UniSC provides educational opportunities for local communities to learn about good water management through various initiatives. The university’s Integrated Water Management (IWM) approach involves collaborating with local stakeholders and communities to achieve optimal water outcomes. This includes educational programs and workshops that focus on sustainable water practices and the importance of water conservation.

UniSC offers several educational opportunities for local communities to learn about good water management:

1. Courses and programs

UniSC provides specialised courses such as the Bachelor of Environmental Management and the Bachelor of Environmental Science, which include modules on sustainable water practices and resource management. These programs equip students with the knowledge and skills to address environmental challenges, including water conservation and management. UniSC developed the online course "Life Below Water: Conservation, Current Issues, Possible Solutions" on the Future Learn platform, one of the modules focuses on water management. It has had over 2,006 people enrol since 2021.

2. Unitywater–UniSC Research partnership

UniSC’s $1.1 million collaboration with Unitywater delivers real-world water management education through:

• Student scholarships (e.g. Bright Future in Engineering, First Nations, and Women in STEM).
• Vacation work and graduate programs that place students in Unitywater projects.
• Community-focused research, such as shellfish reef trials and seagrass restoration, which demonstrate nature-based water filtration and nutrient reduction.

These initiatives connect students and the broader community with hands-on learning about sustainable water practices and infrastructure.

3. School engagement programs

UniSC runs several programs that introduce water and sustainability themes to young learners:

• MindSET-do: STEM workshops for Years 4–12 that include water-related problem-solving and environmental science.
• Explore and Emerge Programs: Help students understand career pathways in sustainability and water management through guided activities and competitions.
• Buranga Centre Programs: For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, these programs connect cultural knowledge with environmental stewardship, including water and land care.

4. Integrated Water Management education

UniSC’s Integrated Water Management (IWM) Plan is not only a sustainability strategy but also an educational tool:

• It demonstrates how campuses can use fit-for-purpose water sources (e.g. lake water for cooling, rainwater for toilets).
• The plan is shared with stakeholders and used in community consultations, helping locals understand how water systems can be designed for conservation and reuse.

5. Community-facing sustainability initiatives

• UniSC’s Office of Engagement facilitates partnerships with councils, schools, and community organisations to promote environmental education.
• Public access to UniSC’s campus tours, art gallery, and events often includes sustainability themes, including water conservation.

Summary

UniSC’s sustainability efforts in the community are reflected in engagement and education about water management. This showcases the university’s commitment to promoting sustainable behaviours and environmental stewardship among local communities.

More information 

• • Bachelor of Environmental Management
  • Life Below Water: Conservation, Current issues, Possible solutions
  • Sustainability week
  • UniSC and Unitywater Research Agreement
  • UniSC MindSet-do Program