Events

Upcoming events at Western Sydney University are listed below.

• Suggest a new event

• Oct 14
  ACIAC Exhibition: Essence, Energy, Spirit

  An exhibition by renowned artist Guan Wei, which showcases the connection between the mind/spirit and body.

  Exhibitions and performances; Social events
  General public
  An exhibition by renowned artist Guan Wei, which showcases the connection between the mind/spirit and body.

  Guan Wei chose the artworks for this exhibition, from his own personal collection, as well as deriving the title for it, Essence, Energy, Spirit, which aptly captures the recurring themes of his art’s practice. Guan Wei is renowned for creating works that interlace imagery from his Chinese heritage, his life experience in Australia and his personal iconography, working across painting, sculpture and installation. The exhibition is comprised of three distinct bodies of work. The series, Return to the Origin contextualises our human journey within the Universe. Images of the human figure are juxtaposed with symbols of the cosmos, deliberately drawn upon ceramics; a material that has been used by humans for thousands of years; to remind the viewer of their relatively brief time in history. Humans are portrayed as being part of nature, but a mere speck within it, when one considers how vast and old the Universe is. The series, Longevity for Beginners explores themes of spiritual and physical balance via imagery of both external and internal views of the human body, drawn from traditional Chinese medicine and qi-gong, as well as his own personal symbolism. The underlying narrative of these paintings suggests the importance of the connection between the mind/spirit and body, and that being in balance with nature is essential for good health and general well-being. The final series, which is Untitled, explores the relationship between the subconscious mind and its effect on our individual perception of our daily reality. Some of these works evoke emotional states of fear, uncertainty, anxiety, pressure, powerlessness and entrapment. A prostrate figure is held precariously by a single thread to a more powerful being; demons and animals are depicted biting or nipping at a heel or eating away at what looks like a heart held in a hand. These paintings are interspersed with others which present a floating head on a bed of clouds, in what seems to be in a state meditation. This series of works suggest to the viewer, that to master their subconscious, spiritual practices and/or exercises can assist in transforming their experience to higher states of consciousness, such as peace, joy and bliss. Ultimately these works by Guan Wei, remind us of the consequences of a fast paced, technology driven, western lifestyle, too full of angst, can be transcended, if we remember our essence, energy and spirit and how to nurture them. Monica McMahon Art Curator Western Sydney University.

  Mon, 14 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +1100
• Oct 22
  Art Exhibition: Artfulness

  An art exhibition by the students of Bossley Park High School

  Exhibitions and performances
  An art exhibition by the students of Bossley Park High School

  Being immersed in an art making process means that we lose track of time. This happens because creative activities ease us into a process of focus, concentration, absorption, and flow. This is why painting, drawing, photography journaling, and writing are naturally mindful. 'Artfulness' highlights the connection between art and mindfulness. This collection of works from the students of Bossley Park High School demonstrates how they use the process of art making to communicate their ideas, thoughts, and feelings about the world around them. Come and see this wonderful exhibition at the Margot Hardy Gallery, Building 23, Bankstown Campus, open Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm. Parking is available at $7.00 per day.

  Tue, 22 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +1100
• Nov 19
  Academic Literacy Workshop

  Free 2 and 4-day Academic Literacy Workshops available in November 2019.

  Training and skill upgrade
  Student
  Free 2 and 4-day Academic Literacy Workshops available in November 2019.

  The 2-day workshop develops essential literacy skills such as essay writing, critical analysis, researching, and referencing and will be available at Parramatta CBD and Bankstown campuses. The 4-day workshop covers the essentials of the 2-day workshop, plus note-taking, reading academic texts, time management, and the essay writing process, plus it allows for more tutor feedback. This is available at Parramatta CBD campus. Both the 2 and 4-day workshops run from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm each day.

