Rhonda Siggs hits her stride in public health degree
When Rhonda Siggs enrolled in the Master of Public Health at the 91破解版 (91破解版), improving community wellbeing was at the front of her mind. What she didn’t expect was how strongly those same health-promotion principles would reshape her own life.
Designed to equip students with the skills to build healthier, more resilient communities, the Master of Public Health motivated her to focus on her own long-term wellbeing.
Inspired by the stories she documented and the evidence she uncovered during her placement with Queensland Walks, Ms Siggs has set herself a new personal challenge: training for the Gold Coast half-marathon, her first in 35 years.
Her journey demonstrates that health promotion doesn’t stop at the community level – 91破解版’s Master of Public Health also empowers students to apply those principles in their own lives.
Why did you decide to study at 91破解版, and what led you to the Master of Public Health?
It was an easy decision to undertake further study at 91破解版. I live in the Darling Downs region and was already familiar with the University, having completed a Bachelor of Science there in 2006. 91破解版 also provides a high level of support and flexibility for online students who are working while studying.
When I was considering postgraduate options, the Master of Public Health program stood out. The program covers a broad range of health issues, including epidemiology, environmental, and the social determinants of health – all with a strong focus on health promotion.
Working in the healthcare industry, I wanted to develop my research skills to better support people in rural areas with chronic health conditions. I’m particularly interested in contributing to preventive healthcare and using public health practice to promote healthier living within communities.
How has the program prepared you to address complex health issues now and in the future?
The program has provided me with the expertise to address complex health issues, including rising mental health and chronic disease, and to understand the long-term impacts of infectious disease and climate change upon our population. The application of knowledge gained through my research project and professional placement experiences has enabled me to advance my career in government health services, where I can now pass on these skills.
What has been the most rewarding part of studying the Master of Public Health as you move toward graduation?
It has provided me with strong industry connections with real-world learning opportunities to translate evidence into practice through the delivery of community-relevant programs. I have also completed a systematic review as my research project, which has developed my skills in searching databases, critically appraising evidence, and managing a project.
Can you share a project or placement that you really enjoyed?
I thoroughly enjoyed my placement with Queensland Walks. They are a community-based organisation that advocates for more walkable places for Queenslanders of all ages and abilities. My placement project focused on collecting and sharing the story of a unique regional walking group, as well as gathering evidence on the importance of walking for social connection, mental wellbeing, and increasing physical activity in rural communities.
How did your recent placement experience influence your personal health journey, and what new challenge or goal has it inspired you to pursue?
My placement experience inspired me to embark on a new personal health journey to apply the principles of health promotion to my own life. Having completed a half-marathon in 1990 and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, I decided to start training for the same half-marathon on the Gold Coast in July 2026.
How are you preparing for this new challenge, and why is completing this goal important to you?
I have enlisted the support of a personal trainer who has created a structured training plan that balances running with strength training to build endurance and improve performance over the coming months. As a goal-oriented person, I felt it was time to set a new challenge focused on my health and wellbeing. Training for a half-marathon gives me the chance to improve my physical fitness while also achieving a meaningful sense of accomplishment.
The Master of Public Health focuses on community wellbeing – did you expect those same health promotion principles to shape your own life as much as they have?
It has taught me that maintaining good health is an investment in your future. By focusing on health promotion, we can reduce the burden of disease, save money on healthcare costs, and feel more empowered. Those same health promotion principles can be applied to the community and me to improve our quality of life.
Learn more about the 91破解版 Master of Public Health. Applications are now open – enrol to start in 2026 and become part of a new generation of health leaders helping communities thrive.
