Western Sydney University launches bold new strategic plan, putting students and region at its heart
Western Sydney University has unveiled its new five-year strategic plan, WESTERN 2030 (opens in a new window), setting out a bold, ambitious and inclusive vision for the future of the University.
The strategy reaffirms the University’s deep commitment to student success, impactful research, and building stronger communities. Serving nearly 50,000 students across Western Sydney and Southeast Asia, the University is deeply connected to its community both locally and globally.
The launch of WESTERN 2030 follows Spring Welcome Week (opens in a new window), a vibrant week on campus when thousands of new and returning students begin the next step in their journey at Western.
Western Sydney is one of Australia’s fastest-growing and most diverse regions, home to one in ten Australians and people from over 170 countries. The University supports this vibrant community, which has the nation’s third-largest city economy growing at twice the rate of the rest of Sydney.
Chancellor, Professor Jennifer Westacott AC, said Western Sydney is undergoing a profound economic and social transformation – and the University is at the forefront.
“The nation's centre of economic gravity is shifting to Western Sydney. A concentration of manufacturers, an entrepreneurial spirit, the first new city in a century at Bradfield, and record infrastructure spending, including the $5.3 billion investment in the 24/7, fully digital Western Sydney International Airport, are driving the rise of the west,” said Professor Westacott.
“Against this backdrop, the role of Western Sydney University has never been more important, whether it's delivering the knowledge, skills and capabilities that our nation needs, or driving new industries and strengthening existing ones through world leading research and innovation.”
Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, the strategy – shaped by the voices of students, staff, and community – places students at the centre of everything we do and champions our special connection to Western Sydney and increasingly other parts of the world.
“Western Sydney University sits at the centre of this once-in-a-generation transformation. For decades, Western has served as a public institution delivering public good through education, altering the trajectory of students' lives and that of their families and communities,” said Professor Williams.
“Now, we must go further. At Western, we are committed to ensuring our students graduate with the Western Edge – the skills, knowledge and attributes to thrive in the new workforces and industries of the future that will call our region home.
“As part of this commitment, our students will be the nation's most agile, work-ready, digitally advanced, and values-driven graduates, highly sought after by employers.”
The plan outlinesseven strategic priorities to guide the University’s direction and decision-making over the next five years:
- Strengthening student success
- Putting our people first
- Leading Indigenous acceleration
- Unlocking global impact
- Driving research and innovation
- Unleashing Western Sydney, and
- Securing sustainability.
These priorities will guide the University in delivering personalised learning and supporting students from diverse backgrounds – two-thirds of whom are the first in their families to attend university and almost half speak a language other than English at home.
They will also drive targeted investment in research and new accelerators in key growth areas such as advanced manufacturing, nursing, and education, ensuring the University is at the forefront of developing future industries and capabilities.
Indigenous leadership excellence will be a central focus, including through the recognition of Indigenous educators, researchers, and students. The purpose-built Indigenous Centre of Excellence will support and celebrate Indigenous education, research, and culture.
Western Sydney University has recently been named number one in the world for its social, economic and environmental impact in the prestigious 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings for an unprecedented fourth year in a row, reflecting its commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The University is also certified carbon neutral, with a goal to become climate and nature positive by 2029.
“At Western, we are committed to ensuring that our research and mission has a positive impact both in Australia and overseas,” said Professor Williams.
“Western will drive new industries and new jobs, advance Western Sydney's economy, and be the 'go-to' university for industry. We will expand ourglobal presence, including through our long-established partnership with UEH University in Vietnam, and new Surabaya campus in Indonesia.
“Western Sydney University is unique. We are truly a university of the people, reflecting the diversity, ambition and values of the communities we represent.”
To read the full WESTERN 2030 strategic plan, visit the webpage (opens in a new window).
ENDS
21 July 2025
Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas
Latest News
ABC RN transcript: Vice-Chancellor Professor George Williams discusses higher education sector, student support, and the impact of AI
The following is a transcript of an interview that aired on ABC Radio National Saturday Extra between presenter, Nick Bryant and Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO.
Western Sydney University are the number one Australian solar car team at the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
Western Sydney Solar Car team has crossed the finish line placing preliminarily sixth in the world overall, and the number one Australian team in the world’s most prestigious solar car challenge.
Western Sydney University Statement on Cyber Incidents
Western Sydney University has issued an update to its community following confirmation that previously stolen personal information was published online, including on the dark web.