It gives me great pleasure and pride to again provide the membership with an overview of some of the National Board’s activities and achievements for and on behalf of the environmental health profession in Australia. Every state and territory is represented on the Board and we meet by teleconference on a monthly basis. We also meet twice yearly for face-to-face meetings to address the business of our organisation.
A scan of the national and states’ websites reveals that a multitude of seminars, workshops, forums, courses, conferences and other professional development opportunities were organised and provided for EH practitioners across the country. Collectively, this is a phenomenal effort by EHA considering that many members are located in remote and regional areas. The major EH event for any year is the national conference and this year the 41st National Conference in Hobart will set the excellence and relevance benchmark even higher.
The EHA Course Accreditation Panel continues to progress the assessment and accreditation of tertiary EH courses around the country. I have often lauded the praises of the individual panel members, and the panel as a whole, and again I congratulate them for their outstanding dedication and thoroughness in this vital program.
The Board has been busy once again throughout the year engaging with stakeholders such as RedR, SAI Global, EPA, RIAMS and made formal submissions to the National Ice Taskforce, enHealth and FSANZ.
EHA was represented at the recent inaugural IFEH World Academic Congress in Coimbra, Portugal and we are currently liaising with the US National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) to establish a meaningful and sustainable relationship for the benefit of both organisations. An IFEH Asia-Pacific regional meeting was conducted at the national conference in Sydney. We also have the opportunity to participate in the IFEH SIGs program. As you can see we are becoming a more active member in the global environmental health community.
Our Executive Officers now have an upgraded accounting software package to increase efficiencies in the crucial area of financial management. The organisation’s Annual Report was produced and issued for the members in the interests of transparency and accountability. National EH policies continue to be developed and the EHA Investment Prospectus has now been completed.
EHA will continue to provide for your professional development and membership needs and will continue to work hard for the environmental health profession as a whole.
Mark Dwyer
National President EHA Ltd
Queensland
President's report - Vince Stephens
Greetings Fellow Members from Queensland,
As the Queensland sun shines on the new year, we reflect on year just past. 2015 was a challenging yet successful year for EHA (QLD) INC. which began with the sad loss of our beloved Executive Officer, Margaret Hind. Margaret held the position of Executive Officer for many years and trained many Board members and as such, Margaret was the cornerstone of EHA (QLD) INC. However, knowing that the “show must go on”, Donna Thompson took hold of the reins as Executive Officer and throughout the year EHA (QLD) INC successfully delivered:
4 Training courses
Risk Management in Townsville;
Infection Control Workshop on the Gold Coast
Enviro School at Logan
Disaster Management in Townsville
6 Regional Conferences
Central Queensland: 2 meetings (Bundaberg and Yeppoon)
South West/Darling Downs: 3 meetings (Kingaroy, Toowoomba, Warwick)
North Queensland: 1 meeting (Ingham)
75th Annual State Conference on board the Pacific Dawn Cruise Ship
2016 is also looking to be a busy year with the following training courses and conferences in the planning phase:
Training Courses:
Noise Management Course – 9 and 10 March in Bundaberg
Water School in Brisbane
Advanced Food School in Townsville
Public Health School in Brisbane
Disaster Management Course – 31 July to 5 August in Townsville
Mosquito Management Course in Rockhampton
Advanced Noise Course
Regional Conferences
Central Queensland: Meetings to be conducted in March and October
South West/Darling Downs: Meetings to be conducted in March, July and November
North Queensland: Meeting in May
76th Annual State Conference – September 2016
Congratulations to all of the recipients of the 2014 Excellence Awards that were announced at the State Conference in September 2015. The winners of the Environmental Health Professional Awards for work undertaken in 2014 are:
Environmental Health Professional of the Year
Awarded to: Rebecca Walker. This award is sponsored by Coles.
Early Career Environmental Health Professional of the Year
Awarded to: Michael Sheridan. This award is sponsored by Aspen Medical
President’s Award
Awarded to: Angela Lawson.
The 2015 Excellence Awards will be launched in January 2016. Nomination forms and supporting documentation will be available from the EHA (QLD) INC website.
Another Award winner from Queensland is Harold Figueroa. Harold was the winner of the National Margaret Hind Memorial Award for his outstanding performance and service to the environmental health profession through his leadership at Sierra Leone during the Ebola crisis. Congratulations Harold.
