BROOME ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICER WINS TOP EARLY CAREER AWARD
Shire of Broome Environmental Health Officer Lylanie Smith, Chief Health Officer of the WA Department of Health Dr Andy Robertson, EHA WA President Andrew Waters
BY ASAD KHAN
The Shire of Broome’s Environmental Health Officer, Lylanie Smith, has won the 2024 Early Career Professional of the Year Award from Environmental Health Australia (WA).
The award was presented during the 78th EHA WA State Conference in Perth. WA Chief Health Officer Dr Andy Robertson and EHA WA President Andrew Waters jointly recognised Ms Smith for her contribution to public health.
Ms Smith was acknowledged for her mosquito control work and health inspections across the Broome region. Her efforts have helped reduce disease risks and ensured food businesses remain safe and compliant.
Speaking after receiving the award, Ms Smith encouraged others to consider the profession.
“I think if you have the ability to join the industry while you're studying, that's gonna be the best thing for anyone to do,” she said.
“There’s lots of roles out at the moment because there’s not enough environmental health officers out there.
“And another thing I’d probably say is: keep it professional, but always challenge everything that you’re told, because it helps to develop critical thinking. That’s our superpower.
“If we don’t have that, we can’t come up with new ways to protect the public while also promoting growth.”
Environmental Health Australia WA celebrates excellence in public and environmental health through its annual awards.
Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Asad Khan speak with Lylanie Smith: