Working towards sustainability through connection and collaboration with the wider community
The EcoCentre has been developed as an environmental education hub by fostering partnerships and strategic alliances with external organisations in the promotion of sustainable development and environmental education.
The Centre, as an element of Griffith Sciences, engages with all members of our community, global, national, local, Federal, State and Local Government agencies, industry and with an extensive list of environmentally focused community groups.
Building strong relationships with Griffith University staff and students, and external organisations is vital to the success of the EcoCentre. The EcoCentre staff have developed strong links with a long list of organisations, ensuring that the high profile in the community is maintained. The relationships—formal and informal—create opportunities for both the EcoCentre and Griffith University to expand their profile.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
As a multifaceted facility, the EcoCentre connects with the community through a wide range of activities including:
- partnerships
- strategic alliances
- Environmental hub
- community forums and seminars
- social media (Facebook page)
- outreach programs
- school visits
- tours and information sharing through community forums and displays
- EcoCentre conference and venue hire
- consultancy
- joint venture projects.
PARTNERSHIPS
The following organisations operate within the Griffith EcoCentre:
TOOHEY FOREST ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTRE
Toohey Forest Environmental Education Centre is a Department of Education, Training and Employment facility located in the sustainably designed EcoCentre. The facility is located in the Nathan Campus, approximately ten kilometres south of the Brisbane CBD, surrounded by the natural backdrop of Toohey Forest.
AUSTRALASIAN CAMPUSES TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY
ACTS is a non-profit member based organisation representing higher and further education institutions within Australia and New Zealand. ACTS aims to inspire, promote and support change towards best practice sustainability within the operations, curriculum and research of the tertiary education sector. The EcoCentre is the home of ACTS.
UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA (QLD)
The UNAA (QLD) work to connect the Queensland community, government and other stakeholders to the UN and the global network of UN Associations. They operate at a state level to achieve positive change in support of the charter, aims and ideals of the United Nations.
COMMUNITY GROUPS
- 350.org
- Australian Conservation Foundation
- Australian Earth Laws Alliance
- Australian Koala Foundation
- Australian Rainforest Conservation Society
- Bayside Creeks Catchment Group
- Beelarong Community Farm
- Beyond Zero Emissions
- Brisbane Catchments Network
- Brisbane Organic Growers Inc
- Brisbane Rainforest Action and Information Network
- Bulimba Creek Coordinating Catchment Committee
- Cubberla-Witton Catchments Network Inc
- Earth Charter
- Friends of the Earth Brisbane
- Friends of Oxley Creek Common
- Graceville Community Garden
- Green Cross Australia
- Karawatha Forest Protection Society Inc.
- Landcare Qld
- Moggill Creek Catchment Group
- Mount Gravatt Environment Group
- National Parks Association Qld
- Norman Creek Catchment Coordinating Committee Inc.
- Northey Street City Farm
- Oxley Creek Catchment Association
- Pullen Pullen Catchments Group
- Queensland Conservation Council
- Save Our Waterways Now
- Society for Growing Australian Plants
- Turnstyle
- Transition Town Initiatives
- Vera Street Community Garden Inc.
- Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland
- Wolston and Centenary Catchments Inc.
Business Groups
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
TERRACYCLE
We have partnered with US recycling and upcycling powerhouse—Terracycle—to divert specific waste streams away from landfill, while educating the students, staff and the community about waste management. This partnership is a university-wide program, beginning with the Nathan campus.
ONE TREE PER CHILD
One Tree Per Child wants to have every child planting one tree as part of a primary school activity. The project has been started by Olivia Newton-John and Jon Dee, the original founders of National Tree Day. Our aim is to get millions of children planting millions of trees.
The EcoCentre helps facilitate this program here in Queensland by liaising with local councils to provide tree planting opportunities for schools.