University of Sydney launches new Indigenous strategy
The University of Sydney has launched a refreshed Indigenous One Sydney, Many People Strategy outlining its approach to transformational education, research excellence and deeper partnerships.
The strategy aligns with the University’s 2032 strategy and sets direction under four integrated pillars, according to the announcement.
The University said the refreshed One Sydney, Many People strategy would bring together strategic objectives and was designed to guide Indigenous education, research, partnerships, governance and leadership across the institution.
The strategy is institution-wide, ambitious and accountable and will be implemented community-wide.
Four integrated pillars
- Education is transformational: enabling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to thrive
- Research excellence: elevating 65,000 years of Indigenous knowledge into world-class research
- Partnerships: building trust, sharing knowledge and creating lasting impact
- Governance and leadership: embedding Indigenous leadership and cultural integrity across the institution
Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott, said the strategy underscored the centrality of Indigenous knowledge and leadership to the University’s future.
“One Sydney, Many People makes it clear that Indigenous knowledges and leadership are fundamental to our future,” he said.
“The University’s campuses stand on lands that are home to the oldest continuous cultures in the world, and we celebrate this culture and how central it is to our work and study.
Left to right: Karl Hoffman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services), Professor Reuben Bolt, and Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott at the launch of the One Sydney, Many People strategy. Photo: The University of Sydney/Matthew Venables
“Recognising and valuing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges is what is needed for us all to belong here now, no matter how or when we came.
“I thank the many staff who contributed to shaping a strategy that is institution-wide, ambitious and accountable and I look forward to seeing its implementation across our community.”
Key Points
- University of Sydney launches refreshed Indigenous strategy to 2032
- Strategy aligns with the Sydney in 2032 framework under four pillars
- Focus on transformational education, research excellence, and partnerships
- Governance aims to embed Indigenous leadership and cultural integrity
- Previous strategy saw 18 per cent Indigenous enrolment increase
- Student success reached 93.3 per cent; retention rose to 85 per cent
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services), Professor Reuben Bolt, said the refreshed strategy represents a step-change in how Indigenous leadership is understood and embedded at Sydney.
He said the strategy recognises the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and invites the University community to share responsibility for honouring Indigenous knowledges.
“Indigenous knowledges and leadership are fundamental to our future.”
Professor Mark Scott, University of Sydney
The University said the new strategy builds on outcomes from One Sydney Many People. According to the University, the previous strategy delivered measurable progress in Indigenous higher education, including student participation, success and completion rates, as well as workforce, partnership, curriculum and governance reforms.
Student support and retention
The Universitys Gadigal Centre continues to drive student success and belonging, supported by proactive, data-informed support systems and expanded capacity
Financial assistance proved critical to retention, with 44 per cent of Indigenous undergraduates receiving degree-duration scholarships and retention rising to 85 per cent
