On Thursday 28 November, the UNSW Faculty of Engineering held its first staff coffee connections event for women, non-binary and gender diverse people.

Co-hosted by UNSW Engineering Gender Equity Working Group Chair Asal Bidarmaghz and Program Manager for Culture and Development Brendan Kearney, the event took place at Plume Café in the UNSW Bookshop. Attendees from various schools across the faculty gathered to network, share experiences, and build new friendships, enjoying complimentary beverages in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Reflecting on the event’s significance, Asal said, “Creating spaces like this is essential for fostering meaningful connections and strengthening a sense of belonging.”

“While end-of-year schedules limited attendance, the interest we saw highlights the need for such gatherings. From 2025, we plan to host these events more frequently to ensure we continue building a stronger, more connected community within the faculty.”