  Tue, 19 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +1100
• Nov 19
  Ideas 2170 – “What a load of rubbish: Tackling Waste in Western Sydney”

  A panel of visionaries will be sharing their thoughts and experiences on ways that local governments can think about reducing or re-using waste.

  academic events
  Staff and students are invited to attend
  A panel of visionaries will be sharing their thoughts and experiences on ways that local governments can think about reducing or re-using waste.

  Liverpool City Council and Western Sydney University have joined forces to host Ideas 2170, a series of public discussions held in WSU’s new CBD campus. I would like to invite you to the next Ideas 2170 – “What a load of rubbish: Tackling Waste in Western Sydney”.

  NSW is the second-highest per-capita producer of waste in the world. By 2021, Sydney will experience a 1.4 million tonne shortfall in waste-processing capacity due to population growth and the China recycling ban. In Western Sydney, the issue is especially urgent. Councils are faced with unprecedented regional growth and increasingly strained waste management infrastructure. What are the solutions?
  A panel of visionaries will be sharing their thoughts and experiences on ways that local governments can think about reducing or re-using waste. They include:

  • Angelina Arora, young Australian of the Year nominee and recycling innovator;
  • Dr Maryam Ghodrat, waste-to-energy academic;
  • Mark Wood, the brains behind the first road made from recycled plastics in NSW;
  • Nick Entsch, Associate Director of Infrastructure Investment at Macquarie Capital and leader of Australia’s first thermal waste-to-energy project; and
  • Gayle Sloan, passionate advocate for use of recycled materials in Australia and Chief Executive Officer at Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia.

  Join the conversation and be a part of our fourth Ideas 2170 forum.
  Please RSVP by registering on Eventbrite.

  Tue, 19 Nov 2019 17:00:00 +1100
• Nov 19
  Ideas 2170 What a load of rubbish

  A panel of visionaries will be sharing their thoughts and experiences on ways that local governments can think about reducing or re-using waste.

  Conferences and seminars; Social events
  everyone
  A panel of visionaries will be sharing their thoughts and experiences on ways that local governments can think about reducing or re-using waste.

  Liverpool City Council and Western Sydney University have joined forces to host Ideas 2170, a series of public discussions held in Western Sydney University’s new CBD campus. I would like to invite you to the next Ideas 2170 – “What a load of rubbish: Tackling Waste in Western Sydney”. What a load of rubbish: Tackling waste in Western Sydney Date: Tuesday 19 November 2019 Time: 5:00pm to 7:30pm Location: Level 9, Western Sydney University, Liverpool CBD campus Address: 100 Macquarie Street, Liverpool NSW 2170 (next to Westfield Liverpool – please do not rely on Google Maps) NSW is the second-highest per-capita producer of waste in the world. By 2021, Sydney will experience a 1.4 million tonne shortfall in waste-processing capacity due to population growth and the China recycling ban. In Western Sydney, the issue is especially urgent. Councils are faced with unprecedented regional growth and increasingly strained waste management infrastructure. What are the solutions? A panel of visionaries will be sharing their thoughts and experiences on ways that local governments can think about reducing or re-using waste. They include:  Angelina Arora, young Australian of the Year nominee and recycling innovator;  Dr Maryam Ghodrat, waste-to-energy academic;  Mark Wood, the brains behind the first road made from recycled plastics in NSW;  Nick Entsch, Associate Director of Infrastructure Investment at Macquarie Capital and leader of Australia’s first thermal waste-to-energy project; and  Gayle Sloan, passionate advocate for use of recycled materials in Australia and Chief Executive Officer at Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia. Join the conversation and be a part of our fourth Ideas 2170 forum. Please RSVP by registering on Eventbrite via the web page below.

  Tue, 19 Nov 2019 17:00:00 +1100
• Nov 20
  Widevision Student Showcase

  26th Annual Widevision Exhibition - showcasing student excellence in the School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics.

  Exhibitions and performances
  26th Annual Widevision Exhibition - showcasing student excellence in the School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics.

