Sustainable Action August
Join the UWA Grand Challenges throughout August for an immersive series of sustainability events and initiatives. With a focus on how UWA contributes to the two Grand Challenges of Climate Change and a More Just and Equitable world, this August, we will be focusing on individual actions, and how students and staff are contributing to a more sustainable world.
Our events aim to highlight the work being done by students, staff and alumni, empower participants and support students to apply their technical knowledge and become effective change-makers in the global sustainability movement.
From innovation challenges to hackathons, learning from Alumni who have started global sustainability initiatives, to biodiversity tours and documentary screenings, our program, in partnership with UWA Campus Management and the UWA Student Guild is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to make a positive impact. A global survey published in The Lancet, reveals that almost half (45%) of 16- to 25-year-olds are suffering from eco anxiety, so we are working with students to turn anxiety into action and pave the way for a more sustainable future. Don't miss your chance to be part of this impactful journey and work toward a more just and sustainable future!
Don't miss your chance to be part of this impactful journey and work toward a more just and sustainable future!
Events
- July 31: Climate change and ecosystem damage: Regulation for protecting our oceans
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Description
The Centre for Mining, Energy and Natural Resources Law presents a panel of three distinguished speakers who will address important contemporary issues in regulation for protecting our oceans.
David Ritter (CEO, Greenpeace Australia Pacific), “Saving the Whale (and everything else too): Challenges in securing laws and outcomes to protect our oceans”
Professor John Chandler, UWA Law School, “How will Australian ocean regulation respond to the challenges of climate change, energy transition and sustainability”
Professor Erika Techera, UWA Law School, “Recent global legal developments in the law of the sea”
Date
Wednesday 31st July, 6pm for a 6.15pm startLocation
Law School Lecture Theatre
Event type
Free Public Lecture
Registrations
- August 1 - 31: Keep Cup Discount and Keep Cup Library
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Description
Let’s stop using single use cups and promote a sustainable lifestyle across campus. Please donate your unwanted clean keep cups at your local Guild Café, to be washed by Guild Cafes and added to our new Keep Cup Libraries, ready to be used. Remember your own reusable cup, buy a Keep Cup at 40% or use the Keep Cup Library! 30c Discount will be offered for both dining in and using your keep cup in August.This initiative is supported by The UWA Student Guild, UWA Grand Challenges and Campus Management.
Date
August 1 – 31Location
All Guild Cafes (Hackett Café, Quobba Gnarning Café, Business School Café, Catalyst Café, Nedlands Café and Dentistry Kiost).Event type
Discount and Sustainability InitiativeQueries
[email protected] - August 1-16: Applications Open: Joondalup Innovation Challenge (September 2, 5, 12)
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Description
Join the Joondalup Innovation Challenge (JIC) 2024! Dive into an exciting opportunity where over 50 students from five leading institutions collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to tackle real-world problems impacting Joondalup residents, businesses, and students. Develop innovative, technology-based solutions while enhancing essential employability skills such as communication, leadership, and business agility. Engage in live and virtual summits, mastermind sessions, and video pitch preparations guided by industry experts and keynote speakers. Don’t miss this chance to make a real impact, showcase your talents, and build a powerful network. Places in this program are sponsored by UWA Grand Challenges, apply now to be part of this transformative experience!
Date
Applications open until 16 August 2024. Successful applicants will be notified shortly thereafter.
Challenge dates:
Monday 2nd September 2024 10.00-1.00 (Joondalup)
Thursday 5th September 2024 10.00-1.00pm (Online)
Thursday 12th September 2024 1.00-4.00pm (Joondalup)
Location
The challenge will be conducted both virtually and in-person in Joondalup.
Event type
Hybrid innovation challenge featuring collaborative problem-solving, expert-led sessions, and a competitive pitch event.
Applications:
- August 1 - 31: Recycled and Re-used clothes stall
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Description
Refresh your wardrobe sustainably by participating in our Recycled and Re-used Clothes stall. Please donate your washed gently used clothes to Guild Volunteering where they will be sorted ready for you to select new-to-you items, reducing waste and promoting sustainable fashion. All proceeds from the clothing stall will go towards Good Sammy's.Date
Clothing Donations can be made to Guild Volunteering.Clothes stall Wednesday August 7th 11.30-1.30 then in Guild Volunteering until August 31st.
