All About Student Protests at WSU
It’s only halfway through 2025 and already it’s been a big year for protests at Western Sydney University.
On the 26th of March 2025, the ‘WSU 4 Palestine’ Collective led a protest against the University’s involvement with Israeli company Syqe Medical.
The protest took place between buildings EA and EB at Western’s Parramatta South campus.
Protestors chanted “Western Sydney, you can’t hide, you’re supporting genocide!” and “SHAME!”
The WSU 4 Palestine Collective’s petition urging the University to cut ties with Syqe has surpassed 600 signatories.
On the 22nd of May 2025, staff and students gathered at Parramatta South campus outside building EJa to protest a predicted 400 University staff cuts.
The protest marked exactly one month since Western’s Vice
Chancellor, George Williams, released an official statement on the 2026 budget position. Williams’ official statement outlines a predicted $79 million dollar deficit for 2026 and claims to have no choice but to cut 300–400 positions, 15% of Western’s entire workforce.
The ‘Stop WSU Cuts’ group have collected over 400 signatures for their petition against the cuts, addressing concerns such as resource shortages, reduced student support, increased class sizes and more. Many students feel they pay enough fees for the University to maintain staff contracts and empathise with those fearing for their jobs.
2025 thus far has already seen many issues that affect Western studentsfrom the staff cuts to the alleged partnership with Syqe Medical.
With so many controversial changes taking place, protestors at Western will not fall silent anytime soon.
As One Chapter Ends, Another Begins at WSU
By
someone to start a conversation, here’s a tip – it’s all about your mindset.
As expected, new students may feel nervous about their transition from high school to university – and that’s okay!
It’s a whole new world and it’s easy to feel lost and overwhelmed. But don’t worry, because here are essential tips for starting at Western Sydney University:
Introduce yourself to your classmates:
While settling into your new classes at the beginning of the semester, take the opportunity to get to know your peers.
Saying ‘hi’ can enhance your enjoyment on campus and broaden your social circle. Opportunities may arise, such as involvement in clubs and sports.
If you’re shy and dislike approaching
Shuttle Buses are being Phased Out
By Khanh Linh Pham, Student Publications Editor
on weekends, following the introduction of the Parramatta Light Rail.
The final Saturday shuttle ran on 31 May 2025.
While students are encouraged to utilise the light rail’s weekend discount fares, the decision concerns students who rely on the shuttle service - especially those attending Saturday classes or who live in student accommodation.
Western operates one of Sydney’s largest inter-campus shuttle systems, offering free buses between campuses, near train stations, and student accommodation on the Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses.
The shuttle network is crucial in the daily travel of students and staff.
Weekday services run on different routes, from 6.50 AM to 10:50 PM.
Many students use the shuttle to avoid long and sometimes inaccessible walks in extreme weather, and to reduce transport costs, as a significant number are not eligible for concession Opal fares.
‘I shuttled to the city campus a few times a week to go to Westfield or take the train, especially on Saturdays’, said second year Western student Dia Blunden.
weekend shuttle services were never available at other campuses, and that the change now aligns the Parramatta South campus with the broader system.
Launched in 2024, Stage 1 of the Parramatta Light Rail connects Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD with a 12-kilometre two-way track and 16 stops.
It services Western Sydney University’s Parramatta City and Parramatta South campuses, along with key locations such as CommBank Stadium, Parramatta Square, and Powerhouse Parramatta.
The light rail operates seven days a week, running every 9 minutes during peak hours (7AM-7PM) on weekdays, every 12-16 minutes at other times. By 2026, it is projected to carry 22,000 people daily, with 130,000 residents living within walking distance of a stop.
Unlike the shuttle, it’s not free. Even with weekend discounts, this could pose a financial burden on students.
Blunden says the weekend service suspension is unfair: ‘Students already spend so much on public transport, and we’re losing free services while still paying more each year for housing’.
Nonetheless, for students using a Concession Opal card, the combination of public transport modes can offer surprisingly low fares.
When you go up to a stranger, you both already have something in common.
Neither of you knows what the other is going to say! So, say whatever interests you and you might just find a connection.
Join clubs around campus: Western offers a wide variety of clubs to choose from, filled with creative, like-minded individuals.
It can turn a year of assignments, exams, and stress into a colourful one filled with memories to look back on and cherish, from attending events such as meetups, trips, and more!
Some of the clubs and groups on WESTERNLife include Book Club, the Queer Collective, the Western Run Club, and many others.
not worth
While starting classes and settling into university life, refrain from overworking yourself immediately.