  The Main Exhibition Launch will feature outstanding student projects in the disciplines of Industrial Design, Computing, Engineering, Construction Management and Architecture. “Design for Health & Wellbeing” is a showcase of design research undertaken by students in their final year of the Industrial Design program. Meet our design students to discuss their 3D printed prototypes, research posters and multimedia displays. Guests can immerse themselves in student-led multidisciplinary projects such as the VR Electric Vehicle project or the Western Sydney University Solar Car. These are just some of the highlights at this year’s exhibition that demonstrates the achievements of SCEM students.

  Wed, 20 Nov 2019 17:45:00 +1100
• Nov 26
  Art Exhibition: Perspectives

  An exhibition by the students of Hoxton Park High School.

  Exhibitions and performances
  Open to the public
  An exhibition by the students of Hoxton Park High School.

  Perspectives highlights the creative talents of our students at Hoxton Park High School. The works featured celebrate the unique viewpoints of our students as they engage with a variety of media and forms to communicate various concepts. Our students have developed their creativity with the Year 7 Visual Arts classes, exploring traditional drawing media and new media through their themed digital manipulations. Similarly, the Year 8 Visual Arts classes have experimented with digital photography and printmaking as they represent their interpretations of the school environment. ‘Cultural Identity’ was the focus for Year 10 Visual Arts as the class designed, carved, and printed their relief lino blocks to reveal their distinctiveness. The Year 9 Visual Arts class created magnificent ‘Pop Sculptures’, and Stage 5 Photographic & Digital Media students present a wide array of interpretations and manipulations through their digital pieces. Students in the Year 11 Visual Arts class have presented their world with sophistication and insight in their bodies of work. During our opening night on Thursday, 5th December, we celebrate the achievements of our students with performances by our Dance Ensemble and Music students. The evening also features a digital slideshow and the premiere of our Year 10 classes’ Japanese films, showcasing a culmination of collaboration, creativity, and communication.

  Tue, 26 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +1100
• Nov 26
  CER Educational Conversation:Discourses of progress and LGBTQI+ lives ‘getting better: the LGBT UK Action Plan

  CER Educational Conversation

  academic events
  Academics, HDR students, educators, broad community.
  CER Educational Conversation

  The LGBT Action Plan (2018) represents a significant UK Government commitment towards LGBTQI+ equalities, operating in conjunction with cumulative legislative advances. Yet there is room for critique within this Plan, as proposed actions, and as celebratory rhetoric of lives ‘getting better’. Using empirical examples, this article examines how ‘progress’ for LGBTQI+ lives is discursively constructed and positioned in the LGBT Action Plan and accompanying politicians’ speeches. In this paper I’ll examine the key constructions of progress – across time, place, life courses, and normative thresholds – within which LGBTQI+ rights and realities are framed. While some policy areas are celebrated as signifiers of ‘coming forward’, others are relegated to the too tough in-tray, suspended in enduring stasis. Opposing ‘political time’ with ‘queer time’, this article concludes with the policy challenges posed by intersectional (in)equalities in these ‘new times’, and draws upon queer theory to illuminate discursive normativities and silences in representing ‘policy problems’

  PRESENTER: Yvette Taylor is Professor of Education and Deputy Head, School of Education, University of Strathclyde and Principal Investigator on the NORFACE-funded research project ‘Comparing Intersectional Life-course Inequalities among LGBTQI+ Citizens in Four European Countries’ (CILIA-LGBTQI+, 2018-2021). Further research projects include the ESRC-funded ‘Making Space for Queer-Identifying Religious Youth’ (2011-13), as well as the British Academy-funded ‘Critical Terrain: Dividing Lines and Lives’ (2013-14). Yvette has published four sole-authored books: Working-Class Lesbian Life: Classed Outsiders (2007), Lesbian and Gay Parenting: Securing Social and Educational Capital (2009), Fitting Into Place? Class and Gender Geographies and Temporalities (2012), and Making Space for Queer Identifying Religious Youth (2016). Her latest co-edited collection is Uplifting Gender and Sexuality Education Research (2019; with Tiffany Jones, Leanne Coll and Lisa Van Leent). Yvette edits the Palgrave Macmillan Gender and Education Series, and co-edits the Routledge Advances in Critical Diversities Series.

