Equity and diversity
At Swinburne, we’re all responsible for creating a culture that provides an environment that is safe, flexible and fair. It’s also culturally appropriate, friendly and professional — free from discrimination and harassment.
We seek to create a culture of acceptance. We cultivate and respect the strength that difference creates. Swinburne celebrates the diversity of its community and recognises the rights and responsibilities of all those within it.
Equity and diversity in action
At Swinburne, we actively promote a culture of inclusion, where diverse backgrounds, genders, sexuality, age, cultures and abilities is celebrated.
Swinburne has initiated the following strategies and action plans to promote and increase diversity and equality for staff and students.
Our scholarships and grants are some examples of these strategies in action.
Diversity & Inclusion Strategy and Framework
Swinburne's framework takes an intersectional approach to all diversity and inclusion programs and initiatives.
Our initiatives in action
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Swinburne Gender Equality Action Plan
Swinburne's Gender Equality Action Plan cements our commitment to continuously improving our gender equity efforts. It contains gender equity strategies and focused actions to improve gender equity throughout our operations.
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SAGE (Science in Australia Gender Equity) at Swinburne
Swinburne is enhancing gender equity and diversity, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM). -
Cultural diversity
Swinburne is a global culturally diverse and inclusive university. We cultivate and respect the strength that difference and cultural diversity creates.
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AccessAbility Action Plan
Swinburne’s AccessAbility Action Plan will ensure our working and learning environments are accessible, inclusive and equitable for people with disability.
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Reconciliation Action Plan
Swinburne’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) builds on our long standing commitment, over two decades, to the education and training of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and communities.
Swinburne cultivates a culture of excellence, dignity, and respect, and continues to create a space where our employees and students of diverse sexual orientation and gender identities can feel safe and be given equal opportunity to thrive and contribute.
Swinburne has a number of LGBTIQ+ programs designed to support students and staff.
Swinburne Ally Network
The Swinburne Ally Network is composed of LGBTIQ+ identifying and non-identifying staff and students who champion inclusion at Swinburne. The group contributes to the design and implementation of the Swinburne’s LGBTIQ+ inclusion programs and organises events and learning sessions that raise awareness of LGBTIQ+ issues and celebrate our inclusive workplace.
To learn more about the Swinburne Ally Network, or if you are interested in joining, please contact allynetwork@swinburne.edu.au.
Gender Agenda
Gender Agenda is a student-led, staff-supported social support group for trans and gender diverse students. The group organises learning sessions and guest speakers for the benefit of its members and the community.
For those who are trans and/or gender diverse and are looking for a strong social support group at university please contact GenderAgenda@swinburne.edu.au.
Please visit our staff intranet (login required) or contact LGBTIQ@swinburne.edu.au for additional information.
Equity and diversity news
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- Politics
The Voice: how do other countries represent Indigenous voices in government?
One of the claims advanced by the “no” campaign in the upcoming referendum on the Voice to Parliament is that “there is no comparable constitutional body like this anywhere in the world”. Yet across the globe there are many political institutions that seek to guarantee Indigenous peoples are heard.
Friday 22 September 2023 -
- Politics
Sport bodies say ‘yes’ to the Voice. But they should reflect on their own backyards too
More than 20 prominent Australian sport bodies have taken a united stand, publicly declaring their support for a “yes” vote on the Indigenous Voice to parliament.
Thursday 15 June 2023 -
- University
Swinburne reaffirms support for Voice to Parliament
National Reconciliation Week 2023 is particularly unique. It falls during a historic year, in which Australians are being asked to vote in a referendum to recognise First Peoples.
Tuesday 30 May 2023 -
- University
Australia Day Honours for Swinburne community
Swinburne staff, alumni and community members have been recognised in the 2023 Australia Day Honours List for their service and achievements.
Thursday 26 January 2023 -
- Student News
- Business
- University
International students share their experience and advice on working in Australia
International students Khuslen Tsendbaatar and Zayed Al Kathiri reflect on working in Australia after their year-long paid Professional Placement in Swinburne’s Careers & Employability team.
Tuesday 17 January 2023 -
- University
“Racism infects all else”: McAvoy’s powerful words at Barak Wonga
Tony McAvoy SC’s oration looked at the continued impact of colonialism, the prospects for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, and how racism impacts us all.
Monday 12 December 2022
Equity and diversity events
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Thought Leadership
Swinburne Annual Barak Wonga Oration
Refreshments will be served from 5.30pm with Oration commencing at 6.30pm
Register now (Swinburne Annual Barak Wonga Oration ) -
Community
- Sustainability
- Indigenous
Indigenous Voices in Water Management
Register now (Indigenous Voices in Water Management) -
Community
- Diversity
- Engagement
- Indigenous
Swinburne Annual Reconciliation Lecture 2023
Swinburne and the National Centre for Reconciliation Practice are delighted to welcome Mr Richard Young, a prominent Indigenous artist based in Victoria, to deliver the 2023 Swinburne Annual Reconciliation Lecture.
Register now (Swinburne Annual Reconciliation Lecture 2023) -
Community
- Diversity
- Engagement
- Indigenous
National Sorry Day Service
Swinburne is holding a service for staff and students to acknowledge the National Sorry Day and the effect on First Nations people.
Register now (National Sorry Day Service) -
Student Life
- Diversity
Celebrate Your Heritage
Celebrate and explore cultural diversity through music, performance, art, food and more! Wear your best traditional dress, join in the parade and win prizes for best-dressed student by student vote.
Register now (Celebrate Your Heritage) -
Community
- Diversity
- Engagement
- Indigenous
Swinburne Annual Barak-Wonga Oration 2022
Take part in advancing understandings in the wider community on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues as part of Swinburne's Reconciliation Action Plan.
Register now (Swinburne Annual Barak-Wonga Oration 2022)
Contact us
To enquire about our diversity and inclusion strategies and initiatives, please email inclusion@swinburne.edu.au.