ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµapp

Cultural Diversity at UOW

A rich tapestry of community, culture and society

At UOW, we proudly celebrate our cultural diversity and the vibrant multicultural communities that enrich our campuses. Representing a wide range of countries, cultures, and languages, our community reflects the global nature of our institution.

UOW deeply values the unique perspectives and contributions of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Our inclusive practices foster a culturally safe and respectful workplace—one that supports and embraces the varied needs, backgrounds, ethnicities, abilities, and identities of all our people.

We envision a community where every staff member and student—regardless of beliefs, language, religion, or cultural background—feels a genuine sense of belonging and is empowered to reach their full potential.

We know that creating a truly inclusive environment means valuing and welcoming a broad range of voices, experiences, and ideas. This spirit of collaboration is central to our values-based culture and shapes who we are and what we stand for.

Equity Diversity and Inclusion Calendar

Embrace a journey of inclusivity and ignite meaningful conversations. Learn of upcoming celebrations and vital acknowledgments through our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Calendar. Save the dates that resonate with you, and join the movement towards a more empowered and inclusive society.

Celebrate and reflect: Browse our UOW Inclusion Calendar

Racism. It stops with me.

The ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµapp of ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµapp has joined the Australian Human Rights Commission’s ‘Racism. It stops with me’ campaign to promote awareness and encourage everyone to see what they can do to help eradicate racism. The ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµapp supports a strong, diverse organisation in which everyone regardless of race can bring their true self to work in a safe and inclusive environment.

Racism stops because of the actions we take individually and collectively. We all have a role to play in taking action against racism wherever we see or hear it and supporting initiatives to stop it from happening. This campaign invites all Australians to reflect on what they can do to counter racism wherever it happens.

Zero Discrimination Day

1 March is . UOW believes everyone deserves the right to live a full and productive life and live it with dignity. Zero Discrimination Day highlights how people can become informed about and promote inclusion, compassion, peace and, above all, a movement for change. Zero Discrimination Day is helping to create a global movement of solidarity to end all forms of discrimination.

Harmony Day/Week

Harmony Day, celebrated across Australia on 21 March, is a time to recognise, respect, and embrace the rich cultural diversity that defines Australia. It’s a day to reflect on the importance of inclusiveness, understanding, and a shared sense of belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background.

Harmony Day also highlights the success of multiculturalism in Australia, celebrating the contributions of migrants and the strength we draw from our diverse communities. As one of the world’s most successful multicultural societies, Australia has much to be proud of and celebrate. Harmony Day invites all Australians to reflect on this success and to actively contribute to maintaining and strengthening it for future generations.

is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values. During Harmony Week is the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (21 March).

Forging United Safe Environments

FUSE (Forging United Safe Environments) is a new EDI network committed to celebrating diversity and creating culturally safe campuses. Their aim is to ensure incidents of racial discrimination and harassment are consistently dealt with and addressed, whilst using the incidents as a platform for education, learning and positive change. FUSE is a strength-based network that is committed to forging united safe environments and is motivated to ‘shut down’ racism within the ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµapp environment and beyond.

Cultural Diversity Action Plan

The Cultural Diversity Action Plan (CDAP) addresses the ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµapp’s specific, conscious commitment to creating a culturally inclusive university. It outlines the actions UOW will take to build and extend opportunities and initiatives that enrich the lives of students, staff, and the community, and to celebrate the powerful benefits that cultural diversity provides. The CDAP is informed by the principles outlined in the Australian Racial Discrimination Act 1975 and the Australian Human Rights Commissions ‘National Anti-Racism Report’. This document embraces the socially responsible ethos that characterises UOW and reflects other key ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµapp equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives and strategies. 

Resources

  • - elearning
  • - elearning
  • - elearning
  • - Video
  • podcast: Young people sharing their experiences from settling in the Illawarra
  • - videos and resources
  • and the (AHRC)
  • campaign to address racism in the workplace.
  • - Race, Migration and Diversity
  • - Life in a Globalising World
  • - Racism in Australia
  • - Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students
  • - Managing Across Cultures
  • - Philosophy of Race and Gender

Get in touch


Equity, diversity and inclusion team