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26th November 2020
In response to the significant social and economic challenges facing Sydney鈥檚 West, 91成人 has re-launched its 鈥楥entre for Western Sydney鈥 鈥 an innovative research, policy and advocacy hub, that in partnership with community, industry and government, will address the pressing issues of one of Australia鈥檚 fastest growing regions.
The Centre鈥檚 incoming Director Dr Andy Marks, who is also the University鈥檚 Assistant Vice-Chancellor, said the reinvigorated Centre is a significant step towards acknowledging the complexities and diversities of Western Sydney and finding solutions to a range of issues, including climate change, employment, education and infrastructure.
鈥淢any areas of Western Sydney are particularly exposed to the impact of the current recession, due to pre-existing inequities compared to the rest of Greater Sydney. Access to employment, education, health services, transport and digital connectivity remains fragmented for a great number of people in the West. Those challenges have been compounded in recent months,鈥 said Dr Marks.
鈥淭he scale of the challenge requires a renewed approach. The Centre will deliver solutions-orientated change through quality research and advocacy. Undertaken by leading experts from a range of fields, the Centre鈥檚 work will promote the lived experiences of the people and communities of this region.鈥
Dr Andy Marks, Director, Centre for Western Sydney, 91成人; Associate Professor Shanthi Robertson, Institute for Culture and Society, 91成人; Melanie Withnall, Manager, ABC Radio Sydney; Dr Sarah Hill, CEO, Western Parkland City Authority.
Dr Andy Marks, Director, Centre for Western Sydney, 91成人
Originally launched in 2014, the new Centre for Western Sydney will bring together the University鈥檚 unique research insights on the Western Sydney region, and champion collaborative and cross disciplinary research and advocacy for the region and its people.
The Centre will produce long and short form analysis, commentary and policy engagement on issues of importance to the West, including a regular 鈥榃estern Sydney Report Card鈥 evaluation of the performance of governments across eight key areas of the region鈥檚 development; specifically: education, health, housing, transport, digital, culture, social and economic.
鈥淲estern Sydney is experiencing rapid development and population growth. As the nation鈥檚 third largest economy and its most intensely contested political landscape, the West is often talked about, but rarely is it actually listened to. The Centre seeks to change that, through meaningful dialogue, high-quality research, genuine collaboration and committed advocacy,鈥 said Dr Marks.