  Tue, 26 Nov 2019 12:00:00 +1100
• Nov 27
  ACIAC Seminar: Mirroring the Past: Chinese-Australia in Historical Perspective

  Mirroring the Past: Chinese-Australia in Historical Perspective.

  academic events; Conferences and seminars
  All
  Mirroring the Past: Chinese-Australia in Historical Perspective.

  Chinese have been in Australia for over 200 years but these two centuries have seen very different peoples arriving and settling under the label “Chinese”. Cantonese, working class, non-white, a weak China and on the fringe of national history are all characteristics of Chinese-Australia for its first 100 years. While much of the last 50 years can be characterised as Mandarin, middle class, multicultural, with a strong China. This discussion compares Australia’s 19th and early 20th century Chinese-Australian history with its post-1949 history. The purpose is to examine the role of a number of features of this history including white guilt, the impact of the growing strength of contemporary China, and questions of identity for members of the Chinese diaspora in Australia. The use of the past to serve the needs and desires of the present is a significant issue that also needs to be examined.

  Wed, 27 Nov 2019 12:00:00 +1100
• Nov 28
  SSAP Masterclass - Using history as a research methodology to explore child welfare policy and practice

  Using history as a research methodology to explore child welfare policy and practice.

  academic events; Conferences and seminars; Information sessions
  HDR Students and Academic Staff
  Using history as a research methodology to explore child welfare policy and practice.

  This Master class will demonstrate and explore the use of theory to inform research methodology using historical methods/data, through foregrounding specific examples of research into worker practices and/or their impact on children in child protection and child welfare across different national contexts. Participants in the master class will be hearing from distinguished international researchers and theorists about the structures, challenges and creativity that informs their work. Participants at this workshop will actively engage in inter-disciplinary scholarship. We extend an invitation to participate to HDR students in the School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Research Institutes , across Western Sydney and Macquarie Universities. Academics are also welcome to participate in this inter-disciplinary forum.

  Thu, 28 Nov 2019 09:30:00 +1100
• Nov 28
  New Australian Music and Intermedia in Performance

  AUSTRALYSIS : NEW AUSTRALIAN MUSIC.

  Exhibitions and performances; Social events
  AUSTRALYSIS : NEW AUSTRALIAN MUSIC.

  The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development at Western Sydney University, extend a warm invitation to Western Sydney Music Teachers and other interested people to a live performance of new Australian music by the international creative sound and intermedia ensemble, austraLYSIS. The performance will be followed by a Q&A session with the musicians. austraLYSIS is a highly regarded and internationally active ensemble of widely recorded artists directed by MARCS’ Professor Roger Dean. It is the longest-standing sound and intermedia ensemble based in Australia. austraLYSIS has performed in more than 30 countries, appears on around 50 CDs and has created more than 100 works. The performance will include sound work (acoustic and electroacoustic), and intermedia work involving sound together with both performed text and displayed composed and real-time generated video and text. The programme will include music and AV pieces by Jo Thomas (UK); and Sieglinde Karl-Spence, Hazel Smith and austraLYSIS; David Kim-Boyle, and Greg White. Hypnagogia, a work with video by our collaborator Will Luers (USA), will also be shown. Performers: Roger Dean (piano, electronics); Sandy Evans (saxophones); Phil Slater (trumpet); Hazel Smith (text performer, electronics); Greg White (electronics, sound diffusion). You can sample our work on our website www.australysis.com or by listening to our latest album, a digital recording online at australysis.bandcamp.com. Real time computation is heavily involved, but always in conjunction with acoustic instruments. Those music teachers who have students already engaged in this space are invited to nominate one such person to accompany them. We hope for in depth participation in the Q&A session, particularly on the part of the teachers. This performance is the second of two annual events where video and acoustic documentation of the performances will be made. Please note that the performance will be audio- and video-recorded. The Q&A will be audio-only recorded, so as to provide guidance to austraLYSIS/MARCS on what is most interesting and useful to include in the commentary access material that will be developed by the musicians and members of MARCS. Audience participants may choose whether to identify themselves or not during the Q&A and no identities will be disclosed in any use of the Q&A discussion. The recordings and associated material provided by the interviews and commentaries will eventually become a resource for teachers and others, released through the Australian Music Centre. It will also be freely available on the web. Limited seats are available so it is necessary to register for the event via the links provided. The charge of $10 per person will be used to help cover the cost of light refreshments (finger foods, wine and soft drinks) at the performance. Western Sydney University members can attend without charge (but also need to register). Program: 6.45pm Arrival 7.00pm Performance with introductions 8.00pm Drinks and nibbles 8.20pm Q & A with the musicians 9.00pm Finish Please email Lorraine Halim (l.halim@westernsydney.edu.au) for enquiries regarding this event. Any technical/musical enquiries will be forwarded onto Professor Roger Dean.

