Western’s fighting Food Insecurity!
By Nataša Aster-Stater, Director of Student Publications
Food Pantry services are also available at Bankstown (Fridays, 11am-1pm) and Sydney City (every second Wednesday, from 11.30am-12pm) campuses.
It works like this: make sure you’ve registered on WesternLife, then students pick their five staples - including fruits and vegetables,
As well as food, the
provides free hygiene products and nappies.
For more information about when to attend at your preferred campus visit the Western Pantry page on WESTERNLife.
To volunteer with or donate to the Western Pantry, please contact: westernpantry@westernsydney.edu.au
The National Student Ombudsman (NSO) is a free, accessible and impartial service for students to escalate complaints about the actions of their higher education provider, empowered by the Ombudsman Act 1976.
The NSO can help resolve complaints about Western Sydney University decisions from all students: international or domestic, full-time or part-time, undergraduate or postgraduate.
Complaints can involve a range of issues, including student safety and wellbeing, gender-based violence, racism and racial vilification, discrimination, the fairness and effectiveness of student complaints processes, and administrative issues like the timeliness and accuracy of information provided to students about their courses.
The NSO resolution pathways may include written recommendations to providers, opportunities to participate in restorative engagement, or alternative dispute resolution processes including mediation.
There are a range of ways to lodge a complaint with the NSO, so you can use
the safest option for you. They work with students to consider the best resolution pathway, and if their services aren’t right for the situation they can provide referrals for more appropriate services.
The NSO ensures consent throughout the entirety of the process, keeping you updated and informed. If a student is unsatisfied with the final outcome, they may request a review.
Legislation to establish the NSO was passed on the 29th of November 2024 by the Albanese Government. Its action plan was composed through consultations with victim-survivor advocates, staff, students, and experts in the higher education sector.
A press release from the AttorneyGeneral Portfolio announced the passing of the NSO legislation that night, according to which Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said, “Everyone should feel safe and supported on university campuses so they have the best chance to succeed and thrive...The new National Student Ombudsman will be a powerful, independent voice to investigate and help students when they experience sexual violence or discrimination of any kind.”
There is no time limit on complaints lodged with the NSO; students can
Painting Respect into our Community
What is Project Respect?
Project Respect is an interactive community-based art project at Western’s Parramatta South Campus that aims to start conversations about respectful relationships.
As a diverse community, we must acknowledge the prevalence of disrespect, casual harassment and violence that can and does occur within romantic relationships, friendships and professional relationships.
To approach this heavy conversation, we aimed to foster an environment of reflection and expression via a studentcurated ‘dialogue’ mural on the outside walls of building EA.
Project Respect’s team challenges the public to think about how they treat people through a visual display of our communities’ thoughts, feelings and artistic contributions.
We aim to empower our community to acknowledge the need to unlearn disrespect and act. We also strive to highlight the resources available for those seeking education or support in their relationships.
What are its key challenges?
Addressing how we treat each other in relationships is complex. Cultural upbringings can instill shame, overlook abuse, and discourage open discussions. Fears of workplace harassment, especially in patriarchal structures, further silence people. Internalised stigma can also erode self-worth, making it even harder to recognise and challenge harmful behaviours.
These challenges label discussions on respect, violence, and education as controversial, but Project Respect insists on facing them. Disrespect has reached dangerous levels, making this conversation essential. Even if uncomfortable,
we must encourage reflection, selfawareness, and action towards respect.
How does it support individuals in vulnerable situations?
Project Respect highlights the normalisation of disrespect in relationships and empowers individuals to speak up in dangerous situations.
Through public displays, we encourage them to acknowledge their situations.
Any impactful stories from this project?
Through this project, I’ve had the honour of meeting and talking to a variety of people about respect.
Initially, people were hesitant to engage in deeper conversations about respect in their relationships and respectful interactions with others. I was surprised by how many people engaged in critical reflection on respectful relationships on our very first interactive day after opening space on the dialogue wall.
