30 September 2024, Canberra, Australia
UniSport Australia is proud to announce the success of its sustainability initiative held during the recent UniSport Nationals in Canberra. In collaboration with our partner Everclime, over $27,000 was raised for two significant conservation projects: Forever Reef, selected by 60% of Nationals participants for donations, and the ACT Wildlife Centre, which received the remaining 40% of selections. The initiative was part of UniSport’s ongoing commitment to hosting events that leave a positive and lasting impact on the environment and local communities.
In collaboration with Everclime, UniSport raised over $27,000 raised for two conservation projects: ACT Wildlife (left) and Forever Reef (right)
"At UniSport Australia, we are dedicated to not only fostering excellence in student sport but also ensuring that our events contribute positively to the environment," said Mark Sinderberry, UniSport Australia's CEO. "This partnership with Everclime and the contributions of students from across the country showcase the power of collaboration in addressing critical sustainability issues. We’re incredibly proud of the funds raised and the long-term impact they will have on both Australia’s diverse reef ecosystems and local ACT wildlife."
"Everclime is thrilled to have brought together such dedicated partners to help UniSport kick-start their journey into environmental impact,” Everclime Founder & COO James O'Hare commented after receiving news of the inaugural partnership’s success, “Working with UniSport Australia, Forever Reef, and the ACT Wildlife has been a true example of the value Everclime can bring. From funding a new coral tank to supporting wildlife conservation efforts, the impact we’ve achieved together is making a real impact. Thank you to everyone involved for making this collaboration such a success. We can’t wait to see what’s next!"
Coral Reef Tank funded by UniSport's donations to the Forever Reef Project
Through Everclime’s platform, students were able to select which charity they wanted to support, with UniSport donating $5 for each selection. Forever Reef will use the funds to help restore and protect fragile coral reef ecosystems. Forever Reef Managing Director Dr. Dean Miller added, “Forever Reef is proud to be selected as one of UniSport Australia Impact Partners for this year’s Nationals event in Canberra. We are deeply grateful for UniSport’s ongoing support in promoting sustainability and environmental awareness among students. Together, we’re inspiring the next generation to take action and protect our oceans for the future. Thank you, UniSport, for being a crucial part of this journey.”
Click here to watch Forever Reef’s video reaction.
The ACT Wildlife Centre, which rehabilitates injured and orphaned wildlife in the Canberra region, also expressed its gratitude. "ACT Wildlife would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to UniSport Australia and their student community for their incredible support. Thanks to your generous contribution, we are excited to announce the development of a new enclosure that will provide a safe and natural habitat for our rescued wildlife. This enclosure will play a vital role in rehabilitating animals and helping them on their journey back to the wild. Your commitment to conservation and the protection of our native species is deeply appreciated, and together, we are making a real difference for wildlife in the ACT" ACT WIldlife President Yana DeValle said.
A vital component of this project was the involvement of the Student Advisory Committee (SAC), consisting of three student leaders who helped guide the initiative and ensure the sustainability goals were met. Jamie Park, a SAC member from the University of Sydney, reflected on the experience, saying, "One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was how actively our opinions were valued and integrated. Being involved in shaping impactful initiatives like the ACT Wildlife Centre and Forever Reef projects was an incredible experience, and I feel proud of the difference we’ve made."
Other members of the SAC also shared their thoughts. Alex Chua, from Curtin University in Western Australia, noted, "Projects like this go beyond sport—they foster a sense of social and environmental responsibility among athletes and students. It was inspiring to see how our efforts could contribute to meaningful, long-term change."
Luke McBride, also from Curtin University, echoed this sentiment, saying, "It was a rewarding experience to learn how sustainability projects operate on such a deep level. This project demonstrated how events like Nationals can make a lasting impact on the local community and environment."
2024 UniSport Nationals Participants
The broader student population also showed enthusiastic support for the initiative. "There was a genuine sense of pride in being part of something bigger than just the sports competition," Park added. "We’re contributing to sustainability efforts that will have lasting impacts, and that’s something we can all be proud of."
As UniSport Australia continues to lead the way in integrating sustainability into student sport, this initiative is just the beginning. "Sustainability and conservation are daily responsibilities, and through projects like this, we’re showing that student-athletes can be champions of environmental action," said Park.
UniSport Nationals 2024 concluded in Canberra on 13 September 2024 with The University of Sydney taking home the overall national championship. Canberra was a fantastic host city and partner to the event, getting behind our athletes, the event and the initiatives connected to Nationals 2024.
About UniSport
UniSport Australia (UniSport) is the peak body for university sport in Australia, representing 42 member universities and a population of over one million students. UniSport’s mission is to become an integral partner of Australian universities by delivering outstanding student experiences through national intervarsity sports competitions. UniSport is also committed to advocating for the value of sport in enhancing the student experience.
For more information: www.unisport.com.au
Media Contact:
Damian Murphy
GM: Marketing & Communications
UniSport Australia
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