The state's frontline public health officers will be trained by the School of Public Health and Community Medicine (SPHCM), following a partnership between UNSW and NSW Health.

It is the first time in 20 years that NSW Health has partnered with an academic institution to deliver such a program, which provides education and support to the public health leaders of the future.

Fourteen trainees this month completed their first formal workshop as part of the unique Doctorate in Public Health - a two-day course on Indigenous Health and Cultural Awareness - led by Professor Lisa Jackson Pulver, Director of UNSW's Muru Marri Indigenous Health Unit.

The partnership was officially launched by Tony Adams, the former Chief Health Officer of NSW and Australia and Professor at the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health at the Australian National University.

Head of the SPHCM Professor Raina MacIntyre said the School was looking forward to delivering high-quality workshops and supervision to trainees to complete the unique degree.

"We are passionate about field-based public health training. To be part of this exciting new partnership is a fabulous opportunity for us to be relevant to the practice of public health in NSW. We look forward to developing this historic partnership."

Also attending the launch were acting director of the NSW Health Centre for Epidemiology and Research Dr Lee Taylor, and the training program's acting academic director, Associate Professor Glenda Lawrence.

Media contact: Steve Offner, UNSW Media | 02 9385 8107 |