Cathy Walker is the Sustainability Projects Officer based at Cradle Coast campus and coordinates the TUSA food hub programs.
On Tuesdays Cathy collects fresh food donations from Farm It Forward including boxes of potatoes and fresh greens for donation to students. Between 30-40 students access the program each week. Any leftover food, Cathy donates to City Mission for people in need. On Wednesdays, Cathy hosts the breakfast club for students providing free breakfast foods.
Cathy is a proud Tasmanian who has provided some reflections on her University of Tasmania journey.
Cathy's journey – From Flinders Island to Cradle Coast Campus
I grew up on Flinders Island, never imagining that I would one day go to university. After moving to the “Big Island” (Tassie) in 2005, my family and I lived in a few different places before settling on the North-West Coast in 2013.
My grandmother, who was always a great supporter and a true sustainability queen, inspired me to give university a go. Being the first in my family to attend, I was a little nervous, but the moment I stepped onto the Cradle Coast Campus I felt right at home. Everyone was so welcoming, and I knew straight away that I wanted to be part of this community—so I started volunteering wherever I could.
My UTAS journey began with the University Preparation Program, followed by a Bachelor of Arts, before I switched to the Associate Degree in Applied Business (Tourism and Events) in 2015. Along the way, I took on several student roles and in 2017 was elected Cradle Coast Campus President for the TUU (now TUSA). I later became the Student Insight and Experience Officer, where I first got involved in the UTAS Green Impact Program.
That’s where my passion for sustainability and student food security really grew. Working with a local community organisation, we launched Produce to the Students, providing free fresh food and pantry items each week. Our team was proud to be named Green Impact overall winners several years in a row, and I was honoured to receive the Australasian Campuses Toward Sustainability (ACTS) Staff Champion Award in 2020.
The Green Impact program also introduced me to the UTAS Sustainability Team—where I’m lucky enough to work today. Being part of this inspiring group has been a privilege, and I’ve gained so much knowledge and experience through our projects.
This year, I’ve been working with the Sustainability Team and the amazing TUSA Food Hub Coordinator, Kim, to open the TUSA Food Hub for students at Cradle Coast Campus. Since opening in May supported by amazing volunteers, we’ve distributed more than 2,200 kilograms of donated fresh produce and affordable pantry items to students, with any leftovers going to the Burnie City Mission Kitchen to help feed those in need.
Studying at Cradle Coast has been one of the highlights of my life. It’s given me valuable skills, lifelong friendships, and a deepened passion for sustainability and food security. I’m so proud to be part of a community that truly cares for both people and planet.
If you are a member of the University of Tasmania community and would like tell us your story, contact us at alumni.office@utas.edu.au.
Image top right: Cathy Walker