Sustainable Development Goals at our University
In 2019, we signed the University Commitment which recognises the significant scope of work needed to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the important role university communities play in reaching these goals. We are committed to sustainability for ourselves, our surrounding communities, and the world.
The SDGs offer a shared framework for all levels of government, businesses, community groups and education organisations to prioritise action between 2015 to 2030, across environmental, socio-cultural and economic sustainability.
How we measure our impact for the SDGs
We use the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings (previously Impact Rankings) and other frameworks, such as the Sustainability Tracking Assessment and Rating System (STARS), to measure our progress towards sustainability. The THE Impact Ratings aim to evaluate university performance in relation to the SDGs.
SDG3 Good Health and Well-being
Good Health and Well-being aims to ensure good health, including sexual, reproductive and mental health and promote wellbeing for all. This can be achieved through proactively reducing birth-related and young children’s deaths, combating communicable diseases (including epidemics), reducing mortality from non-communicable diseases, accidents and pollution, and preventing and treating substance abuse. Ensuring access to quality essential health care information, services and medicines are key to achieve this goal..
Our University works with government and communities to improve the health and wellbeing of Tasmanians, and from Tasmania to the world, through medical research; educating future and current health workforce; improving quality and sustainability of healthcare and health systems; increasing educational attainment and health literacy; and addressing social inequities, local and global environmental challenges, and planetary health. The University recognises that Indigenous views of health include relationships to lands and waters, and health of Country.
Collaborations and health services
Current collaborations with health institutions
The University of Tasmania maintains active collaborations with local, national and global health institutions to improve health and wellbeing outcomes through research translation, clinical partnerships, health workforce development and community health initiatives. These collaborations include partnerships with the Tasmanian Department of Health, Primary Health Tasmania, Health Consumers Tasmania, the Australian Health Research Alliance, the MS International Federation and numerous healthcare providers and research organisations across Australia and internationally.
For example, the University is a partner of the Tasmanian Collaboration for Health Improvement (TCHI). TCHI is a key partnership between Primary Health Tasmania, the Department of Health, the University of Tasmania, as well as with other health service providers, community organisations and local government, to promote evidence-based health promotion and care for all Tasmanians. They seek to address health challenges, and respond to emerging health issues, using innovative, research-informed approaches, leveraging the advantages of collaborative effort. TCHI connects and supports health researchers, clinicians and the community to deliver rapid improvements in healthcare and health outcomes for all Tasmanians. They also work closely with accredited and emerging national Research Translation Centres through the Australia Health Research Alliance AHRA.
In 2025, the University of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Department of Health renewed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration in healthcare education, workforce development, research, innovation and service planning. Through joint governance arrangements and collaborative projects, the partnership aims to improve health outcomes for Tasmanians, particularly in regional and rural communities. Under the MoU, the parties have agreed to work together on joint initiatives across the following focus areas:
- Workforce development and planning – including training, recruitment and retention of staff, with a particular focus on rural and remote areas.
- Research and innovation – including leveraging collective research capability to inform the development of health policy and health service planning.
- Human resources, including to identify and foster connections of people across both organisations to share and generate knowledge.
- Infrastructure, including to identify common and shared infrastructure opportunities to foster collaboration and maximise the use of buildings, space, equipment and expertise.
The University entered a formal partnership with Primary Health Tasmania in 2025 to advance primary healthcare capacity and health system improvement. The agreement supports collaborative research, workforce development, postgraduate placements and health system reform activities, strengthening efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of Tasmanians. Over the next three years, the agreement will focus on exploring and progressing opportunity for: upskilling University and Primary Health Tasmania staff in a range of areas including data, research, health economics and healthcare redesign; placements at Primary Health Tasmania for post-graduate students; and collaborating on a range of health system reform activities.
Furthermore, the Tasmanian Data Linkage Unit (TDLU) was established in 2010 along with other data linkage units across Australia, with funding from the Australian Government, to support nationally and internationally significant population-based research that will improve health and health-related well-being as well as enhancing the delivery of health and community care services in Tasmania and the rest of Australia.
The University also collaborates with national and international researchers and institutions through its research centres, such as the Wicking Dementia Centre and the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, to improve health and well-being outcomes locally and globally. For example, Menzies Institute has developed a free online course to improve people’s understanding of multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis and impact in collaboration with the MS International Federation and with support from MS Australia and MS Plus. In addition, the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre collaborates nationally with Dementia Support Australia through the Dementia Respite Education and Mentoring (DREAM) program. This initiative provides education, mentoring and professional development for aged care workers across Australia, improving dementia care practices and quality of life for people living with dementia and their carers.