  Thu, 28 Nov 2019 18:45:00 +1100
• Dec 2
  Yarramundi Lecture

  Register for this year's Yarramundi Lecture, held on 2 December 2019.

  Conferences and seminars
  Staff, students and community
  Register for this year's Yarramundi Lecture, held on 2 December 2019.

  The Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Barney Glover AO, and the Pro Vice-Chancellor Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education, Strategy and Consultation, Michelle Trudgett, warmly invites you to attend the University’s annual Yarramundi Lecture. The Lecture provides a forum for the discussion of issues of local and national importance. It was established out of respect and recognition for the Darug people and has become central to the University’s longstanding commitment to its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

  GUEST SPEAKERS: Professor Tom Calma AO – Aboriginal Elder of the Kungarakan tribal group and member of the Iwaidja tribal group. Champion for the rights, responsibilities and welfare of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Current Chancellor of University of Canberra. Aunty Jenny Munro – Wiradjuri Elder, activist for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, founder of the Redfern Aboriginal Tent Embassy. Teela Reid – Proud Wiradjuri and Wailwan woman, activist and criminal defence lawyer currently based in Sydney on the lands and waters of the Gadigal & Bedegal peoples.

  EVENT DETAILS Date: Monday 2 December 2019 Time: 7.00pm – 8.30pm (registrations commence at 6.30pm) Venue: Ian and Nancy Turbott Auditorium, Building EE, Parramatta South campus RSVP: Please visit www.westernsydney.edu.au/yarramundi2019 to register your attendance by 22 November 2019.

  Mon, 02 Dec 2019 18:30:00 +1100
• Dec 3
  Public Lecture: 'Re-presenting Islam and Muslims Post 9/11: Images, Words and Refusals

  Upcoming public lecture by Professor Zulfikar Hirji from York University, Toronto.

  Conferences and seminars
  All
  Upcoming public lecture by Professor Zulfikar Hirji from York University, Toronto.

  Upcoming public lecture by Professor Zulfikar Hirji from York University, Toronto, titled ‘Re-presenting Islam and Muslims Post 9/11: Images, Words and Refusals’. The public lecture will be followed by the launch of Professor Hirji’s book, Islam: an Illustrated Journey. Refreshments will be provided.

