Joining RCE-GWS
What is RCE Greater Western Sydney?
The RCE Greater Western Sydney (RCE-GWS) network has a range of partners that have joined a global network focused on education for sustainable development at a regional level. The ongoing research and teaching and learning programs at RCE-GWS are concentrating on four key sustainability challenges that face Greater Western Sydney:
- Transitioning to a low carbon economy
- Developing sustainable communities: health, transport, housing and employment
- Ensuring agricultural sustainability and food security
- Conserving biodiversity and river health
What does it mean to be a member of RCE-GWS?
Being a member of RCE-GWS allows you to work together with other local government, organisations, institutions or businesses to implement sustainability projects in areas where you may have already been working in parallel, competing for grants and resources.
Currently RCE-GWS has four active working groups, namely Biodiversity and River Health, Food Security and Agriculture, Teacher Education for Sustainability and Business and Sustainability.
Who can join this network?
RCE-GWS is always happy to accept new members, from local councils to community groups; nevertheless there are a few criteria they must first meet.
- Must be Greater Western Sydney (GWS) based. Please see ‘Where is Greater Western Sydney?’ for more details.
- Must have a focus around sustainability, whether it is environmental, social, cultural or economic.
- Must have a focus around educational outcomes, whether it be for schools, community or business.
- Must be willing to partner with existing RCE partners and our networks on key sustainability challenges to implement, monitor and report on projects undertaken in GWS.
What is the process of joining?
If you are interested in becoming an active member of RCE-GWS please fill out the new members application form. Your form will be directly emailed to the Office of Sustainability at the University of Western Sydney, RCE-GWS host institution.
If you meet our criteria, we will ask our existing partners if they have any objections to your organisation or institute becoming a member. We will let you know the outcome within two weeks of receiving your completed application form. If you unfortunately do not meet the criteria you/your organisation or institute may still be considered for associated projects as a non-member.
Where is Greater Western Sydney?
The New South Wales Department of Planning's Metropolitan Strategy divides Greater Western Sydney into three sub-regions:
- North-West: City of Blacktown, City of Blue Mountains, City of Hawkesbury and City of Penrith
- South-West: Camden Council, City of Campbelltown, City of Liverpool and Wollondilly Shire
- West Central: Auburn Council, City of Bankstown, City of Fairfield, City of Holroyd and City of Parramatta
