The CQUniversity Opal Awards

Engaged Community Service

Finalist: Do You Know What's in Your Food?

Dr Karena Burke - ROCKHAMPTON

Dr Karena Burke has developed a suite of information and professional development sessions run with different community groups aimed at raising awareness of the effects of food on health and behaviour. The program targets different sections of the community including childcare centre staff, parents, teachers and members of community groups (E.G. rotary). Each session is specifically tailored to the needs and interests of each group.

Surveys in Australia indicate that around 25% of the population perceive that they have some form of intolerance to food or a food additive, and studies have linked some food chemical intolerances to severity of symptoms in psychological illnesses such as autism and ADHD. Emerging UK research provides evidence that the increased processing of food and reliance on artificial food additives could be having detrimental effects on the health and behaviour of children as well as contributing to growing obesity problems. The 'Do you know what's in your food'? workshops provide information of how to address some of these community health issues and how to cater to people with food sensitivities.

The sessions have become increasingly popular and Dr Burke is now developing a series with Professional Support Central Queensland (PSCQ) who are responsible for professional development in the child care sector. A radio series with Barrie Eggleston is also being developed which will see the information made available to a much wider audience. The Community Broadcasting Association Australia is keen to offer this radio series to its other 350 stations providing the 'What?s in your food'? series with the potential reach a national audience. 'Do you know what's in your food'? has received over 15 positive media hits across magazines, newspapers and radio.

Dr Burke has built and strengthened University - Community relationships throughout the Central Queensland region. She has educated the community on important healthy eating messages and helped to improving the Universities visibility and reputation. Dr Burkes 'What's in your food'? program is a great example for other staff members on how to promote our engagement activities in a way that makes our engagement aspirations more tangible to the community.