SDGs Showcase: ‘DRONES FOR GOOD’
On 28 October 2025, Dr Graham Doig and our industry partners, Australian UAV Service/Surf Life Saving NSW showcased “Drones for Good” at the Sustainability Development Goals event at the Roundhouse.
On 30 October 2025, UNSW School of Aviation hosted the second in our Industry Panel Discussion Series for the year, exploring the topic of Air Incident Investigation and what it takes to be a good investigator.
The aviation industry is evolving its approach to incident investigation, moving beyond purely technical expertise to embrace a broader understanding of human factors, organisational culture, and systemic issues. Our expert panelists brought diverse perspectives and real-world experience from across the globe to this important conversation, offering invaluable insights into how we can better understand what contributes to good air incident investigation and its role in evolving safety standards.
A huge thank you to our outstanding panelists Curtis Calabrese, PhD, Clare Fry, James Barnett and David Wilson for sharing their expertise and to our Head of School, Professor Brett Molesworth, for expertly guiding the discussion. These events strengthen the vital connection between industry and academia, creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue on the issues shaping aviation's future.
The Sustainable Development Goals Showcase champions changemakers across UNSW, and we're incredibly proud that our own Dr. Graham C. Doig, head of UNSW Aviation's Drone program, was among them to present his ‘Drones for Good’ showcase.
Graham partnered with our work-integrated learning and commercial experience partner, Australia UAV Service/ Surf Life Saving NSW, to demonstrate their pioneering use of drones for emergency services – including shark detection and search and rescue operations.
The highlight was a live cross connecting to a drone being flown at Port Macquarie, giving the audience a real-time view as it surveyed the beach and ocean. We saw multiple vision modes in action, including the nighttime and thermal imaging capabilities.
What can drones do for us?
Drones are increasingly taking on "dull, dirty and dangerous" jobs that are expensive or difficult for humans to perform:
🏝️ Flying medical supplies between isolated Pacific islands serving nearly 15 million people
🏖️ Supporting surf lifesaving activities to improve rescue operations in coastal areas
The impact is significant. According to the National Drowning Report, the NSW drowning rate costs the economy over $700 million annually. Around two-thirds of coastal drownings occur at unpatrolled beaches – exactly where Surf Life Saving NSW is deploying drones to provide previously unimaginable remote support.
🦈 Their shark detection program has enabled better understanding of hundreds of shark proximity events, and may help reduce harm to dolphins and turtles, hundreds of which are killed annually in current shark nets.
This is just one application of drone technology. The sky is literally the limit!
Congratulations to Graham and the Surf Life Saving NSW team for showcasing work that is directly making a difference in the lives of Australians.
