Western Sydney University

Western Sydney University changes lives and shapes the social, economic, environmental and educational development of the world in which we live

Western Sydney University is a research-led metropolitan university operating over multiple teaching campuses in Western Sydney – one of Australia’s fastest growing regions, and home to over two million people.

It is an anchor institution for the region. Although a young university, Western Sydney University has a long tradition of providing higher education for over 200 years through its predecessor institutions. It prides itself on being a ‘University of the People”.

With 80 per cent of its research also named as “world standard” or above in the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) assessment, Western Sydney University is committed to making a positive impact – at a regional, national and international level.

Western Sydney University’s values of Boldness, Fairness, Integrity and Excellence represent a commitment to students, people and communities, both local and global.

Western Sydney University is unlocking the potential of the next generation of global citizens, leaders and change-makers. With a focus on equipping graduates to be workplace ready, the University’s curriculum reflects the needs of the world we live in. It acknowledges that in today’s fast-paced and changing world universities don’t have the monopoly on knowledge or education.

Governance at Western Sydney University

Western Sydney University is governed by a board of trustees, who manage the development of broad policies and strategic plans. The board is informed by standing committees.

Professor Jennifer Westacott AO

Chancellor of Western Sydney University

Professor Jennifer Westacott AO commenced as Chancellor of Western Sydney University on 1 January 2023. She is the University’s fourth Chancellor and the first woman to serve in the role.

Jennifer also served as Chief Executive of the Business Council of Australia from 2011 - 2023, bringing a unique combination of extensive policy experience in both the public and private sectors. The Business Council of Australia is the nation’s premier business organisation, advocating for a stronger and fairer society through a more prosperous Australia. Under Jennifer’s leadership, the Business Council tirelessly champions meaningful policies that strengthen the ability of businesses to grow the economy for the benefit of all Australians.

Jennifer built her career in the public sector, working in senior leadership positions in the NSW and Victorian governments. She has served as the Director General of the NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources; the Secretary of the Victorian Department of Education and Training; and the Director of Housing in Victoria. She was also the Deputy Director General of the NSW Department of Community Services, and the Deputy Director General of the NSW Department of Housing. As a senior partner at KPMG, Jennifer advised major corporations on climate change and sustainability and advised governments across Australia on significant reform priorities.

In 2018, Jennifer was made an Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia. She is the inaugural Chair of the Board of Studio Schools of Australia, a patron of Mental Health Australia, the Co-Patron of Pride in Diversity, and a patron of the Pinnacle Foundation.

Jennifer has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of New South Wales and in 2017 received an Honorary Degree (Doctor of Letters) from her alma mater. She was a Chevening Scholar at the London School of Economics.

The Board of Trustees

Roles and Responsibilities

The Board of Trustees is the governing authority of Western Sydney University and has the following functions:

  • the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor

  • the strategic development of policies and plans with respect to the University, including major capital developments

  • oversight of the University’s educational directions and external profile

  • ensuring high ethical standards and effective management of risk

  • monitoring the management of the University’s resources and performance

  • representation of the University including at graduation, fund raising initiatives and community events.

For further information, refer to Western Sydney University’s Board of Trustees Charter .

Membership of Western Sydney University’s Board of Trustees is as follows:

Official Members

  • Chancellor: Professor Jennifer Westacott AO (to 31 December 2026)

  • Vice-Chancellor: Distinguished Professor George Williams AO

  • Chair of Academic Senate: Professor Robert Mailhammer

Appointed Members (Ministerial)

  • Mr Simon Hickey (to 31 December 2025)

  • Mr Brendan Thomas (to 5 August 2028)

Appointed Members (Board)

  • Deputy Chancellor: Ms Elizabeth Dibbs (to 31 December 2025)

  • Deputy Chancellor: Ms Kerry Stubbs (to 31 December 2025)

  • Pro-Chancellor: Dr Linda O’Brien AM (to 31 December 2025)

  • Pro-Chancellor: Mr Lee Pinder (to 31 December 2025)

  • Pro-Chancellor: Ms Gabrielle Trainor AO (to 26 May 2028)

  • Dr Amanda Larkin (to 3 August 2026)

  • Ms Georgia Lee (to 31 December 2026)

  • Graduate Member: Mr Doug Taylor (to 21 February 2029)

  • Vacant

Elected Members

  • Academic Staff: Professor Alison Downham Moore (to 31 December 2025)

  • Professional Staff: Mr Leslie Cowles (to 31 December 2025)

  • Postgraduate Student: Sonu (to 30 June 2025)

  • Undergraduate Student: Swetha Kumar (to 31 December 2025)

Council Membership