Western Sydney University partners with leading health organisation to support LGBTIQ+ staff and students

Western Sydney University is partnering to expand support for LGBTIQ+ safe spaces and healthcare in the region in pursuit of bolstering health equity.

The partnership, with ACON, will foster greater engagement with services and programs for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people within the region.

Western Sydney University’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, said the University is proud to expand its support across its community.

“Western Sydney University is committed to creating an inclusive, safe and respectful place of study and work, and highly values the diversity of our staff and students,” said Professor Williams.

“The University provides a wide range of supports for LGBTIQ+ students and staff, from support networks, services, facilities, policies and strategies, and with ACON’s expertise and resources we can build on this to have a greater impact.”

The University offers students and staff access to a broad range of health resources and initiatives. Building on these foundations, the collaboration will enhance opportunities for community engagement, education and research.

The partnership will broaden access across Greater Western Sydney to ACON’s initiatives including psychologists, social workers, health testing and LGBTIQ+ Community Health and Equity Programs covering topics such as trans health equity, ageing, community safety and justice, mental health, disability and harm reduction.

Established in 1985, ACON is a leading health organisation in New South Wales for people of diverse sexualities and genders.

Michael Woodhouse, ACON CEO, said the partnership highlights a shared vision for inclusive and safe spaces for all.

“Supporting the health and wellbeing of rainbow communities in Western Sydney has long been a vital part of our work. In partnership with local communities, we deliver culturally responsive, place-based programs that reflect the diversity and strengths of the region,” Woodhouse said.

“We look forward to working with and supporting Western Sydney University in strengthening the health, inclusion and safety of sexuality and gender diverse people in the Western Sydney region and the university community.”

Western Sydney University provides a range of supports for its LGBTIQ+ community members, including the Ally Network, the student-led Queer Collective, dedicated Queer Rooms across campuses, the Rainbow Western staff collective, WSU Pride Network, inclusive policy frameworks, and Pride in Diversity membership.

ENDS.

18 February 2026
Photo credit: Monica Pronk
Media Unit