Western Sydney University celebrates fourth and fifth SAGE Cygnet Awards

Western Sydney University has been awarded a fourth and fifth SAGE Athena Swan Cygnet Award, marking an important milestone in the University’s long-term commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

The fourth Cygnet recognises achievements in ensuring gender equity in the University’s COVID-19 response, while the fifth – and final – acknowledges work undertaken to better understand and support parents and carers at Western.

Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, said the awards highlight the impact of sustained, coordinated work across the University.

“We should all be proud of what these achievements represent. Both awards reflect the strength of the University’s evidence-led approach and the collective effort behind these achievements. They demonstrate the impact of thoughtful, consistent work carried out across many teams over several years,” said Professor Williams.

The Gender Equity in COVID-19 Response Cygnet was led by Kieryn McKay, and supported by Norma Lam-Saw, Mark Antoniou, Roland Gamsjaeger, and Simi Bajaj. Key activities showcased across the application were also led by members of the School of HCA Equity and Diversity Working Party, including Anne Jamison, Quah Ee Ling, Jason Tuckwell, Lorraine Sim, Chris Fleming, Milissa Deitz, Roger Dawkins and Melinda Jewell, and as well as Director, Writing and Society Research Centre, Kate Fagan.

The WSU Parents and Carers Cygnet was co-led by Chloe Taylor and Michelle O’Shea and driven by a dedicated team of contributors - Eleonora Egidi, Katie Hayes, Cris Townley, Kieryn McKay, Kim Nemetz - with support from Executive Sponsor, Kelly Whitney.

Reviewers commended the Parents and Carers Cygnet application for its depth and thoughtfulness, noting the significant research undertaken, supported through the Vice-Chancellor’s Gender Equity Fund. They highlighted the application’s intersectional analysis, targeted actions shaped by lived experience, and its clear focus on removing barriers for staff. Sustained and visible leadership support was also identified as central to this progress.

The COVID-19 Response application was recognised as a unique and sector-leading example of strategic action during an incredibly challenging time. Reviewers highlighted the University’s sustained commitment to mitigating the gendered impacts of COVID-19, both internally and across the sector, including through the Western Sydney University-led Joint Sector Position Statement initiative. They also noted the foresight shown in capturing initiatives and collecting meaningful impact data at a time when many institutions were focused on immediate response, creating a valuable resource for the University and the broader sector.

The national SAGE announcement and the University’s full Cygnet applications are available on the SAGE website.

The University’s Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award application is now being reviewed by an external panel appointed by SAGE National.

ENDS.

28 May 2026
Media Unit