Dean's Welcome

Welcome to Indigenous 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 Indigenous population in Australia, presents unique opportunities for the provision of Indigenous education, research, employment and engagement.

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

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

The University of Western Sydney offers many education programs and services to support Indigenous 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 Indigenous students. The Centre has facilities on each campus to provide guidance and encouragement for every Indigenous 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 Indigenous 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