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.
Our initiatives in action
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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.
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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.
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Disabled Equity Action Plan (DEAP)
Swinburne’s Disabled Equity Action Plan demonstrates our commitment to enhancing equity and inclusion for people with disability.
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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.
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Gender-based Violence Prevention and Response Plan and Outcomes Framework
Swinburne is committed to building a culture where gender-based violence is never tolerated. Download our Action Plan to learn more.
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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Honouring Country, culture and connection at Swinburne’s inaugural NAIDOC celebration
- Social Affairs
- University
Swinburne's inaugural NAIDOC celebration celebrated the power of storytelling and provided a space for everyone to engage with Indigenous culture
Thursday 03 September 2026 -
Indigenous study tour connects students to global communities in Aotearoa
- Student News
- Social Affairs
The Moondani Toombadool Centre’s Indigenous study tours provide Indigenous students a culturally grounded, immersive and transformational experience through direct engagement with other Indigenous communities worldwide
Friday 10 July 2026 -
Celebrating 50 years of deadly this NAIDOC Week
- Social Affairs
This NAIDOC Week, Swinburne staff and students are coming together to celebrate 50 years of deadly as a tribute to the people who built the NAIDOC movement while recognising the next generation
Thursday 02 July 2026 -
Indigenous students connect through sport at Intervarsity Day
- Student News
- University
Indigenous students from across Victoria came together for a landmark intervarsity event, building connection and community through competition.
Wednesday 17 June 2026 -
All in for National Reconciliation Week at Swinburne
- Social Affairs
- University
Swinburne hosted events across our three Melbourne campuses to mark National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week 2026
Wednesday 10 June 2026 -
Connection, creativity and culture at Swinburne’s MVCE Future Aspirations camp
- Design
- Film and television
- University
The Moondani Vocational Centre of Excellence (MVCE) Future Aspirations camp provides students with a vibrant introduction to vocational education and training at Swinburne.
Monday 18 May 2026
Equity and diversity events
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Celebrate Your Heritage
Student Life- Diversity
Celebrate the rich diversity of Swinburne's community with music, food, fashion and cultural performances. Wear your best traditional attire and join in the fashion parade.
Celebrate Your Heritage -
Swinburne Annual Barak Wonga Oration
Thought LeadershipRefreshments will be served from 5.30pm with Oration commencing at 6.30pm
Register now (Swinburne Annual Barak Wonga Oration ) -
Indigenous Voices in Water Management
Community- Sustainability
- Indigenous
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.
Register now (Swinburne Annual Reconciliation Lecture 2023) -
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.
Register now (National Sorry Day Service) -
Celebrate Your Heritage
Student Life- Diversity
Celebrate and explore cultural diversity through music, performance, art, food and more! Wear your best traditional dress, join in the parade and win prizes for best-dressed student by student vote.
Register now (Celebrate Your Heritage)
Contact us
To enquire about our diversity and inclusion strategies and initiatives, please email inclusion@swinburne.edu.au.