Public Health Workforce Development

Overall Objective: Provide technical support and training to the public health nutrition workforce for relevant and effective practice.

The public health workforce, a diverse group of committed people with varying backgrounds, is a key resource for tackling the many barriers to improving nutrition in the NSW population. Senior decision-makers in the NSW Health system have identified the need for up-to-date information about what kinds of policies and programs are effective in nutrition.

Those involved in public health monitoring and surveillance seek direction in what aspects of nutrition and diet need to be monitored, and the best methods to use.

Those working in public health nutrition and community nutrition appeal for good ideas and guidance in the implementation of promising strategies to improve the ‘difficult’ areas of nutrition, such as preventing weight gain in the population. These workers are asking, particularly, for food program ideas and implementation methods which help nutritionists and health promoters to join forces with others working inside and outside of the health system, in a bigger effort than they alone can mount.

Health promotion leaders are asking, which nutrition programs are worth doing and evaluating?

Monitoring Reports Dissemination
The products/reports of the Cluster have been planned around the needs described in the overview and are disseminated to key audiences, in some cases with face to face symposia or workshops, in order to provide technical support and training.

New South Wales Nutrition Network
The Cluster has ongoing representation at the NSW Nutrition Network meetings and various staff members regularly present on topics relating to our work program.

PowerPoint Presentations for advocacy, priority setting and planning
The Cluster has produced a number of ‘PowerPoint’ presentations relating to the data reports – these are designed to aid the public health nutrition workforce in NSW in advocacy, priority setting and planning.

• Presentation on breastfeeding practices in NSW – data from the 2001 NSW Child Health Survey [View PPT Presentation]
• Presentation on the consumption of vegetables and fruit in NSW (2003) – data from various sources [View PPT Presentation]