Western Sydney University launches 2026–2030 Indigenous Strategy

_{^{Vice-Chancellor Distinguished Professor George Williams AO; Professor Susan Page, Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Education; Professor Michelle Trudgett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership; Uncle Chris Tobin; Indigenous Medicine student Jenna Sheather; Becky Chatfield; and Aunty Rasme Prior.}}

Western Sydney University is proud to have launched its 2026-2030 Indigenous Strategy, a bold, future-facing commitment to Indigenous excellence, self-determination, and transformational impact.

The Strategy sets out the University’s vision to lead the nation in Indigenous excellence, enabling Indigenous students, staff and communities to thrive, and embedding Indigenous leadership, knowledge and perspectives at the heart of the University, through genuine partnerships and truth-telling.

A key highlight of the University’s leadership is the establishment of the Indigenous Centre of Excellence, a landmark, purpose-built space that will be a national hub for Indigenous-led education, research, and cultural leadership.

The official launch event, held at the Parramatta City campus on Darug Land, on 5 February, brought together staff, students, and community members. It featured a Welcome to Country from Uncle Chris Tobin, followed by an opening address from Professor Michelle Trudgett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership, an Elders address from Aunty Rasme Prior, and a speech from Vice-Chancellor Distinguished Professor George Williams AO.

Indigenous student Jenna Sheather, who is studying a Doctor of Medicine, shared her experiences, and the event concluded with a vibrant cultural dance performance by Becky Chatfield, which got everyone on their feet.

Professor Michelle Trudgett said the new Strategy builds on the strong foundations and success of the 2020–2025 Indigenous Strategy and charts an ambitious next chapter for Indigenous advancement at Western Sydney University.

“This Strategy reflects our ongoing commitment to Indigenous communities and reaffirms our responsibility to lead with integrity, respect and accountability. It is grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing, and places Indigenous knowledge and leadership at the heart of everything we do,” said Professor Trudgett.

“It is a powerful declaration of who we are and who we aspire to be: a university shaped by Indigenous people and culture. We invite every member of the University community to engage with the Strategy, deepen their understanding, and walk alongside the University as we advance Indigenous leadership, truth-telling and excellence.”

The Strategy is guided by eight interconnected objectives:

1. Indigenous Student Success

2. Indigenous Employment

3. Indigenous Research

4. Learning and Teaching

5. Community Engagement and Partnerships

6. Cultural Knowledges

7. Indigenous Leadership, Governance and Self-Determination

8. Truth-Telling

It also sets out a series of big ideas to drive transformative impact over the next five years. These include increasing Indigenous participation in higher education, embedding self-determination within governance and decision-making, and delivering a nationally and internationally recognised Indigenous Centre of Excellence that fosters research, innovation, and community engagement with and for Indigenous peoples.

The full 2026-2030 Indigenous Strategy, is now available on the University website.

ENDS.

6 February 2026

Media Team

Photo credit: Yann Le Berre