Whether they’re using koala-detecting dogs in conservation projects or disease-detecting MRI machines in mental health work, USC researchers will be able to boost their efforts as donations roll in for the University’s fifth annual Giving Day tomorrow, Wednesday 26 May.

G-Day, which is being celebrated online, encourages people across USC’s regions to donate to an area of their choice including student support, mental health and conservation.

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Helen Bartlett thanked people inside and outside the University for already pledging to match community donations for the campaign, especially given the difficulties of the past year.

“Some of these generous pledges include $75,000 from the Sandy Michell Legacy Fund for the koala vaccine, $50,000 from the Scott Williams Foundation for student support, $10,000 from the de Chastel family for mental health and $7,000 from Jocelyn Walker across koala conservation projects,” she said.

“This means the impact of each donation will be increased thanks to the matching funds provided by the organisation or individual.

“I would also like to thank the many USC staff who have donated, as well as those who have joined USC students, alumni and Foundation Board members to register as fundraising champions.”

G-Day supporters over the past four years have changed the lives of 150 students through bursaries to assist with study-related expenses.

This year, G-Day also aims to transform lives through mental health research and services at USC’s Thompson Institute and protecting iconic animals through the Detection Dogs for Conservation and Koala Vaccine programs.