We’re excited to share and celebrate a meaningful new partnership between the Indigenous Education Foundation (IEF) and the LPDP University of Melbourne Association (LUnA) — a vibrant student association representing over 800 Indonesian graduate and postgraduate students currently studying in Melbourne.

A team of dedicated volunteers from the LPDP University of Melbourne Association (LUnA) supporting B-Alternative and IEF at a reusables program held at the Queen Victoria Market from July – September. Photo credit: LUnA

LUnA has a strong tradition of organising academic, cultural, and social programs that strengthen community bonds and create positive impact beyond the university. This spirit of contribution has naturally aligned with IEF’s mission to support Indigenous-led cultural and ecological education initiatives across Indonesia.

Over the past few months, around 20 students from the LUnA network have generously volunteered their time at sustainability-focused events supported by B-Alternative across Melbourne. These have included the Queen Victoria Market Reusables Program, running weekly since July at the QVM Circular Economy Precinct in partnership with Streat; and, most recently, the Groove & Graze Festival in Glen Eira.

The LUnA team volunteering in support of B-Alternative and IEF at the Glen Eira Groove & Graze Festival. Photo credit: LUnA

LPDP University of Melbourne Association (LUnA) volunteers at the Queen Victoria Market reusables program. Photo credit: LUnA

This collaboration has already had a twofold impact: not only have LUnA students contributed to reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable future at large public events, but the volunteer funding raised has also helped support our Indigenous-led education partners in Indonesia — the Ranu Welum Foundation and the Suku Mentawai Foundation (Yayasan Pendidikan Budaya Mentawai). Their work in preserving and strengthening cultural and ecological knowledge is vital for current and future generations.

We are deeply grateful to LUnA for their dedication, enthusiasm, and generosity, and we look forward to growing this partnership together.

More great volunteer opportunities are ahead via IEF, B-Alternative, and other collaborative initiatives. Stay tuned — and thank you for being part of this journey.