At the EHA (QLD) Inc Annual General Meeting on 27 November 2015, there were a few changes to the Queensland Board with several Directors retiring and several new board members were nominated onto the board. On behalf of all members, we would like to express our sincere appreciation for the following Directors who did not renominate for a position on the Board: Belinda Davies, Rebecca Walker, Catherine Hayes, Brenda Reardon and Trevor Kanapi.
We would also like to give a warm welcome to our newest Directors, Brett Esbensen, Giselle Parsons and Michael Sheridan as Observer.
The 2016 Queensland Board, with a great mix of enthusiasm and creativity balanced with experience and wisdom of existing and long standing Directors, will be looking to make the year the best yet for all Environmental Health Professionals in Queensland.
Vince Stephens
President EHA (QLD) Inc.
New South Wales
President's report - Jody Houston
40th National Conference
The 40th National Conference was held at the Menzies in Sydney on 20th to 23rd October, 2015. The theme “Strength in Unity” showcased to the nation what environmental health has to offer. The program included a number of key note speakers who presented information on Seafood labelling, Disaster Management and environmental health in the international arena. The conference papers are available on the website at http://www.ehansw.org.au/events-info/conferences/40th-eha-national-conference
Awards 2015
The Margaret Hind Memorial Award and the 2015 NSW Excellence Awards were presented at the Conference Dinner on 21 October. The recipients of these prestigious awards are:
Margaret Hind Memorial Award.
Awarded to: Harold Figueroa Harold received this award for his services to the profession in assisting with the Ebola crisis in Sierra Leone.
Highly Commended: Santo Cannata Santo received this commendation for his outstanding service and dedication to the funeral industry in New South Wales.
Health NSW Environmental Professional of the Year
Awarded to: Stuart Nunn Highly Commended: Prue Galvin
NSW Environmental Health Team of the Year
Awarded to: EHA (NSW) Inc Mid-North Coast Group Highly Commended: Holroyd City Council Environmental Health Team
NSW Environmental Health Early Career Professional of the Year
Awarded to: Ashleigh Morris
NSW Environmental Health Student Professional of the Year
Awarded to Charlee Law Highly Commended: Rachel Wilson
NSW Environmental Health Australia (NSW) Inc Presidents Appreciation Award
Awarded to: Lisa Hughes and Paul Reynolds
Congratulations to all of the Award winners for 2015.
NSW Local Government Amalgamations
On 18 December 2015, the NSW Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Local Government Paul Toole unveiled the plans for NSW Local Government Council amalgamations.
In Greater Sydney, the NSW Government is proposing 15 new, stronger councils to help the city grow, which would bring the total number of metropolitan councils down from 43 to 25. In regional NSW, 20 new councils are proposed, which would bring the total number of regional councils down from 109 to 87.
The NSW Government is using the existing process set out in the Local Government Act to consider council mergers. Further information on the public consultations process including dates and providing a submission can be located on the NSW Government Boundary Review website.
During this time of amalgamations, it is important that environmental health professionals band together to ensure that our profession is not overlooked in this change process.
Extreme Heat
NSW Health Emergency Management Unit activated the State Extreme Heat Action Plan in January due to severe and extreme heatwaves experienced in New South Wales. Every year in New South Wales, hot weather and heat causes illness, hospitalisations and sometimes even death.
Training
There are a number of training courses planned across New South Wales in 2016. All details for the training course will be advertised on the EHA (NSW) INC website www.ehansw.org.au.
EHA (NSW) INC Board
The EHA (NSW) INC AGM was held on 21 October 2015. I would like to introduce you to the EHA (NSW) INC Board for 2015-2016:
Jody Houston, President
Stuart Nunn, Vice President / Treasurer /National Board Member
Lisa Hughes, Secretary
Brian Jones, National Board Member
Mark Nolan, Director
Erin Hogan, Director
Paul Hunt, Director
David Basso, Director
Michael Middleton, Observer
The contact details for all Board members is available on the website www.ehansw.org.au.
Paul Reynolds and Kristy McCreadie resigned as Directors on the Board at the 2015 AGM. Their resignations were accepted with regret and the Board thanked them for their dedication and service to EHA (NSW) Inc.
Work will continue in 2016 on advocacy and representation of environmental health issues in New South Wales. If you would like to be involved in EHA (NSW) INC activities, please contact Donna at nsw@eh.org.au.
Jody Houston
President, EHA (NSW) Inc.
