News Centre

Aiming Higher: Distinguished Professor George Williams on the future of Australian universities

In a new essay for the Australia Institute, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University, calls for stronger support for students, a renewed focus on universities’ public mission, and greater recognition of the humanities.


Latest news

Dr Paul Saunders

Teaching graduate’s love of music sets the tone for future classrooms

For 22-year-old Kortana Cullen-Blissett, graduation day marks a full circle moment as she celebrates her journey to becoming a teacher.

Dr Paul Saunders

Dr Paul Saunders graduates with PhD, championing Indigenous health and education

Dr Paul Saunders, a proud Biripi man, has graduated with a PhD from Western Sydney University, marking the culmination of years of research and dedication to improving Indigenous health and medical education.

Indigenous PhD graduates

Indigenous PhD graduates inspire the next generation of researchers

Western Sydney University celebrated the outstanding achievements of its Indigenous graduates at the recent October graduation ceremonies, which saw 26 Indigenous students cross the stage.

< div> Global study to better manage glucose levels during pregnancy

Western collaborates on global study to better manage glucose levels during pregnancy

Western collaborates on global study to better manage glucose levels during pregnancy An Australian trial led by Distinguished Professor David Simmons from the University’s School of Medicine and THRI has highlighted the benefits of an automated insulin delivery (AID) system in managing glucose levels for pregnant women with type 1 diabetes.

Commercial squeeze pouch product

From baby aisle to lunchbox: the rise of commercial squeeze pouch products in Australian children's diets

New research from Western Sydney University has revealed squeeze pouch products are a popular choice for school lunchboxes, despite their low nutritional value.

Western Sydney families share childcare experiences in groundbreaking survey

Western Sydney families share childcare experiences in groundbreaking survey

Western Sydney University is inviting families from across the Western Sydney region to take part in a landmark new survey that measures childcare stress, a first in Australia.

Vice-Chancellor Distinguished Professor George Williams

Vice-Chancellor Distinguished Professor George Williams discusses the future of Australian universities

Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, discusses his new essay titled Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future.

Her Excellency the Hon Ms Sam Mostyn AC and His Excellency Mr Simeon Beckett SC announced as joint patrons of Western Sydney University’s Indigenous Centre of Excellence

Western Sydney University is honoured to announce the Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, and His Excellency Mr Simeon Beckett SC as joint Patrons of the University’s Indigenous Centre of Excellence.

Industry internship program set to cultivate horticulture’s next generation

Industry internship program set to cultivate horticulture’s next generation

A new initiative to address critical workforce shortages in the Australian horticultural sector has launched today.

Western secure more than $3.9 million through 2026 Discovery Projects Scheme

Western secure more than $3.9 million through 2026 Discovery Projects Scheme

Seven projects led by Western Sydney University researchers have been collectively awarded more than $3.9 million through the Australian Research Council's 2026 Discovery Projects scheme.

Uncle David King receives Community Fellowship

Uncle David King receives Community Fellowship

Western Sydney University has recognised Uncle David King with a Community Fellowship for his outstanding contribution to cultural leadership and environmental stewardship.

Sydney’s fastest growing region is also one of the most vulnerable to climate change

A new report by the Centre for Western Sydney highlights that while Western Sydney is one of Australia’s fastest growing regions, it’s also one of the most hazard prone and socially vulnerable to climate change in the greater Sydney area.

Western Sydney University’s Australia Awards Fellowships Program: Driving Impactful Journalism

Western Sydney University has successfully delivered an Australia Awards Fellowship Program marking a significant milestone in international collaboration and capacity building in journalism.

John Akway Cham gives back to emerging communities

Western Sydney University graduate John Akway Cham is using his education and lived experience to make a positive impact in the world, helping build stronger and more inclusive communities.

From study to stage: Western Sydney University celebrates its newest graduates

Western Sydney University is gearing up for a week of celebration as more than 2300 students prepare to graduate during its October 2025 ceremonies.

Western Sydney University Statement on Cyber Incident

Western Sydney University is today able to advise its community of personal information that was previously impacted by a cyber incident and is providing advice on how people can protect themselves.

Opinion: Western Sydney University developing app to show how to keep students engaged

The Vice-Chancellor and President at Western Sydney University has detailed how an app soon to be rolled out at the University will give students greater support to keep them engaged in study.