As a woman, it was emotional to see other women’s fears of disrespect alongside hopes that we can do better. A celebration of different cultures appeared through signs, words of peace, love, and equality, framed by rows of bright flowers.
The opposing photo wall, my main contribution, has also exceeded expectations. Over two days, I collected photos of our community to build the faces of our stories. These images, alongside elders, different life stages, and community statements, became a collage of relationships past, present, and future.
That day, as an artist, I looked at these two walls with pride. But more importantly, as a bystander, I was touched by our
make complaints about past issues.
The NSO will also accept anonymous complaints or complaints made through a friend, however this may limit resolution options.
When lodging a complaint with the NSO, it’s recommended to include information such as what happened, where and when the matter took place, who was involved and any witnesses, details of any actions already taken, the name of your higher education provider, the name and position of the person you made your complaint to, and any documents such as medical evidence and photographs that may be relevant.
Important people to note in the NSO include Sarah Bendall, the First Assistant Ombudsman; Iain Anderson, the Commonwealth Ombudsman; and Kate Anderson, the SeniorAssistant Ombudsman.
While the NSO has limited enforceability, their power lies in keeping the public informed when matters are handled poorly. This encourages universities to collaborate with the NSO to deliver the best results.
To find out more, please call the NSO on 1300 395 775, visit their website: nso.gov. au, or follow them on Instagram: @nso_gov
Dental Care: a Curse for the Government this Election?
By Nataša Aster-Stater, Director of Student Publications
“Stronger Medicare is at the heart of our government and will be the beating heart of our election campaign,” said Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, in February 2025, further adding that, “Medicare is a promise no one will be left behind”.Except many Australians have been left behind as dental care is excluded under Medicare. Right now, it’s a trojan horse from the Greens, which neither Albanese nor Dutton want to accept into this year’s federal election.
In a statement published to their website in August 2024, Adam Bandt, leader of the Greens, said should his political party be elected to power, dental care in Australia will be free and available to all, and that Labor and Liberal “lack the guts” to do so.
“Australia’s dental and oral health system is a system in decay,” stated Greens Health spokesperson, Senator Jordon-Steele John, in a 2024 speech to the National Press Club.
According to a 2024 report by Australian Dental Association (ADA), 61 per cent of Australians had postponed going to the dentist to get treatment in the last year alone, with the majority citing that they could not afford the visit.
Amy Chapman*, 34, a mother of three and student at Western Sydney University, in her third year of studying for a Bachelor of Arts, says:
“I was 24 the first
The Western Pantry Team.
Photo by Julia Bell, 2024
The Western Pantry aims to
By Jen Alford, Student Contributor
By Jasmine Kaur, Student Publications Editor and Sofia Tripodi, Student Contributor.
community. I saw myself, my friends, and our stories within the eyes, drawings, and words of my peers. Even in this early stage, I knew we had succeeded in starting a conversation, and I hope we continue fostering reflection and respect.
Quynh Nguyen painting a rose for Project Respect, March 2025. Photo by Sofia Tripodi.
Project Respect, March 2025.
Photo by Satya Patel, Design Officer.
Student Volunteers at your Service. Photo by Jen Alford, March 2025
*Amy’s surname has been changed due to privacy reasons.
By Jasmine Kaur, Student Publications Editor
Struggling with Aussie slang or accents?
Join Western’s free, weekly English Conversation Groups (ECG) to improve your language skills, understand the local culture, and connect with others.
“Hey mate, wusppp, you wanna go for brekkie, cool bananas?”
If you’ve just landed in Sydney, you’re probably scratching your head, wondering what in the world is going on. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Australian English is a whole new world, and the slang, humour, and casual ways we do things here can feel pretty bizarre at first.
I remember when I first got here, someone casually said, “Let’s have a chat this arvo,” and I was like, “Arvo? Is that a person? A place?!” And then there was the inevitable awkward laugh as I tried to play it cool, pretending I understood.
Spoiler: I didn’t!
But guess what?
