USC has won a national award for a fundraising campaign that raised almost $280,000 to find solutions for mental health challenges, help koalas devastated by bushfires and disease, and support financially disadvantaged students.

The University was presented with the award for ‘Best fundraising campaign – small team’ this week at the annual Universities Australia Marketing, Communications and Development conference.

Director of USC’s Development Office Russell Ousley said this year’s annual fundraising appeal, G-Day 2021, had helped create real changes across the community.

“Our marketing message for Giving Day was that kindness can change everything,” he said. “And thanks to the incredible generosity of USC alumni, staff, supporters and friends, we showed just what a difference we could make across three key areas of need.”

Mr Ousley said while previous campaigns had focussed solely on raising funds to help students in need complete their degrees, this year’s had included two new giving options.

“G-Day supporters could also donate to provide a lifeline of hope for Australian wildlife by funding USC's Detection Dogs for Conservation and the koala vaccine programs,” he said.

“Detection Dogs for Conservation works to protect koalas and their habitats, while USC's koala vaccine research provides an immediate solution to the devastating effects of chlamydial infections on koala populations in the wild.

“People also gave generously to support cutting-edge initiatives by USC’s Thompson Institute to find solutions for mental health issues such as suicide prevention, youth mental health and PTSD.”

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said this year’s award winners had created some fun, innovative and meaningful work and that USC’s G-Day campaign stood out for its clever use of limited resources.

“We loved how USC used data to learn from previous years and clearly defined its messages and audiences,” she said.

Mr Ousley said USC’s Development Office team had taken on a challenge this year to reinvigorate G-Day, attract new audiences and raise more money.

“By innovative expansion, smart reallocation of resources and clever communication design and planning, the team secured more pre-campaign commitments, engaged a larger audience and exceeded all targets,” he said.

“In five years, this annual giving day has innovated and evolved, with the funds raised growing tenfold.”