It’s better to take breaks or a day for yourself rather than burning out from staying up until 4 am to finish a task; it can lead to burnout and a lack of motivation in the long run.
While studying, be sure to make the most of the time you have by learning and meeting others.
Not only will you build rapport with others, but you’ll be more social in your academic life.
If you feel overwhelmed, that’s okay.
If you need to start over and choose something else career-wise, that’s okay too. This is YOUR university life.
Ask for help when you need it: In university, things work a bit differently.
Unlike primary and high school where there are teachers, university has tutors and lecturers. Tutors are teachers and help students understand the subject content.
Remember, though: it’s up to students to focus, plan and stay on track; asking for help when needed is a crucial part of this.
Asking for help when needed is okay – it means you’re determined and want to learn!
It also means you’re ready to dust off the cobwebs of 2024 and start afresh in 2025, beginning university with the mindset that anything is possible, along with daily mental reminders to keep a positive outlook.
After all, life is one big book filled with millions of footnotes. With these tools, start a new page of your journey.
According to Western Sydney University’s Safety and Campus Delivery, Shannon Hewitt, Saturday usage varied despite occasional strong demand.
‘Continuing to operate a dedicated weekend service requires considerable ongoing investment, and when weighed against current budget priorities, it is no longer the most effective use of resources’, Hewitt said.
‘With the introduction of the Parramatta Light Rail and other reliable public transport options, students now have more flexible ways to travel on weekends.’
The University noted that
A student catching the train to Parramatta and transferring to the light rail at Parramatta Square pays just 60 cents from Monday to Thursday and 12 cents on Fridays through Sundays.
This is thanks to multi-mode fare discounts and a $25 weekly fare cap for concession holders.
Looking ahead, student feedback will continue to play a crucial role in shaping future transport decisions.
In the meantime, staying informed and making the most of available discounts and concession fares can help students navigate this transition with greater ease.
The Cost of Parking at Parramatta
Parking on campus feels almost impossible for many Western Sydney University students. Parking at the Parramatta South campus is notoriously difficult due to the popularity of the campus.
Students can purchase a yearly parking pass or a daily ‘pay and display’ ticket, which in 2024 cost $7 at most campuses and has increased to $9.50 in 2025. Parramatta South (that very busy campus) only has blue parking bays, which are more expensive for both annual pass users and daily pass users.
A yearly pass costs $349 a year
When you don’t understand the course material, speak up and ask your tutors rather than struggle to try and figure it out for yourself when it’s too late (cramming everything the day before an assignment or exam is not ideal).
and does not guarantee a spot. Daily pass users paid $9 in 2024, and now pay $12.50 a day in 2025.
Biannual or annual communal yellow bay permit holders are permitted to park in yellow bays, whilst blue bay permit holders can park in designated yellow and blue spaces. Crucially, there are no yellow bays at the Parramatta South campus.
The University claims to provide more than 7,000 parking spots across all campuses. Western student Julia Disney said, “Parramatta South
parking is horrendous when it’s busy; there are no blue spots.”
Western Student Yash Patel said parking was “Too expensive” and SRC member Jelly Van Doorn struggles to find a spot even with a permit: “I bought the blue permit but there are no parking spots available when needed.” Jenaya Simpson said the University could be doing more:
“With the amount people pay in tuition, the Uni should just make the parking free”.
Garish (Luci) Kugathasan,
By Eleanor Cooper & Israa Merhi (Student Publication Editors) and Lamisah Raihan, Dean Shahin & Keira Fairley (Student Contributors)
Welcome, new students!
By Israa Merhi, Student Publications Editor
Protest Against Western’s ties with Syqe Medical. Photo by Eleanor Cooper, 2025. Student Jordan Pardoel Leading Chants. Photo by Eleanor Cooper, 2025
Don’t overwork yourself – It is
it:
‘Students Enjoying On-Campus Life’, Photo by Eleanor Cooper 09/05/2025.
The ’Stop WSU Cuts’ group. Photo by Daniel Van Vree, 2025.
Your Career Starts on LinkedIn!
By Paige Saunders
Creating a LinkedIn profile often tops the to-do list for university students.
When I started at Western Sydney University a few years ago, tutors kept telling me to make an account and get involved. But back then, I was hesitant. As a fresh first-year student with no internships or personal projects to my name, I wondered: What would be “worthwhile” to show?
Now that I have been on LinkedIn for some time, I can tell you that it’s a myth. You don’t need a polished profile of long list of experiences to begin. LinkedIn isn’t just a place for “career-ready” – it’s for everyone to grow into themselves, their career, and their industry. And the best way to start? Start small. Start early. Once you do, you’ll find LinkedIn easy to navigate.