South Australia
President's Report - Alex Stedman and Helen Psarras
Well 2015 has been a big year for the EHASA board which has seen a real focus on member returns, ensuring that members are visibly reminded of the value of EHA as an organisation as well as providing much needed training and support. Initiatives taken over the course of 2015 include:
Training
EHASA ran 7 specific training sessions in 2015 with four being hands on sessions aimed at increasing familiarity with cooling towers. These sessions saw small groups of EHO’s undertake training activities that involved scaling rooves and assessing towers directly. These were provided free of charge for members.
Additionally, a group of three training sessions, ‘law school’, allowed EHO’s to share enforcement scenarios that have arisen and resolution experienced. This was followed by an assessment of legislation by representatives of both Kelledy Jones and Norman Waterhouse lawyers and finally a moot court providing all attendees with some familiarity of court proceedings.
It is hoped that these training opportunities will allow professionals the familiarity and confidence to utilise the breadth of their knowledge when faced with real life scenarios at work.
Social events
EHASA has begun hosting social events throughout the year. This allows EHO’s to come and share a drink with colleagues and network as they see fit. These events have garnered a lot of interest with approximately 50 people attending the first session. Students and those new to the workforce have found the sessions particularly useful when getting a ‘foot in the door’.
EHOs gather at a city bar for drinks after LGA run training. Drinks were sponsored by EHASA and LGA and approximately 50 people turned up to mingle.
Representation
EHASA has attendees on numerous boards, committees and advisory groups. This year has seen us meet with unions, the LGA, interest groups and our new Chief Public Health/Chief Medical Officer.
Special Interest Group Support
In recognition of the primary duties of the position, EHASA chose to rename the ‘Executive Officer’ role the Member Support Officer (MSO) last year. This renaming then led to a greater focus on the role of supporting members and the board. 2015 has seen this role continue to support SIG’s by attending all meetings, taking minutes, writing up agendas and publishing all minutes online.
Whilst it sounds simple, the task has proved to be large but rewarding and it is the first time the Special interest Groups in SA have received such support from the organisation.
Conference
A successful conference was run in late November at Glenelg. This was well attended and well regarded by EHO’s within South Australia and saw a wide variety of speakers from within this state and nationally. Highlights of conference topics included the progression of the Food Safety Rating Scheme, Salmonella and eggs from the farm to the lab and everywhere in between, cryptosporidium from a public health and industry perspective, legionella and aged care facilities, an interagency approach to hoarding and squalor, emergency management response to Ebola and bushfires and protecting EHOs as law enforcement officers.
Web site
Our MSO has delved into the SA website and made massive improvements. Members can now find all SIG minutes and agendas, fill out their CPD details, view events and brows pictures from all EHA run sessions.
This has seen a fourfold increase in traffic to the site and has been supported by the LGA funded knowledge base. A website created by EHA SA allowing EHOs to access reviewed documents, policies and procedures for adoption and use.
EHO Awards
For the first time in several years EHASA has called for nominations, and issued awards to EHO’s and EHO groups who have excelled in their field. These awards were issued at the conference dinner in front of all peers and saw the winners take home cheque and certificate of excellence. Plus recognition of and pride in their efforts.
Newsletter
EHASA has contracted a local environmental company to collect stories for, print and market a glossy newsletter for members. It is hoped that eventually this will be distributed to relevant members of parliament and associated professionals. For the moment, however, distribution will be for all EHO’s and councils in the state.
The EHASA board remains largely unchanged in 2016 and looks forward to continuing with its focus of improving openness within the board and with members and on member returns. It is hoped that a conscious focus on those individuals and organisations that we represent will continue to improve the organisation.
With Kind Regards,
Alex Steman and Helen Psarras
Co-Presidents EHA (SA) Inc.
Tasmania
President's Report - Alex Woodward
Welcome members,
Firstly I would like to wish everybody a Happy New Year from the EHA (Tas) Board.
It has been a very productive year for the EHA (Tas) Board. Some of our achievements have included:
RIAMS:
Established a financial agreement with RIAMS to develop the content for the Tasmanian site. The initial stage of the website has now been constructed and rolled out to Council’s.
Strategic Plan:
The board held a 2 day workshop to develop our new Strategic Plan. The draft plan has now been developed and is currently available for comment.
State Conference/Quarterly Seminars:
A very successful state conference was held in Devonport from the 2nd – 4th September 2015. This included a full day workshop on a nuisance investigation and mock court scenario on the issue.
Our quarterly seminars were held at Campbell Town with good attendance and interesting topics.
