Upskilling Sustainability

01/09/2026

🌿 What does global biodiversity action mean for the Sunshine Coast? 🌏

Join us for From Global to Local to the Backyard: Bringing Biodiversity COP to the Sunshine Coast Biosphere, a special Citizen COP Australia 2026 event exploring how international biodiversity goals can be translated into meaningful local action.

As communities around the world prepare for the next Biodiversity COP, this interactive event will connect global discussions with the places we know and care about most, from our local ecosystems and biosphere reserves to the backyards, schools, workplaces, and neighbourhoods where positive change begins.

Whether you're passionate about conservation, sustainability, community action, or simply curious about the future of nature on the Sunshine Coast, this is an opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute to the conversation.

✅ Learn about global biodiversity priorities �
✅ Explore local challenges and opportunities �
✅ Share your ideas for nature-positive action �
✅ Connect with others who care about protecting our region's unique environment

📅 Sat, 7 Nov, 9 am – 12 pm
University of the Sunshine Coast
Register now and be part of the conversation:
👉 https://events.humanitix.com/from-global-to-local-to-the-backyard-bringing-biodiversity-cop-to-the-sunshine-coast-biosphere-citizen-cop-2026

25/08/2026

🌱 Celebrating a finalist achievement! 🌱

We are thrilled to share that the UniSC Sustainability Collective has been named a finalist in the 2026 UniSC Student Volunteer Awards. 🎉

This recognition reflects the passion, commitment, and collaboration of our student and alumni volunteers, who work together to advance sustainability across the University of the Sunshine Coast community. From supporting environmental initiatives and educational events to fostering meaningful connections and positive change, the Collective continues to demonstrate the impact dedicated volunteers can have.

A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed their time, ideas, and energy to the Collective. This achievement belongs to our entire community.

Special congratulations to our executive team:
• President - Carmine Buss
• Vice-President - Jasmin Groves
• Secretary - Imogen Dumville
• Alumni Executive Consultant - Fien Van den Steen
• Alumni Communications Support - Kirsty O'Callaghan

Regardless of the outcome on awards night, we are incredibly proud to be recognised alongside so many outstanding student volunteers who are making a difference at UniSC.

📣 Congratulations to all finalists, and thank you for helping create a more sustainable future. 🌏💚

17/08/2026

Climate Curious: Conversations that connect 🌿

What happens when staff and students come together to talk openly about climate change?

At UniSC's first Climate Curious session, conversations ranged from biodiversity to personal feelings about climate change, creating a welcoming space for people to connect, reflect and learn from one another.

Carmine described leaving the session feeling "energised, validated and hopeful", while Jasmin reflected that "the event felt like a safe space for discussion, no matter where people are in their sustainability journey."

If you're curious about climate, sustainability, nature, or simply want to connect with others who care about our future, we'd love to see you at the next Climate Curious conversation.

📅 Wednesday 2 September, Café C, 12 – 1 pm
🌿 Open to UniSC staff and students

12/08/2026

🌿 Could one person really help change the world?

The recovery of the ozone layer proves the answer is yes.

One of history's greatest environmental success stories began with people choosing to act, from governments and organisations right through to individuals in their workplaces and communities. Today, the ozone layer is recovering because people everywhere turned a global challenge into local action.

Now it's your turn.

Join USI and UNYP on Saturday, 26 Sep, 10 am – 12 pm for Global Action, Local Leadership: Lessons from the Ozone Layer, an engaging outdoor workshop where you'll discover how to create real sustainability impact from your own sphere of influence.

🌏 Learn about the Sunshine Coast UNESCO Biosphere
🧠 Explore systems thinking through interactive activities
🌱 Build your own Green Transformational Leadership toolkit
🤝 Meet like-minded young professionals and changemakers
✅ Leave with one practical action you can start on Monday morning

You don't need a sustainability job title to make a difference. You just need a willingness to lead from where you are.

Spots are limited, so secure your place today through Humanitix.
https://events.humanitix.com/global-action-local-leadership

Tag a colleague, friend, or emerging leader who should join you! 👇

10/08/2026

🌿 From nest boxes to community action: conservation in action on the Sunshine Coast 🐦

Last year, the Upskilling Sustainability Initiative (USI) partnered with the Sunshine Coast Council's NatureWatch Nest Monitoring Program at Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden to help community members learn about nest boxes, wildlife monitoring, and the power of citizen science.

As the program wraps up, we're celebrating the impact it has made, not only on conservation efforts but also on raising awareness, fostering connection, and inspiring hope for our region's biodiversity.

Habitat loss remains one of the biggest challenges facing wildlife. Programs like NatureWatch show that practical community action can make a real difference. Through citizen science, volunteers contribute valuable data that informs conservation decisions while also strengthening people's connection with nature and each other.

Recently, Community Conservation Officer Dr Nittya Simard shared program outcomes, key learnings, and how the data collected will continue to inform conservation efforts across the Sunshine Coast.

💬 Dr Nittya Simard, Sunshine Coast Council: "It was a wonderful event, and I am grateful for the strong turnout and level of engagement throughout the morning. Conversations continued until lunchtime, well after the presentations had ended."

💬 Carmine Buss, USI: "While talks of conservation, habitat loss, and the growth of our region generally elicits negative discussions on impacts of human-wildlife interaction, the program, the event last year, and Nittya's seminar left me feeling hopeful. The emphasis was on how citizen science can increase awareness and engagement, and how the data collected can be a valuable tool for future conservation decisions within our region."

A huge thank you to everyone involved, from volunteers and community members to Council staff, researchers, students, and sustainability champions. Together, we're helping create a more connected and sustainable Sunshine Coast.

