Lylanie Smith Awarded Early Career Professional of the Year
Published on 08 May 2025
Shire of Broome’s Environmental Health Officer, Lylanie Smith, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Early Career Professional of the Year Award by Environmental Health Australia WA for 2024.
The award was presented at the 78th EHA WA State Conference in Perth on Thursday, 10 April 2025, by Chief Health Officer of the WA Department of Health, Dr Andy Robertson, alongside EHA WA President, Andrew Waters.
The Early Career Professional of the Year Award recognises the dedication and exceptional contributions of individuals early in their careers, and Lylanie’s achievements in the environmental health field have made her a standout candidate for this recognition.
Her work in mosquito management has been vital to the region, where she has implemented targeted mosquito control measures to mitigate the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
Lylanie has also carried out thorough health inspections across local businesses, particularly in food services, ensuring compliance with environmental health regulations to safeguard public health and hygiene.
Through these efforts, she has built trust with local operators and has been pivotal in encouraging proactive compliance with health and safety standards.
Andrew Waters, President of EHA WA, said the awards panel recognised Lylanie’s significant contribution to the Shire of Broome’s environmental health team, and that it exceeded the expectations of an early career professional.
"Foodborne illnesses bring a significant economic cost to WA and a personal cost to victims, and Lylanie's work had the potential to drive local – and possibly statewide – improvements in consumer food safety,” he said.
“Lylanie is a very worthy candidate for the award.”
Lylanie expressed her gratitude for the recognition, saying she was truly honoured to be acknowledged so early in her career.
“Environmental health is something I'm genuinely passionate about,” she said.
“I'm incredibly honoured and excited to have won this award, it was an important milestone for me at the start of my Environmental Health career journey.”
Lylanie’s achievement not only highlights the significant contributions of early-career professionals to the environmental health sector but also reinforces the Shire of Broome’s continued dedication to advancing environmental health and improving community wellbeing.
Shire of Broome Chief Executive Officer Sam Mastrolembo congratulated Lylanie on her achievement, praising her exceptional dedication and professional growth.
“We’re incredibly proud to have Lylanie as part of our team at the Shire of Broome,” he said.
“Her dedication and positive impact on the community are invaluable, and this recognition is a testament to her exceptional contributions to environmental health.
“The Environmental Health team plays a critical role in the operations of the Shire, ensuring that our community remains safe and healthy. Lylanie’s contributions exemplify the importance of this work, and we are grateful for her commitment to maintaining the high standards that protect our residents and visitors.”