Location
Guild Village and Guild VolunteeringQueries
sustainability@uwa.edu.au - August 2: Modern Slavery Panel Discussion
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Description
We are pleased to invite you to our Modern Slavery Panel Discussion hosted by Grand Challenges, Making a Difference Grant recipients Knowledge Link. This event aims to facilitate important conversations on combating modern slavery, featuring esteemed panellists, who will share expert insights and real-world examples. Your participation would greatly contribute to this meaningful discussion. We look forward to welcoming you to this impactful event.
Date
Friday, 2 August, 3.00pm-5.00pmLocation
UWA Law School, Moot CourtEvent type
Panel Discussion - August 3: Swan Estuary Reserves Action Group (SERAG) Weekend Conservation
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Description
Join the Swan Estuary Reserves Action Group (SERAG) in their efforts to do plantation and remove invasive weeds from the estuary. Your participation will help protect the native ecosystem and biodiversity.
Date
Saturday, 3 AugustLocation
Pelican Point (near UWA Business School)Event type
Volunteering activity (1st Saturday of every month)Registrations
Book on UniHub or email [email protected] - August 6-13: Venture Industry Challenge with Paraquad Industries (Sorry Registrations Closed)
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Description
Apply your problem solving skills for this Student Guild Venture Industry Challenge, in partnership with Paraquad Industries. Paraquad Industries are a disability employment service who make some revenue from Book Sales. However they have over 300,000 books in storage- some waiting to be sorted, some waiting to be sold. Space is an issue and disposal of the books that can't be sold can be expensive with books going to landfill due to the materials used in bindings. Can you help identify strategies and solutions to effectively create a low-cost viable solution for the disposal and/or reuse of these books?
This project suits students from all disciplines who are keen to gain some real-world innovation and problem-solving experinece.
Date
Tuesday August 6 - Site Visit to Paraquad Industries and ideation Session (lunch provided)
Wednesday August 7 - Monday August 12 Viability Checking and research for best solutions
Tuesday August 13 -Present Solutions
Location
UWA GuildEvent type
UWA and ParaQuad IndustriesRegistrations
Please note registrations for this event have now closed. - August 6-9: What were you wearing? Expo
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Description
The Survivor Art Installation: What Were You Wearing? exhibition challenges victim-blaming narratives by displaying survivors' outfits alongside their personal stories. With international acclaim, the exhibition aims to raise awareness, foster discussions on consent, and combat harmful stereotypes. By addressing societal attitudes towards sexual violence, we strive to promote empathy, support survivors, and advance gender equality, contributing to a more just and equitable world. See the website
Date
Opening night: August 6th 4.30- 6.30pm (Registration required)August 7-9, .12.00pm-5.00pm
Location
Cullity Gallery, UWA
Event type
Exhibition
Registrations recommended (general exhibition)
- August 7: National Student Volunteer Week - Guild Village Volunteering Expo
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Description
Explore various volunteering opportunities at our Volunteering Expo in Guild Village. Connect with local organisations and learn how you can make an impact and contribute to a more just and equitable world through community service. Chat with the UWA Grand Challenges team, and visit the Recycled and Re-used clothing stall.
Date
Wednesday 7 August 11.30-1.30
Location
UWA Guild VillageEvent type Expo (No registration required).
- August 8: Adopt a Bike with Repair Lab UWA
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Description
Repair Lab UWA volunteers from Guild Volunteering will run you through the basics of bike repair, safety checks and maintenance to get the most out of your bike. In collaboration with Campus Management and UWA Grand Challenges, there will be a number of unclaimed bikes that are ready to be repaired, refurbished and adopted by you! Join us to learn some new repair skills, put your skills to the test or help remove and rehome some useful bike parts to local non-profits!If you are a student with Bike Maintenance experience and would like to volunteer please register here.