Your feed will tailor itself to the content you engage with – posts by people in your network or topics you follow. The “Network” and “Messaging” tabs are for finding and connecting with people. The “Jobs” tab is great for internships and industry roles.
What to Post? How Do I Format?
Assignments, events, and personal projects are all great content to start with. Make sure you’re posting the best version of your work, and include the project rubric or tutor feedback, which will showcase your skill set.
Images, videos, and hashtags are a game-changer for reaching a wider audience. It’s also crucial to start with a strong opening sentence. Keep it concise, easy
to read, but rich with your personality and your knowledge. Sooner or later, you’ll gradually find a community of like-minded people who want to see your work.
Creating Connections
There are no rules about whom to connect with. However, I recommend keeping your connections primarily to people in your industry. Start with peers or tutors, who already know you and share similar interests. Then branch out - connect with people at events you attend.
Asking to connect with an industry expert can be a great icebreaker. Putting yourself out there can feel awkward or intimidating at first. But positioning yourself eager to learn and having genuine curiosity will help you present yourself to new people.
Learning with LinkedIn
Western Sydney University has made LinkedIn an accessible resource for its students. LinkedIn Learning is packed with free courses to deepen your knowledge in any field.
Any Western student can log in for free using their student login and password.
As you continue your professional journey, let LinkedIn be a tool to guide you. Use it to maximise your study, growth, experience, and networking.
You’ll be amazed how much you learn - and who you meet - along the way.
Start small. Start early. You have more to offer than you think!
Art by Yousif Nafea
By Eleanor Cooper, Student Publications
Fulfilling his dream, Nafea depicts stories of hope and humanity through
Overcoming the challenges of life as a refugee, he seeks to inspire other young artists similarly paving their way through the creative sphere.
SRC Wraps Semester with Major Wins and Ongoing Campaigns
By Laine Fox, SRC President.
As the semester draws to a close, the Western Sydney University Student Representative Council (SRC) is reflecting on a period of intense advocacy and progress.
This semester, the SRC has proudly stood alongside staff as they face unprecedented job cuts across the university. By formally endorsing the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) in their fight to protect jobs and working conditions, the SRC is highlighting a critical truth: cuts to staff are cuts to the student experience. Our learning, support, and future opportunities depend on a strong, well-supported workforce.
In line with our commitment to equity and social justice, the SRC also endorsed a petition from
The Shining: Why Do Cats’ Eyes Shine?
By Tamara Tuchin, Student Publications Editor
You’re walking across campus.
It’s late. Something rustles in the bushes. You fumble for your phone. The bush rustles again. You swing the phone around and two glowing circles appear among the leaves. They start moving closer, and closer andMeow.
A cat jumps out of the bush, looks at you with its shining eyes, then saunters off. What’s with that?
Eye shine is commonly associated with cats, but it’s something most mammals - excluding humans – have.
It happens because of the tapetum lucidum, which is a layer of mirrored cells behind photoreceptors in the retina. Basically, we see things as photons- light. Light is
the University’s Social Cohesion Committee calling for Western to acknowledge the genocide in Gaza. With so many students across Western directly impacted by the conflict, it is vital the university recognises the reality of their pain and speaks out.
In a historic development, the Board of Trustees has formally endorsed the SRC’s proposed constitution for a new, independent student union.
This milestone is the result of over 18 months of organising, consultation, and legislative reform.
As we look ahead to elections and student forums, the SRC remains committed to fighting for students on every front.
Queer Collective Responds to Vandalism in University
By
In August 2024, Western Sydney University students grew increasingly concerned about repeated incidents of vandalism causing disturbances in Hawkesbury and Campbelltown campuses’ Queer Rooms.
The Queer Collective maintains a Queer Room on every campus, providing a safe space for individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, or any other sex or gender diverse identity to relax in an accepting and inclusive environment.
Western’s former Queer Collective Secretary Ella de Rooy said the distressing incident impacted Western’s LGBTQIA+ student community.
“Some people started writing in the Queer room,” Ella de Rooy explained.
“Our campus has lots of whiteboards, and we provide
markers for people to use. Normally, students leave lovely art and positive messages to help the space feel more lived-in and welcoming.”
The space, originally meant for creative self-expression, became a site of distress after repeated incidents of individuals writing homophobic and transphobic remarks on the whiteboards.
“Someone took the whiteboard markers and wrote very nasty messages,” de Rooy said.
“It happened multiple times, escalating into a major incident where messages were written throughout the day. They even printed out hate speech and stuck it up all over our common space.”
