Issuu

September 30th, 2026

W’SUP acknowledges the Darug, Dharawal, Gadigal, Gundungurra and Wiradjuri peoples and their traditional lands that we work and publish on. Always Was, Always Will Be.

Lorem will Ipsum “[This] inevitably result Amet inDolor the...Sit extinction of these Lorem ipsum dolor [kangaroo] mobs” - Sue Higgins sit amet, consectetur inadipiscing Natašaelit,Aster-Stater’s article sed eiusmod tempor ondothe future of Werrington

Run by students, for students

wsup.news

Issue No. 8

Scan to find W’SUP on Instagram

“...a tightly woven series of flashbacks and thunder, memories... and the longing for home” - Nataša Aster-Stater in her review of ‘The Odyssey’

W’SUP Comic Corner Want to see your comic here? Get in touch: email us, DM us, or scan the QR code.

Blurred Lines: The Cost of Reset By Zara Darwich A recent NSW parliamentary inquiry has found during the 2025 restructure of Western Sydney University over $30 million was spent on consultancy fees. As part of the review, corporate consultancy and advisory firm KPMG was engaged for a fee of $2.6 million, highlighting a potential conflict of interest with WSU Chancellor Jennifer Westacott, a former Board Director of the firm. Evidence given to the inquiry on the 12th of June 2026 brought attention to the conflict of interest with KPMG, prompting questions about professionalism and transparency during a difficult time for WSU. After working as the Board Director for KPMG from 20052011, Jennifer Westacott returned as a Special Advisor to client teams in 2024, one year into her role as University Chancellor, and nine months before the ‘Reset Western’ restructure was announced. The Committee questioned Vice-Chancellor and President Distinguished Professor George Williams how the university could assure staff and students that Westacott’s professional relationship with KPMG would not influence university decisions. Williams indicated Westacott did declare her involvement with KPMG before it was publicly announced and was excluded from decisions involving KPMG and other consultancy firms. WSU has since introduced a formal

written protocol governing her involvement and commissioned an arms-length probity review of recent major consultancy engagements. An additional internal audit check has also been introduced for consultants above a specified threshold. A Western Sydney University spokesperson confirmed that Westacott has been “scrupulous” with declaring actual or perceived conflicts of interests, and assured that the probity review has been completed and is currently being reviewed.

reduce operational costs facing the university, which lead to significant redundancies and staff upheaval. The restructure was initially projected to affect up to 400 positions. Ultimately, 187 voluntary redundancies were recorded, while the university said almost 500 new positions were created. Management defended Reset as necessary to address financial pressures, including previous deficits, international student restrictions, domestic enrolment pressures, and significant cybersecurity expenditure.

No probity breaches were identified, and policies and processes related to procurement are also in the process of revision and improvement.

Professor Williams said the university had faced a projected deficit of around $250 million over five years if it failed to change course.

According to the inquiry transcript, there was no evidence presented to the Committee that Westacott influenced a KPMG contract.

Staff representatives disputed this characterisation. National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) representative David Burchell told the Committee that, in his view, the financial crisis used to justify Reset did not exist in the way it had been presented to staff.

However, SRC President Bailey Anderson told W’SUP, “Western Reset has undoubtedly caused frustration and impacted the lives of many staff and students,” and that the Western Community has a right to be concerned with alleged conflicts of interest within the university’s governance structure. When a senior university figure has a professional relationship with one of the institution’s largest suppliers, public disclosure alone may not be enough to maintain public confidence. The ‘Reset Western’ restructure was rolled out in a bid to

He argued that the restructure was driven more by organisational objectives than an abnormal financial year. Whatever the underlying financial justification, the implementation had consequences. Williams acknowledged that parts of Reset “didn’t go right” and subsequently added staff and student casual workers to address the problems.

WSU also spent approximately $1.3 million on additional support and consultants during Reset, which management said supplemented rather than replaced university employees. A WSU spokesperson confirmed Reset was to address WSU’s longterm financial sustainability and consultants were only engaged when absolutely necessary. The university has taken steps that should help: disclosure of the Chancellor’s connection with KPMG, formal conflict protocols, independent probity review, and stronger auditing.

A headshot image of Jennifer Westacott AC, Chancellor of WSU and Special Adviser for KPMG, photo sourced from LinkedIn.

