Feature: Ginger, Bees and VIPS

Berrimah Farm Science Precinct welcomed a special guest when the Hon Vicki O’Halloran, the Administrator of the Northern Territory, and Government House Program Officer Kelly Petersen stopped by.

They enjoyed a tour of the facility, led by Phil Hausler, Executive Director Agriculture, who gave an overview of agriculture in the NT and the role of the department in maintaining market access and supporting sustainable industry development.

At the Administrator’s request, the visit included a trip  to the nursery head house. “Her Honour was particularly interested in the horticulture nursery and the ornamental gingers,” Philip said. “She was also fascinated with our native bees. The Administrator is participating in a
native bee project and she has some of our hives at Government House.”

Doris Marcsik briefed Her Honour on tropical gingers, and Mary Finlay-Doney and Mark Traynor introduced her to the native bees.

Steve Robertson spoke about the Indigenous Pastoral Program, which aims to increase Aboriginal landowners’ participation in the NT pastoral industry.

Dr Lorna Melville and Dr Cathy Shilton provided an overview of the Berrimah Veterinary Laboratory, which provides diagnostic services and carries out research in veterinary pathology and virology.

Dr Suresh Benedict and Stephen Poole gave a briefing on the bacterial laboratory. Sue Aumann provided a briefing of the histology facility and Dr Rachel De Araujo discussed molecular diagnostics.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19 - DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND RESOURCES