The Yarning Circle at Western Sydney University is a vital initiative dedicated to recognising, celebrating, and empowering Indigenous excellence within the university community. It provides a welcoming and inclusive space where students, staff, and the broader community can come together to engage in meaningful dialogue, share knowledge, and strengthen cultural connections. Through storytelling, collaboration, and community engagement, the Yarning Circle fosters respect, understanding, and a deeper appreciation of Indigenous

cultures and experiences.

Our Indigenous Branding is a symbol of the pride we take in our role at Western Sydney University. The imagery reflects the connection with staff, students and the natural environment and clearly demonstrates respect, inclusion, acknowledgment and reconciliation with our

Indigenous Australian students, local community and beyond.

Early in 2020, two discrete one-day cultural exchange workshops for staff were hosted by the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education, Strategy and Consultation. As part of these workshops, it was agreed that all participants would be invited to contribute to the creation of a piece of original artwork, to enhance their understanding of Country and culture. This activity was co-facilitated by artist Allan McKenzie, a Wiradjuri-Gamilaroi man from Griffith NSW.

Early in 2021, after the COVID-19 hiatus, Allan returned to Western to oversee the completion of the artwork. Importantly, the final stage of the creation of this artwork was to invite all Indigenous students and staff to visit the Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education at Parramatta South Campus so that they could also contribute.

Well over 120 staff and students, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, contributed to the painting of this piece of art. It is owned by none, yet owned by all, and is a great example of reconciliation in practice.

The imagery pieces are a statement of Western Sydney University and its staff, students and community’s commitment to an inclusive Australia and its First Nations People. They are intended to give voice and recognition and should be used to invoke positive action and

joint collaboration.

https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander