The Spurrier Effect: SA’s top doctor wins legions of fans with calm virus response

Not long ago most South Australians could not name our top public health official. Now she’s inspiring memes, songs and popularising her own hairstyle.

Iconic Adelaide cabaret superstar Hans bows down to Chief Public Health Officer in front of Premier Steven Marshall. Picture: Kelly Barnes/Getty Images

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She’s been the reassuring voice through the coronavirus pandemic but Professor Nicola Spurrier’s strong personal style is spawning its own social effect.

The state’s chief public health officer has won a legion of fans with her calmness and self-deprecating humour to highlight serious issues such as virus restrictions or COVID-19 testing.

The many faces of Prof Nicola Spurrier

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But hairdressers report more inquiries about her style that is “empowering” women to embrace themselves.

She’s also had drinks named in her honour as well as internet memes and songs created about her.

Professor Nicola Spurrier getting her haircut, at The Pose Unley, Malvern, with her hairdresser Forch Macheda. Picture: Supplied.

Professor Spurrier reveals the results. Picture: Supplied.

Bianca Nash-Smith, 44, owner of The Pose Unley salon, Malvern, praised Prof Spurrier as an inspiring client who “contributes more to society than just her hair”.

“It is really empowering to accept who you are, which is just so nice to see from her,” she said.

Michelle Dottore, 53, has “regular” inquiries about her “look”, which is also a “regular topic” among her St Peter’s-based Amista clients.

“She’s a great role model for women as she is rocking her grey,” she said.

“She looks great, presents well, knows her stuff, is confident and empowering women that it’s OK to have grey hair.”

Hairdresser Michelle Dottore at her St Peters Salon with a picture of Professor Spurrier. She has reported clients have regularly inquired about Nicola Spurrier's 'look' including colour and cut. Picture: Matt Turner.

City bar 2KW’s “Nicola Spurrier” gin, apricot and rosemary cocktail – to “guide you through a dark time” – is among its most popular drinks.

“It has got a bold flavour with a touch of femininity,” its creator Luke Fleming, 29, said.

Prof Spurrier, who has enjoyed drinking the cocktail with colleagues, said it was a “surprise to be singled out as I’m just doing my job to protect” people’s health.

“While I never expected to become recognised, I’m grateful people are seeing and hearing my messages and are working together to keep the community safe,” she told the Sunday Mail.

Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier social distancing at the 2KW bar in June with assistant venue manager Aidan Shaw who is holding the "Nicola Spurrier" gin cocktail created in her honour. Picture: 2KW

Maddie Lloyd and Vanessa Rech drinking the Nicola Spurrier cocktail at 2KW in Adelaide, Thursday, July 16, 2020. Picture: Matt Loxton

“I’m not a big user of social media but my children have kept me up to date with some pretty funny memes and songs.

“I particularly like being compared to (Kath and Kim’s) Prue and Trude and, of course, delighted to have been made a Saint. But even a Saint needs a team and that includes every (one) making a team effort.

Dr Spurrier has even earned comparisons to two other Australians who can always be trusted in a crisis.

“We’re at a critical point of the pandemic right now. We need everyone to keep playing their part to not undo all the good.”

She urged “great” hygiene, physical distancing, staying home when unwell and “most importantly” to seek a virus test even with the mildest of symptoms.