Dean's Welcome

Welcome to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education at the University of Western Sydney.

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of Greater Western Sydney, the Darug, Gandangarra and Tharawal peoples, whose land our six campuses span.

The University’s location, in the midst of the largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population in Australia, presents unique opportunities for the provision of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, research, employment and engagement.

As one of Australia’s biggest universities, UWS recognises the importance of celebrating and sharing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian culture with the wider community - and our unique position in Greater Western Sydney means we are well placed to do that.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education is about creating opportunities for both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. At UWS we are committed to the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content across all areas of the university. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education is not only about providing increased access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, but providing programs which give non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a greater awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian knowedge and culture and the opportunity to become involved in productive partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

The University of Western Sydney offers many education programs and services to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through their studies.

Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education was established in 2006 to create a supportive and culturally appropriate learning environment that caters to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The Centre has facilities on each campus to provide guidance and encouragement for every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student of the University.

Our aim at the University of Western Sydney is to provide education which is rewarding, not just intellectually, but socially and culturally as well.

We are committed to the advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education and the process of reconciliation, and at UWS we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to work together with the community to achieve these goals.

Associate Professor Berice Anning, Dean, Indigenous Education and Director, Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education