Student Champion category
Julia Suffell, a Bachelor and Master of Marine Science student, has revitalised sustainability leadership at the University of Western Australia through her voluntary role as Guild Environment Officer. In 2024–25, she revived flagship programs like EnviroFest, launched new student-driven initiatives targeting fast fashion and waste, and created inclusive, interdisciplinary events connecting students with environmental changemakers. With over 1,000 attendees across events and $6,000 raised for charity, Julia’s leadership has helped mainstream sustainability on campus and beyond, with a distinctive focus on collaboration, behaviour change and empowerment.
Impacts and Benefits
- Co-organised 3 Pop-Up Op Shops, raising $6,000 for charity and providing low-cost, second-hand clothing to students.
- Revived EnviroFest, a market day to celebrate sustainability, attracting 37 stalls and over 250 attendees and establishing new partnerships with environmental not-for-profits.
- Ran 160-person Rising Up film event with expert Q&A panel and $2,100 in prizes from 12 local sponsors.
- Launched initiatives addressing litter, fast fashion, plastic waste, and sustainable business practices.
- Supported UWA’s new Carbon Neutral Events Dashboard, promoting carbon offsetting events across 150+ student groups.
Leadership and Engagement
- Action oriented leadership in UWA Student Guild’s Environment Department
- Delivered a wide range of events — from beach and campus cleanups and political panels to workshops and sustainability festivals.
- Prioritised accessibility, inclusivity, and long-term impact in all programming.
- Advocated for sustainability through motions at Guild Council, cross-campus campaigns, and collaboration with the National Union of Students.
Wider Societal Impact
- Created opportunities for students to directly engage with MPs about environmental issues.
- Normalised sustainable fashion, waste reduction and community action for a student population of 25,000+.
- Facilitated new relationships between UWA and environmental NGOs.
Supported by
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Next Generation Learning & Skills/Winners
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Student Champion category
Julia Suffell, a Bachelor and Master of Marine Science student, has revitalised sustainability leadership at the University of Western Australia through her voluntary role as Guild Environment Officer. In 2024–25, she revived flagship programs like EnviroFest, launched new student-driven initiatives targeting fast fashion and waste, and created inclusive, interdisciplinary events connecting students with environmental changemakers. With over 1,000 attendees across events and $6,000 raised for charity, Julia’s leadership has helped mainstream sustainability on campus and beyond, with a distinctive focus on collaboration, behaviour change and empowerment.
Impacts and Benefits
- Co-organised 3 Pop-Up Op Shops, raising $6,000 for charity and providing low-cost, second-hand clothing to students.
- Revived EnviroFest, a market day to celebrate sustainability, attracting 37 stalls and over 250 attendees and establishing new partnerships with environmental not-for-profits.
- Ran 160-person Rising Up film event with expert Q&A panel and $2,100 in prizes from 12 local sponsors.
- Launched initiatives addressing litter, fast fashion, plastic waste, and sustainable business practices.
- Supported UWA’s new Carbon Neutral Events Dashboard, promoting carbon offsetting events across 150+ student groups.
Leadership and Engagement
- Action oriented leadership in UWA Student Guild’s Environment Department
- Delivered a wide range of events — from beach and campus cleanups and political panels to workshops and sustainability festivals.
- Prioritised accessibility, inclusivity, and long-term impact in all programming.
- Advocated for sustainability through motions at Guild Council, cross-campus campaigns, and collaboration with the National Union of Students.
Wider Societal Impact
- Created opportunities for students to directly engage with MPs about environmental issues.
- Normalised sustainable fashion, waste reduction and community action for a student population of 25,000+.
- Facilitated new relationships between UWA and environmental NGOs.
Supported by
Other finalists
Creating Impact
Creating Impact
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Sustainability Champion – Staff/Winners
Sustainability Champion – Student
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