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.

Located on Darug land at the Parramatta South campus, the Indigenous Centre of Excellence will be a significant gathering place for the community to celebrate both the University’s and the Western Sydney region’s long-standing connection with Indigenous people.

The Centre will be a national benchmark for Indigenous leadership, research, and education. Through its state-of-the-art facilities, it will honour tens of thousands of years of Indigenous knowledge, culture, and history, creating a transformational space for inquiry, innovation, and community engagement.

The Governor-General welcomed the opportunity to support the Centre, which will be a dynamic space where Indigenous culture, knowledge, and community intersect.

“Simeon and I are pleased to support this nationally-significant initiative which will serve as a hub for celebrating Indigenous heritage, fostering understanding, and promoting resilience. We look forward to amplifying the important work, and sharing the stories as the University community realise its vision for a landmark space that honours the rich traditions and wisdom of our Indigenous peoples.”

Professor Michelle Trudgett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Leadership, at Western Sydney University, said the Centre is a transformative opportunity for Indigenous Australians and the communities of Western Sydney.

“The Indigenous Centre of Excellence is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine and reshape how Indigenous knowledges and leadership are positioned in higher education and across the Australian landscape,” said Professor Trudgett.

“It builds on the University’s deep and longstanding commitment to serve and empower our communities and be a national leader in Indigenous education, employment and research.

“We are building a significant movement grounded in self-determination – one that will uplift communities, foster future leaders, and deliver lasting social change. We thank Their Excellencies and our Ambassadors for their commitment and collective support of this vision.”