Health outreach programs
The University of Tasmania delivers a diverse range of health outreach programmes that improve health and wellbeing outcomes across Tasmanian communities. These initiatives address health literacy, healthy lifestyles, mental health, child and family wellbeing, dementia care, preventative health and community capacity building, while providing opportunities for students, health professionals and community members to work together to improve population health.
One example is the HealthLit4Kids program, which brings together schools, families, educators and health professionals to improve health literacy among children and their communities. The program supports positive health and educational outcomes, empowers children and families to make informed health decisions, and contributes to reducing health inequities. Activities span a wide range of health and wellbeing topics, including nutrition, physical activity, mental wellbeing and healthy lifestyles, with schools adapting projects to local community needs.
The University's CAPITOL (Critical Age Periods in the Trajectory of Obesogenic Lifestyles) program works directly with communities on Tasmania's North West Coast to address one of Australia's most significant public health challenges: overweight and obesity. Through partnerships with schools, families, sporting organisations, health professionals and community groups, CAPITOL develops and evaluates community-led health promotion initiatives focused on healthy eating, physical activity and the social determinants of health. The program includes projects addressing school food environments, kitchen garden programs, family nutrition, physical activity participation and healthy development during the first 1000 days of life.
The University also supports child and family wellbeing through programs such as the Kids and Families Program and Teddy Bear Hospital. The Kids and Families Program connects medical students with local families over an extended period, promoting understanding of child development, parenting, family health, preventative health and wellbeing. The Teddy Bear Hospital outreach program engages young children in interactive activities focused on healthcare, hygiene, exercise, healthy lifestyles and preventative health. By helping children become familiar with healthcare settings in a fun and supportive environment, the program promotes early health awareness and reduces anxiety about accessing healthcare.
Mental health and wellbeing are supported through the University Psychology Clinic, which provides accessible psychological services to Tasmanians through both face-to-face and telehealth delivery. The clinic offers evidence-based support for conditions including anxiety, depression, stress, sleep difficulties, grief, relationship challenges and adjustment to chronic health conditions. By improving access to mental healthcare across the state, including regional communities, the clinic contributes directly to community wellbeing while also training future psychologists.
The University additionally collaborates with external organisations to deliver health education and health promotion activities. Through partnership with the Tasmanian Department of Health, the University supports community education on sexual health, including relationships, sexuality and sexual health for young people. Initiatives delivered through the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, including community dementia education and caregiver support programs, further contribute to healthy ageing, improved quality of life and increased support for people living with dementia and their carers.
Together, these programmes deliver health outreach activities that improve health literacy, promote healthy behaviours, support mental and physical wellbeing, strengthen community capacity and contribute to better health outcomes across Tasmania.
Shared sports facilities
https://www.utas.edu.au/community-and-partners/community-programs/unigym#timetables
Sexual and reproductive health care services for students
The University of Tasmania provides students with access to sexual and reproductive health support through its counselling and wellbeing services, Student Safety and Wellbeing team, and referral pathways to specialist health providers.
Students can access free, confidential support relating to sexual wellbeing, safety, respectful relationships, and experiences of sexual assault or sexual harassment through the University's counselling services, the Student Safety and Wellbeing team and the Safe and Fair Community Unit (SaFCU).
The University also supports reproductive health through the Tasmanian University Student Association (TUSA)'s Birth Control Subsidy program, which assists students with contraception costs, and through provision of free condoms and menstrual products. Additionally, TUSA and Student Advocates have partnered with the University to install free period product dispensers in campus bathrooms across various locations.
The University works collaboratively with the Department of Health to provide information about sexual relationships and sexuality education, general sexual health and sexuality for University students and other young people beyond the University. Students are further able to access Tasmania's statewide Sexual Health Service for STI testing and treatment, contraception advice, HIV prevention services, gender-affirming care and broader sexual and reproductive healthcare.
Further support is available through the University's Ally Network, which provides a visible and inclusive support network for students of diverse sexualities, sexes and gender identities. Allies act as informed and supportive points of contact, helping students access appropriate advice, services and resources where required, including in relation to sexual and reproductive health-care services.
Mental health support for students
The University is committed to supporting student mental health and wellbeing by creating an environment where all students feel supported, connected and empowered to thrive throughout their studies. Central to this approach is ensuring students can access the right support at the right time, recognising that mental health and academic success are closely connected. Through a range of proactive initiatives, programs and resources, the University seeks to reduce barriers to participation and success, promote positive mental health and wellbeing, and foster a supportive and inclusive student experience. This includes providing accessible mental health and wellbeing services, opportunities for social connection, and resources that build resilience and confidence.
