Faculty of Education students driving sustainability from the ground up

What began as a small group of passionate graduate researchers has grown into one of the Faculty of Education's dynamic student-led initiatives.

From climate learning festivals and clothing swaps to cross-university partnerships and international collaboration, the Sustainability Brigade is building a vibrant culture of sustainability through collective action.

Established in 2025, the Sustainability Brigade empowers graduate researchers and students to contribute to the Faculty's sustainability goals through research, teaching, community engagement and practical action.

Rather than viewing sustainability solely through an environmental lens, the Sustainability Brigade embraces a broader vision that connects climate action with education and social justice to embed sustainable thinking into everyday Faculty life.

Sustainability in action

For Sustainability Brigade Lead and PhD candidate Camille Rose Carl Mendoza, the group's success lies in creating spaces where people can learn together, collaborate and take meaningful action to build climate change and sustainability awareness through education.

"Everyone is equal in terms of sustainability endeavours," Camille said. "It's good to establish the space where graduate researchers can share their experiences, their expertise and their voices."

Through practical initiatives, creative events and collaborative partnerships, the Sustainability Brigade is demonstrating how grassroot action can inspire meaningful change. One of the most visible initiatives is an annual Clothes Swap, encouraging students and staff to rethink fast fashion while extending the life of clothing.

"When people realise that climate change is personal, those emotions can become paralysing. Through the Sustainability Brigade, people are able to share those stories, build awareness, but at the same time be empowered to channel those emotions into collective forms of action."

Camille’s leadership has recently been recognised through the University of Melbourne Wattle Fellowship, a year-long program supporting aspiring student sustainability leaders, perfectly aligning with the Sustainability Brigade’s ambitions.

“Young people are at the forefront of efforts to build a more sustainable future, both in Australia and globally, and their voices matter,” said Associate Professor Jason Beech, Assistant Dean Sustainability. “Through initiatives like the Sustainability Brigade, students help shape our Faculty’s response to sustainability challenges in education. We value their leadership and support their contributions and guidance.”

Building partnerships

Now in its second year, the Sustainability Brigade has expanded beyond the University of Melbourne, launching the Interinstitutional Sustainability and Education Network.

Recognising that complex challenges require collective responses, an Interinstitutional Sustainability Seminar Series has been introduced, bringing together graduate researchers and students from the University of Melbourne, Deakin University and RMIT University. Delivered in a hybrid format, the seminars have attracted participants from countries including the Philippines and India.

“We should not work in silos. There is always power and benefit in working collectively towards a common goal,” said Camille. “Our common goal is to create spaces, create conversations, and create collective actions in a way through the network.”

The seminars have already featured speakers from multiple universities and research backgrounds, creating opportunities for emerging researchers to learn from established sustainability experts while building lasting professional networks.

The Brigade has also played a role helping to deliver the SWISP: From Distraction to Action: Climate Learning Festival, bringing together educators, researchers and students to explore creative approaches to climate education.

The festival encouraged participants to move beyond feelings of overwhelm and consider how education can empower individuals and communities to respond positively to climate change. One outcome of the festival will be a policy recommendation youth statement submission to United Nations demonstrating how education can translate dialogue into action.

While individual events have generated enthusiasm, the Brigade's greatest achievement may be the culture it is helping to create. These initiatives demonstrate that sustainability is not simply about reducing environmental impact, but about building relationships, fostering hope and creating opportunities for collective learning.

Education for a sustainable future

For Camille, whose PhD explores how young people influence climate change education policy, the Sustainability Brigade also demonstrates the important role education plays in addressing global sustainability challenges.

“There are so many ways to mitigate and address sustainability issues, and I believe education is the best place to start,” said Camille. “If people are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need, awareness could translate into meaningful sustainability action.”

Enthusiasm from students has exceeded expectations. Camille believes the key is making sustainability inclusive and accessible and hopes future student leaders will continue to expand the Brigade's reach and empower more students to develop their own sustainability projects.

“The Faculty of Education is committed to being a global leader in education for sustainability,” said Associate Professor Beech. “Our research spans global partnerships and local work with schools and communities, while sustainability is increasingly embedded across our teaching.”

“The Sustainability Brigade brings an important student voice to this work that helps drive our shared goal of creating an education that contributes to a more sustainable and equitable future,” said Associate Professor Beech.

As the Brigade continues to grow, it demonstrates that meaningful sustainability doesn't always begin with large-scale programs or policy change. Sometimes it starts with students sharing ideas, swapping clothes, building networks and creating spaces where collective action can flourish.

If you are interested in joining the Sustainability Brigade, you can email Camille Rose Carl Mendoza.