There were some worried faces around Berridale earlier this month when the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service car pulled up outside the local school. Luckily for everyone it was for an educational visit rather than the arrival of a nasty disease.

Joelene Washinton-King from the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service visited Berridale Public School to educate the students on the role that the service plays in Australia.

She discussed which animals and plants are allowed into Australia and the effect of infected animals and plants if we bypass quarantine and the resulting disastrous impact on the community’s livestock and agricultural industries.

Other areas that were discussed were the fines that are imposed for not declaring goods when entering the country swine flu and how important it is for every person to take responsibility for ensuring that Australia is protected.

There was also a display of seized plants, dead animals and seeds that had been seized.