Mahnoor Muhammad
Growing up in Australia as a second-generation migrant Pakistani woman, I’ve always carried two worlds with me. At home, I was surrounded by vibrant culture, language, and food. Outside, I often noticed the gaps, health advice that didn’t reflect our diets, systems that weren’t built with people like my parents in mind, and a public health sector that rarely included our voices.
That absence is what first pushed me to study nutrition, and later public health. I wanted to help bridge the gap between mainstream health advice, and the realities of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. I wanted people like my parents, and others in CALD communities navigating racism, language barriers, and exclusion, to feel seen, heard, and supported.
When I started my internship with the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) earlier this year, I was hopeful it would be a space where I could bring that perspective. What I didn’t expect was just how transformative the experience would be.
Over 12 weeks, I was given the opportunity to contribute to real, meaningful work. I helped write submissions on tobacco control and drafted advocacy letters on wide-ranging issues such as territory- and state-based public health initiatives. I reviewed policy position statements, participated in policy analysis, and saw how my lived experience, combined with the knowledge from my degrees, could shape meaningful public health advocacy. I also had the opportunity to contribute to meetings with key stakeholders such as Cancer Council Australia, where I observed firsthand how collaboration, evidence, and strong communication come together to influence national health priorities. Being part of these conversations, even as an intern, affirmed for me that diverse voices have a vital role to play in shaping better public health outcomes.
One of the most complex and confronting pieces of work I contributed to during my internship was an advocacy letter responding to the Northern Territory’s (NT) proposed pepper spray trial. The NT Government had planned to allow civilians to use oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray, despite serious concerns about the lack of evidence supporting its safety or necessity, particularly in over-policed communities. While working on this letter, I came across a paper detailing the misuse of OC spray by Australian police, including substandard practices and failures in aftercare. It left me wondering: how can we expect civilians to use it safely, when even trained officers are getting it wrong? The evidence was disturbing, but not surprising. What struck me most was the disproportionate risk posed to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities who are already facing systemic disadvantage, high rates of asthma and chronic illness, and ongoing over-surveillance.
Reading that, I felt the weight of this work. It wasn’t just a policy issue. It was also a justice issue, a health issue, and a human rights issue. Being able to contribute to PHAA’s advocacy, one that called for evidence-based prevention, community consultation, and Aboriginal-led solutions, was a defining moment for me. It reminded me that public health has a duty to stand up, even when the conversation is uncomfortable. This experience helped me find my voice, not just as a health professional, but also as someone committed to making sure no community is left behind in our systems.
I also saw the power of collaboration. PHAA doesn’t work in isolation. Their policy and advocacy efforts are grounded in partnerships, with academics, clinicians, community leaders, and peak bodies. I felt incredibly proud to be a small part of that ecosystem and to contribute to work that reflects real-world challenges and solutions.
To the PHAA team, thank you for creating a space where my voice was not only welcomed, but valued. Thank you for trusting me with meaningful work, for encouraging critical thinking, and for reminding me that public health is most powerful when it is inclusive and courageous.
Your consistent support made all the difference. From one-on-one chats to team check-ins, I always felt heard. Whether I had questions, needed guidance, or simply wanted to talk through ideas, there was always someone ready to listen and help me grow. These conversations, big and small, shaped not just my understanding of public health, but also my confidence in stepping into this space as someone who belongs. That kind of mentorship is rare, and I’ll carry it with me wherever I go next.
This internship solidified my commitment to advocating for minority groups, for equity, and for systems that truly support the people they serve. I may still be figuring out exactly where I’ll go next, but I know I’m walking away with clarity, purpose, and a stronger voice than ever before.
Mahnoor Muhammad is a Master of Public Health student at the University of Wollongong who interned at PHAA in mid-2025.
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