Diverse directions

Indigenous dancers, African drumming, rainbow cupcakes, henna tattooing, Brazilian dancers and more… No, this isn’t a run-down of the latest brochure from a travel agency but a snapshot of the week that was Diversity Week, which kicked off Monday 17 September.

Over the course of the week students and staff were able to participate in a number of activities highlighting the diverse backgrounds and cultures of the UWS community. Each campus hosted at least one activity.

On Wednesday 19 September, a number of students took advantage of the free henna tattooing at Hawkesbury campus. Felicity McArthur, a Bachelor of Science (Zoology) student, had her hand painted with henna as part of the celebrations. “I’ve never done anything like it before, so I figured I’d give it a go,” she said. “Diversity Week is a good idea. So far I have really enjoyed it.”

The student and staff population at UWS is vast and varied and Diversity Week was established to explore and celebrate these differences, promoting respect and inclusion across cultures, religions, ethnicities, sexualities and genders.

A number of students said Diversity Week had allowed them to experience different things. “It’s fun to get to know other cultures and experience it, and also to recognise different customs” said Andrea Balen, a Medical Science student.

With such great feedback, Diversity Week 2012 has been a great success.