Promotion:
EHA Tas Board members attended a number of student taster days to promote the profession and the University of Tasmania Degree. This was well received by the students and schools across Tasmania. In addition the board has recently purchased a significant amount of promotional merchandise which will be provided to students at upcoming taster days, and even to our members at events!
Fellowship:
During the 2015 year EHA (Tas) inducted two fellows – Mr Ron Fry & Mr Stuart Heggie. Congratulations to both recipients!
National Conference:
Attendance at the National Conference in Sydney on the 20th – 22nd October 2015. Our NSW colleagues were generous enough to provide us with some time to discuss and promote the upcoming 41st National Conference in Hobart.
Planning has commenced for the 41st National Conference to be held at the Grand Chancellor Hobart from the 31st October 2016 – 3rd November 2016. Dinner will be held at the internationally acclaimed Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).
Call for abstracts, conference website, conference program will all be available here!
I would like to thank the Tasmanian members for their contribution to the association throughout the year and am looking forward to showcasing what Tassie has to offer at our National Conference in October/November this year!
Kind regards
Alex Woodward
President EHA (Tas) Inc
Victoria
President's Report - Susan Bennett
EHA Victoria was represented at the National Conference held in Sydney last October with results of the survey conducted early last year presented. The results of the survey will be outlined in the next EHA Victoria newsletter, due to be release in February 2016.
The second EHA Victoria newsletter was distributed in the last half of the year. A special thank you goes to those that contributed to the informative communication. The newsletter was also shared with other EHA state boards to demonstrate Victoria’s achievements.
EHA was contacted on numerous occasions in the last half of the year with requests for work experience, of which we are delighted to say we have been able to find host organisations. Some requests have come from people who are looking for a career change and are considering Environmental Health as their preferred choice. Many have been impressed with the role and duties of an Environmental Health Officer and are seeking to undertake studies in the field.
The EHA Victoria Board look forward to working with its members in 2016 to develop programs and actions that facilitate and develop an organisation they are proud to be apart of.
Susan Bennett
President, EHA (Victoria) Ltd
Western Australia
President's Report - Vic Andrich
Membership
Membership in EHA (WA) has increased to 292 (August 2015), an increase from 277 in 2014. Membership includes both individuals and corporate. There are currently 16 corporate members (local governments) which covers >100 members.
Activities
EHA (WA) has continued to attend regional group meetings when possible. Special thanks are extended to Sandra Sewell who has been the regional group coordinator for her efforts. Four regional groups have formally resolved to come under the umbrella of EHA (WA)
Great Southern Regional Group
South West Regional Group
Peel Regional Group
North West Regional Group
EHA (WA) continues to participate in the Environmental Health Course Consultative Committee of Edith Cowan University (ECU). The ECU Course is accredited with EHA and WA EHO Professional Review Board. EHA (WA) is partnering with ECU to promote the profession and encourage students to enrol in the EH course.
Curtin University is currently restructuring their post-graduate courses in Environmental Health and have receive EHA and WA Professional review Board accreditation. EHA (WA) is part of the Advisory Committee providing input to the course.
FoodSafe Review – The new video clip of the FoodSafe Food Handler Training Program was launched at the conference. The review now turns to the production of the workbooks. Special thanks to Sue Judd, Reuben Dias, Sinead Byrne, Emily Dunne, Bassam Sahar, Kim Frost, Ellen Robinson and Freya Ayliffe for their efforts.
EHA (WA) continues to participate on the Australian Council on Smoking and Health (ACOSH) Council meetings in 2015. EHA (WA) and ACOSH are exploring further ways of collaboration. ACOSH has provided an article for the EHWA Journal and joint training is being planned for the future.
Environmental Health WA journal will again be published twice in 2015, in full colour. One edition (April 2015) has already been distributed and the second one is due in November/December 2015. Copies of the Journal are now provided to all local governments, members and doctors surgeries to be made available in the waiting rooms.
EHA (WA) has continued its collaboration with other associations to promote matters of common interest:
Public Health Advocacy Institute of WA (PHAIWA)
Australian Council on Smoking and Health (ACOSH)
A very successful 2015 State Environmental Health Conference has just been completed. An absolute huge thanks and appreciation to the conference committee and all those who provided assistance. Special recognition to: Toni Hannelly as conference convenor and Julianne Samandari, our executive officer.
