Keynote Speech: Chancellor Professor Jennifer Westacott AO at Unleashing Creativity Report Launch

The following keynote speech* was delivered by Western Sydney University Chancellor, Professor Jennifer Westacott AO at the Unleashing Creativity: Strategies for Growing Western Sydney’s Creative Industries report launch at Parramatta Town Hall on Thursday, 21 November 2024.

Introduction

Thank you Dolla.

And can I thank Uncle Chris Tobin for the Welcome to Country.

I too would like to acknowledge the Burramattagal People of the Darug Nation and pay my respects to Elders past and present.

I extend my respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are present today.

Western Sydney’s creative industries are at a turning point.

For too long, this region has faced deep funding inequities.

Our 2023 report, State of the Arts showed that creative resources are still concentrated in the east.

This work found that despite representing about one in 10 people in Australia:

Western Sydney only received 3.4 per cent of funding under the National Council for the Arts between 2015 and 2022.

In contrast, the Rest of Sydney – which also represents about one in 10 people:

received 23.5 per cent – or almost one-quarter – of all arts funding.

That report had a huge impact on the sector – exposing that Western Sydney’s creative sector has long been sidelined.

And that report has sparked change and steps towards better outcomes for the region.

The State Government has funded the Western Sydney Arts Alliance and dedicated resources to crafting a Western Sydney Arts Plan.

This is aimed at fostering a thriving and sustainable creative sector.

We now stand on the cusp of change.

We have a clear vision for this region's future.

A blueprint to foster a vibrant and inclusive creative economy.

This new report Unleashing Creativity reveals that Western Sydney’s creative industries already generates:

With the right investment, this sector could:

Unlocking Potential

The report being launched today forms a critical part of the University’s ongoing work on unlocking the Unlimited Potential of the region.

Our latest economic strategy, Unlimited Potential, outlines six key leaps to take to transform Western Sydney from a peripheral to a core economy –

One:

As our partners in the region emphasised, this isn’t possible without the creative industries.

It is these industries that attract top talent, drive innovation and boost our quality of life.

And that’s why one of the six leaps that we call for in the Unlimited Potential economic strategy is to secure a fair share of creative industries funding for our region.

As a minimum, we want to see per capita equality in creative industry funding across this city.

Imagine a Western Sydney where creative industries don’t just survive—they thrive.

They reshape our region’s identity.

They contribute to our economy.

And they strengthen our communities.

This transformation begins with understanding our region’s unique creative strengths.

Our diversity is one of our greatest assets.

With strong Indigenous and multilingual communities, we’re ready to lead.

This region has stories that the world needs to hear.

Our timing couldn’t be better.

National and state policies now recognise Western Sydney’s creative potential.

There’s alignment at multiple levels of government.

Western Sydney is finally a priority.

But we can’t afford to let this opportunity slip by.

The Challenges We Face

We face significant challenges.

First, historical funding inequities have left Western Sydney without vital infrastructure.

This isn’t just about buildings.

It’s about creating spaces where artists can live and thrive.

Where cultural communities can gather.

And where the next generation can find their voices.

Affordable housing is another pressing issue.

Many creatives are priced out of living in the communities they call home.

We need to support these individuals as essential workers.

They are vital to our economy, our identity, and our sense of place.

Digital technologies present both opportunities and obstacles.

Technology allows creatives to reach new audiences and generate new content.

But access to costly equipment and infrastructure remains a barrier.

Shared facilities in creative hubs could bridge this gap.

They would provide resources that individual creators can’t afford on their own.

Transport and connectivity issues also limit opportunities.

Poor transport infrastructure hampers collaboration.

It discourages attendance at events.

This is more than an inconvenience.

It’s a structural barrier that holds us back.

Finally, we need to address skills shortages.

Western Sydney needs creatives with diverse business skills.

We also need technical expertise in fields like sound engineering and digital production.

Without these skills, we can’t unlock our full potential.

Opportunities to Embrace

Despite these challenges, the opportunities are immense.

While this report profiles three locations in particular:

From Blacktown to Penrith – from Casula to Campbelltown, there is world-class, innovative work happening across the region.

There is more than we can possibly showcase in one report.

Major developments like Western Sydney International Airport and Bradfield City offer unprecedented potential to leverage this good work.

We can embed creative industries into the region’s growth from the ground up.

Western Sydney is ready to become a leading creative hub, not just for Sydney, but for the nation.

One of our greatest strengths is our diverse voices.

Western Sydney is the heart of Australia’s diversity—and leads in expressing it.

There’s also potential to strengthen our local creative ecosystems through import replacement.

Currently, we import more creative services than we produce.

By using local suppliers, we can keep creative spending within our region.

This isn’t just good for the creative sector—it’s good for the entire economy.

When creative industries thrive, they uplift all sectors.

The University’s Role

Western Sydney University is committed to fostering local talent.

Through degrees, courses, microcredentials, and training programs, we’re building a skilled creative workforce.

We’re equipping students with practical skills.

Our programs are designed to meet industry needs.

We connect students with professional opportunities.

We support and showcase local creatives through Western Sydney Creative.

This strategy underpins Western’s long-term commitment to the arts and cultural sector.

We champion the local to assist in the growth and development of the region’s artistic and cultural landscape.

We also nurture entrepreneurs and startups through initiatives like Launchpad.

Launchpad provides essential incubation for emerging talent.

It gives them a foundation to thrive and grow.

This incubation hub is more than a workspace.

It’s a launch pad for innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship.

We’re also proud to be developing the Indigenous Centre of Excellence.

This centre will provide artist studios, performance venues, and exhibition spaces.

It will serve as a cultural hub for Indigenous and creative communities.

The centre is designed to celebrate and preserve Indigenous knowledge.

It’s a space where culture, creativity, and community come together.

Through these initiatives, the university is investing in Western Sydney’s future.

We’re committed to supporting creative industries as a pillar of economic growth.

We’re here to help the next generation of creatives to succeed.

A Call to Action

Western Sydney’s creative industries are ready for transformation.

This report provides the roadmap.

But to make this vision a reality, we need collective action.

Policymakers, businesses, creatives, and communities all have a role to play.

And our University will continue to advocate for the arts and creative industries in Western Sydney.

With national and state policies aligning to prioritise Western Sydney, the time to act is now.

We can’t afford to let this opportunity slip by.

By addressing historical funding gaps, investing in local talent, and building the infrastructure we need, we can unlock the region’s vast creative potential.

Conclusion

Let’s make Western Sydney a true cultural powerhouse.

Let’s create a region where creative industries don’t just survive—they lead, inspire, and transform.

This isn’t just about economic growth.

It’s about building a region where every story has a place.

Where every voice is heard.

Where creativity is valued as an essential part of life.

The university is ready to support this transformation.

Through education, training, and entrepreneurship, we’re equipping the next generation.

We’re providing spaces and resources for creatives to succeed.

We’re partnering with communities and government to bring this vision to life.

Western Sydney is ready.

Now, let’s get to work.

Thank you.

ENDS

21 November 2024

Media Unit

*check against delivery

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