Western Sydney University Chancellor honoured with Australia’s highest civilian award

Chancellor, Professor Jennifer Westacott AC. Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas

Western Sydney University warmly congratulates Chancellor, Professor Jennifer Westacott, who has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia as part of the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours.

This honour – the highest in the Australian Honours system – recognises Professor Westacott’s exceptional leadership and distinguished service to business, public policy, the mental health sector, and higher education.

The announcement comes as Professor Westacott joins the University community in celebrating Graduation, which began on Saturday. More than 4,000 proud graduates will receive their degrees during this period, surrounded by their families, friends, and supporters.

Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, commended Chancellor Professor Westacott’s profound impact on the institution and the region it serves.

“On behalf of the Western Sydney University community, I offer my congratulations to Chancellor Professor Jennifer Westacott AC on this significant national honour,” said Professor Williams.

"This recognition reflects her unwavering commitment to the transformation of this region and the mission of this University. Professor Westacott has been a driving force behind Western Sydney University’s role as an anchor institution serving one of Australia’s most socially-diverse, culturally-vibrant and economically-important regions, and as a champion of the transformative power of higher education.”

Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO and Chancellor. Photo credit: Yann Le Berre

One of the country’s most prominent and highly regarded public figures, Professor Westacott is the University’s first female Chancellor and the fourth Chancellor in the University’s history.

Her distinguished career spans more than four decades, with senior leadership roles across both the private and public sectors, including her tenure as Chief Executive of the Business Council of Australia.

Reflecting on the honour, Professor Jennifer Westacott AC said she was deeply humbled.

“It’s an incredible privilege to be recognised alongside some of the most esteemed leaders across the country. I was honoured to be named the first woman Chancellor of Western Sydney University, a university that embodies fairness and equity,” said Professor Westacott.

“Growing up in a family with limited means has shaped my lifelong passion for access and inclusion when it comes to education. Education is the great enabler, the great equaliser, and my mission continues to be ensuring that every individual, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed.

“Western Sydney is the heart of Australia’s diversity, and our University is proud to stand with this community, helping to shape the future through education, opportunity and entrepreneurship.”

For more information about the King’s Birthday Honours for 2025, please visit the webpage (opens in a new window).

ENDS

9 June 2025

Ali Sardyga, Senior Media Officer