The University of Tasmania is committed to supporting student mental health and wellbeing through a comprehensive range of preventative, early-intervention and responsive support services. The University recognises that wellbeing is fundamental to student success and provides access to professional counselling, wellbeing programs, crisis support, specialist referrals and self-help resources designed to help students thrive throughout their studies. These services are available to support students experiencing academic pressures, personal challenges, mental health concerns or broader wellbeing issues.
A key component of the University's support framework is its free and confidential Counselling and Wellbeing Service. Students can access professional counselling both in person and online, ensuring support is available regardless of study mode or location. Experienced counsellors provide assistance with academic, personal and mental health concerns and can help students navigate external healthcare systems and connect with specialist mental health providers where longer-term or more intensive support is needed.
The University actively promotes positive mental health and wellbeing through a range of preventative initiatives, events and resources. Students have access to various wellbeing programs and resources such as mindfulness sessions, wellbeing workshops, interactive webinars, resilience-building activities and self-help resources focused on stress management, relaxation, social connection and healthy coping strategies. Mental health promotion is embedded within broader student engagement and support activities, encouraging students to seek support early and develop the skills needed to maintain their wellbeing throughout their studies.
Recognising that students may require support beyond standard business hours, the University provides access to a dedicated University Crisis Line. This free service is available after hours, on weekends and public holidays, connecting students with qualified crisis support workers who can provide immediate assistance, support during periods of acute distress and referrals to appropriate ongoing services. The University also signposts students to external mental health and crisis-support services, ensuring help is available whenever it is needed.
Students are further supported through the University's Student Safety and Wellbeing service, which provides free and confidential advice, wellbeing support and referral pathways for students experiencing mental health concerns, personal difficulties, financial hardship, safety issues or other challenges affecting their university experience. Drawing on expertise in social work, psychology, counselling and human services, the service provides person-centred support and assists students in connecting with appropriate internal and external services.
Together, these services demonstrate the University's commitment to all aspects of student mental health support by actively promoting positive mental wellbeing, providing free access to professional counselling and crisis services, and connecting students with specialised external mental health care when required. Through this integrated approach, the University seeks to ensure that all students have access to timely, appropriate and effective mental health support throughout their educational journey. By responding to students' diverse needs and circumstances, the University aims to create the conditions in which every student has the opportunity to succeed, both academically and personally.
Smoke-free policy
https://www.utas.edu.au/sustainability/smoke-free
Mental health support for staff
The University of Tasmania is committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all staff through a comprehensive suite of prevention, early intervention and support services. Staff have access to a range of confidential mental health resources, professional counselling services, wellbeing programs, peer support networks and training opportunities designed to promote positive mental health and provide assistance when challenges arise. These services are available to staff regardless of whether they are experiencing a diagnosed mental health condition, a temporary period of stress, or simply seeking to strengthen their wellbeing.
A cornerstone of the University's support framework is its Employee Assistance Program (EAP),
which provides staff with free and confidential access to professional counselling and mental health support. The program extends beyond counselling to include career coaching, family counselling, financial coaching, nutrition and lifestyle advice, legal guidance, physiotherapy, online wellbeing resources and wellbeing webinars. From 2026 the University extended the number of EAP providers from one to three to provide more choice and flexibility to staff.
Staff are also able to access additional mental health support through external pathways, including the Australian Government's Better Access initiative, UniSuper's Mental Wellness services, and psychological care provided through the University Psychology Clinic. These services ensure staff have access to both free and subsidised professional mental health support when required.
The University actively promotes mental wellbeing across its workforce through dedicated wellbeing resources, awareness initiatives, training programs and peer-support networks. Staff can engage with Mental Health First Aid Officers who provide confidential guidance and signposting to appropriate services, while a range of mental health and wellbeing training opportunities help build awareness, confidence and skills for supporting colleagues and creating mentally healthy workplaces. The University also facilitates ongoing learning through mental health networks and staff development activities focused on wellbeing and resilience.
Recognising the important role of workplace culture in mental wellbeing, the University has established a psychosocial safety framework to help identify, manage and prevent work-related factors that may negatively affect mental health. Staff can access guidance on psychosocial hazards, utilise dedicated reporting pathways for psychosocial safety concerns, and receive support through Behaviour Contact Officers and People and Wellbeing Business Partners. Leaders are provided with specialised resources, training and coaching to help them effectively support staff wellbeing, manage psychosocial risks and foster psychologically safe working environments.
The University's commitment to mental wellbeing is embedded within a broader culture of health promotion and staff wellbeing. This includes wellbeing initiatives, mental health training programs, Mental Health First Aid training, wellbeing events and resources that encourage staff to proactively maintain their psychological health and seek support early when needed. Together, these measures ensure that staff have access to comprehensive mental health support, clear referral pathways and a workplace environment that actively promotes positive mental wellbeing.