A plaque to mark the official opening of Flinders University’s new School of Health Sciences was unveiled by Mrs Leesa Vlahos MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier of South Australia, at a reception this week at Flinders University Victoria Square

The July 29 launch was held to celebrate and officially acknowledge the formation of the School of Health Sciences in early 2014 with colleagues, key industry partners, government departments, professional associations and community organisations in South Australia.

Hosted by Professor John Coveney, Dean of the School of Health Sciences, guest speakers included Mrs Leesa Vlahos MP, Senior Kaurna Elder Aunty Leonie Brodie, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Andrew Parkin and Deputy Executive Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Professor Eileen Willis.

In her speech, Mrs Vlahos praised Flinders commitment to community engagement, its contributions to health care and dedication to teaching, learning and professional practice.

“Flinders University has made outstanding contributions to improving the health of communities in local, regional and remote areas of South Australia and indeed Australia,” Mrs Vlahos said.

“I look forward to seeing the fantastic outcomes that will undoubtedly eventuate in the coming years from the new School of Health Sciences at Flinders,” she said.

Professor Willis concluded the proceedings by highlighting key initiatives and current projects in the School of Health Sciences.

“I am thrilled to attend the School of Health Sciences launch to celebrate this exciting time for the School as they take on a number of new and existing projects which have direct links to shaping the health of communities and population groups,” Professor Willis said.

“The opening of new facilities such as the Flinders Vision clinic on Sturt campus earlier in 2014 provides state of the art optometry services to the community and learning opportunities for final year optometry students,” she said.