3 September 2015: In an Australian first, renowned nutrition expert Caroline Salisbury has been appointed the University of Canberra's first dietitian in residence.
The role will see Ms Salisbury work with staff and students in the Faculty of Health's nutrition and dietetics discipline and the University of Canberra Union (UCU) catering staff, to help improve the nutritional health and knowledge of the University's community.
Media opportunity: University of Canberra dietitian in residence Caroline Salisbury will be joined by Faculty of Health dean Professor Diane Gibson and nutrition students to discuss the importance of this new role to the University and broader community. Examples of healthy food options at university will be served from 10:00am-11:00am TOMORROW at Semesters restaurant, Building 1, Level C, above the Refectory.
Ms Salisbury said she was honoured to be taking on the role and is looking forward to working with UCU campus catering and Faculty of Health staff to encourage and support staff and students to nourish both their bodies and brains.
"We know that students' nutritional intake varies widely and they might not be consuming the wide range of foods important for good health and sharp minds. Students need simple, economical and tasty foods, and UC is working to improve students' food literacy while studying their degree," Ms Salisbury said.
Ms Salisbury will offer expert advice on the University's new initiative to bring healthy food options to campus, both by increasing availability and access to a wider range of affordable, appetising and varied healthier food choices.
"In addition to educating students and staff on nourishing themselves with a few smart choices each day, we'll also be looking at making some changes to the type of food and drinks currently available on campus," she said.
"This will see UC become a more nourishing place to eat and study," Ms Salisbury said.
Her role will also see her connect nutrition and dietetics students with the wider student population and Canberra community to help them share their knowledge of food and nutrition across the capital.
"UC has an impressive resource in allied health professionals, researchers and students that the local community can draw on through student-led clinics and clinical placements, among other programs."
Ms Salisbury has over 25 years' experience as an accredited practising dietitian including the assessment and counselling of patients for a range of conditions including weight management, diabetes and gastrointestinal conditions. She also has a regular fortnightly spot on ABC 666 talking about nutrition as the 'fit dietitian'.
Faculty of Health dean Professor Diane Gibson said the University of Canberra was proud of its contributions to the health and wellbeing of Canberra and the local region.
"The appointment of Australia's first dietitian in residence is another way the University of Canberra can help improve the health and wellbeing of our campus, as well as the larger Canberra community," Professor Gibson said.
"Ms Salisbury's appointment complements the developing world-class health precinct on campus which will include the existing Health Hub, University of Canberra Public Hospital, aged care facilities and other health services for community use, student training and academic research."
Ms Salisbury and Professor Gibson are available for interview
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Claudia Doman: 0408 826 362
Kristyn Comino: 0418 806 293