Industry accolades celebrate outstanding NSW weed managers
12 Aug 2025
Last week, resounding ovations in recognition of the contribution Rod Ensbey and Wendy Gibney have made to weed management in NSW echoed through Port Macquarie from the 280-strong crowd at the NSW Weeds Conference.
NSW chief invasive species officer, Scott Charlton, said industry awards received by the two NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) staff were a testament to their dedication and achievements in weed management.
“An impressive 30-plus year career saw Rod Ensbey awarded the top NSW Weed Industry gong for his outstanding contribution to weed management,” Mr Charlton said.
“His epic mission to deliver effective weed control has seen Rod take on multiple roles in the department.
“From breeding biological control agents for bitou bush, water hyacinth, salvinia, and prickly pear at the Grafton Weed Biological Control Unit to his role as team leader for Weed Responses and Programs, Rod has brought a holistic approach to weed management in NSW.”
Mr Ensbey has demonstrated the importance of collaboration between all levels of government, community groups and landholders in weed management, building strong working relationships with NSW and national stakeholders.
On-ground experience, strong strategic planning and communication skills, have seen Rod lead and contribute to the delivery of successful NSW state weed programs, including tropical soda apple and the NSW and Queensland Border Weeds Group.
He has coordinated responses to tropical soda apple, alligator weed, senegal tea plant, parthenium and cecropia incursions, working closely with councils to provide funding and strategic planning support for the responses
An active contributor to the Weeds of National Significance program, Rod played a pivotal role supporting Greater Sydney, Hunter and North Coast regions in their implementation of the Noxious Weeds Act and more recently implementation of NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 across the state.
In 2019, Rod moved into his current state-level role as team leader, leading responses and strategic planning for state priority weeds as he continues to play a critical role in shaping weed management across NSW and Australia.
Mr Charlton said Wendy Gibney’s Weed Society of NSW Medal for Excellence in Weed Management recognised the contribution she has made prior to and since she joined the department in 2016.
“Wendy has developed and continually improved DPIRD weed management resources to better inform and educate land managers,” he said.
"Her contribution to NSW WeedWise has provided a critical, foundational source of knowledge for weed managers in NSW and nationally.
“She plays a key role in developing Prohibited Matter training resources, including 3D digital and physical models, which inform the early detection of priority weeds.”
Ms Gibney has represented the Weed Society as the Council of Australasian Weed Societies and is a significant contributor to the society’s newsletters.
From 2021 to 2024, Ms Gibney served as the president of the society and continues to contribute as the immediate past president.
Media contact: pi.media@dpird.nsw.gov.au
