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.
Gender equality
Swinburne has long been a champion of workplace gender equality. We have been recognised by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality many times and are compliant with the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 reporting requirements.
Swinburne has long been a champion of workplace gender equality. We have been recognised by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality many times and are compliant with the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 reporting requirements.
Read more about our commitment to gender equality.
We celebrate and respect the strength that difference creates and are committed to progressing gender equality. To create a fair and equitable workplace, all genders need to enjoy the same opportunities, support, outcomes and rights.
We focus on providing support and working conditions that enable our staff greater work-life balance. This includes generous parental leave for all genders and flexible working arrangements.
Our initiatives in action
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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 2015-2020 (AAP) details our strategy to create an accessible, supportive university and to be accessability confident.
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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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- Social Affairs
Swinburne researcher honoured for services to multicultural communities
Criminology expert, Dr Stephane Shepherd, has been awarded the 2020 Victorian Multicultural Award for Excellence in Justice
Wednesday 23 December 2020 -
- University
Swinburne reflects on a year of reconciliation
With the leadership of the Moondani Toombadool Centre, Swinburne continues to progress reconciliation through engagement, leadership and innovation
Thursday 17 December 2020 -
- University
Swinburne partners with Avanade Australia to help close gender gap in STEM
Avanade’s Women in STEM scholarships at Swinburne aim to inspire women and equip them with the skills needed for the future of work.
Tuesday 15 December 2020 -
- University
Increasing the pool of women in professional and academic areas in the tertiary sector
The inaugural WATTLE (Women ATTaining LEadership) Alumnae Symposium was held online showcasing two topical themes: Leading in a Changing Landscape and Compassionate Leadership.
Monday 14 December 2020 -
- Technology
- Science
Swinburne’s Professor Bronwyn Fox awarded prestigious science medal
Professor Bronwyn Fox has been awarded the 2020 Medal for Excellence in Scientific Research from the Royal Society of Victoria
Wednesday 11 November 2020 -
- Student News
- Social Affairs
Celebrating Swinburne World Kitchen 2020
Swinburne World Kitchen was held virtually for the first time to celebrate connectedness, culture and deliciously diverse food from all over the world.
Friday 16 October 2020
Equity and diversity events
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Student Life
- Diversity
Sharing Stories - Inspiring Inclusiveness, celebrating diversity competition
Are you a current Swinburne student?
Submit a creative piece that inspires inclusiveness! This could be from personal experience (communicating your opinions/beliefs/values) or experiences from someone close to you.
Learn more (Sharing Stories - Inspiring Inclusiveness, celebrating diversity competition)
Contact us
To enquire about our diversity and inclusion strategies and initiatives, please email inclusion@swinburne.edu.au.