Sectoral system capacity development in health promotion: evaluation of an Aboriginal nutrition program.

Issue addressed The study examined effective ways to build the capacity of health organisations and professionals in the public health sector to reduce Aboriginal chronic disease risk factors. It investigated the capacity-building strategies of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) nutrition team in the facilitation of the statewide implementation of the Victorian Aboriginal Nutrition and Physical Activity Strategy 2009-2014 (VANPAS). Methods Using a qualitative design, the study analysed the VACCHO program from 2009-2014 across five domains of capacity development: workforce, resources, organisations, partnerships and leadership.

Establishing health-promoting workplaces in Aboriginal community organisations: healthy eating policies.

Aboriginal community controlled health organisations (ACCHOs) and cooperatives function at the centre of community life for local Aboriginal people across Victoria. Local Aboriginal people govern them, work within them as managers and service providers, access health and community services from them and form the constituents who determine their directions. Victorian ACCHOs reflect the unique characteristics of the local Aboriginal community.

New competencies for public health graduates: a useful tool for course design.

Objective: The objective of this paper is to provide a brief overview and context for the new Australian Network of Public Health Institutions (ANAPHI) Foundation Competencies for Master of Public Health Graduates in Australia, and to outline the current status of the quality agenda for public health training and competency standards for Master of Public Health (MPH) education in Australia.

Approach: We summarise the complex history and process of developing competency standards for Master of Public Health courses in Australia, including the logic for a competency-based set of training guidelines. An abridged example of a competency and its underpinning knowledge is provided.