VC Excellence Awards
The annual VC Excellence Awards have been refreshed to reward outstanding performance and service by Western Sydney University staff. The awards are the University’s premier recognition for staff who excel and consistently deliver on the mission of student success, impactful research, and stronger communities.
The awards promote the strategic goals of WESTERN 2030, champion the University’s values, and encourage professional development.
They are an opportunity to nominate your colleagues – either an individual or a team - for making a significant contribution to Western’s mission, values and strategic priorities.
Award Categories
VC’s Excellence in Teaching Award | Teacher of the Year
This award recognises an individual or group with an exceptional record of advancing student learning, educational leadership, and scholarly contribution to learning and teaching.
The Judging Panel recommends one of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Education and Students Excellence in Teaching Award winners for the award.
VC’s Excellence in Research Award | Researcher of the Year
This award is for research undertaken by an academic staff member who is considered an outstanding researcher or research by a team. It acknowledges the very best research achievement at the University with demonstrable impact which extends beyond the institution. It is awarded to an individual or team.
VC’s Excellence in Service Award
This award recognises an individual or team that has delivered meaningful impact. It encourages applications that demonstrate the importance and benefits of the University’s outreach activities to the University, community, and business.
VC Excellence Award | Strengthening Student Success recognising an individual or team who has excelled in strengthening the success and experiences of students.
VC Excellence Award | Putting Our People First recognising an individual or team who has fostered a positive, inclusive and supportive workplace culture.
VC Excellence Award | Leading Indigenous Acceleration This award is open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous nominees, recognises recognising an individual or team who has proved exceptional in advancing Indigenous education, research, and/or engagement.
VC Excellence Award | Unlocking Global Impact recognising the efforts of an individual or a team to enhance the University’s international collaborations, reputation, and reach.
VC Excellence Award | Driving Research and Innovation recognising an individual or team who has produced research excellence and high-impact solutions.
VC Excellence Award | Unleashing Western Sydney recognising an individual or team who has demonstrated excellence in engaging with Western Sydney and empowering the region.
VC Excellence Award | Securing Sustainability recognising an individual or team that ensures Western can continue to lead the world in promoting environmental, financial, and social sustainability.
Nominations open from Monday 19 January and close COB Friday 13 February 2026.
A ceremony to celebrate nominees and winner will take place in mid-March 2026. Further information can be found in the VC Excellence Awards guidelines. If you have further questions, please contact publicaffairs@westernsydney.edu.au.
