Creating equitable access to world-class education across NSW
Published on the 01 May 2025 by UNSW Business School EDI Team
Parramatta has always been at the forefront of innovation – from the Burramattagal people mastering sustainable land and water management, to becoming Australia’s first successful farming settlement and its current vision for a Smart City.
And it’s not just Parramatta that’s set for transformation and growth in Sydney’s West. Over the next decade, Greater Western Sydney’s population is projected to reach 3 million.
Its economy already accounts for one-third of Sydney’s Gross Regional Product, making it the third largest economy in Australia. And with significant infrastructure investments in place, the region has immense opportunity for growth.
“But opportunity only matters if people can access it,” suggests Lali Wiratunga, AGSM MBA (Executive) alumni, a former UNSW Business School Alumni Advisory board member, social impact and sustainability leader.
“Inclusion and collaboration are key to realising a person, a community or a region’s full potential.”
Lali was one of over 40 attendees, and delivered the vote of thanks, at the launch of UNSW Business School’s Western Sydney Connect: Growing Together earlier this year.
The initiative links students, educators, industry, researchers, policymakers to university pathways and provides a platform for collaborative career development, and knowledge sharing.
It’s one way the UNSW Business School is expanding its presence and partnerships to support Greater Sydney’s growth and respond to the region’s opportunities and ambitions.
What it takes to unlock social impact
Western Sydney is the fastest growing and most diverse region in New South Wales. And ensuring it prospers will require close collaboration and partnerships.
Lali recalls a key take away from the launch event being that whether in education, industry, or government, a concerted effort is essential to solving the unique challenges faced by students, businesses, and communities in the region.
As the Chair of Plate it Forward, Lali has seen the impact collaboration, diversity of thought and innovation can have on individuals and communities.
The social enterprise is transforming Sydney’s hospitality landscape by combining people’s love of food with powerful social impact.
From restaurants to catering and events, Plate it Forward has donated more than 560,000 meals and provides meaningful employment to more than 200 people from marginalised backgrounds.
“By offering employment, training and supporting people from marginalised backgrounds we can help unlock incredible benefits at an individual and community level,” Lali shares.
Our collective efforts can have a profound impact in building a supportive and thriving community.
The UNSW Western Sydney Connect: Growing Together event itself is a testament to this, as it aims to create a platform for meaningful connections and shared growth.
Creating equal access to world-class education
Lali is a leader, mentor and advisor, using skills and insights gained from his career across legal, consulting and financial services to create positive social impact. The importance of giving back has been instilled in him since he was a child.
“My grandmother was a very influential part of my life, and she did a lot in the not-for-profit sector – including being an educator in marginalised communities. She taught me that with privilege comes the responsibility to uplift others,” he shares.
That is exactly what Lali has been doing for over a decade. And access to education has played a critical role in the impact he’s been able to make.
“My MBA from AGSM @ UNSW Business School was the cornerstone of my Australian professional development. It's given me knowledge, networks and access to insights that have helped me help others in the Social Sector.”
Lali knows universities like UNSW play a pivotal role in unlocking positive change.
“They are hubs of knowledge and research that help advance regions by attracting more business to the area. And when they collaborate with local industry and government, together they can develop innovative solutions that meet local, regional and national challenges.”
And that’s exactly what UNSW Western Sydney Connect aims to do – support Greater Sydney’s growth through world-class education and research.
Growing Western Sydney together
Over the past three years, more undergraduate students from Western Sydney have decided to study at UNSW than ever before. And new data shows students from our Gateway Partner schools and low SES backgrounds are thriving at UNSW.
Retention and academic performance, including cumulative weighted average marks, for students entering UNSW through the Gateway Admission Pathway are on par with the broader domestic undergraduate population.
Through strategic engagements, UNSW seeks to continue to improve access to our world-class education and research and make a constructive contribution in the region.
We know that creating inclusive opportunities to share ideas, learn and have meaningful discussions with diverse groups is critical to realising Western Sydney’s ambitions. That’s where bringing together industry professionals and businesses with students, academics, the community and government can have a big impact.
UNSW Western Sydney Connect’s engagement events and regional initiatives will provide opportunities to develop leadership and future-ready skills through a community centred approach.
They will also integrate real-world experiences and direct engagement with current students, industry leaders, alumni, and professionals who offer mentorship, internship opportunities, and career guidance.
“The initiative will foster great collaboration that can spark new partnerships and projects and drive a stronger sense of community,” says Lali.
“By working together, we can create a vibrant ecosystem where everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute to meaningful and purposeful partnerships.”
Connect and collaborate for a thriving Western Sydney
Join UNSW Western Sydney Connect’s series of events on the third Friday of every month at the UNSW Parramatta Innovation Hub. These sessions include workshops and thought leadership forums, networking sessions and showcase events.