As Flinders University celebrates 30 years of teaching Environmental Health in 2024, we spoke to graduate Mark Nash (BAppSc(EnvHlth) ’96) about his journey into the field and the role Flinders played in getting his career to this point.

 

What is your current role and responsibility?

I’m an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) servicing the Out of Council or ‘Unincorporated’ area of South Australia (85% of State in Area).

 

What do you like most about what you do?

The variety of work, serving the community and the work/life balance.

 

What is the achievement you are most proud of?

Continued service and advice to outback communities over a long period of time (20+ years).

 

Is there any experience from your time at Flinders that has had a lasting impact on you professionally or personally?

The Environmental Health Course was a very tough one generally and held me in good stead for life as an EHO. The field placement component was a great idea and invaluable.

 

What are your thoughts on the future trajectory of Environmental Health 30 years from now?

Hmmm, this is a tough one! It does seem harder to recruit ‘sole qualified’ EHO’s now. It may be time for them to become more ‘recognised’ as the EHO profession always seems to be underrated.

 

What advice do you have for your younger self, or for students beginning their career in environmental health?

Try and learn as much as you can from as early as you can… be a sponge! There is so much to learn (and continuously learn) about Environmental Health. Don’t just focus on legislation, try to provide as much learned advice to your clients to better equip them to help with compliance. It’s all about communication!

 

Mark Nash is looking forward to celebrating 30 years of Environmental Health being taught at Flinders University.