Chief public health officer, Professor Nicola Spurrier, reflects on her Advertiser woman of the year award

After being front and centre for the Covid fight, last year’s Woman of the Year says she’s been encouraged by the women she meets everyday.

As one of South Australia’s most successful women, Professor Nicola Spurrier has been front and centre of the Covid-19 pandemic fight.

The state’s chief public health officer, 54, was crowned The Advertiser and Sunday Mail’s Woman of the Year, after taking out the OCPSE Leader of the Year category.

Speaking a year after her award, Prof Spurrier, a mother of three, said she was encouraged by the talented women she met, and worked with, every day.

And in an insight into her thinking about the pandemic, the paediatrician-trained medico said her work focused on “prevention (being) always better than the cure”.

“It’s so wonderful to stand beside such incredible women being recognised for their dedication and passion,” Prof Spurrier said.

“Having a daughter myself currently studying at university, I’m very encouraged that we will continue to see even more women truly making a difference across a variety of different fields in the future.”

Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier. Picture: Emma Brasier.

Prof Spurrier, who provides vital advice to the state’s Covid-19 authorities including Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, said being recognised for doing her job was “humbling”.

“It’s been a privilege to serve the community over the past two years as we have learnt from, and adapted to, the many challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said.

“It was truly an honour to be recognised in this way last year among such an outstanding group of female leaders – both previous winners and this year’s cohort of award recipients.

“To be recognised with this award for simply undertaking my role as chief public health officer is very humbling.”

She has used her role to keep South Australians safe and healthy by providing clear and accurate information and advice.

“I’m passionate about protecting our community and preventing illness and promoting wellness for all South Australians,” she said.

The Premier Steven Marshall and Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier at the Wayville Showgrounds. Picture: Keryn Stevens

“With Covid-19 front and centre for two years, it’s been incredible to see and hear many young women express their interest in public health, with a focus on preventing illness and reducing the need for hospital care.

“There are very simple things that can be done in public health every day to stop injury and illness, ranging from ensuring clean drinking water, availability of nutritious foods, to access to life saving vaccinations. Prevention is always better the than the cure.”

SkyCity, The Advertiser and Sunday Mail Woman of the Year Awards 2022 winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at the SkyCity Ballroom next Monday, March 7.

The winners will be revealed at advertiser.com.au and in The Advertiser on International Women’s Day.