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<h1><em>Simon says...</em></h1><div><img src="/sites/all/files/images/Simon_photo_1_.jpg" alt="CEO - Dr Simon McKirdy" hspace="6" width="228" height="212" align="left" /></div><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'"><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'">Welcome from a wintery Canberra to the June edition of The Leaflet. </span></p><p> </p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'">Last week we farewelled two of our program leaders, Gary Kong (Diagnostics Research) and Sue McKell (Delivery and Adoption). Gary and Sue have been key contributors to the CRC and its activities. On behalf of the CRC Board</span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'">, staff and participants, I thank them for their dedication, enthusiasm and expertise. We </span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'">wish them success in their future endeavours. </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'"></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'"><p>While on the subject of staff, I would like to officially welcome Jane Moran as Program Leader for our Impact Management Research Program and Lauren Searson-Patrick as my Executive Assistant. Jane has over 25 years' experience in plant health research for Department of Primary Industries (Victoria) and we are pleased to have her on board. Lauren started with us at the end of April and has already proved to be a valuable member of our team, and keeps me well organised! Today, I am also pleased to officially announce the appointment of Deborah Hailstones who is the new Diagnostics Research Program Leader. Deb has extensive experience in the development, adaptation and implementation of improved diagnostics for plant biosecurity.</p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'">A heartfelt congratulations goes out to our first completed PhD candidate, Craig Webster who was researching the use of microarrays for virus diagnostics</span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'">. I would like to thank Dr Webster for his hard work and contribution to the CRC’s research activities and wish him the very best in his research career.</span></p><p> </p></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'"><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'">Last week a phosphine review panel commissioned by the CRC travelled throughout Australia visiting stored grain stakeholders and facilities. Chaired by Dr. Peter Merriman, the panel is made up of several subject matter experts. Their role is to identify investment priorities in chemical and non-chemical research for the control of insect pests in stored grain. </span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'">The final report from the Phosphine Review is due for completion in late 2008</span><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'">and outcomes will be published on our website.</span></span></p><p> </p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'"><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'">The Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR) has published guidelines for our third-year review. A three-person review panel has been nominated to DIISR and formal review will be undertaken between 16 - 18 December 2008.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'"> </span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'">As we welcome the new financial year, and the thought of spring coming closer (for us surviving Canberra’s winter) we embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We will keep you updated on our activities in the next edition of <em>The Leaflet.</em> </span></p></span></span><p> <img src="/sites/all/files/images/S_McKirdy.jpg" width="110" height="62" /></p></span><div>Dr Simon McKirdy<br /><strong>Chief Executive Officer</strong><br />CRC for National Plant Biosecurity <hr /></div>