Date
Wednesday, 8 August 11.30am-1.00pmLocation
UWA Guild Village, Graduate's WalkEvent type
Repair Lab
Registrations are not required. For any queries:
[email protected] - August 2, 9, 6, 23, 30: Conservation with Friends of Mosman Park Bushland
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Description
Volunteer with the Friends of Mosman Park Bushland to help restore, revive, and protect the local bushland. Your efforts will contribute to the conservation of native plant and animal species.Date
Every Friday in AugustLocation
Mosman ParkEvent type
Volunteering Activity Registrations Book on UniHub or email [email protected] - Every Wed in August: Perth Homeless Support Group Depot
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Description
Help pack care packs for the homeless at the Perth Homeless Support Group Depot. Your contribution will provide essential items and support to those in need within our community.Date
Every Wednesday in AugustLocation
Bayswater (Guild Van will be used for transport)Event type
VolunteeringRegistrations
Book on UniHub or email [email protected] - August 9: Sustainability: Learning from National Parks
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Description
Public lecture by Dr Chaozhi Zhang, Distinguished Professor of Tourism, Fudan University and 2024 UWA Institute of Advanced Studies Visiting Fellow.
In many countries, national parks are crucial for preserving heritage and promoting sustainable tourism. However, climate change has significantly impacted these parks, leading to substantial losses in both natural resources, such as forests and wildlife, and cultural heritage, including indigenous traditions. There is a global call for innovative and sustainable strategies to balance tourism, heritage preservation, and policy compliance.
Drawing from his extensive experience with Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, one of China's most renowned national parks, Professor Chaozhi Zhang will discuss ways to integrate sustainability, authenticity, and economic development to create a strong ecosystem for national parks. Professor Zhang will also present specific strategies for promoting sustainable development.
Dr Chaozhi Zhang is a Distinguished Professor of Tourism at Fudan University, and also serves as the UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Tourism at UNESCO Designated Sites. Professor Chang is deeply engaged in the field of sustainable development within tourism, with a special focus on issues related to tourism destination development and management in cultural and natural heritage sites. He is an expert panel member on several international organizations, including UN Tourism, World Economic Forum, ICOMOS-ICTC, IUCN-WCPA in the area of sustainable tourism.
Professor Zhang has published more than 150 papers in both international and domestic peer reviewed journals and five books. He has also received over more than 10 research grants funded by UNESCO, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the National Social Science Foundation of China in the past two decades. Professor Zhang also serves as an editorial board member or guest editor for numerous prestigious international journals, including Journal of Sustainable Tourism, Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management and the Journal of Destination Marketing and Management
Professor Zhang is a 2024 UWA Institute of Advanced Studies Visiting Fellow, working with colleagues Associate Professor Fang Liu in the UWA Business School and Professor Wenhua Zhao in the UWA Oceans Institute.
Date
Friday 9 August, 2:00-3.00pmLocation
The University Of Western Australia, Murdoch Lecture Theatre (ARTS)
Event type
Public Lecture
- August 9: The Ocean Project 2024 Sustainability in the Arts Tour - Ode (An Acknowledgement of Sea Country)
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Description
Kirsten Hudson’s exhibition Ode (An Acknowledgement of Sea Country) has been commissioned as part of The Ocean Project 2024, it features new artworks that explore and communicate complex ideas including scientific and cultural information and human emotions that relate to the ocean.
The Ocean Project 2024 is a year-long collaborative project of the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery, CSIRO Environment and School of Design UWA, exploring how art might help in communicating the challenges faced by the ocean. Multiple competing concerns, including environmental, social, economic and cultural, all influence the way we manage and impact the ocean environment and its ability to adapt to global change. Western science, First Nations knowledge systems and Citizen science all play a role. Artist Kirsten Hudson has produced artworks that invite viewers to explore their deep connections with the ocean and reflect upon our relationship with the ocean.
The Ocean Project 2024: Ode (An Acknowledgement of Sea Country) Exhibition runs 17 July-14 August.