Western secures funding to improve oral health for people living with diabetes

Western Sydney University’s Professor Ajesh George from the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Translational Health Research Institute and Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health, has secured more than $990,000.

Western receives $1.6 million to improve health outcomes for people with intellectual disability

University Professor Nathan Wilson has secured more than $1.6 million through the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) MRFF Improving the Health Outcomes of People with Intellectual Disability grant.

Parts of Australia’s tropical rainforests now a net source of carbon, new study finds

The trunks and branches of trees in Australia's tropical rainforests – also known as woody biomass – have become a net source of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

Western Sydney University partners with NSW Police Force to deliver real-world preparation for one of the state’s most vital public service careers

Western Sydney University is entering a new strategic partnership with the NSW Police Force to help train future police officers to protect, lead and serve their communities in New South Wales.

Western Sydney University and Western Sydney Philharmonic strike a high note with exciting new partnership

Western Sydney University and Western Sydney Philharmonic announce a partnership that will strengthen music education, increase access to musical performances and career pathways.

Indigenous Students vs Staff Basketball Match brings community together

Western Sydney University hosted its annual Indigenous Students vs Staff Basketball Match on Friday, 26 September at the Hills Basketball Stadium, drawing a lively crowd of students, staff, and community members.

THE Impact Rankings 2025 Tile Image

Western Sydney beats the world four years in a row for community impact

For an unprecedented fourth year in a row, Western Sydney University has outranked 2,300 international universities to be named the world’s best for delivering community impact.


Western Sydney stories

Western launches next gen solar car, UNLIMITED 6.0

Western Sydney University’s Solar Car team have today unveiled their most innovative and advanced solar car design yet, ‘UNLIMITED 6.0’.


Professor Geoff Lee, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Western Sydney and External Engagement

Opinion: Students don't take they are net givers

Australians resoundingly rejected the Coalition’s key election proposal to slash net overseas migration, specifically targeting foreign students and temporary skilled workers.




Thought leadership

Chancellor Image for use on the News Centre.

Chancellor's Address: Women UNLIMITED Leadership Summit

The following address was deliverd by Western Sydney University Chancellor, Professor Jennifer Westacott AO at the Women UNLIMITED Leadership Summit on Wednesday, 1 October 2025.


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.




Research success

Western Sydney University researchers contribute to global call for urgent overhaul of food systems to combat land degradation crisis

Western Sydney University researchers have contributed to a landmark international study warning that urgent action is needed to transform global food systems to avert a land degradation crisis.


Improved stroke detection in women will save lives and millions in healthcare costs, new study finds

A new study has found that improving pre-hospital stroke identification accuracy in women to match that of men will lead to significant health benefits and cost savings for all Australians.




Expert opinion

The Conversation logo

Opinion: Australian farmland values are at lofty heights. Research reveals this could be hurting some farmers

Over recent decades, farmland values in Australia have soared. Nationally, the price of broadacre farmland has increased by more than eightfold since 1992.


The Conversation logo

Opinion: AI has produced 2 new antibiotics to kill ‘superbugs’. It’s promising – but we shouldn’t get too excited yet

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have used artificial intelligence to design two new antibiotics effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, or “superbugs”.




Awards and appointments

Western Sydney University researchers named as finalists in the 2025 Eureka Prizes

Western Sydney University researchers have been named among the finalists selected for Australia’s leading science awards, the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes.


Honouring Indigenous academic excellence and community leadership at Western Sydney University’s NAIDOC Gala Dinner

Western Sydney University recognised the outstanding contributions of Indigenous students, staff and community members at its annual NAIDOC Gala Dinner on Friday 11 July.



Student spotlight

Ayla Hibbert studies social work to empower mums and communities

Ayla Hibbert, is a 29-year-old Bachelor of Social Work student at the Liverpool City campus. Balancing university, work, and being a single mum, she describes her studies as deeply rewarding.


Medicine, community, and culture – Ryan Blake’s journey at Western Sydney University

Ryan Blake currently lives and studies at Western Sydney University’s Campbelltown campus. Originally from Young in regional NSW, he is enrolled in the Bachelor of Clinical Science/Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.