“Under the University’s previous Procurement Policy, there were no adequate probity requirements or recommendations relating to procurement of this nature,” said Anderson. “I acknowledge and commend the University for the introduction of Independent Probity Adviser/Auditor requirements. Furthermore, I welcome the internal probity review.” The WSU spokesperson also stated that WSU is proud of its proactive commitment to updating staff, unions, and the wider community through Reset, though it is understandable that many had their doubts regarding the transparency of its rollout and results.

Disclaimer: Generative Artificial Intelligence was used to generate this image for the sole purpose of critique. The W’SUP editorial team does not support the use of generative artificial intelligence.

The article put forward that despite problems with AI usage, it should not demotivate students from pursuing higher levels of education. The piece was a response to a previous article submitted by Kylie Moore-Gilbert from Macquarie University, which claimed universities commit “widespread industrial fraud” and accept money from students for degrees that they do not earn. Moore-Gilbert told the SMH she was suspicious of several “odd choices of words” and unnecessary jargon throughout Ellis’ piece. But Ellis claimed her piece was written “with AI” and not “by AI”. “There’s a really big difference there,” she told the SMH. The controversy prompts questions about credibility and academic expectations surrounding the implementation of Generative AI in higher education environments, and exposes a double standard where students are discouraged

from using it in assessments but staff use it for publication. In a statement to W’SUP News, a Western Sydney University spokesperson differentiated Cath Ellis’s use of AI from its use in student assessments. They stated that assessments require students to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and capabilities. However, the university acknowledged the use of AI could be permitted in certain assessments, “including a similar way to those used by Professor Ellis” depending on the task requirements. The problem is beyond the use of AI; it is about transparency. The Sydney Morning Herald was not informed of the use of generative AI, thus the article did not meet editorial standards, according to SMH Editor Jordan Baker. The masthead policy has strict guidelines for writers using AI for substantial benefit and restricts them from writing stories for

publication, and for this reason they retracted the article. Ellis’ actions and the controversy it has sparked adds yet another blurred line to the ethics surrounding the rise of Artificial Intelligence for students. With the increasing controversy around AI in academic settings, W’SUP took to the streets of Parramatta South Campus to hear more student opinions about AI. Media and Communication student Maddison Bailey argues AI “has no place in journalistic settings”. She told W’SUP that “if you’re staff or a student, you shouldn’t be using AI for anything, since it goes against morality in our writing.” She finished, “If you do decide to use AI, then properly state what you used it for, so your audience knows it wasn’t all you.”

Published by the SNAP Committee: Bianca Stanton (Print Editor-in-Chief), Eleanor Cooper (Print Editor) & Jasper Brady (Print Design Editor)

Parramatta’s Dictionary: Inaugural Laureate in Literature Explores Place and Memory

By the W’SUP Print Team

By Eleanor Cooper

Yousif Nafea (also known as Yousif Bashar) is an artist W’SUP has highlighted in previous editions, who has since seen his work published in the book ‘Surrounded by ADHD’.

Yumna Kassab was announced Parramatta’s first ever Laureate in Literature in 2024, and her resulting work was published in July 2026 by Giramondo.

Nafea completed a Diploma in Art at Western, and is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Arts, with a major in International English and a minor in Philosophy.

He was born in Iraq before living in Turkey for ten years and later moving to Australia, and he reflects that despite the challenges of starting again in new places, “these experiences have ‘Surrounded by ADHD’ by Dr Mahmut become an important part of who Besiroglu, art by Yousif Nafea. I am and the art I create today.” meaningful and hopefully work that other The book by clinical psychologist Dr. create people can connect with.” Mahmut Besiroglu was published in August 2026 and entitled ‘Surrounded by ADHD’. Besiroglu He described the feeling of seeing and Nafea shared a discussion his artwork in a book as “grateful”. about the human experience daily He said, “There is something struggles where they “noticed an different about holding a book and interesting connection between seeing your own work on its pages.” visual art and psychology”. With so much moving around, Nafea explained that when Nafea feels he has now left more permanent mark. Besiroglu saw his art and a interpreted it with his psychology background, he recognised themes “...it motivates me to continue consistent with that of his book developing as an artist and to and asked to use an artwork. keep creating work that represents memories, people and stories “The artwork featured in the that deserve to be seen,” he said. book tells stories about human emotions and struggles, which He further encourages other connect with some of the themes refugees to keep working hard to surrounding ADHD and the achieve their goals. For Nafea, this human experience,” said Nafea. was an “unexpected achievement” “For me, art is more than creating and one to be proud of. something visually beautiful,” he added. “It is a form of “Art has helped me express communication... (it) gives me experiences that can sometimes difficult to explain the opportunity to turn difficult be spoken language.” experiences into something through

By Sana Singh

Illustrated by Alissa Wells. Do you ever wonder what a day in the life of a journalist working in Canberra’s Press Gallery is like? D’SUP gives us a peek into some of the bold personalities that make up Australia’s current political landscape. Interviewing these top dogs is no ordinary feat, so it really does go to show how tough it is to be a journalist (and a dog that won’t sit on live TV).

