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Celebrating 30 Years
Western Sydney University is proud to be celebrating its 30-year anniversary in 2019.
It is a timely opportunity to celebrate the University’s history and acknowledge the vital role it has played in the social and economic transformation of the burgeoning Western Sydney region.
Formally constituted on 1 January 1989, the University has grown to become one of the world’s leading universities and the largest, most established higher education institution in Western Sydney, with over 48,000 students, 3,000 staff and a cohort – both locally and globally – of more than 180,000 alumni.
To mark this important milestone, the University is hosting a program of events and activities throughout the year for students, staff and members of the community.
Program of Activities
TBA | Opening of Building J, Westmead Campus
Where event information is available, please click on the corresponding link. Links to event information will be updated as soon as available.
History
Western Sydney University was officially founded on 1 January 1989.
Whilst 2019 marks 30 years since it was first established as a university, in truth, Western Sydney University has – through its antecedent institutions – been serving the region of Western Sydney since 1891, with the establishment of the Hawkesbury Agricultural College.
In celebrating this important 30th anniversary milestone the University also acknowledges the institutions that were serving the people of this region long before the title ‘university’ was granted, and the generations of knowledge held by the traditional owners of the land upon which the University campuses are now located.
The University occupies a distinct place in the Western Sydney region. Not only is it a world-class education and research institution, it is a thought leader and champion; a knowledge and employment generator; and a catalyst that is making a vital contribution to the economic and social capital of the region.
This year’s 30th anniversary presents a timely opportunity to showcase how Western Sydney University is continuing to support the region and its people.
Credentials
The University has grown significantly over the last 30 years and currently has 10 teaching campuses, over 48,000 students, 3,000 staff and 180,000 alumni.
The University is a source of pride and achievement for the people of Western Sydney, who see the University as one of Australia’s – and indeed the world’s – great universities, ranked in the top two per cent of universities worldwide according to the prestigious2022 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Western Sydney University has also been recently ranked 3rd in the world for its work to address gender equality, and 4th for reducing inequalities by promoting inclusive and equitable quality education, according to the inaugural Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings. Overall, the University achieved a ranking of 31st worldwide and 5th in Australia.
Research Strengths
Over the last 30 years the University’s research performance has significantly grown in breadth, depth and profile and is now one of Australia’s, and one of the world’s, leading research institutions.
Curriculum Innovation and Student Success
As the region grows, so will the way the University delivers education to meet the needs and expectations of current and future students.
Future Directions
Western Sydney is the third largest and fastest growing economy in Australia and home to almost 150,000 businesses and more than two million people. Over the next 20 years, Western Sydney's population is expected to increase by another million, contributing to more than half of Sydney's overall expected population growth.
What happens in Western Sydney in the next two decades will have a transformational impact on the nation.
The University’s priorities are unequivocally led by the needs of our region.
By the end of 2019, four decadal plans will have been announced, which outline the University’s commitment and potential impact to the region.
These plans are focused around key issues:
- health;
- the Western Sydney Airport;
- the digital economy; and
- arts and culture.
The University will advance the priorities outlined in the plans in every aspect of Western Sydney University’s operations and development over the next two decades and beyond.
These plans set out the University’s teaching, research and collaborative commitment in the most vital and important areas of our region’s continued development.
The people of the University’s community have contributed to our history, and it is the people in our University community who will play a critical role in helping shape the next decade and beyond.
Western Sydney University has unlimited potential.
