After four decades dedicated to the health of communities across Murrumbidgee and Southern NSW Local Health Districts, Alison Nikitas is retiring. Ms Nikitas, the Director Public Health for Murrumbidgee and Southern Local Health Districts, did not initially plan on a career in public health. "I wasn't clinical at all. I started out studying food science," she said. What began as a keen interest in nutrition, microbiology and the health impacts of disease-causing organisms soon developed into a lifelong passion. Ms Nikitas research explored everything from food supplementation for vulnerable populations to the science of bacteria and food safety. “I was always fascinated by bugs and infectious disease, the impacts they have on people and how we can mitigate those impacts," Ms Nikitas said. That interest led her into pathology, where Ms Nikitas spent 21 years, before she looked for new challenges. "I moved into public health because I was interested in working with communities and improving health outcomes, especially through prevention and supporting vulnerable populations," Ms Nikitas said. Ms Nikitas’s role in public health has been wide-ranging, which includes responding to disease outbreaks and investigating reports of notifiable diseases to advocating for healthier communities. "I've always enjoyed the variety, working in a regional area means you're involved in so many different things. It's never been about focusing on just one issue," Ms Nikitas said. Ms Nikitas said ensuring regional voices are heard has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her career. "Being a champion for population health in regional communities has been really important to me," Ms Nikitas said. Ms Nikitas was working in public health during the COVID-19 pandemic, having previously contributed in the response to H1N1 influenza (swine flu). "COVID-19 was what we prepare for in public health - responding to something that has such a significant impact on the community," Ms Nikitas said. Ms Nikitas is immensely proud of the dedication shown by healthcare workers throughout the pandemic. "I don't think the community always realises what went on behind the scenes," Ms Nikitas said. "The commitment of our staff to protecting the community was extraordinary." Since then, Ms Nikitas has been involved in public health responses to bushfires, floods, and mosquito-borne viruses including Japanese encephalitis. "There's never not a busy time in health," Ms Nikitas said. Looking back, Ms Nikitas said one of the greatest rewards has been seeing positive change occur because of the work she and her colleagues have undertaken. "I've really enjoyed my career,” Ms Nikitas said. “It's maintained my interest the whole time, but it's also been about being able to make a difference. Seeing positive outcomes and knowing you've contributed to improving health for people gives you a great sense of satisfaction." NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, recognised Ms Nikitas’s contribution to public health in NSW. “Alison has made a significant contribution to public health in NSW over many years, and her leadership has had a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of communities across the Murrumbidgee," Dr Chant said. "Throughout her career, Alison has been a passionate advocate for disease prevention, health protection and evidence-based public health practice.” Murrumbidgee Local Health District, Chief Executive, Emma Field said Ms Nikitas had led a team with wide-ranging responsibilities. "Alison's career has been characterised by dedication, expertise and a genuine commitment to improving the health of communities,” Ms Field said. "She oversees a team that looks after everything from notifiable diseases to pandemic responses and from our much-loved sentinel chicken flocks to health education." "Alison will be greatly missed by colleagues across our District and beyond." As she prepares to finish her final week with MLHD, Ms Nikitas admits the prospect of not coming to work after 40 years is still hard to comprehend. "It's a strange feeling," Ms Nikitas said. However, retirement is offering new horizons. Travel features prominently on the agenda, including spending more time in Greece with family and exploring destinations Ms Nikitas and her husband have long hoped to visit. Regular trips to Queensland to see her children and grandchildren are also being planned. Murrumbidgee Local Health District
