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
- Education
- University
How Michelle is breaking barriers to Close the Gap
Swinburne alum Michelle Maxwell is a proud Koori woman who is determined to bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples’ education.
- Education
- University
Indigenous Australian students explore STEM careers at MTC Future Aspirations Camp
The MTC Future Aspirations Camp gave Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a hands-on STEM experience while exploring university life at Swinburne.
- University
- Education
Enhancing study spaces with inspiring Indigenous artwork
The AGSE building at Swinburne's Hawthorn campus has received a creative upgrade with two inspiring Indigenous artworks. Artist and designer Mandi Barton has created two beautiful artworks that encourage reflection and connection to Country.
- University
Harnessing artificial intelligence to empower Indigenous peoples and cultures
Dr Terri Janke, a Wuthathi, Yadhaigana, and Meriam woman, delivered the 2024 Barak Wonga Oration, hosted by Swinburne's Moondani Toombadool Centre.
Empathy, community and support: Robyn’s interstate journey to success
Robyn Phillips, a proud Djabugay and Yirrganydji woman of the Barron River region in Far North Queensland, has recently completed a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences at Swinburne while based over 2,000 kilometres away in Cairns.
- Student News
Migrant English students explore Aboriginal culture through hands-on learning at Swinburne
Certificate II Migrant English students at Swinburne's Croydon Campus participated in a five-week program to learn about Aboriginal history and culture.
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- Education
- University
How Michelle is breaking barriers to Close the Gap
Swinburne alum Michelle Maxwell is a proud Koori woman who is determined to bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples’ education.
Thursday 20 March 2025 -
- Education
- University
Indigenous Australian students explore STEM careers at MTC Future Aspirations Camp
The MTC Future Aspirations Camp gave Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a hands-on STEM experience while exploring university life at Swinburne.
Thursday 20 February 2025 -
- University
- Education
Enhancing study spaces with inspiring Indigenous artwork
The AGSE building at Swinburne's Hawthorn campus has received a creative upgrade with two inspiring Indigenous artworks. Artist and designer Mandi Barton has created two beautiful artworks that encourage reflection and connection to Country.
Monday 17 February 2025 -
- University
Harnessing artificial intelligence to empower Indigenous peoples and cultures
Dr Terri Janke, a Wuthathi, Yadhaigana, and Meriam woman, delivered the 2024 Barak Wonga Oration, hosted by Swinburne's Moondani Toombadool Centre.
Thursday 19 December 2024 -
Empathy, community and support: Robyn’s interstate journey to success
Robyn Phillips, a proud Djabugay and Yirrganydji woman of the Barron River region in Far North Queensland, has recently completed a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences at Swinburne while based over 2,000 kilometres away in Cairns.
Wednesday 18 December 2024 -
- Student News
Migrant English students explore Aboriginal culture through hands-on learning at Swinburne
Certificate II Migrant English students at Swinburne's Croydon Campus participated in a five-week program to learn about Aboriginal history and culture.
Monday 30 September 2024
Equity and diversity events
Swinburne Annual Barak Wonga Oration
Refreshments will be served from 5.30pm with Oration commencing at 6.30pm
- Sustainability
- Indigenous
Indigenous Voices in Water Management
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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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.