31/07/2026

🌞 Curious about climate and sustainability? Come join the conversation.

The UniSC Sustainability Collective is launching Climate Curious – a new monthly drop-in space where students and staff can connect, share ideas, ask questions, and explore sustainability topics in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

📅 Wednesday 5 August
⏰ 12:00pm – 1:00pm
📍 Cafe C, Sippy Downs Campus

No expertise required. Just bring your curiosity, questions and ideas.

Let's build a stronger sustainability community at the University of the Sunshine Coast, one conversation at a time. 💚

27/07/2026

🌿 Conversations can spark change – and biodiversity is no exception. 🦋

We're excited to share that Carmine Bus, researcher, educator, and community sustainability advocate, has recently been featured in a blog post by Backyards for Biodiversity SEQ Inc, exploring the power of community conversations to inspire biodiversity action.

The article highlights discussions sparked at a recent biodiversity event on the Sunshine Coast, where Carmine shared insights from her PhD research into everyday sustainability conversations and how they can encourage meaningful action within our communities.

At Upskilling Sustainability Initiative, we love seeing the connection between research, community engagement, and practical action. Whether it's chatting with neighbours about local wildlife, sharing gardening tips, or celebrating positive environmental stories, these conversations help build the social norms that support a more sustainable future. 🌱

We're also delighted to be exploring opportunities to collaborate with Backyards for Biodiversity as part of future community learning opportunities focused on biodiversity and local action.

Read the blog here: 🔗 https://backyardsforbiodiversity.org/blog/f/talking-about-backyards-for-biodiversity

What biodiversity conversations have inspired action in your community? We'd love to hear your stories below. 👇

Recently when I was delivering a seminar about Backyards for Biodiversity SEQ [discussing what it is B4B? Why would we pursue having a backyard for biodiversity? And some simple strategies for improving biodiversity in y...

17/07/2026

🌿 What a fantastic start to the trimester! 🌿
The University of the Sunshine Coast Orientation Day was all about connection.

Carmine, Jasmin, Reece, and Aurora had an incredible morning welcoming both new and returning UniSC students to campus, sharing conversations about sustainability, climate action, and the many ways students can get involved.

From curious first-year students to passionate changemakers already making an impact, the enthusiasm throughout the day was inspiring. It was wonderful to meet so many people keen to connect, exchange ideas, and be part of a community creating positive change, regardless of whether they're studying nursing, social work, environmental science, business, or any other discipline.

The Climate Curious game was a crowd favourite (although we might need some tougher questions next year! 😉), and we loved teaming up with our neighbouring clubs to create a vibrant sustainability hub throughout Orientation.

A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by for a chat, played a game, shared their ideas or signed up to join the Sustainability Collective. Your curiosity, energy and optimism made the day truly special.

If you're looking to meet like-minded people, make new friends, and become part of a community passionate about creating a more sustainable future, we'd love to have you join us.

🌱 Keep an eye out for our upcoming Climate Curious event and TAG activities. We can't wait to see you there!

11/07/2026

🌿 Looking to make a difference at the University of the Sunshine Coast?

Join the UniSC Sustainability Collective, a welcoming community of students, staff, and alumni passionate about creating a more sustainable future. Whether you're new to sustainability or already involved, there's a place for you.

This trimester, we're excited to kick things off with:

🎓 Orientation Week
Come and say hello at our stall on tomorrow, Monday 13 July, at the Sippy Downs campus. Meet the team, discover upcoming events, and grab some fun giveaways!

☕ Climate Curious
Launching in August, this monthly drop-in conversation series is a relaxed space to connect, share ideas, and explore climate and sustainability topics together.
📅 First session:
Wednesday 5 August
12.00 to 1.00 pm
Cafe C, UniSC, Sippy Downs campus

We're also looking for volunteers to help at O Week and Climate Curious. No experience needed, just enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved!

Come along, meet like-minded people, and be part of positive change across our UniSC community.

30/06/2026

Friday Environment Forum
July 10, 2026

Koala Detective Family Workshop, School Holiday Fun!
Kat & Malani Harris, Koala Family Adventures
& Cedar Staggard, Detection Dogs for Conservation UniSc

The upcoming Friday Forum is a special family workshop led by Kat and Malani Harris of Koala Family Adventures. They have dedicated over three years to supporting Australian wildlife, particularly koalas, through education, conservation, and activism.

The workshop will include a fun and informative talk, teaching families how to spot koala activity in the wild and become koala guardians of the bush, as well as interactive activities for children to obtain a koala passport and become a koalafied detective.

Cedar Staggard from Detection Dogs for Conservation from the University of the Sunshine Coast will inspire families with the work of the detection dogs that are used to protect native flora and fauna. Cedar found a passion for working with the dogs as part of her Honours research project and has spent extensive time in the field as a detection dog handler. Part of her duties include helping with radio tracking, koala rescues, and genetic analysis. When the team is not out in the field conducting surveys for important research into animal and habitat protection, they help to detect sick and injured koalas and other endangered wildlife that need rescuing.

Bring the whole family along on July 10th so the children can see a detection dog at work, learn how to be a koala detective, get involved and help to detect, protect and preserve Australia's unique wildlife.

Everyone is welcome to the workshop at the Noosa Parks Association Environment Centre, 5 Wallace Drive, Noosaville.

10.00 am-10.15 am- morning tea available.
10:20 am- workshop begins.

Entry is free for the whole family, but a $5 donation by ‘tap & go’ would be appreciated. Wear shoes suitable for the outdoors.

Join the bird observers at 8.30am in the carpark for interpretive birding.

Link to event : https://www.facebook.com/share/1PAuispniv/