The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry partnered with Biosecurity Queensland to create a campaign helping Torres Strait communities understand the importance of preventing invasive pests and diseases from entering the region. The message needed to feel local, culturally respectful, and genuinely grounded in island community life rather than delivered from the outside.
Biosecurity messaging can quickly become technical and impersonal. This campaign was created specifically for Torres Strait communities whose connection to Country, travel between islands, and local way of life were central to the story. Cultural consultation was essential. Language, tone, pacing, and imagery all required community consideration. The goal wasn't to deliver information from outside. It was to create a message that felt like it belonged.
The animation was hand-drawn by a Torres Strait Islander artist, giving the visuals an immediate connection to place and identity. A local narrator delivered the message. The script used plain language built around everyday actions: checking vehicles, cleaning shoes, inspecting camping gear, and understanding what travels between islands. The emotional message stayed simple. Protect Country. Protect lifestyle. Working closely with a Torres Strait artist was one of the defining strengths of the project.
Strong engagement across Torres Strait communities through community centres, ferries, airports, social media, and local viewing environments. Government stakeholders praised the balance of practical education and cultural respect, and the community response reflected that it felt like it truly belonged.
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