Gary Gillot, Steritech's NSW Operations Manager, has been awarded a Certificate of Commendation by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS).
The award was presented to Gary for his contribution to the timely treatment of quarantine risk items sent or brought into Australia for the recent Raksha Bandham festival. Gary in particular was nominated by Ian Sinclair at AQIS, for his integral part in managing the scheduling and treatment of all Raksha Bandham quarantine risk items. Communication between Gary and Ian ensured the items were treated as quick as possible in order to get them to thier final destination prior to the commencement of the festival.
Gary was humbled by the award and stressed that it was a Steritech team effort, as is always the case, to esnure any quarantine directed items are processed as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Exchanging a Rakhi is a sacred tradition signifying the unique bond shared between brothers and sisters. For those who are separated by distance the Raksha-Bandhan tradition is carried on by sending the sacred Rakhi and gifts around the world.
Although these gifts are sent with the very best of intentions it is common for well meaning family and friends to send not only their prayers, but also high risk items that can be detrimental to the Australian environment.
Australia is free from many pests and diseases present in other countries but gifts mailed to Australia containing high risk items could bring these into the country, which would have a devastating effect on Australia's import and export industries. That is why Australia has strict quarantine laws in place prohibiting high risk items from entering the country.
What traditional Rakhi gifts pose a high quarantine risk?
Quarantine risk items include:
Rakhi threads made with seeds or flowers
Traditional Indian sweets (mithai) containing milk such as barfi, mysore pak, gulab jamun, rasgulla, pedas or soan–papdi grains and dried fruits.
Gary was also given a tour of the new AQIS premises at Crewe Place, Rosebery, which included a look at the Entomology Department.
