A vegetarian nutrition course, developed by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, has been accredited by the Victorian government.

Katie Glover at a nutrition course.

The course, now recognised by the Victorian Qualifications Authority and part of the Australian Qualifications Framework, replaces the vegetarian nutrition presenters certificate, which was only church recognised. It is funded by the Sanitarium Nutrition Service.

Originally developed for Adventists, the vegetarian nutrition course features a spiritual dimension based on Bible principles. Local churches can now run programs for the community with the support of a registered trainer.

Graduates from the course will receive a TAFE accredited Certificate IV which is recognised in New Zealand as well as Australia.

Adventist Health Ministries Director for the Victorian Conference, Sibilla Johnson, saw the accreditation process through and stresses the need for more qualified staff.

“The church has plans to develop a Diploma by 2009 so trainers are needed in every conference,” Mrs Johnson says. “We’re already booked out this year in Tasmania, New Zealand and Melbourne.”

Mrs Johnson is currently the only registered trainer in the region.

Church members should contact their local conference for information on how to be a trainer or conduct their own vegetarian nutrition course.