In June we said farewell to Chris O’Connor who worked on the National Fruit Fly Engagement and Extension project and played a broader engagement role within the National Fruit Fly Council (NFFC) over the past two years.

In his new role, Chris leads the new ePHAC (e-certification) system project delivered by Plant Heath Australia (PHA) in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, South Australia (PIRSA) to generate, monitor and clear plant health certificates online.

Chris joined the team in 2022 as Fruit Fly Engagement Coordinator to support the delivery of national engagement and extension activities to strengthen fruit fly management in Australia. The project, a joint partnership between the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and PHA, leveraged off the Council’s well-developed stakeholder networks and existing national communication channels.

It is with gratitude that we thank Chris for his invaluable contribution and dedication to the NFFC. During his tenure, he readily contributed insights and strategic input gained from a wealth of experience in both his professional and academic career, to progress NFFC initiatives.

We wish Chris well in his new role.