Marathon effort backing nutrition and dietetics for regional Australia
A new CQUniversity course is tackling growing demand for dietitians in regional, rural and remote communities – and is already delivering a healthy dose of inspiration.
CQUniversity’s Professor Rachel Bacon is preparing to run the Sydney Marathon to support future students, raising funds to subsidise students’ study travel.
The amount will also contribute to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander expertise is incorporated across the curriculum.
Prof Bacon leads CQUniversity's new Master of Nutrition and Dietetics, a qualification to help build the regional health workforce while making study more accessible for people living outside cities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
The course builds on CQU’s Bachelor of Nutrition, and combines a science-based education with practical training to tailor healthcare to regional Australians.
"The Master of Nutrition and Dietetics is designed to meet workforce needs, equipping students with the knowledge, skills and attributes required to succeed as a dietitian in regional, rural and remote Australia," she said.
"We are committed to delivering a culturally-safe and community-informed Nutrition and Dietetics course."
Committed to change
While the new degree will be offered primarily online, Prof Bacon acknowledges the cost of required residential schools and work placements are tough for regional and remote students.
On Sunday 30 August, Prof Bacon will run the Sydney Marathon, and hopes her 42-kilometre commitment will inspire donors to support future students.
Sponsor Rachel Bacon in the Sydney Marathon and help CQU support Nutrition and Dietetics students.
Funds raised will contribute to accommodation, travel and living costs for residential schools and placements, helping students from regional and remote locations access practical requirements for their qualifications.
Going the distance
Prof Bacon said there were strong parallels between marathon running and studying to become a health professional.
“Running the marathon will be incredibly hard for me, especially the last 10km! I enjoy running but I am no athlete and it will be a major effort to finish,” she said.
“Completing a qualification to become a dietitian is also a marathon achievement – it’s challenging at times and there can be lots of competing responsibilities.
“We have designed our course to make things as supportive as we can for our students so they can succeed.”
Prof Bacon said CQU’s flexible courses recognise that many students juggle study with work, family responsibilities and community commitments.
Dietitians Australia estimates a workforce gap of 15 dietitians for every 100,000 people, with regional Australia the hardest hit by shortages.
Diet-related chronic disease is Australia’s number one killer, and only six per cent of Australians meet recommended fruit and vegetable intake.
Applications are now open to study CQU’s Bachelor of Nutrition, and applications for the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics open in January 2027.
Learn more at CQU’s Nutrition course website.
