Australia's first dual-qualified advanced accredited practising dietitian and bioethicist and accomplished health leader, Dr Fiona Willer AdvAPD, FHEA, GAICD, has been elected as the new President of Dietitians Australia.
A nationally renowned weight-neutral health approaches and weight stigma prevention advocate, Dr Willer has served as the association's Vice-President this year, and as Board Director for Dietitians Australia since 2019.
Dr Willer's career spans clinical dietetics, higher education, and working in the non-profit and private sector, with her research focused on weight stigma, health consciousness, body appreciation and the application of inclusive weight-neutral approaches to healthcare.
Outgoing President Tara Diversi APD has extended her congratulations to Dr Willer saying, "Working with Fiona the last year as Vice President and four years before that has shown that Fiona is committed to advancing the whole profession from student to fellow and across all the domains where our members serve. I'm thrilled she's taken up the role."
"It has been incredible to have played a part in the purpose-driven rejuvenation of Dietitians Australia over the last five years as a board director, and I am honoured to be able to continue this important work," Dr Willer said.
"My vision for Dietitians Australia centres on continuing to foster an organisation that actively encourages brave and robust discussions of important professional and clinical issues and that deeply engenders the principles of inclusivity and evidence-informed practice, including practice reform where it is due, and supports the health and wellbeing of members and the communities we serve.
In what is a new position for the organisation, Dr Nadine White GAICD has been elected as Chair of the Board of Dietitians Australia.
"Professionalising the governance of the organisation with the separation of roles of President and Chair will allow for impact that all members, as well as the people and communities we serve, will benefit from," Ms Diversi said.
Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian Professor Lauren Ball GAICD was elected as Vice-President of Dietitians Australia.
"This appointment is deeply meaningful to me as it reflects my long-standing commitment to advancing nutrition and dietetics in Australia," Prof Ball said.
"We have in front of us an incredible opportunity to ensure dietitians are positioned as a key component of high-quality health care in this country.
Dietitians Australia extends its deepest gratitude to outgoing President Tara Diversi APD GAICD for her dedication, leadership and steadfast advocacy, which has shaped the future of nutrition and dietetics in this country for many years to come.
