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. Western Sydney University received a grant of $367,000 from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through a competitive grant process to support this Fellowship.
Australia Awards Fellowships aim to build networks of influence and leadership by strengthening partnerships between Australian organisations and partner organisations in the region. Fellowships target senior and mid-career officials and professionals who are in a position to advance development outcomes in priority areas and increase the institutional capacity of partner countries through their leadership.
In April, Western Sydney University hosted a month-long immersive program in Sydney for 12 Fellows from India, Fiji, and Indonesia. The cohort included academics, journalists, changemakers, and policy advisers, all working to advance digital media innovation and sustainability across the Indo-Pacific region.
The Fellowship was led by Associate Professor Asha Chand, Associate Dean International (South Asia) and Journalism Area Convenor at Western Sydney University’s School of Humanities and Communication Arts. Participants were supported in designing and implementing country-specific journalism projects that address pressing regional issues, including environmental sustainability, financial inclusion, and community resilience.
“Through the Fellowship, Fellows are actively empowering their students, communities, and countries with ethical and impactful journalism, generating lasting change across the region and beyond,” said Dr Chand.
Fellowship Highlights
- India: Fellows undertook grassroots reporting on water and environmental pollution in Punjab, and empowered women in fintech by improving financial and media literacy.
- Fiji: Fellows strengthened community-focused climate communication, including Women’s Weather Watch, a pioneering grassroots-led disaster communication initiative.
- Indonesia: Fellows created a Digital Media Toolkit for environmental activists, leveraging platforms like TikTok to promote constructive journalism and combat misinformation.
Alongside workshops, participants engaged with leading academics, journalists, and policymakers, visited the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (ABC) state-of-the-art facilities in Parramatta, attended the ANZAC Day dawn service in Canberra, and explored Australia’s cultural and natural landmarks such as the Blue Mountains and Sydney Zoo, fostering cross-cultural exchange and deeper connections.
Associate Lecturer in Screen Media, Vincent Tay supported Dr Chand to facilitate the month-long training in Sydney. He presented Masterclasses on turning stories into video narratives and the use of social and digital media platforms.
The Fellowship also generated immediate media coverage in participating countries, amplifying its impact beyond academia. Fellows will continue to receive mentoring and support from Dr Chand to sustain and expand their research.
“The Fellowship program has equipped journalists across the Indo-Pacific with stronger fact-checking skills essential to media credibility, while also fostering meaningful connections with media professionals throughout the region. This achievement would not have been possible without DFAT’s support,” said Dr Chand.
To learn more about Australia Awards Fellowships please visit the website: https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-people/australia-awards/australia-awards-fellowships
ENDS
27 October 2025
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