You’ll get the hang of it. Aussies are all about being laid-back, and part of that is their unique way of speaking. “Arvo” means afternoon, “brekkie” is breakfast, and “cool bananas” is just a fun way of saying “all good!” It’s like a secret code, and soon enough, you’ll be saying things like “No worries, mate!” without a second thought.
Here’s the thing: you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Sydney is one of the most diverse cities, with a huge international community. You’ll hear
everything from Aussie slang to all kinds of accents from around the world. It’s a lot to take in, right? Especially if you find yourself in places like Parramatta or Chinatown, where every corner feels like a whole new world, with different languages and cultures blending together.
But hey, that’s the beauty of Sydney! It’s a melting pot of experiences, and the best way to dive into it all is to start chatting. And here’s the good news: Western Sydney University offers English Conversation Groups (you may also see it referred to as ECG) to help you with just that. It’s the perfect opportunity to brush up on your Australian English and understand more about Aussie culture, the jokes, and the laid-back vibe that makes us, well, us!
So, whether you’re struggling to keep up with the accent or feeling overwhelmed by the buzzing multicultural environment, just remember, everyone goes through it. You’ll find your groove, and soon enough, you’ll be part of the convo, laughing at a joke or asking, “What’s the go?” (that’s Aussie slang for “What’s going on?”).
And hey - by the way- Western has got you covered for this too.
Western runs English Conversation Groups every week! And good newsthey’re completely free! So, why not sign up and start familiarising yourself with Aussie English, culture, and humor? Join the program via WESTERNLife (Western log in required) or email any queries to ecg@westernsydney.edu.au
All About Badanami
By Tamara Tuchin, Student Publications Editor
“Higher education accessible to all” is one of the catchphrases at Western, and today we’re highlighting the Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education.
With centres located on Bankstown, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Liverpool, Parramatta City, Parramatta South, and Penrith (Kingswood) campuses, Badanami provides academic and life support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Audree Campbell, WSU student, says that the Badanami Centre feels like home.
“It’s where I find cultural strength, emotional support, and a community that understands and respects my identity as an Indigenous student.”
“Badanami has been more than just a place for academic support. I can truly be myself, and connect to my heritage while navigating university life.”
Each campus has a Student Success Officer, who is not only able to provide support and understanding for students like Audree, but can facilitate connections between students and Western’s dedicated First Nations programs, events and services.
Deadly Chat:
Whether it’s a chat or enquiry, Badanami’s Student Success Officers are here. Indigenous students can book a preferred time to have a video chat with a selected member of staff, or use the instant chat between 9am - 4pm on weekdays to get a connection ASAP.
Tutoring for Success:
Western’s Tutoring for Success (TFS) program gives Indigenous students the opportunity to participate in individual or group tuition with qualified tutors within the university. This program is open to both WSU and The College students, and allows up to eight hours of
Bad Blood between Taylor and Swifties
By Israa Merhi, Student Publications Editor
It is crucial to note the darker side of pop culture, and how the University has played a role in its over-glamourisation.
“It was a “goodbye tour” to me- my last (and only) opportunity to see her live before I cut her out of my life (and music taste) forever” Western student Bea Birett said in response to W’SUP News’ call-out post on singer Taylor Swift’s global ‘Eras Tour’.
Birett felt disappointed that the influential Swift stayed silent on Palestine, especially with all eyes on her recordbreaking The Eras Tour. Fans of Swift, including Western students, have voiced opinions on the artist’s silence regarding the ongoing Palestinian genocide.
In a 2024 Shado Magazine article titled ‘I don’t want to be a Taylor Swift fan anymore’, Muslim journalist Anmol Irfan noted how Western viewers obsessed over Swift and her partner Travis Kelce’s interactions during the 2024 Super Bowl. Irfan noted rampant fascination with Swift “while Israel ruthlessly bombed Rafah.”
Irfan expressed her grievances by noting that Swift “said absolutely nothing about the violence committed.” Irfan continued: “Israel in fact ran undisclosed ads during the Superbowl.” Irfan’s and Birett’s shared sentiment reveal how Swift went from being admired to criticised for her inaction.
