Griffith University has again been recognised as a Millennium Fellowship Campus by the United Nations Academic Impact and Millennium Campus Network, marking the fifth consecutive year.
The 2025 intake welcomed 18 Millennium Fellows, the highest number ever appointed to the prestigious global leadership program at Griffith, with students joining from Brisbane South (Nathan) and Gold Coast campuses.
The achievement placed Griffith amongst just four per cent of universities selected worldwide from more than 7,500 applicants, which made Griffith the only Millennium Fellowship Campus in Australia and Oceania.
Vice Chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans said the designation reflected Griffith’s values and purpose.
“We are proud to support our students as they lead innovative projects that contribute to a sustainable and inclusive world,” Professor Evans said.
“Their work exemplifies Griffith values and the transformative power of education.”
The Millennium Fellowship is a semester-long leadership development initiative which empowers undergraduate students to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through student-led social impact projects.
Fellows receive world-class training, mentorship, and access to a global network of changemakers.
With projects spanning health, sustainability, equity and innovation, the 2025 Millennium Fellows are set to make a lasting impact on campus, in communities, and across borders.
Student Academy of Excellence Manager Rhys Cooper said the continued recognition demonstrated the University’s deep commitment to social impact and student leadership.
“Our students are passionate, driven, and ready to take action on the issues that matter,” Mr Cooper said.
“From climate resilience and mental health to food security and inclusive education, the 2025 cohort underscores the power of purpose-led learning and the strength of our community.”
Amongst the 2025 Fellows, Ashley Edgar is in the final year of a Bachelor of Arts (Chinese Language) and Bachelor of Business (Sustainable Business) and is committed to creating positive change and driving sustainability.
“I’m passionate about social enterprises and helping businesses integrate ethical and environmentally responsible practices into their operations,” Ms Edgar said.
“I hope to use my Chinese language skills to build meaningful connections and apply my cross-cultural understanding to strengthen international collaboration in sustainability.
“My group’s Millennium Fellowship project is the Sustainability Database, which focuses on helping consumers make more informed and sustainable choices.
“The database categorises businesses and highlights the sustainable actions they take, making it easier for people to shop consciously and support responsible brands.
“The goal is to empower consumers with knowledge and encourage businesses to be more transparent and accountable about their sustainability efforts.”
Congratulations to the 2025 Millennium Fellows who are leading the following projects:
The Prevention Project aims to remove barriers to healthcare by making it accessible to the community through local markets in the Gold Coast region.
- Lindsey White (Gold Coast campus director)
Money Matters @ Griffith aims to create an accessible financial literacy platform to help university students with clear, easy-to-understand and relevant information.
- Riley Sonter (Brisbane South (Nathan) campus director)
Sustainability Database aims to promote business transparency to help consumers make informed decisions about products and services.
- Ashley Edgar (Brisbane South (Nathan) campus director)
- Marcus Chandler
Conserve and Connect aims to connect Griffith students with local Landcare and Coastcare volunteer groups to promote social connection, and mental and physical health.
- Ayaka Dunn (Gold Coast campus director)
- Bianca Thatcher
- Luca Foley
- Natalia Drazek
- Sarah Mahoney
- Zara Hallett
Harmony in Health aims to improve access to music education and essential supplies for schools in lower socioeconomic areas through the Griffith University orchestra.
- Chinara Lau
Big Sister aims to connect young women from refugee and migrant backgrounds with mentors who possess the skills and experience to guide them through challenges such as education and work.
- Elizabeth Thomas
Period Positivity Project aims to address period poverty by educating university students and raising funds for student access to free period products.
- Jenny Cheng
Language Without Borders aims to improve global cultural integration through a free language exchange and conversation program for young migrants and international students.
- Ching Hon Nicholas Fung
Cultivating Community aims to address physical and mental health through the establishment of a community garden shared by aged care residents and students in low socioeconomic schools.
- Lexi Helios
Clean Water and Bright Minds aims to address community water quality and water shortage through community education and collaboration with government and non-government organisations.
- Sher Khan
Griffith Repair Network aims to promote a repair culture as a solution to overconsumption by teaching repair skills and providing repair resources such as repair kits and online repair tutorials.
- Ashleigh Lawrence
Alphabet Soup aims to promote literacy in rural schools through storytelling and literacy workshops.
- Ashley Leatch
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Carolyn Evans
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