Thank you to all students who applied for a Student Experience Grant. We’re excited to announce the successful projects for 2025, including the recent round two recipients!
These student-led initiatives were selected for their creativity, impact and potential to enhance student life at La Trobe. From wellbeing inititives to cultural events and innovative learning and social experiences, each project reflects the passion and ideas of our student community.
Stay tuned as these initiatives come to life across our campuses!
Round one grants:
Queer Lounge Revamp
Mark and Annalise, La Trobe Queer Club
Revitalising the Queer Lounge at Bundoora with furnishings, décor and lights to create a space where queer students feel safe, connected and supported.
LMS 101 Video
Quinn, Min, Jacy, Nhat Linh (Caroline), Meghann, Ishan
LMS 101 Video aims to develop a clear, concise, and engaging explainer video series designed specifically for students unfamiliar with university digital systems – particularly the Learning Management System (LMS). This video series will serve as a scalable and accessible resource, complementing existing support and ensuring consistent messaging. The project aims to make LMS navigation simple and relatable, helping students settle into university life with confidence while reducing demand on support services during busy periods.
Check out the first video, What is the Learning Management System (LMS).
LinkUp in Cyber: Fast chats, real connections
Mary, Paige, Sohniya Women in Cybersecurity La Trobe Chapter
The LinkUp in Cyber event is designed to resemble the experience of speed networking but with professionals in the cybersecurity industry, specifically tailored for cybersecurity students. This event will encourage industry professionals to interact with La Trobe Cybersecurity and IT students. Experts from various organisations will volunteer their time to offer IT and cybersecurity advice in securing a career in the profession and offer their insights into their organisations and respective roles. LinkUp in Cyber encourages student engagement with industry professionals, helping students gain a deeper understanding of the real cybersecurity industry helping them understand their potential future profession. Furthermore, it aims to bridge the gap between cybersecurity knowledge and meeting the cybersecurity industry, preparing students for successful careers in the cybersecurity domain.
Aboriginal Cultural Engagement and Archaeology Excursions
Brandon, Maisie, Ari, Dana, Kerry, Caitriona La Trobe Archaeology Society
At La Trobe, despite strong archaeology programs, student exposure to Aboriginal knowledge remains limited to theoretical coursework, with few opportunities for direct, place-based learning on topics such as rock art, built culture, intercultural interaction, and scar trees which aren’t covered by the La Trobe curriculum. This project addresses this critical gap by partnering with Aboriginal-owned tour providers to deliver immersive cultural experiences that blend education, reconciliation, and direct economic support for Indigenous communities. The proposed experiences for archaeology students include: Collaborative camp with Budj Bim Cultural Tourism, (Gunditjmara Country) – activities include guided tours of 6,600-year-old eel trap systems, oral histories from Gunditjmara knowledge holders, and participatory workshops on stone tool-making and land stewardship. Half-day walks in partnership with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Corporation, focusing on urban Aboriginal heritage. Students explore culturally significant sites in the CBD and Dandenongs, such as scar trees and ceremonial grounds, while learning about contemporary Wurundjeri practices.
Round two grants:
Youth Internet Governance Forum – Australia Chapter @ La Trobe
Rohan
Event Date: 11 October 2025
La Trobe will host a local chapter of the Youth Internet Governance Forum (Youth IGF), aligning with the global event in Kathmandu. This one-day forum will feature expert speakers, interactive workshops, and roundtable discussions focused on digital rights, online safety, and youth-led policy innovation.
A key outcome will be a student-authored policy brief summarising recommendations from the forum, which will be shared with the global Youth IGF network, putting La Trobe students at the forefront of international digital governance conversations.
Cook It Up – Sustainable Healthy Cooking Toolkit
Monty, Shubhi, Niharika
Staff Support: Biju Philip
“Cook It Up” is a student-led initiative designed to promote healthy eating habits through fun, interactive cooking workshops and a long-term digital toolkit.
The project includes:
- 4–6 live cooking sessions across residential colleges
- Customised meal kits and printed resources
- A video playlist of recorded sessions
- A Healthy Student Cooking Toolkit featuring easy and affordable recipes, dietary swap guides, QR-linked posters for residence halls, a “Facilitator’s Handbook” for future student leaders and weekly meal planning templates.
All resources will be housed in a shared digital hub, ensuring the project’s sustainability and accessibility for future cohorts.
Ag Games 2025
Cleo, Cooper, Ethan, Melinda
Supported by: La Trobe Agricultural Student Society
La Trobe students will head to the Ag Games 2025, hosted by the University of Melbourne at their Dookie campus. This beloved interschool event brings together students from La Trobe, Marcus Oldham College, Longerenong Agricultural College and Uni Melb for:
- Friendly sporting matches (Football, Netball, Mixed Netball)
- Shared meals and overnight camping
- Relaxed networking and community building
With 20–30 La Trobe students expected to attend, the Ag Games foster cross-disciplinary connections, mental wellbeing and a strong sense of belonging, making it a highlight of the agricultural student calendar.