The University was quick to organise buses for the Era’s Tour which was posted online via a TikTok video on its page, however, it still has not listened to the concerns of many students on campus who have been calling for disclosures and divestments from the Israeli state.
Although the tour meant a lot to fans, including some Western students, it is crucial to note the darker side of pop culture, and how the University has played a role in its over-glamourisation.
The Wall Planner: Behind The Scenes
By
Maybe it is time to question whether Western cares more about the valid concerns of its students over the genocide they are actively complicit in, or advertising the University in a way that undoubtedly appeals to a younger demographic.
In late 2024, alongside The Eras Tour, Western invited actor Joel Edgerton to a Doctor of Medicine graduation ceremony, where he received an Honorary Doctorate as 100 students graduated.
Edgerton is an actor and filmmaker, who has played characters in famous movies like Star Wars and The Great Gatsby. He has also been an ambassador for The Fred Hollows Foundations for over 10 years which helps people access affordable eye-care.
Despite this noble act, the University has not acknowledged students who have tirelessly fought to expose human rights violations against Palestinians. Instead, it has only grown in its efforts to repress people from speaking out on this matter.
This was seen on October 9th, 2024, when two students were arrested on campus during a protest.
The University portrays itself as a welcoming environment for young people while downplaying its connections to weapons manufacturers. For instance, it collaborates with Thales Australia, a company that designs, develops, and manufactures various aerospace and military systems.
Additionally, the University’s International Centre for Neuromorphic Systems works with Raytheon to develop an event-based visual situational awareness and anomaly detection system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These partnerships raise important questions about the institution’s affiliations and the message this sends to students.
SRC Statement
tutoring a week, with additional hours available for exam preparation. Students can be tutored for specific subjects, as well as skills like essay writing, study techniques, and research skills.
Scholarships:
See you there, mate! Dear reader (and possible movie lover), Australian films are underrated. Full stop. With rich
It’s always tricky navigating the eligibility and conditions of a scholarship; staff from Badanami can assist in the searching for, understanding, and applying for the various scholarships and opportunities Western offers. Indigenous scholarships are open year round for both future and current students on all Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Higher Degree Research levels.
Events and Workshops:
Badanami Centre, along with several university organizations, hosts a variety of events and workshops for both Indigenous students and the wider student community. Here are some upcoming events to get involved in:
2025 Indigenous Students vs Staff Soccer Match
Always popular, this year Indigenous staff will be defending their title on the 28th of March at the Penrith Regional Valley Sports Centre. The friendly (yet competitive) rivalry starts at 10:30am.
Indigenous Professoriate Lecture
One of two annual lectures, details for this event have not yet been released. However, keep the 21st of May free for a powerful talk from a leading Indigenous academic at Parramatta South campus. Lecture 2 will be held in October.
For more info about Badanami, head to the WSU website, and give them a follow on socials (@badanami_wsu).
Don’t forget to check out The Yarning Circle, the quarterly newsletter that celebrates all things Indigenous at Western.
Your Western SRC has been hard at work fighting for real change on campus. From tackling the ongoing issues with parking to ensuring free period products are available across all campuses, we’re committed to making student life better.
We’ve stood firm on students’ rights to protest, advocating for a campus where students can express themselves without fear.As part of this, we recently ran a workshop with the Human Rights Law Centre on students’ legal rights, how to stay safe on campus, and what to do when dealing with police.
We’re also working to increase inclusion across the university, pushing for meaningful action that ensures all students feel represented and supported.
If you or anyone you know needs assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact your student representatives at src@westernsydney. edu.au—we’re here to help.
Western Sydney University students deserve a campus that works for them, and we won’t stop fighting to make that a reality.
By Garish (Luci) Kugathasan, Student Publications Editor
By Laine Fox, SRC President
Laine Fox (SRC President) and Vidushi Sethi (SRC Vice President) in front of the Parramatta South Queer Stairs, March 2025. Taken by SRC.
Garish (Luci) Kugathasan, Student Publications Editor