The Award celebrates contributions to Melbourne that will leave a lasting legacy, with the University being recognised for its significant contribution and commitment to the design, cultural offerings, accessibility, greening, and sustainability of Melbourne as a global city, through its learning and teaching, research and operational activities.
RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President Martin Bean CBE welcomed the acknowledgement and attributed the University’s achievements to a range of significant projects and initiatives undertaken over many years.
“The people of RMIT are passionate about Melbourne and about creating a legacy of education, inclusion and innovation,” he said.
“As a University we’re committed to improving the lived experience of our urban environment and I’m proud that this is evidenced in so many of our projects and initiatives.
“It’s an honour to be recognised by the Committee for Melbourne.”
Contributions recognised by the Award included the New Academic Street which created open, green spaces and better facilities for students, staff and the public; the Melbourne Innovation District partnership to develop a world-class urban district that supports next-generation Melbourne; the Urban Precincts Program which has significantly reduced the University’s greenhouse gas emissions and water usage; a commitment to embedding the Sustainable Development Goal Agenda into all of its practices; and a vision and active participation in reconciliation.
Committee for Melbourne CEO, Martine Letts congratulated RMIT for its considerable and positive impact on the Greater Melbourne future economy, infrastructure and sustainability, urban optimisation and liveability.
Letts also praised RMIT’s recent Melbourne initiatives and COVID-19 response.
“Working with the City of Melbourne, Victorian Government and community organisations, RMIT expanded its financial hardship support for students affected by the pandemic,” she said.
“RMIT also has a direct presence in Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong and Europe, supporting our teams and students through this time, and building strong future connections between Victoria and other parts of the world.”
Story: Kate Milkins and Belinda Anson
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