Kathleen Delley

Project Officer - Diabetes Australia

Graduated in:

2010

Course completed:

Master of Human Nutrition

Currently working for:

Life! Program at Diabetes Australia

How long have you been working for this organisation?

2 years

Position title and short job description:

Project Officer. I manage stakeholders of the program, coordinate engagement and support of the Life! facilitator workforce, and contribute to the evaluation and quality assurance monitoring of the program. I also take on projects as they arise, such as coordinating and implementing/disseminating resources.

Working highlights so far:

Meeting one of the first participants I assisted to get into a Life! course at the launch of our first mass media TV advertisement.  Noel had lost a staggering 20kg since commencing the Life! course and had a whole new lease on life.  The Dean of Health, who is a member of our Evaluation and Development Committee, was also present for the launch. Not only was I so pleased to see that my passion for public health had helped Noel (and others out there like him), but I also felt my study and work worlds align! I'm very pleased to have captured that moment on film.

What are the things you enjoy most about your job?

Knowing that I am helping the public to make healthier choices.  Having conquered obesity in my early 20s, I feel like I'm giving back on a much larger scale.

An area in which you have needed assistance:

Adjusting to the constantly changing nature of the Life! Program.

What do you intend to do in the future?

I intend to use my use my nutrition skills to help the public prevent chronic disease and live healthier lifestyles. I am doing this through my current role but am keen to try my hand at nutritional research (again - I had worked at the Cancer Council of Victoria as a research nutritionist in my first year of study) or policy. I presently volunteer for the World Public Health Nutrition Association and the Food Alliance (formally the Victorian Food Policy Coalition) as well as engaging in public health nutrition matters such as public consultations, seminars and interest groups.

#1 tip for current students studying your course:

Network, network, network! Find someone experienced in the field you want to pursue and that you trust to help you on your journey - I wouldn't be where I am today without the advice of my great mentor! Join up with professional organisations such as the Nutrition Society of Australia, Public Health Association of Australia, Nutrition Australia, Dietitians Association of Australia, World Public Health Nutrition Association and stay in touch with current happenings. Get involved and volunteer your time if possible!