NSW Food Authority congratulates Food Surveillance Champions
NSW Food Authority CEO Ms Polly Bennett congratulates this years winners of the Food Surveillance Champion Awards presented at the 2013 Food Regulation Partnership conference.
The winners of the following categories were:
- Food Surveillance Champion Award: Individual – City
Neil Williamson, City of Sydney Council - Food Surveillance Champion Award: Group – City
(Jointly awarded) City of Sydney Council and Bankstown City Council - Food Surveillance Champion Award: Individual – Country
Greg Porter, Shellharbour City Council - Food Surveillance Champion Award: Group – Country
Illawarra Regional Food Group, consisting of Wollongong City Council, Shellharbour City Council, Kiama Municipal Council and Shoalhaven City Council
The purpose of the Food Regulation Partnership is to assist local government in its food safety role by providing strategic support, consultation, communication, networking and officer training.
NSW Food Authority CEO Polly Bennett said the importance of the role played by local councils cannot be underestimated.
"Council officers are the ones on the ground, conducting important day to day surveillance and inspection," Ms Bennett said.
"This is important work that is meeting the shared goal of the NSW Food Authority and our local government partners in keeping consumers protected from the dangers of foodborne illness and ensuring food sold in NSW is safe.
"I congratulate all of the entrants and especially the winners of each category.
"The calibre of entries is a reflection of the excellent food safety work being undertaken by local governments across NSW."
The Food Regulation Conference, hosted by the NSW Food Authority, and attended by 150 Environmental Health Officers from across the state, is an opportunity for council food safety officers involved in food surveillance in the NSW food retail and food service sector to come together and share knowledge and experience.
The Food Surveillance Champion Awards recognise outstanding performance and excellence by individuals, organisations or groups in both City and Country regions.
They recognise those who have made a significant contribution to food surveillance in NSW.
A highlight of the conference was the presentations by the two recipients of the 2013 Food Regulation Partnership scholarships, Kurtis Boys of City of Sydney Council and Chris Ward of Manly Council.
The scholarships, funded by the NSW Food Authority, are awarded through a competitive selection process to students undertaking a food safety based project with a NSW council.
Source: NSW Food Authority, 19 September 2013