EHA (WA) provided submissions on the following proposals:
Regulatory Principles – Department of Environmental Regulation
Plumbing Repairs Remote Communities – Department of Commerce
Caravan Park and Camping Ground Legislation Review – Dept of Local Government
Public Health Workforce Strategy – Department of Health
Strata Titles Act Reform - Landgate (Joint with ACOSH)
External Representations
EHA (WA) is represented on the following:
Australian Building Codes – ABCB Temporary Structures Standard
Environmental Regulation Stakeholder Reference Group
Australian Council on Smoking and Health (ACOSH)
WA EHO Professional Review Board (DOH)
WA Food Alliance Working Group
Aquatic Facilities Working Group
Asbestos Regulations Advisory Group
Presentation of Awards
The Gold Medal and Harold Salter Awards were presented at the 2015 National Conference to Michelle Walker.
Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AO Governor of Western Australia presenting Michelle Walker with the Gold Medal Award and the Harold Salter Award.
The structure of the Gold Medal Award and the Harold Salter Award has been reviewed to reflect changes at the tertiary institutions (Curtin and ECU). The nominations will be online to enable greater ease of participation by supervising local government officers. The new awards and criteria will take effect in 2016.
Vic Andrich
President, EHA (WA) Inc.
Accreditation
“Academic and Workforce Challenges”
The National Environmental Health Educators Forum met in Sydney in October 2015
The Educators’ Forum is composed of representatives of environmental health education providers and government stakeholders throughout Australia. The purpose of the Educators’ Forum is to provide input and feedback on the EHA Accreditation Policy and to raise and consider issues pertaining to environmental health education and workforce development. Members of the Educators’ Forum met on 22 October 2015, at The Menzies in Sydney in conjunction with the EHA 40th National Conference.
The Forum had a number of positive outcomes for the Members including providing an avenue for collaboration on research projects across Australia; and the agreement to meet on a more regular basis to share knowledge, experiences and to work cooperatively on joint projects. Research in the University sector is extremely important to future professional development and EHA Ltd looks forward to the outcomes relating to collaborative research on environmental health issues around Australia.
Over the past eighteen months, a number of Universities have been accredited under the EHA Accreditation Policy that was developed and endorsed in June 2014. It was acknowledged at the Sydney meeting, that the experience of accreditation was different for each university and that the knowledge and experience gained through this process, particularly in relation to Work Integrated Learning, could be shared with the academic fraternity through an article in a peer review journal. The members of the Forum are currently producing a collaborative paper on the subject of Work Integrated Learning, which should be published early in the New Year. Members will be advised once the paper is published and EHA Ltd looks forward to continuing collaboration by, and with, the Educators Forum.
EHA on the International Stage
EHA has embarked on its strategic commitment to engage with the global environmental health community more effectively. This significant challenge will be realised through a broad range of ongoing strategies and actions into the future.
For example, the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) in the United States has accepted EHA’s invitation to establish a meaningful and sustainable bilateral relationship. The current NEHA President, and their Board of Directors, has responded positively with a number of recommended actions that will establish the foundations for developing a collaborative and beneficial relationship between our professional organisations.
The annual EHA national conference is the ideal forum for inviting regional IFEH members to attend and participate in the IFEH Asia-Pacific Regional meeting. Such a meeting was successfully conducted at the national conference in Sydney last year. We were fortunate to also have the current IFEH President from Denmark, Henning Hansen, attend both the conference and the Asia-Pacific regional meeting.
The Environmental Health Disaster Management course, offered nationally through Queensland, was developed by EHA, IFEH, Centres for Disease Control (CDC) in the US and NEHA. The content is guided by the successful Environmental Health Training in Emergency Response (EHTER) course run by the CDC. This internationally developed course is the flagship training course of EHA (QLD) and, through the IFEH and EHA, is conducted in other countries as well.
EHA has been invited to attend the 2016 annual conference of the New Zealand Institute of Environmental Health (NZIEH), including their National Council meeting. This will be a fantastic opportunity for EHA to establish a beneficial and closer relationship with our Kiwi colleagues through their professional organisation.
These examples illustrate how the environmental health profession in Australia can directly connect with colleagues in other countries to build solidarity amongst practitioners and mutually beneficial relationships between professional EH organisations. After all there is strength in unity.
Mark Dwyer
EHA President
News in Brief...
14th IFEH World Congress on Environmental Health
hosted by the Malawi Environmental Health Association
Lilongwe, Malawi from 3 to 6 May 2016
Environmental Health: Solving Emerging and Prevailing Global Health Risks
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