Environmentally active
When
South Australian Environment Minister John Hill visited Mawson Lakes
campus last month, he praised UniSA students for their environmental
volunteer work.
Speaking to students and staff at the Mawson Centre, Minister Hill said that because his portfolio received about 1.5 per cent of the state’s total budget, volunteers were vital and greatly appreciated.
Minister Hill’s visit to UniSA was organised by the student Environmental Management Unit (EMU), an active student club formed to promote environmental volunteering and support sustainable practice.
The group also helps students work with government and non-government organisations. Since its inception in 2004, members have been involved in a range of projects including threatened-orchid projects and surveying southern brown bandicoot and pygmy possum populations.
Volunteers have also worked on programs to, among others, reintroduce the Tamar wallaby to the Yorke Peninsula and projects to revegetate Kangaroo Island.
Based at the Mawson Lakes campus, many EMU members study environmental degrees in the School of Natural and Built Environments.
EMU president David Hunt said the club also worked side-by-side with business and industry.
“We have a keen and skilled group of volunteers who can work with industries wanting to achieve the best environmental outcomes,” Hunt said.
“The idea is that they supply the materials and EMU supplies the labour and expertise.
“This benefits everyone – businesses are able to promote their new environmental initiatives and EMU members gain experience and expand their networks and their résumés.”
Membership is open to all UniSA students and staff. For more information contact EMU president David Hunt on HUNDA003@students.unisa.edu.au or blue42@picknowl.com.au