BRF Update - Sept 2022
I hope this email finds you well. We have a lot of important updates and in particular there are a number of changes to roles within the team:
Corynebacterium bovis update
The latest round of testing (cage swabs taken on 30.08.22 from all cages in 1076 and the Phenomaster) has revealed only a single positive cage in 1076. Our regular facility-wide exhaust air dust screening was also completed, and the breeding rooms and 1077 have tested negative for C bovis. Hopefully this is a sign that the existing control methods are working and we are seeing in a reduction in cases and further spread. Please stay vigilant for symptoms in your animals, to assist us in hopefully eradicating this undesirable agent.
Once again, a massive thank you to those undertaking the testing as this is an additional recurring workload, and a general thanks to all staff, students and researchers working with our animals in a way that is minimising the spread of C bovis.
Role/position changes
TRI BRF Senior Manager position
This is my last week in this role prior to moving to a position at UQ QAAFI St Lucia – Karen Knox ([email protected]) is kindly stepping up again to cover my role whilst formal recruitment is ongoing to backfill my position.
TRI BRF Deputy manager position
Rodrick has been successful in stepping up to cover the QBI facility manager role whilst formal recruitment is ongoing to backfill that position. Brad Buchan ([email protected]) will be backfilling in the deputy position.
Research coordinator position
Aimee Scott will be stepping up to cover this position whilst Karen is acting in the senior manager role.
Breeding coordinator position
Natasha McGregor-Jones will be stepping up to cover this position whilst Brad is acting in the deputy manager role.
We are currently organising who will be backfilling the senior technician (HEW 5) roles.
It has been fantastic to see so many of the team willing and able to step up and cover these opportunities, and I would like to congratulate and thank everyone listed above! As you can imagine with these various position changes and other roles to recruit/cover, there may be some items missed/delayed – for which I apologise in advance. Please follow up and bear with us during this time.
Internal transfers – requests moving to Mosaic by 5th Sept
As previously advised all internal (breeding to experimental rooms at TRI) transfers must now be requested via Mosaic. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the team on [email protected].
Thank you and farewell
Last but certainly not least I would like to say a massive, massive thank you to everyone, for all of your hard work, support and collaboration over the last 5 or so years I have been in this role.. The TRI BRF is a big and busy place, but it has been so rewarding to work with so many people who are dedicated to high quality outcomes, learning, change and supporting each other, both within our team and across the research labs and TRI/UQ teams. I’m really proud of what we have achieved in adapting to a wide range of challenges and gradually improving our processes and systems along the way.
My last day will be Friday 16th Sept - if you would like to say hi/goodbye, I will be having coffee in the Belvedere 10-11am on Thurs 15th Sept.
I am very sad to be leaving, plus excited for opportunities in a new sector that I have been wanting to explore for several years now – and excited to see what new ideas other people will bring to this role/team. I wish you all the very best, and hope to get an opportunity to work with you again someday!
Thanks again,
Dr. Rona Barugahare