  Tue, 03 Dec 2019 16:00:00 +1100
• Dec 5
  Trans ageing & care: exploring the later life concerns of trans adults 50+

  This seminar will discuss findings from a study of gender identity, ageing and care in later life, together with two short films

  Conferences and seminars
  staff and students
  This seminar will discuss findings from a study of gender identity, ageing and care in later life, together with two short films This presentation by a visiting academic will examine the ageing-related concerns and expectations of trans and gender non-confirming individuals in mid-to-later life (50+ years of age). A recent review of UK literature on LGBT health inequalities in later life points to the absence of evidence about the lives of older trans people (Kneale, Henley, Thomas and French, 2019). This absence is also mirrored in scholarship on critical gerontology and gender relations (Toze, 2018). Findings will be presented from a mixed-methods study of gender identity, ageing and care in later life, based in Wales UK (2016-19). Findings are from an online survey of health and social care professionals (n=165) and two-part life-history interviews with twenty-two individuals identifying as trans or non-gender conforming (50-74 years). Following the presentation, two short films will be screened from a new series of digital stories titled ‘Growing older as me’, funded through the study and produced by Fox and Owl, trans filmmakers from My Genderation, UK. (https://mygenderation.com) About the presenter Paul Willis is a senior lecturer in social work in the School for Policy Studies at the University of Bristol. Paul is a qualified social worker and a researcher in social care with interests in ageing, social inclusion, gender and sexuality in later life (particularly LGB&T ageing), and older men’s experiences of loneliness and social isolation. He is a Senior Research Fellow of the NIHR School for Social Care Research in England. Prior to moving to the UK in 2009, Paul studied a PhD in social work at the University of Tasmania. The seminar takes place in the Lecture Theatre on Level 1 of the Western Sydney University, Sydney City Campus building, 255 Elizabeth Street, Sydney CBD
  Thu, 05 Dec 2019 16:00:00 +1100
• Dec 5
  Art Exhibition Opening: Perspectives

  An exhibition of art and performances by the students of Hoxton Park High School.

  Exhibitions and performances; Social events
  Open to the public
  An exhibition of art and performances by the students of Hoxton Park High School.

  The 'Perspectives' exhibition highlights the creative talents of our students at Hoxton Park High School. The works featured celebrate the unique viewpoints of our students as they engage with a variety of media and forms to communicate various concepts. Our students have developed their creativity with the Year 7 Visual Arts classes, exploring traditional drawing media and new media through their themed digital manipulations. Similarly, the Year 8 Visual Arts classes have experimented with digital photography and printmaking as they represent their interpretations of the school environment. ‘Cultural Identity’ was the focus for Year 10 Visual Arts as the class designed, carved, and printed their relief lino blocks to reveal their distinctiveness. The Year 9 Visual Arts class created magnificent ‘Pop Sculptures’, and Stage 5 Photographic & Digital Media students present a wide array of interpretations and manipulations through their digital pieces. Students in the Year 11 Visual Arts class have presented their world with sophistication and insight in their bodies of work. During our opening night on Thursday, 5th December, we celebrate the achievements of our students with performances by our Dance Ensemble and Music students. The evening also features a digital slideshow and the premiere of our Year 10 classes’ Japanese films, showcasing a culmination of collaboration, creativity, and communication.

  Thu, 05 Dec 2019 18:00:00 +1100
• May 1
  Sculpture Award and Exhibition 2020

  1-31 May 2020

  Exhibitions and performances
  Open to the public
  1-31 May 2020

  The Western Sydney Sculpture Award and Exhibition is a biennial competition and exhibition hosted by Western Sydney University, on the stunning grounds of the Campbelltown campus. The 2020 Exhibition will be held 1-31 May. Prizes in the 2020 Western Sydney University Sculpture Award and Exhibition include: - Western Sydney University Acquisitive Sculpture Award - valued up to $30,000 - Landcom People's Choice Award - $5,000 (non-acquisitive) - Janice Reid Site Specific Sculpture Award - $5,000 (non-acquisitive) Entries close on Friday, 6 September 2019, and finalists will be announced on virtualtours.westernsydney.edu.au on Tuesday, 1 October 2019. The Sculpture Award & Exhibition aims to establish closer links between the university, artists and the community to provide a valuable educational and cultural resource for the region and to enhance the campus environment for teaching and learning. Each year, the Award attracts significant talent from across Australia and overseas. For more information, visit virtualtours.westernsydney.edu.au/sculpture-award

  Fri, 01 May 2020 00:00:00 +1000