The National Biosecurity Communication and Engagement Network (NBCEN) is a sectoral committee supporting the National Biosecurity Committee (NBC).
NBCEN provides best practice advice and ensures a nationally consistent approach to biosecurity communication and engagement activities. The group works together to deliver timely, accurate public information in response to pest or disease outbreaks in Australia. They also help prevent and prepare for biosecurity threats by strengthening community awareness and supporting industry and stakeholder preparedness through proactive, coordinated communication.
NBCEN Members
NBCEN comprises communication professionals from the Commonwealth, state and territory government agencies responsible for biosecurity, and relevant animal and plant health organisations, including:
- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
- State and territory department of primary industries/biosecurity agencies
- Animal Health Australia
- Plant Health Australia
- CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness
- Wildlife Heath Australia
NBCEN routinely engages with other agencies, partners and stakeholders as needed.
NBCEN Meetings
NBCEN Meetings are held each month online. Face-to-face meetings are held twice yearly.
NBCEN also meets promptly as required in response to emergency pest or disease incidents.
Contact
For enquiries about NBCEN, contact the NBCEN Secretariat at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry nbcen@aff.gov.au.
Resources
Biosecurity incident public information manual
The Biosecurity Incident Public Information Manual (BIPIM) has been developed by NBCEN to support communication professionals working in the public information function within an Incident Management Team (IMT).
If you have been deployed to assist the Public Information function at a Local Control Centre, State Coordination Centre or National Coordination Centre, the BIPIM has tools and guidance for roles in media, social media, website, call centre, collateral development, stakeholder and community engagement and internal communication.
More on how we respond to outbreaks