Student Spotlight: Yousif Nafea

“My journey has been shaped by living in different countries and cultures,” said Nafea.

Western Academic’s Article Retracted: The SMH Fights Back The Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) published an opinion piece by Western Sydney University Academic Professor Cath Ellis, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Quality and Integrity.

Hi! My name is Alissa. I have loved drawing ever since I could remember and hope to entertain people through my art! @brierstudios

This laureateship functions through the partnership of the Sydney Review of Books and Western Sydney’s own Writing and Society Research Centre (WSRC). On their website, the WSRC wrote, “The Laureateship recognises the unique and vital work of writers as contributors to narratives of place – through storying, remembering histories, and shaping a creative vision for our shared future.” Kassab’s work, ‘Parramatta: A Dictionary of Place and Memory’, compiles her thoughts on the rising

city that is Parramatta in the indexical format of a dictionary. An Excerpt from ‘C’: Customs at Sydney Airport “It is a truth universally acknowledged that the cultish are in want of obsessions and traditions to get lost in. I wear my whenever I

Wanderers jersey travel overseas.

On my return from one trip, a customs officer looked at the jersey and smiled and said, ‘Should we really let you back into the country?’”

Profile of author Yumna Kassab , photo by Joy M Lai.

This and other excerpts are freely accessible on the Sydney Review of Books website, and the book in its entirety can be purchased from Giramondo.

A profile of Yousif Nafea, photo by Anthony Gorgus, 2025.

WSUSU Supporting Staff: Grant Murray (Student Representative Officer) & Sallie Don (Head of Marketing & Communications)

Close-up of ‘Parramatta: A Dictionary of Place and Memory’ by Yumna Kassab, cover design by Allison Colpoys and published by Giramondo.

“AI has no place in journalistic settings” - Maddison Bailey with Sana Singh discussing Professor Cath Ellis’ article being retracted by the SMH

Want to see your photos below? Tag us in your best protest/campus/anything shots on IG or email us at wsup@ westernsydney.edu.au

Did you know we have free community dinners and food pantries available? Keep up to date with WSU’s food security programs at WesternLIFE

‘My Experience at Edcon’ reflection by WSU Disability Officer Kirk Gomes available at wsup.news now

Hot for Journalism? Have your say with W’SUP, scan our QR code for more

“We skipped lessons to teach you one!”

The Vision That Could Kill Kangaroos

By Eleanor Cooper

By Nataša Aster-Stater

Over 10,000 students gathered in capital cities across Australia recently to protest Senator Pauline Hanson and the views of the One Nation political party. An initiative of the National Union of Students (NUS), high school and university students rallied against the rising popularity of the party’s publicised views on immigration policy. Western Sydney University Student Representative Council’s Welfare Officer Amy Lamont told W’SUP the rallies were a great success. “The news headlines and discussions around One Nation were no longer how ascendent and successful they are, it was how young people were mobilising against Hanson’s racism and bigotry,” said Lamont.

Eastern grey kangaroos grazing, photo sourced from Change.org petition by Nataliya Creeley, 2026.

Stockland, one of Australia’s largest property groups, has plans to redevelop the Werrington Precinct. Stockland aims to create “a vibrant, residential precinct that brings together new highquality housing, jobs, public open space and innovation”. This, however, doesn’t include the more than 130 eastern grey kangaroos, in various mobs, currently located on and between the Werrington and Kingswood Western Sydney University (WSU) campuses. Animal welfare groups and the community are concerned for eastern grey kangaroos in the area, as well as the critically endangered swift parrots, and vulnerable grey-headed flying foxes.

“If that land is no longer required in its current form and is to be sold, the value created should continue to benefit the community that helped establish it,” Gardiner told The Western Weekender.

“[Over 40 WSU students] along with high schoolers filled up a train carriage on the way to Town Hall. WSU students spoke about Pauline Hanson’s horrific comments against migrants, Muslims, and women, how One Nation is a part of a growing far right around the world, and why ordinary workingclass people need to fight back.” Despite Hanson’s dismissal of student concerns, Elias said the rallies have paved the way for future student protests.

