A sponsor's profile: Dairy Australia.

Associate Professor Linda Tapsell, Editor of Nutrition & Dietetics, recently asked the following questions of Janine Cornel, Dietitian--Health and Education, Dairy Australia

N&D: What is Dairy Australia?

Dairy Australia: On 1 July 2003, the Australian Dairy Corporation (ADC) and the Dairy Research and Development Corporation (DRDC) merged to become Dairy Australia, the new service provider for the Australian dairy industry. The new organisation will undertake the programs previously provided by ADC and DRDC.

The formation of Dairy Australia presents an exciting opportunity and challenge for the future, as we strive to be the expert in the field of dairy, and address the needs of our stakeholders. There will now be a single entity responsible for research and development, market and trade development, information services, and other services for the benefit of the Australian dairy industry. As an industry, we endeavour to be environmentally aware and responsible for a sustainable environment.

A key component of Dairy Australia's role is a commitment to provide health professionals and the Australian public with accurate nutrition information, explaining the benefits of Australian dairy foods as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

As part of this service, all of our resources, including Food Fact Sheets, recipe booklets and a wide range of references are accessible via the new Dairy Australia web site, www.dairyaustralia.com.au

N&D: What are the current programs and who are they provided by?

Dairy Australia: The Nutrition Team is part of the National Marketing Group, responsible for the National Market Development Program. Two dietitians and a public health nutritionist undertake the day-to-day operations, from issues management, consumer and media enquiries, through to marketing support, and policy and regulatory affairs. This includes conveying scientific research findings and information relating to dairy nutrition, to ensure that people are aware of the benefits of including dairy in a healthy, balanced diet.

Key programs:

The Health Professionals Campaign updates general practitioners about the benefits of dairy in the management of, to date, cholesterol, hypertension, type-2 diabetes mellitus and asthma. The next topic is weight management.

Dairy. The Food of Life, a consumer campaign, aims to increase the awareness and importance of three serves a day of dairy foods for mothers and their children. For further information visit www.dairy.foodoflife.com.au

National Healthy Bones Week is a joint initiative of Osteoporosis Australia and Dairy Australia, and encourages dietary and lifestyle measures to prevent osteoporosis and fractures. This web site features key statistics, nutrition tips, and recipes. Visit: www.healthybones.com.au

The Naturopathy Program is a joint venture between the Naturopathy and Nutrition Panel and Dairy Australia. Since 2000 the program has endeavoured to foster and support the development of science, teaching and practice of naturopathic nutrition through the provision of unbiased, scientific information and nutrition resources. View the web site, www.natnutrition.org

For further details on any of this information, please call 1800 817 730 (freecall).