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Western Sydney as a Growing Region
Western Sydney is commonly touted as “Australia’s fastest growing region”, “the nation’s third largest economy”, and an “electoral battleground”. Conversely it is regularly rendered in the media as the site of record heatwaves, interminable gridlock and drive-by shootings.
Understanding those experiences is critical in achieving meaningful engagement with the aspirations, ideas and concerns of the region’s residents. That is the objective of Western Sydney University’s vehicle for regional thought leadership and solutions-orientated change, the Centre for Western Sydney.
About the Centre
The Centre for Western Sydney is Western Sydney University’s leading source of authority on its region.
The Centre was established in 2014 and re-launched in 2020 with a renewed focus on fulfilling a unique commitment in the Western Sydney University Act: supporting the development of Western Sydney.
The Centre is focused on delivering high-quality research and advocacy for – and with – the communities of Western Sydney. Through our research and our core values of diversity, authenticity, impact, excellence and collaboration, we strive to create a thriving and valued Western Sydney.
Our Priorities
Education and Participation
Education remains the most impactful catalyst for positive change in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, from early childhood through to the tertiary stage.
Health and Wellbeing
Health is a fundamental barometer of community wellbeing. Significant investments have been made, in recent years, in health infrastructure and services at sites like Blacktown-Mt Druitt, Liverpool, Nepean and Westmead.
Housing and Community
The lack of a coordinated, and at-scale, stimulus response to support social housing is worse than a missed opportunity, it risks exacerbating already profound housing challenges experienced throughout the region.
Place and Connectedness
As a markedly dispersed and dynamic metropolitan area, Western Sydney relies on connectivity - via transport links, digital and related infrastructure - to realise the full range of regional priorities the Centre for Western Sydney promotes.
Society and Culture
As an expression of community diversity and dynamism, culture is the characteristic that kinetically defines, reshapes and challenges Western Sydney’s identity.
Sustainability and Economy
Despite numerous government strategies to address job-creation and job-density shortfalls across Western Sydney, the region still profoundly lags Inner Sydney and comparable areas on both counts.