“10,000 plus university and high Western students joined the ‘Say school students broke through No to Hanson’ protest outside the the sense of complacency Sydney Town Hall on the 13th of towards Pauline Hanson.” August. They met at Parramatta South campus before travelling Students looking to attend future to the rally together, where NUS protests can visit their signs read ‘Unite Against @nuseducation on Instagram.

Uncertain Future In an interview, Kenyon shared her frustration over the difficulty she has experienced trying to get access to additional information regarding any further plans Stockland or the NWPS, citing that Stockland has publicly mentioned a Management Plan for the kangaroos, but only a Draft Proposal is online.

In a public statement on their website, Stockland says, “Importantly, any future approach to kangaroo management would occur after the Planning Proposal Stage and would be subject to a separate Community Concern approval process including relevant Georgina Kenyon - wildlife carer, regulatory requirements and educator, and volunteer at Save consideration of animal welfare.” Western Sydney Wildlife, says: “The Stockland proposed Political involvement development effects 130 eastern Sue Higgins, Greens representative grey Kangaroos, who will either of NSW and former CEO of the be culled or be forced to cross the Environmental Defenders Office, highway as their habitat will be publicly issued a letter on August destroyed, and the dam filled in - 12th, where she objected to the which is also a water source for proposal, calling the decision to stall critically endangered swift parrots. the public release of the management plan for the kangaroos until after We oppose the re-zoning the Planning Proposal Stage. of university land for this “An inappropriate order of development on threatened consideration and will inevitably Cumberland woodland. If the result in the local extinction of these development goes ahead, we call Eastern-Grey Kangaroo mobs.” on translocation of the kangaroos and not culling. We are worried An ideal future that the National Park and Wildlife “More of the (planned) apartments Service (NPWS) seems to think going vertical, rather than out,’ culling is better than translocation.” says wildlife carer Kenyon, “there’s less land, less Cumberland Plain In 2022, Stockland announced that Woodland destroyed, because that they had entered into a partnership is the kangaroos’ habitat. And to with WSU, both submitting keep the water sources – the animals a proposal including the future cannot survive there without water.” build of 1,500 homes and 12,000 square meters of commercial Kenyon adds, “I think it’s a general and retail space. rule of thumb – if something’s not good for wildlife, or for trees, There is still great community it’s not going to be good for us. concern about how the We’re all connected. We’re development will detract from all animals. This urban the environment of local wildlife. development proposal, it hasn’t been thought out properly.” Glenn Gardiner, independent Penrith City Councillor questioned To petition to save the Western whether WSU could sell the land Sydney Kangaroos and have when interviewed by the Western your opinion heard, you can Weekender, citing the Western go to Werrington Development Sydney University Act 1997, and submit a letter/objection and if WSU’s partnership with through Sue Higgin’s Petition. Stockland – and the vending of the Alternatively, you can go to land to the latter – is a legal breach. Change.org and sign the petition.

Racism’, ‘One Nation does not represent Australia’, and ‘We skipped lessons to teach you one’. SRC General Secretary Gina Elias also attended the protest.

The Odyssey: Homer epic to Nolan film By Nataša Aster-Stater

Photos by James de Fraine-Murphy.

From Unknown to Unearthed: Triple J, the Platform for Everything Music

Western Sydney University Unveils its Policing Pathway with NSW

By Maddison Bailey

By Cezlie Prasad

For Western Sydney University alum and singer-songwriter Pardon Bracey, Triple J Unearthed became the home of his debut indiepop/ rock single, “Freddy Krueger”. For independent artists in Western Sydney like Bracey, Triple J Unearthed paves the way for them to break into Australia’s competitive music industry. Founded in 1975, Triple J Unearthed, formerly known as Double J, is a national youth broadcaster designed to identify new musical talent in Australia. Triple J Unearthed has helped introduce a long list of artists to wider Australian audiences; Missy Higgins, Grinspoon and Killing Heidi, Flume, Gang of Youths, RÜFÜS DU SOL, and many more. According to the ABC’s history of Unearthed, Triple J travelled to communities, giving emerging

musicians in regional and metropolitan areas an opportunity to be professionally recorded and heard on national radio. “Triple J Unearthed empowers Australian artists and provides a pathway, not only to airplay on ABC stations, but to the wider Australian and global audiences,” said the ABC in the 2018 Commonwealth Report on the Australian Music Industry Inquiry. After being established as a regional initiative, Unearthed expanded their presence in 2006 with the launch of its digital platform, allowing hosts, artists, and listeners alike to review songs on the platform to boost visibility and recognition for the artists. In providing a platform for all voices, Unearthed recognises diversity in the Australian music industry. Unearthed Executive Producer Tommy Faith said, “Diversity is

