Sustainability Week spotlights community expertise across University campuses

Staff member Cassidy Mogg and student Tyson Pham showcasing practical sustainability in action at the ‘Native bee wisdom and bee hotel making class’ on the University’s Parkville campus.
Staff member Cassidy Mogg and student Tyson Pham showcasing practical sustainability in action at the ‘Native bee wisdom and bee hotel making class’ on the University’s Parkville campus.

The University of Melbourne marked the second edition of Sustainability Week with more than 42 events across five days (15-19 September), led by experts from across the University and the wider community.

The extensive program explored the world of sustainability across waste, biodiversity, social equity, community engagement and wellbeing. More than 2000 students, staff and community members participated in events and activities over the week, which ranged from open forums and practical workshops to nature walks and thrift markets, reflecting strong enthusiasm across the University community.

University of Melbourne's Vice-President (Administration & Finance) and Chief Operating Officer Ms Katerina Kapobassis noted the program’s strong alignment to goals in the Sustainability Plan 2030.

“Sustainability Week highlights the many ways that our University is directly addressing the targets set out in our Sustainability Plan,” Ms Kapobassis said.

“We’re endeavouring to build a community of sustainability learners and practitioners both on our campuses and in our communities and the involvement of our staff, students and community in this year’s program is highlighting this plan in action.”

The 2025 program featured a range of community leaders including 2023 NSW Young Australian of the Year and founder of the sustainability app Banish, Lottie Dalziel, who brought valuable real-world expertise to her panel discussion.

Attendees also explored the important role universities can play in sustainability, and students and staff were empowered to become more informed, engaged, and proactive in their own approaches.

University of Melbourne Master of Environment student and participant in Sustainability Week Sholihah Rahmatunnisa Utami shared their excitement for the program.

"Sustainability Week is a great opportunity for students to get involved and lead their own initiatives,” she said.

“Students are so creative, and having a platform to share our ideas allows us to celebrate together and amplify our impact across the University.”

This year’s theme for Sustainability Week, ‘Learn it. Leave it. Love it.’, encouraged everyone involved to further embed sustainable practices into everyday life and to keep building a culture of collective responsibility for a better future.

The University also launched a digital sustainable laboratories hub to help staff, academics and students to take practical actions to support sustainability while operating the University’s labs. Nominations for the Sustainability Awards saw a range of University staff recognised for their efforts in advancing sustainability at the University, with winners due to be announced on 5 November.

Initiatives like Sustainability Week continue to strengthen the values of environmental and social good throughout campus life, while giving students and staff opportunities to connect, contribute, and inspire one another.

The event plays a significant role in the University’s Sustainability Plan 2030, which reflects the University’s ambition to be leaders for a global sustainable future and a commitment to our people, partners, and place in the world.