Date
Friday 9 August, 2:00 pmLocation
Lawrence Wilson Art GalleryEvent type
Gallery Tour - August 16: Our Planet II – Screening
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Description
Join us for a special screening of the documentary series 'Our Planet' on Netflix. The screening will take place at K Common Room, UniHall and will explore the beauty and complexity of our natural world.
Light refreshments provided.
Date
Friday, August 16th, 12:00 – 14:00Location
K Common Room, UniHallEvent type
ScreeningRegistrations
Register here - August 16-21: Save the Children Book Sale
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Description
Join the highly anticipated Save the Children UWA Book Sales in 2024! These annual events are a cornerstone of the Save the Children's fundraising efforts, gathering book lovers from across Perth to support programs locally and globally.
By participating, you’re not only supporting Save the Children’s critical work but also embracing sustainable practices. Reusing and recycling books reduces waste and promotes an eco-friendlier approach to consumption.
Come, enjoy a day of book browsing, meet fellow supporters, and contribute to a cause that not only supports children but also promotes environmental stewardship. We look forward to seeing you at the UWA Book Sales!
Note:
- Book depots are open year-round for donations at designated times. Please check the website or contact us for the latest details.
- Donations should be made after the sale events, as we reach capacity before the sales and cannot accept items at the event itself.
Dates
Friday 16 August (3pm-9pm)
Saturday 17 August (9am-5pm) *Flash Sale at Hackett Café (9am-4pm)
Sunday 18 August (9am-5pm) *Flash Sale at Hackett Café (9am-2pm)
Monday 19 August (9am-6pm)
Tuesday 20 August (9am-7pm)
Wednesday 21 August (9am-3pm)
Location
Winthrop Hall, Stirling Highway, Crawley (Free parking available on weekends)Event type
Book sale (no registration required).
For more information on our events and how you can get involved, call Save the Children at 1800 76 00 11.
- August 20: Climate Change in Perspective: What we've learned from rocks (Museum Tour)
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Description
Join Dr Siri Kellner on a journey through the ages. She will take you through millions of years-old rocks and fossils from our museum collections that provide evidence of past environments and life, as well as minerals crucial for our transition to a sustainable future!
From the perspective of an earth scientist, humans' time on Earth is a mere blink compared to the planet’s entire history – less than seven hundred thousandths of a percent. Yet, in this brief period, humans have had a profound impact, prompting scientists to suggest we live in a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene (‘anthropos’ is the Greek term for human). Humans have drastically altered Earth’s environment and biodiversity, extracting, and burning mineral resources that took millions of years to form, driving significant climate change and a sixth mass extinction. But how do our current changes compare to those in the past? Join this tour to put these changes into a larger perspective.
Date
Tuesday August 20th 1.00pm-2.00pm
Location
UWA, Edward de Courcy Clarke Earth Science Museum
Event type
Tour
- August 22: Learn about UWA's Sustainable Investment Approach
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Description
Join the UWA Treasury & Investments Team at The University Club of Western Australia to learn about UWA’s sustainable investment approach.
As the world evolves, so do the challenges we face. Climate risks, regulatory pressures, social and demographic shifts and data privacy concerns represent new or increasing risks for investors. These issues, known collectively as Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors, are crucial for entities like UWA. If we don’t manage these risks well, we could face increasing complexity and greater scrutiny.
We invite you to join us for a presentation by Mercer, UWA’s Implemented Consultant, who play a key role in designing and partly implementing our ESG approach.
Our Investment Policy Statement outlines UWA’s ESG commitments, including:
- Integrating ESG
- Active ownership
- Assessing climate change-related risks and opportunities
- Addressing modern slavery risk
The presentation will delve into UWA’s investment strategy, current position, and possible future directions. Importantly, this event is part of our annual series of updates on UWA ESG-related issues.
Learn more about UWA’s approach to ESG here.
Date
Thursday 22 August, 12.30-2.00pmLocation
The University Club of Western AustraliaEvent type
Information Session
For event enquiries, please contact Lindi Dube (08) 6488 5535.
- August 22: Birthing Kit Assembly Session
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Description
Get ready to make a meaningful impact at our Birthing Kits Assembly Night! WAAMS, in collaboration with the UWA Guild Women’s Department, is hosting an engaging event where we’ll be assembling 500 birthing kits for the Birthing Kits Foundation. These kits will support our global partners across Africa in improving maternal and infant health.
