Change for good happens when communities combine their knowledge, experience, assets and resources in a commitment to sustained collaboration and partnership.
At the University of Melbourne, we work alongside communities, governments, industry and civic institutions to understand challenges, create opportunities and forge partnerships that co-deliver public value.
Civic and community engagement is how we put our purpose into action. It is how we connect the University's education, research, people and resources with the aspirations of the communities we serve.
We believe that no university, expert or community can solve complex challenges alone. By listening, learning and working together, we can better understand the issues facing society and co-create meaningful, lasting change.
Our ambition is to be a trusted partner and an anchor institution for Melbourne, Victoria and beyond, working collaboratively to strengthen the social, cultural, economic and civic life of our communities.
How we work
Our approach is built on listening, reciprocity and long-term partnership. We work with diverse community groups to understand priorities, share knowledge and develop responses that reflect local strengths, needs and aspirations.
Rather than delivering solutions for communities, we work with communities to co-create them.
Across our campuses, precincts and partnerships, we connect people, ideas and institutions to:
- expand educational opportunity
- strengthen communities and neighbourhoods
- inform public policy and civic life
- support social and economic participation
- create pathways between learning, research and real-world impact
By building trusted relationships over time, we work to co-create conditions for shared progress and lasting public value.
Listening and partnering
We build long-term partnerships with communities, government, industry and not-for-profit organisations to address shared priorities and co-create meaningful change. Grounded in mutual benefit and shared responsibility, these partnerships enable sharing of and leveraging collective expertise, resources and opportunities to co-deliver lasting impact.
Learning through community
Education changes lives when students actively play a role in contributing to society as part of their learning experience. Through community-based and experiential learning, students work alongside community, industry and government partners to address real-world challenges while developing the skills, perspectives and capabilities needed to thrive.
Collaborative research for public benefit
Collaborative research creates the greatest impact when it is connected to the assets, needs and aspirations of society. We work with community, government and industry partners to apply research and innovation in ways that respond to real-world challenges, inform policy, improve services and contribute to social, economic, cultural and environmental outcomes.
Growing stronger places
Our engagement is grounded in place. From Melbourne to regional Victoria and beyond, we work with communities to strengthen opportunity, participation and wellbeing through locally informed solutions that reflect community strengths, priorities and aspirations.
Featured partnerships and impact
The University's civic and community engagement is expressed through hundreds of partnerships, projects and initiatives across education, research, culture and community life that contribute to creating public value and social impact.
A long-term commitment
The University is committed to strengthening its relationships with communities through ongoing collaboration, shared learning and continuous improvement.
At the heart of this work is a commitment to building trusted relationships with communities, grounded in listening, collaboration and mutual benefit. We strive to be an accessible, responsive and enabling partner, working alongside communities to co-create positive and lasting change.
Civic and Community News
Vaka Pasifika strengthens pathways to university and community connection
Conference explores trust, community partnerships and public value
University of Melbourne partners with the Australian African Foundation for Retention and Opportunity
University leaders recognised at 2026 Africa Day Australia Gala
University of Melbourne students and community partners come together for Carlton Harmony Day
New University of Melbourne fund supports local partnerships and community collaboration
Engage with us
The University of Melbourne's Civic and Community Engagement team is here to help connect communities, organisations and partners with the University's people, expertise and networks.
Whether you are seeking a partnership, looking to collaborate on a community initiative, or interested in learning more about our engagement activities, we would love to hear from you.
Email: engage-partnerships@unimelb.edu.au