CAPHIA is the peak body that represents public health in universities that offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs and research and workforce development in public health throughout Australasia. Our 39 members across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea includes universities and affiliate organisations that closely align with CAPHIA’s vision, mission and objectives.

Vision

The Council will advance public health education and research and to lead and represent public health in universities throughout the Australasian region.

Mission

To improve the public's health by advancing public health education, research and workforce development.

Objectives

  • Supporting capacity building and skills development;.
  • Advancing excellence in academic standards in the education and development of public health practitioners and researchers; and
  • Advocating for public health teaching, learning and research.

CAPHIA Governance

CAPHIA is guided by a  Constitution to represent the collective views of our members. Development and execution of CAPHIA’s strategy is led by the Board of Directors. Board membership is guided by the Constitution, which emphasises representation and diversity of our Australasian makeup.

In addition to the Board of Directors, a number of operational committees and groups exist to progress the 2021-2024 Strategic Plan, including:

  1. Academic Development Working Group
  2. Advocacy in Action Consultation Group
  3. Competencies Renewal Steering Committee
    • Competencies Renewal Stakeholder Group
    • Competencies Renewal Advisory Group
  4. Early Career Academics Committee 
  5. Teaching and Learning Forum Scientific Committee
    • Teaching and Learning Local Organising Committee

In 2024 informal academic-led CAPHIA Networks were also introduced:

  • Design Thinking in Public Health Network
  • Qualitative Methodologies and Methods Network (QMMN)
  • Biostatistical Educational Excellence in Public Health Network (BEEPH)
  • Climate and Public Health Education Network (CPHEN)

Activities and impact of these groups can be found in the regular member newsletter and via social media. 

Board of Directors

In accordance with the CAPHIA Constitution and Rules the CAPHIA Board of Directors was recently refreshed after requesting nominations from Heads of Schools of CAPHIA full member institutions in November, 2024. The CAPHIA Board of Directors is comprised of both elected and appointed Directors to balance member representation with strategic needs of the organisation. Each year elected Director positions are available for nomination by the Head of School. When there are more nominations than there are positions available, the Heads of Schools (or nominated delegate) vote for their preferred representatives. 

CAPHIA Director and Chair

Professor Rebecca Ivers
Head, School of Population Health
University of New South Wales

Deputy Chair

Associate Professor Julie Saunders
Incoming Head of School, School of Population and Global Health
University of Western Australia

Director and Chair, Audit and Risk Committee

Professor Nancy Baxter
Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University
University of Sydney

Director and Aboriginal Health Director

Associate Professor Courtney Ryder
Discipline Lead for Injury Studies in the College of Medicine and Public Health
Flinders University

Ass prof Katherine Baldock

Board Member

Associate Professor Kath Baldock
Dean of Programs (Human Performance) UniSA Allied Health & Human Performance
University of South Australia

Board Member

Dr Nathan Dawes
Associate Dean, Learning and Teaching, College of Medicine and Dentistry
James Cook University, Australia

Board Member

Professor Lisa Hall
Professor in Epidemiology, School of Public Health
University of Queensland

Public Officer

Professor Brenton Prosser 
Professor of Public Policy and Leadership & Directors of UNSW Public Partnerships Impact Hub
University of New South Wales

Director – Corporate Governance

Adamm Ferrier 
Deputy Course Coordinator of the Masters of Health Administration and the Advanced Practice Specialisation Stream Coordinator
LaTrobe University

Director – Aotearoa

Associate Professor Christina Severinsen
Co-Programme Leader for PGDip/Master in Public Health and Co-Major leader for Mental Health and Addictions
Massey University

Meetings

The Board of Directors meets approximately once every six weeks.

Staff

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Executive Director

Holly Donaldson

Casey Yates

Advocacy and Membership Coordinator

Casey Yates 

Strategic Plan

Following extensive consultation with Heads of Schools, the Board of Directors ratified the four year strategic plan for the organisation. The 2021-2024 Strategic Plan was brand-refreshed and updated to reflect the new CAPHIA Constitution adopted in May 2022. 

View a PDF of the 2021-2024 Strategic Plan

CAPHIA is also pleased to provide significant benefits for our members as illustrated by our Year in Review documents, released each year after the Annual General Meeting.

Our Annual Reports details progress against our 2021-2024 Strategic Plan and other relevant information for CAPHIA members. 

CAPHIA works with a number of organisations to promote members views to advance public health education, research and workforce development