An Environmental Health Officer has received state recognition for his outstanding contributions to investigating and promoting environmental health compliance at Mackay Hospital and Health Service.
Benjamin Rochester, an Environmental Health Officer at the Mackay Public Health Unit, was the recipient of Environmental Health Australia’s (Queensland) Early Career Environmental Health Professional of the Year 2021-22 award in September.
Presented in Dalby, the Early Career award acknowledges the valuable efforts and contributions of any person who has enhanced, shown passion and dedication for, or achieved environmental health outcomes.
Benjamin said he was contacted by Environmental Health Australia’s Queensland president to advise he had been nominated and invited to attend the awards ceremony.
“Being shortlisted as a nominee and then receiving the award was quite humbling as you’re being recognised by peers who have guided and supported you throughout the early stages of your career,” he said.
“A colleague from Metro South Public Health Unit submitted the nomination detailing the work I had undertaken and contributed to over the last couple of years.”
Benjamin started his career as an Environmental Health Officer with Brisbane City Council before moving to Metro South Public Health in 2020 where he was part of a team working to prevent, manage, and control communicable disease and environmental health risks in our community.
He has been part of the Mackay Public Health team since January 2022.
His contributions to investigating foodborne illness outbreaks and collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic attracted praise and supported his nomination for the award.
“I was very nervous at the awards ceremony, but it was a great experience and I am incredibly proud to be this year’s recipient,” he said.
“The award is a reflection of how well we work as a team and the dedication we have shown in protecting and serving our communities.”
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