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. 

Learn more

Our initiatives in action

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • AccessAbility Action Plan

    Swinburne’s AccessAbility Action Plan will ensure our working and learning environments are accessible, inclusive and equitable for people with disability.

  • 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

  • Opinion: It’s time to strengthen our connection to others

    • Social Affairs
    An opinion piece by Helen Kapalos, Swinburne’s inaugural Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow for Multicultural Engagement.
    Tuesday 28 April 2020
  • Restoring endangered Indigenous languages in Victoria

    • Student News
    • University

    Swinburne students are the first in Victoria to graduate with a Certificate IV in Teaching an Endangered Aboriginal Language, empowering them to teach Indigenous languages in their communities.

    Friday 17 September 2021
  • A lifeline in remote learning for Migrant English Students

    • Education
    Swinburne’s Student Success Coaches are supporting migrant and refugee students studying english language courses.
    Thursday 28 May 2020
  • Swinburne support for under-represented students wins Good Design Award

    • Education

    Students from under-represented backgrounds will be the beneficiaries of a Swinburne University of Technology win at the prestigious Good Design Awards. 

    Tuesday 20 September 2022
  • Migrants who adapt to Australian culture are happier than those who don’t

    • Social Affairs
    A recent survey found migrants who assimilate to Australian culture have greater personal well-being than those who don't.
    Wednesday 24 July 2019
  • Chief Scientist celebrates women in maths

    • Education
    • Science

    Swinburne Chief Scientist Professor Virginia Kilborn highlights some of the amazing Swinburne academics and graduates who are making their mark on world with maths.

    Wednesday 11 May 2022

Equity and diversity events

  • National Sorry Day Service

    Community
    • Diversity
    • Engagement
    • Indigenous

    Swinburne is holding a service for staff and students to acknowledge the National Sorry Day and the effect on First Nations people.

    Thu 25 May 2023
    10am to 11am
    Outside Building AD, next to Co-Ground cafe
    Free
    Register now (National Sorry Day Service)
  • Indigenous Voices in Water Management

    Community
    • Sustainability
    • Indigenous
    Tue 15 August 2023 to Mon 14 August 2023
    5pm to 7.30pm
    Level 1, Hawthorn Hotel, 481 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122
    Free
    Register now (Indigenous Voices in Water Management)
  • Swinburne Annual Reconciliation Lecture 2023

    Community
    • Diversity
    • Engagement
    • Indigenous

    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.

    Wed 31 May 2023
    5pm to 7.30pm
    SPS136 (Hawthorn campus) and online
    Free
    Register now (Swinburne Annual Reconciliation Lecture 2023)
  • Swinburne Annual Barak Wonga Oration

    Thought Leadership

    Refreshments will be served from 5.30pm with Oration commencing at 6.30pm

    Tue 28 November 2023
    5.30pm to 7.30pm
    Level 1, Hawthorn Hotel, 481 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122
    Free
    Register now (Swinburne Annual Barak Wonga Oration )
  • Sharing Stories - Inspiring Inclusiveness, celebrating diversity competition

    Student Life
    • Diversity

    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.

    Tue 13 October 2020 to Mon 16 November 2020
    9am — 5pm
    Online
    Free
    Learn more (Sharing Stories - Inspiring Inclusiveness, celebrating diversity competition)
  • Swinburne Pride Week 2021

    Community
    • Diversity
    • Engagement

    Calling all Swinburne students, staff, alumni, industry and community partners! Swinburne Pride Week is a chance to celebrate and support our strong, diverse and inclusive community, with a host of engaging activities and online activations. And you’re invited to join the fun!

    Mon 6 September 2021 to Fri 10 September 2021
    9am to 5pm
    Online
    Free
    Find out more (Swinburne Pride Week 2021)

Contact us

To enquire about our diversity and inclusion strategies and initiatives, please email inclusion@swinburne.edu.au.

Contact us