Western Sydney University welcomes Suburban University Study Hub for Fairfield

Professor Alphia Possamai-Inesedy, Pro Vice-Chancellor Student Success, Western Sydney University; Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, Vice Chancellor and President, Western Sydney University; The Hon. Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy; and The Hon. Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education.

Western Sydney University welcomes the official opening of the Fairfield Connect University Study Hub,

providing students in the region with greater opportunities and support on their education journey.

Funded by the Albanese Government’s $66.9 million investment – which will more than double the number of University Study Hubs across the country – the hub will offer support services and study facilities for local students enrolled at any university or Vocational Education and Training (VET) provider.

The Hub was opened on Friday, 7 November by Federal Minister for Education, the Hon Jason Clare MP, and the Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, alongside Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO.

It builds upon the strong foundation laid by Fairfield Connect, established by Western Sydney University in May 2024 which since opening has welcomed over 12,090 visitors and has been instrumental in understanding and addressing the educational needs of the Fairfield community.

Census data (ABS HEAP 2021) shows that Fairfield is a Local Government Area (LGA) where the highest level of education attainment rate is equal to the lowest in Sydney, and lags the national target for post-school qualifications.

Its population is also one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse, with more than half of residents born overseas and just over 69 per cent using a language other than English at home.

Minister for Education Jason Clare said, “Almost one in two young people in their 20s and their 30s have a university degree today. But not everywhere, and not in Fairfield.”

“Young people in Fairfield go to university at half the rate of the rest of the country. There are invisible barriers which stop people from going to university. We need to break down those barriers.”

“Now for the first time, we are putting these University Study Hubs in the outer suburbs.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy and Member for McMahon, Chris Bowen, said, “This is great news for thousands of local students in Fairfield and Western Sydney, bringing university study closer to home.”

“For too long, young people in our area have had to travel long distances or miss out altogether. This new Study Hub will mean more students can get a degree without having to leave their community.”

“I’m proud the Albanese Government is backing Western Sydney with practical investments like this, because we believe every young person deserves the same chance to succeed, no matter where they live.”

Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, Vice Chancellor and President, Western Sydney University; The Hon. Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy; and The Hon. Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education.

Professor Williams said that since May 2024, Fairfield Connect has shown us what’s possible when we invest in our local students and laid important groundwork for the Suburban University Study Hub

“The new Fairfield Connect University Study Hub will serve as a shared learning space for all students, regardless of which university or training provider they attend. We’re proud that this initiative reflects Western Sydney University’s deep commitment to supporting students from every background to achieve their goals,” said Professor Williams.

“With a legacy of supporting and empowering the people of Western Sydney, the University stands ready to leverage its expertise, resources, and partnerships to ensure the success of this initiative, which will help address enduring socio-economic and educational barriers in Fairfield.”

The Fairfield Connect University Study Hub, is located in the heart of Fairfield at 54 Smart Street, and will offer study spaces, as well as in-person administrative, academic skills and wellbeing support for students undertaking tertiary study through any higher education provider.

Western Sydney University will also continue to provide its existing programs and services, building on Fairfield Connect’s successful initiatives, including academic support, career guidance, access to technology, and flexible study spaces, ensuring students from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to succeed.

Its programs include interactive workshops for local high school students and their families to provide guidance on pathways and financial support; and tailored programs addressing the unique needs of refugee, migrant, and Pasifika communities.The Fairfield Connect University Study Hub will deliver these initiatives in collaboration with local councils, schools, businesses, and community service providers, and are part of a growing network of Western Sydney study hubs in partnership with universities including University of Technology Sydney, Australian Catholic University, University of New South Wales, and TAFE NSW.

For more information about the Fairfield Connect University Study Hub, or to register your interest, please visit the webpage.