas. Collaboration was strengthened between Indigenous organisations, local governments, and health agencies, whilst the project also greatly enhanced community animal health and biosecurity surveillance capacity.
“AMRRIC’s Biosecurity Pilot Project set out to improve companion animal health surveillance in 25 remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Northern Australia – places where distance, access, and limited veterinary services make early detection of animal disease incredibly challenging,” said Dr Bonny Cumming, Project Lead and AMRRIC’s Head of Innovation & Strategy.
The project adhered to the principle of ‘no survey without service’, ensuring that every surveillance event also delivered immediate benefits for animals and their owners.
“This approach not only strengthened surveillance but also built trust and participation at the community level. Over three years, the project delivered 41 community-wide biosecurity surveillance events, and surveyed almost 8,000 animals, with more than 7,300 treated for parasites and health conditions.”
The Biosecurity Pilot Project also provided tailored biosecurity training for 126 participants, including Indigenous Rangers, Local Government staff and Environmental Health Workers.
“As Australia faces ongoing risks from diseases such as rabies and African swine fever, AMRRIC’s Biosecurity Pilot Project demonstrates the vital role of community-driven, culturally appropriate animal health programs in safeguarding both biosecurity and community wellbeing,” said Dr Cumming.
“AMRRIC would welcome consideration by Government for further funding to continue this successful project, to maintain the demonstrated benefits to biosecurity and community animal health.”
Over 84% of community partner funding went to Indigenous-controlled organisations, with the remainder directed to local government authorities in remote regions with predominantly Indigenous populations. Community partners strongly endorsed the project’s model, recommending that it be continued and expanded with greater frequency and duration.
“Demonstrating tangible improvements in animal health builds trust and engagement. When community members see the positive impact on their animals, they are more likely to support and actively participate in biosecurity efforts.” – quote from Community partner survey response.
To view the full evaluation report of the Biosecurity Pilot Project: https://www.amrric.org/resource-type/monitoringandevaluation/view/amrrics-biosecurity-pilot-project-evaluation-report-2025/
AMRRIC (Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities) is a national not-for-profit organisation that works with remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to improve the health of their companion animals. In doing so, we are helping to create healthier, safer and happier communities.
Connect with Animal Management in Rural & Remote Indigenous Communities (AMRRIC):
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