The messages quickly became more disturbing. Individuals wrote inappropriate and offensive messages, drew hateful imagery targeting the LGBTQIA+
community, and even hung a small doll in what appeared to be an act of intimidation.
What was once a safe and welcoming space turned into an environment of fear and discomfort for students.
“There were references to suicide,” de Rooy recounted.
“They staged the hanging of a plush item we had in the room. That was especially difficult to see. It made me feel unsafe on campus- we deserve to feel safe.”
The Queer Collective used the University’s complaints resolution procedures to report these incidents.
“The complaint was sustained, meaning the people responsible did face consequences,” de Rooy confirmed. “But we don’t know exactly what those consequences were. While we were relieved there was action, it didn’t feel
proportional to the harm caused.”
“As a temporary measure, the University increased security around the Queer Collective rooms, requiring keycard access. While intended for safety, this approach came with its own challenges. We appreciate the security, but many people are still uncomfortable having their access tracked,” de Rooy noted.
“Some students aren’t out yet, and they don’t want to risk being outed by needing special access.”
The challenges have not deterred de Rooy from the collective’s mission to establish LGBTQIA+ friendly conditions at Western.
“We have the right to free speech on campus, but this was not an appropriate way to express disagreement,” de Rooy said.
“It made people feel unsafe, and there are real consequences for this kind of behaviour.”
picked up by rods in the retina, and sent to the brain through the optic nerve. The brain creates an image based on this information. But the less photons sent to the brain, the harder it is for the brain to make that image- it comes out with lower quality.
The tapetum lucidum reflects light back through the retina to give the rods a better chance at picking up the photons and making a better picture. As you can imagine, this is great for nocturnal animals. It’s easier to see motion and contrast, even if colour vision is somewhat diminished.
So, next time you see eyes shining in the night, remember it’s probably not a possessed cat - just a cat who can see way better than you.
More Availability... Period.
By Tamara Tuchin, Student Publications Editor
In 2022, Western Sydney University trialed the provision of free period products in Parramatta City campus bathrooms. In 2023, it was announced that two high traffic bathrooms on each campus, including an accessible genderneutral bathroom, would dispense free menstrual products for students.
As outlined in the University’s 2023 media release, the project aimed to empower students’ full participation at university with dignity, minimal stress, and disruption in the face of period poverty.
“Educational institutions need to offer students a choice of free period products, so students aren’t missing out on their education or leaking due to a lack of access to this essential item. These products need to be available in the toilets where students need them,” stated project leaders Dr. Sarah Duffy and Dr. Michelle O’Shea in their co-led 2022 paper, What’s The Bloody Big Deal.
In 2025, many students are wondering if “free” was code for “nonexistent.”
On June 5th, W’SUP ran an opinion poll via Instagram, asking students what they thought of the availability of period products on campus. Most users replied that dispensers on campus tended to be empty.
Lauren McGregor, a student studying at the Hawkesbury campus, shared how she purchased menstrual products to leave in the bathroom for other students.
‘I remember finding the student dispenser, and then maybe a few weeks later I brought some extra products to leave there, because
that way, it’s paying it forward’.
‘Every person who has had a period has been caught out’, Lauren said. With the cost-of-living rising, free period products sound like a dream to many students. Yet poll respondents would be happy to pay if there was an affordable, accessible option.
Currently, vending machines in common areas on campus stock Libra “medium flow” pads.
While a 14-pack can be found at Coles and Woolworths for $6, campus vending machines charge $8.99.
‘It’s so frustrating’, said Lauren. ‘The vending machine in the library sells some products, but it’s stupid expensive, and far away from the bathrooms’.
‘Even a small convenience store on campus would really enhance students’ experience’, commented Eleanor Cooper, a student based at the Parramatta South campus.
Limited options also alienate those with other needs and preferences.
Western’s student Environmental Collective are concerned about the universality of menstrual products:
‘Not every product works for every menstruator’.
‘Many of our campuses are somewhat isolated from the shopping areas, making it difficult to access period supplies. The university should be providing free, accessible and reusable or as eco-friendly as possible period products, which will not only help end period poverty and waste on campus but also the stigmas and taboos associated with it’.
Editor
Yousif Nafea is an artist studying at Western’s Nirimba campus.
his drawings.
With the rising number of stray cat colonies on campus, W’SUP may have found the purrfect new students. Comic by student contributor Jed Quealey, 2025.
Jasmine Kaur, Student Publications Editor. Originally published online at
March 2025.
“Feelings From The Past”, 2025 “Why did you do that?”, 2025 “My Other Individuals”, 2025
See more art by Yousif Nafea on Instagram @yousllf