If you’re passionate about maternal and infant health and want to contribute to a crucial cause, this is the perfect opportunity to get involved. Join us to help create essential support for those in need while connecting with fellow students and making a difference. This initiative is supported by UWA Grand Challenges Making A Difference Grant.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Date
Thursday August 22nd 4.30pm-6.30pm
Location
UWA, SSCI 149 Seminar Room (TBC)Event type
Birth Kit Assembly Volunteering Session
For more details and to RSVP, please contact us at [email protected].
- August 23: Plastic Free July Founder Rebecca Prince-Ruiz
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Description
Hear from UWA Alumni Rebecca Prince-Ruiz, the founder of Plastic Free July, as she shares insights and strategies for reducing plastic waste and her insights on founding a global sustainability initiative. Learn how you can contribute to a plastic-free future through practical tips and how UWA is working toward its sustainability targets. All welcome. Please register below.Date
Friday, 23 August 1.00pm-3.00pmLocation
LAWS: [G06] Moot Court
Event type
Seminar - August 27: Politics in the Pub Equal Pay Day 2024
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Description
Australian women would need to work an additional 50 days to earn what men did last year. As we approach Equal Pay Day on 19 August, the stark reality of the gender pay gap is highlighted - 12% nationally and a staggering 21.7% in WA.
Join the Public Policy Institute for Politics in the Pub: Equal Pay Day, for this year's theme of It Doesn't Add Up, as we call for action to improve women's economic equality.
The discussion will be moderated by Jennie Gray, CEO of Women's Legal Service WA and will feature a distinguished panel:- Prof. Alison Preston, Australian Economist and Winthrop Professor of Economics at The University of Western Australia
- Jessica Murray, Manager of Gender Equity & Women's Health at the Centre for Women's Safety and Wellbeing
- Lisa Judge, Public Sector Coordinator at the United Workers Union
- Prof Alan Duncan, Director of the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC)
Date
Tuesday 27 August, 6-7.30pmLocation
Bark Subiaco, 502 Hay Street Subiaco
Event type
Panel Discussion
- August 29: Repair Lab UWA
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Description
If you have something needing repair, chances are Repair Lab UWA, run by Guild Volunteering, will have a volunteer who can help! Bring your items for repair: bikes, clothing, jewellery and household items.
Repair Lab is a grassroots initiative to encourage and help Perth folks to come up with new and creative ways to salvage perfectly usable things. They gather volunteers who can assess and fix broken items, and give some insight on how to fix them. It’s a collaborative and learning experience, a little antidote to our modern-day throw-away mentality.
Check out events on Guild Volunteering and come on down with your pre-loved items. If you would like to volunteer, Book In or please email [email protected]
Date
Thursday, 29 August, 4.30-7.00pm.Location
St Catherine's College, Jull Common Room.
Registrations aren't required
Please bring your item needing repair with you. All welcome (open to students, staff and community members).
- Registrations Open: August 30 - 31. Students Doing Good (SDG) Challenge (Multi-University Challenge)
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Description
Do you want to make real impact while developing in-demand skills? Join us for this multi-University collaborative event, where you'll have the opportunity to design and deliver innovative solutions to address local challenges, in alignment with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to co-create a brighter, more sustainable future for the City of Fremantle for generations to come! Work alongside students from Murdoch, Curtin, ECU, and UWA in a fun, immersive 1.5 – day intensive (30 – 31 August 2024). Gain valuable skills from Industry experts, mentors and leaders from local government, business and academia as their guidance will equip you with critical real-world insights and learning.Date
Friday, August 30, 4.30-8.30pm: Introduction and overview of the SDG Challenge and Fremantle City PlanSaturday August 31, 8.30am-7.00pm: Collaborate with team members and mentors. Design your unique provocative design scenario.
Location
Murdoch University (Boola Kaitjin 360.4.003)Event type
SDG Challenge/HackathonRegistrations
Register Here or email queries to [email protected]