Show Circuit a success for DITT team
The Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism staff have been touring the Territory’s show circuit keeping industry groups and public informed of the latest biosecurity measures.
The department, in collaboration with RaboBank, held forums at the Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine and Darwin Shows along with other presentations and displays throughout July.
In Alice Springs, the department’s stall was located between the RaboBank truck and the livestock area which encouraged interactions with passers-by.
The calf-sized cow cut-outs decorated by school children, the mosquito disease spread activity, biosecurity colouring in books and USB cards with fossicking information all proved popular.
Staff were able to network with NTCA, NT Farmers Association and RaboBank staff members.
The Department’s Deputy Chief Executive – Agriculture, Fisheries and Biosecurity Mr Bowen and senior livestock biosecurity staff spoke at the regional shows which included presentations and a discussion forum on the Rabo Bank stage which attracted a large crowd of pastoralists.
The Department’s Research Farm staff did a great job preparing the cattle for showing and looking after them after during the show. The cattle were awarded ribbons in several categories.
The Centralian Beef Breeders Association dinner was well attended and a great success.
In Tennant Creek, staff worked with the NT Cattleman’s Association to set up a shared stand in the main pavilion.
Department Staff were on hand to talk to members of the mining industry and the community who visited the pavilion throughout the day.
In Katherine, Deputy CEO Agriculture Fisheries and Biosecurity Luke Bowen and Chief Veterinary Officer Sue Fitzpatrick spoke to the crowd about the threat of foot-and-mouth disease.
The department’s stall, included posters, grasses, biosecurity information, locally grown watermelons to sample supplied by Red Dirt Melons and Dawsons.
Many of the crowd who wandered through the pavilion stopped to read information, take photos take part in the competitions and get their kids involved.
At the Royal Darwin Show department staff provided information to show-goers and industry about foot-and-mouth disease, lumpy skin disease, banana freckle and other biosecurity topics.
The department stall was hosted in conjuction with the NT Cattleman’s Association (NTCA) next to the Rabobank Truck and near the cattleyard.
Children were entertained and engaged by Tammy the Tomato Puppet who roamed the showgrounds encouraging children to become ‘Citizen Scientists’ by looking out for any unusual bugs in their backyards and sending through photos to the plant biosecurity team – plantbiosecurity@nt.gov.au.