Published by the SNAP Committee: Bianca Stanton (Print Editor-in-Chief), Eleanor Cooper (Print Editor) & Jasper Brady (Print Design Editor)

a constant consideration across Unearthed programming. It is factored into everything from our homepage placements, radio playlisting, the presenters we have on-air and even the voices you hear across radio promos.”

In January 2026, Western Sydney University (WSU) launched its new Associate Degree in Applied Policing in a unique collaboration with the NSW Police Force.

Today, artists from Western Sydney can submit music without travelling to an audition or securing a record deal. To apply, musicians must first create an ABC account and Triple J Unearthed artist profile, upload 1-3 tracks and provide details including artist name, contact information and music genre. Music producer and audio engineer, Matheus Chaves said, “[Unearthed hosts] seem to review every song that gets put up, no matter what level you’re at. It’s like an open door to all artists. You don’t have to have all these levels of recognition to be heard.”

Music facilities at WSU, photo by Sally Tsoutas

For Western Sydney University students who are recording independently or developing musical careers, Triple J provides an accessible opportunity to place original work before a national audience. While uploading music does not guarantee industry success, the platform offers a unique opportunity to spread their message and creativity through their works.

“Police education and training has undergone significant professionalisation over the past 30 – 40 years worldwide,” said the head of the Associate Degree in Applied Policing program, Dominique Mortiz. “The partnership…is in its infancy but is underpinned by a strong commitment to understanding and implementing innovation and enhancement to police teaching and research,” said Mortiz. The course is comprised of two stages, which entails a hybrid approach to learning for students. The first stage is delivered online through WSU, where students study ethics, criminology evidencebased policing and community

Exclusively made with IMAX cameras, The Odyssey features a film adaptation of Homer’s epic poem detailing Odysseus’ return home after the Trojan War. Directed and produced by Christopher Nolan, the film is a tightly woven series of flashbacks and thunder, memories and witches, giants and unforgiving seas and the longing for home. Many reviews praise the film’s prestigious casting with standout performances from Matt Damon, Anne Hathway, and Tom Holland. The film also presents a skillful use of cinematography as Nolan utilizes the environment as a symbol of the gods’ power and wrath. However, the development of side characters is overshadowed by Odysseus’ desperation to return home. With the film’s failure to showcase Odysseus’ life before the war, audience members may even forget why home was so important to him in the first place. With a 97 per cent audience approval score on Rotten Tomatoes, The Odyessy is a must-see.

engagement. The second stage provides students with in-person operational training at the NSW Police Academy in Goulburn, before returning to WSU for their final academic consolidation. “All students who are offered a place in the Associate Degree are guaranteed employment with the NSW Police Force provided they continue to fulfil the academic and professional suitability requirements of their study and employment,” said Mortiz. However, there are concerns that students undertaking this degree will lose access to student advocacy services as they are not subject to the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). In response to these concerns, a WSU spokesperson said: “When the partnership between Western Sydney University and the New South Wales Police

Professor Jason Pandya-Wood and Chief Superintendent John Klepczarek, photo by Kyisoe Han

Force (NSWPF) was established to deliver the Associate Degree in Applied Policing, we recognised that students would spend most of their time at the NSWPF Academy in Goulburn or out in the field as probationary constables. Services and support have been considered specific to the students’ needs and location, and is complemented by access to the University’s wider student support infrastructure. Western Sydney University is committed to reviewing whether to introduce SSAF for the program in future years.”

The program is still just being introduced with plans to implement several new opportunities for upcoming students. “These include direct entry pathways to Academy training for WSU students enrolled in specific programs, a clear pathway into a Bachelor’s degree for Associate Degree students and further opportunities for higher degree qualifications for police,” says Mortiz. To find more information about this degree, visit the Western Sydney University Website.

WSUSU Supporting Staff: Grant Murray (Student Representative Officer) & Sallie Don (Head of Marketing & Communications)

Lupita Nyong’o in ‘The Odyssey’ 2026, photo sourced from IMDb.