Student Champion category

Olivia Wenn, a recent graduate in Natural Environments and Conservation, demonstrated exceptional leadership in sustainability in her role as Secretary of the Environment Society.  Olivia led the revival and expansion of career and community-focused events across Tasmania, including a new Northern Environmental Careers Networking Night. Through her SIPS internship, she spearheaded an institution-wide research project exploring the application of a Rights of Nature governance framework at UTAS. Olivia’s work combines policy innovation, grassroots engagement, and a commitment to inclusivity—ensuring sustainability is embedded both in campus culture and institutional governance.

Finalist – Olivia Wenn (left)

Impacts and Benefits

  • Organised three major career events, including the Environmental Careers Expo (170+ attendees), Women’s Environmental Careers Panel, and the Launceston Networking Night (60+ tickets).
  • Raised the profile of sustainability careers and created networking pathways for students, particularly women and regional cohorts.
  • Authored a comprehensive Rights of Nature report tailored to UTAS’ governance context, prepared for Council members and stakeholders.
  • Designed and facilitated stakeholder interviews and student workshops to gather diverse insights and build momentum for long-term action.
  • Strengthened relationships across faculties, student societies, Indigenous leaders, and external organisations through inclusive engagement.

Leadership and Engagement

  • Reinvigorated the Environment Society’s executive team, ensuring continuity and fresh direction in its programs.
  • Initiated the first-ever careers event for Launceston-based students to address regional barriers to opportunity.
  • Led planning, sponsorship, and logistics for multiple large-scale events while managing full-time study and part-time work.

Wider Societal Impact

  • Advanced Rights of Nature principles within a leading Australian university context.
  • Promoted Indigenous perspectives and environmental ethics through inclusive research and dialogue.
  • Supported UTAS’s leadership role in the Nature Positive Universities Alliance.
  • Inspired future student leaders through mentorship, event access, and skill-building opportunities.
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Supported by

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Related finalists

Past Winners

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Student Champion category

Olivia Wenn, a recent graduate in Natural Environments and Conservation, demonstrated exceptional leadership in sustainability in her role as Secretary of the Environment Society.  Olivia led the revival and expansion of career and community-focused events across Tasmania, including a new Northern Environmental Careers Networking Night. Through her SIPS internship, she spearheaded an institution-wide research project exploring the application of a Rights of Nature governance framework at UTAS. Olivia’s work combines policy innovation, grassroots engagement, and a commitment to inclusivity—ensuring sustainability is embedded both in campus culture and institutional governance.

Finalist – Olivia Wenn (left)

Impacts and Benefits

  • Organised three major career events, including the Environmental Careers Expo (170+ attendees), Women’s Environmental Careers Panel, and the Launceston Networking Night (60+ tickets).
  • Raised the profile of sustainability careers and created networking pathways for students, particularly women and regional cohorts.
  • Authored a comprehensive Rights of Nature report tailored to UTAS’ governance context, prepared for Council members and stakeholders.
  • Designed and facilitated stakeholder interviews and student workshops to gather diverse insights and build momentum for long-term action.
  • Strengthened relationships across faculties, student societies, Indigenous leaders, and external organisations through inclusive engagement.

Leadership and Engagement

  • Reinvigorated the Environment Society’s executive team, ensuring continuity and fresh direction in its programs.
  • Initiated the first-ever careers event for Launceston-based students to address regional barriers to opportunity.
  • Led planning, sponsorship, and logistics for multiple large-scale events while managing full-time study and part-time work.

Wider Societal Impact

  • Advanced Rights of Nature principles within a leading Australian university context.
  • Promoted Indigenous perspectives and environmental ethics through inclusive research and dialogue.
  • Supported UTAS’s leadership role in the Nature Positive Universities Alliance.
  • Inspired future student leaders through mentorship, event access, and skill-building opportunities.

Supported by

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Related finalists

Other finalists