Student volunteer recognised at UniSport Australia Awards

James was awarded the most outstanding contribution by student volunteer and accepted the club leadership award on behalf of the RMIT Surf Club at the UniSport Australia Awards held in Adelaide during National Volunteer Week, in Adelaide.

What originated as a way to give back to the sports and hobbies he loves, through his volunteer experience James has turned his personal passions into exciting and productive opportunities that have helped build his experience outside the classroom.

Through the Surf Club James has helped get the RMIT community involved in surfing, and has raised funds for people with a disability to get in the water, as well as for remote communities in the Indo-Pacific to provide access to clean drinking water and sanitary items.

“One standout moment was organising the Surf Club’s first charity gig night - an event that featured local musicians and raised funds for accessible surfing. It’s an experience I cherish and think about often,” James said.

“Another was leading the panel on Sustainability at the 2024 Port Phillip Youth Summit.”

Currently in his second year of a double degree in Environmental Science and Environment and Society at RMIT, James hopes to work in environmental conservation, specifically focusing on creating and restoring nature corridors within urban spaces.

“I chose my area of study because I have a deep passion for protecting and restoring ecosystems, and I want to help shape sustainable urban environments.”

Outside of the Surf Club and his studies, James runs Wattle, a youth-led environmental charity focused on urban rewilding and environmental education.

Currently, volunteers are co-managing a site along the Yarra River (Birrarung) in Burnley, where they're re-establishing a variety of native trees and shrubs to encourage the formation of a nature corridor in the area. 

“My ambition is to help reconnect people with nature and create thriving green spaces that benefit both the environment and the community,” 

There are plenty of ways to explore volunteering opportunities at RMIT. Go to Volunteering to find available opportunities and learn about how to get recognition for your volunteering experiences through RMIT Plus.