UNSW's 75th anniversary celebrated with alumni and partners in Fiji

A UNSW Engineering 75^th Anniversary event, held in Fiji on 9 December, attracted 50 attendees including alumni, representatives from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and project partners.

The Fiji event was a celebration of UNSW’s 75^th Anniversary as well as an evening of connection, inspiration, and insights. Among the attendees were representatives from Project Halophyte—a pioneering collaboration between UNSW Sydney, the University of the South Pacific and Swire Shipping that seeks to re-instate natural tidal flows and revitalise local mangrove ecosystems on Viti Levu, Fiji.

UNSW Associate Professor and Humanitarian Engineering Lead Andrew Dansie presented on the project, highlighting the partnership approach and the anticipated environmental, social, and economic outcomes that will improve lives and livelihoods in Fiji.

He said, “It was so enjoyable to attend the event and share some insights on what the next 5+ years of UNSW collaboration in Fiji will be through Project Halo."

"Hearing the stories of UNSW alumni and meeting so many impressive individuals at the event was a real highlight of the night and speaks to the long and productive relationship UNSW has with Pacific Institutions and Countries.”

Following A/Prof Dansie’s presentation, UNSW Business alumni Lorraine Seeto spoke about her career journey after graduating with a Master of Commerce from UNSW and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Accounting from the University of the South Pacific. She shared some of her career highlights, including becoming the first female executive at the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF), her role as Director on several boards, her community involvement and her contributions being recognised through the Woman in Business Award—a lifetime achievement award from the Fiji Institute of Bankers—and Fiji’s 50th Independence Commemorative Medal.

Also in the spotlight were UNSW Engineering’s many strategic initiatives that aim to drive positive change and support economic growth across the Pacific region.