Latest news with #CarolineMcElnay
RNZ News
2 days ago
- General
- RNZ News
Public Health leaders' appointment in Australia a surprise to staff
Dr Caroline McElnay was Director of Public Health for New Zealand during the Covid-19 pandemic, and during it gave regular public health briefings (like this one from 2022), alongside politicians or other health figures. Photo: Pool / NZME The announcement top public health official Dr Caroline McElnay has been poached by Australia has taken colleagues by surprise at the National Public Health Service. The Victorian State Government has appointed her its new Chief Health Officer. McElnay was one of the prominent public faces frequently seen in updates given through the Covid-19 pandemic. The former Director of Public Health for New Zealand, Dr McElnay had started a new role, as Clinical Lead Immunisation at the NPHS in December, on 2 December 2024. Immunisation staff told RNZ they first learned of her impending departure though a public statement by the Victorian State Government. National Public Health Service (NPHS) Director of Prevention Alana Ewe-Snow said the management team was aware of her resignation prior to the announcement in Australia. "Caroline has made an outstanding impact in her time with NPHS," Ewe-Snow said. "We wish her all the very best in her new role, starting in August 2025, as Victoria's Chief Health Officer" Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
3 days ago
- General
- RNZ News
Victorian government appoints Caroline McElnay as chief health officer
Caroline McElnay. Photo: Pool / Stuff / Robert Kitchin New Zealand's top public health official during the Covid-19 pandemic has been appointed the chief health officer for the state of Victoria in Australia. Dr Caroline McElnay, who was Director of Public Health between 2017 and 2022, worked alongside then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. McElnay was also named a companion of the Queen's Service Order in 2023 in recognition of her significant service to public health. In a statement, Dr McElnay said she was honoured to serve the Victorian community in this important role and looked forward to working with the government and the health sector to protect people's health. She will start the new role in August. Former New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush also recently took the job as Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police in Australia. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
