Indigenous Events

The University hosts many events throughout the year and can be found at Future Students - Events.

This page is dedicated to Indigenous events. All event dates and locations are subject to change at any notice.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Indigenous Students v Staff Soccer

The Division of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership would like you to join us for our annual Indigenous Students vs. Staff Soccer Game!

Get ready to cheer on Westerns best and brightest in another fierce competition of soccer between Students and Staff. Whether you will be joining us on the soccer pitch or cheering on your favourite players from the sideline this event promises competition, community and fun.

Date: Friday, 19th April 2024
Time: 11:00am to 2:00pm (Players are requested to arrive by 10:30 AM for warm-up)
Location: 30 Herbert St, Cambridge Park, NSW, 2747
RSVP by: Friday, 22nd March 2024

We encourage all students, whether playing or cheering, to join us in celebrating our vibrant community at Western. We would love to see your family and friends join, so please bring then along to support you from the audience! Each person will need to RSVP by Friday 22nd March to confirm their attendance.

For any additional information please contact: dvcil@westernsydney.edu.au

Interview with a pioneer

The Division of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership is privileged to invite you to an exclusive discussion with Emeritus Professor MaryAnn Bin-Sallik AO, a pioneering figure in Indigenous studies and culture. This discussion, led by Professor Michelle Trudgett, will provide an elucidating experience for all in attendance, from her seminal role as the first Aboriginal person in the higher education sector to being the first Aboriginal person to receive a Doctorate from Harvard University.

Venue: PS-EA.G.18 (LT01)
Date: Thursday, 21 March
Time: 3:00pm to 4:00pm

This discussion is an opportunity to hear firsthand from a leading and quintessential voice in Indigenous education that promises an experience as enlightening as it is inspiring.

PAST EVENTS

STAFF VS STUDENT GAMES

Indigenous Students v Staff Basketball (6th October 2023)

The inaugural Indigenous Staff vs. Student Basketball Match at Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre was a vibrant display of community spirit and sportsmanship. The game saw participation from various university members, including Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock, and students from various disciplines. The students led narrowly at half-time and ultimately triumphed with a final score of 70-53. Andrew Webster, captain of the student team, highlighted the event's significance in building connections within the Indigenous community at Western Sydney University. Kristy Bell, captain of the staff team, praised the event and is looking forward to next year’s match. Professor Michelle Trudgett commended the spirited play and the university's commitment to Indigenous success.

Best and Fairest: Arzycki De Vera 

Western's Indigenous students celebrated a commanding victory over staff members with a final score of 7-1 at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre. The student team, led by captain Kobi Newell, secured their lead early in the game. Staff team captain Josh Mason, alongside all participants, played with commendable spirit and pride, reinforcing the strong ties within Western's Indigenous networks. The event, applauded for its growing attendance and vibrant atmosphere, was also graced by Malcolm and Brooke from the GWS Giants, who contributed signed memorabilia for door prizes.

Best and Fairest: Sarah Loft & James Whiting

INFORMATION EVENINGS

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Future Students Information Evenings

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Future Students Information Evenings at Western Sydney University are an opportunity to hear about what courses are on offer and how Western can help you during your studies. Learn about the different pathways to study, the support services available, scholarships on offer and life on campus.

NAIDOC WEEK

NAIDOC Week 2023: For Our Elders

NAIDOC | National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It provides an opportunity for people to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and history.

You can support your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country. 

First People's Walk Kingswood opened: Thursday 6 July

Indigenous Futures Decadel Launch: Thursday 6 July

NAIDOC Quiz Winners 2023

Please join me in congratulating our winners of Western’s NAIDOC Quiz 2023:

Staff

  • 1st - Merryn Horrock
  • 2nd - Cassidy Gepp
  • 3rd - Natalee Koller                                       

Students

  • 1st - Rose Lewis
  • 2nd - Marni Stanley
  • 3rd - Annalise Galofaro                                           

Deadly Challenge Winners 2022

Please join me in congratulating our winners of Western’s Deadly Challenge 2022:

  • 1st - Korinne Maree Bargiel
  • 2nd - Kaiden Collins
  • 3rd - Bree Raymond

 

YARRAMUNDI LECTURES

The Yarramundi Lecture provides a forum for the discussion of issues of local and national importance. 

To view past lectures, click on the links below:

RESEARCH WEEK

Indigenous Pathways to Future Knowledges

A face-to-face symposium showcasing excellence in Indigenous Research at Western Sydney University.

  • Tuesday 12th September, 2023 | 10.00am - 3.00pm | PS - EA.G.18 (Lecture Theatre 1)

Bold Indigenous Futures

Western is proud to host keynote speaker Professor Bronwyn Carlson who holds the position Head of Indigenous Studies at Macquarie University. Western's Director of Indigenous Research, Professor Gawaian Bodkin-Andrews will introduce a number of Western's Higher Degree Research students and academic staff who will deliver 5-minute presentations on their research projects - all of which are Indigenous focused.

After each presentation there will be a brief Q&A with the Research Leads.

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES INDIGENOUS LEARNING AND TEACHING SHOWCASE

Wednesday, 28 June 2023

Theme: From Histories, to the Voice and Beyond: Intricate Conversations in the Classroom.

INDIGENOUS PROFESSORIATE LECTURES

INDIGENOUS LED RESEARCH EXCELLENCE