Two hundred weed professionals attended the 15th Biennial NSW Weeds Conference held at Narrabri earlier this month at The Crossing Theatre.

The conference provided a great opportunity for experts to access new information, discuss weed issues and catch up with others working in the weeds industry from across NSW.

A highlight of the conference, held from 14-17 September, was the conference dinner and the presentation of the Industry & Investment NSW (I&I) Buerckner and Stephenson Weed Officers Awards.

Tony Martin from the Illawarra District Weeds Authority won the Buerckner Award for his outstanding contribution to the on-ground control of weeds in NSW.

Mr Martin was nominated for his dedication and commitment to his work, through which he introduced a rigorous inspection program, undertaking 189 private property inspections, and 90 reinspections during the past year.

Paula Bosse from the Eastern and Western Riverina Noxious Weeds Group won the Stephenson Award for her outstanding contribution to planning and coordinating weed management programs in NSW.

Ms Bosse was congratulated on her strategic thinking and engagement of key players in the region.

Her work has led to a greater focus on preventing the incursion and spread of new weeds such as Coolatai grass, Chilean needle grass, serrated tussock and Sagittaria.

Ms Bosse was presented with a $500 travel prize by The Weed Society of NSW, while Mr Martin received a $500 travel prize from the NSW Weed Officers Association.

She will be eligible to use her prize to attend the 17th Australasian Weeds Conference in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Mr Martins prize may be used to attend the 16th NSW Biennial Weeds Conference in 2011.

I&I NSW Team Leader - Extension and Education, Birgitte Verbeek, thanked the NSW Weeds Officers Association and The Weed Society of NSW for their support of the a wards.

Photo available from sarahc@sf.nsw.gov.au

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Media contact: Sarah Chester on (02) 6036 2110 or 0417 207 669