Toli Papadopoulos is the VHA’s Public Affairs Advisor. Toli’s rich experience in media and engagement, and passion for public health, makes him an excellent ambassador for the VHA and a great addition to the Policy and Advocacy team.
My strong interest in storytelling and a curiosity for the bigger picture issues impacting Australia and the world propelled me into a career in journalism.
While finishing my Master in Journalism, I worked for the online consumer news website The New Daily. I subsequently moved to Launceston, Tasmania to take up a role as a General News Reporter. I covered local government, state politics and general news, forging relationships with local members of parliament, businesses, community groups and industry associations.
I then moved back to Melbourne and led three industry trade magazines as a Managing Editor, content producer and brand representative. These magazines served the waste and recycling; infrastructure and education sectors and allowed me to work closely with industry associations, businesses, and government agencies. I thoroughly enjoyed working closely with these sectors to understand their challenges on a deeper level. I was proud to have taken what was initially an underperforming waste and recycling magazine and helped turn it into one of the most well-known magazines in the industry.
In early 2020, I pivoted into a communications role at Environment Protection Authority Victoria, joining the Victorian Public Sector (VPS). I was focused on both internal and external communications and preparing stakeholders, business and community for Australian-first environmental laws.
After that I went onto work for Infrastructure Victoria – the state’s independent infrastructure advisory body. I led the organisation’s editorial and events program through blogs, social media, developed media releases for new research and provided communications advice on specific projects. Both VPS roles provided a really fantastic opportunity to contribute to making the state of Victoria a better place to live.
I’m excited to have recently joined the VHA in the role of Public Affairs Advisor, working in the Policy and Advocacy team. This role brings together media relations, member engagement and government relations. It’s a great opportunity to work closely with members and government stakeholders and help drive system transformation through a unified voice. I’m looking forward to identifying proactive media coverage, supporting policy development, and advancing VHA’s advocacy efforts.
My first priority is to get to know the VHA membership and support the policy and advocacy team in ensuring members’ voices are heard by government and key stakeholders. I’ve joined a range of standing committees, including a network of primary care leaders, which aims to find opportunities for cross-collaboration and policy alignment.
I’m also planning media activities around the celebration of 50 years of community health – which is a great initiative. Over the coming month, there will be a range of activities recognising the rich and diverse history of community health and its critical role in delivering patient-centred care that supports better health outcomes for local communities.
Public health plays such a significant role in our lives. Australia’s leadership in driving down smoking rates over the past few decades and also bringing down the road toll are tangible examples of that. I enjoy diving into the deeper issues impacting the health system and learning more about the sector’s challenges and opportunities.
It’s great when you start to see the positive impacts of big and bold policy and advocacy come to fruition. Sometimes it starts with a public conversation through the media and other forums. Other times, it could be sharing a strong evidence base with government that helps shape a decision. It's satisfying to understand how a policy change or reform led to better health outcomes.
Ultimately there’s always something new to learn every day and I gain immense satisfaction in knowing I’ve made a difference.