On September 24th, Western Sydney University came alive with a colourful celebration of cultures during its Diversity Fest. Div Fest brought together students from all corners of the world, showcasing the campus’s rich hues of diversity.
The festival featured a plethora of cultural presentations, food stalls (I still can’t forget the aroma of samosas and dumplings!), traditional dances and games, allowing students to share and experience different traditions worldwide. It was an incredible collaboration, with student organisations adding their own flair and talents to make the event such a hit.
Representatives from various student societies shared their thoughts on the importance of inclusivity and cultural exchange:
The Women’s Collective emphasised the importance of representation: “We’re here at Diversity Fest where the thing is to celebrate our story. We want to promote all the women’s stories out here in Western Sydney and try to get the Women’s Collective on the map.”
Representatives of the Vietnamese Student Association (VISA), highlighted their club’s mission: “Our club’s endeavour and goals are to promote Vietnamese culture and customs to every student around the campus.” VISA plans to host future events, including “Chat with Insiders,” where participants can gain insights from industry experts.
The Indonesian Society of Western Sydney University (PPIA) made its presence felt. A representative stated, “Our goal here is to introduce people to Indonesian culture and also help Indonesian students get accustomed to everyone else. Hopefully, you will be interested in coming and joining our events because they’re open to all.”
Nabin Gautam, president of the Nepali Students Society, shared their contribution: “We are promoting Nepalese culture, food, and customs. We have some Nepalese cultural performances in the Diversity Fest as well.”
The Indian Society highlighted its role in fostering community connections. Savgun Singh, a representative mentioned, “Indian society conducts a ‘Chai Pe Gupshup’ every Friday. It makes us feel good. Moreover, we conduct community breakfasts which is a great opportunity to connect with the community.”
A representative from the Mental Health and Wellbeing club emphasized the universal nature of their cause: “Mental health and well-being is not just for one race or one culture, it’s for everyone. We welcome everyone with open arms and help them with factors that affect their mental health and well-being.”
The Environmental Collective took a unique approach to showcase diversity through nature. Rowan Heggen explained, “We’re trying to use plants from across the globe to look at the ways different countries contribute. We have plants from Korea, Western Africa, and Australia, eventually promoting conservation.”
The Filipino Student Society representative shared a personal experience: “As an international student joining FSS, I felt at home. It’s just home far away from home. I found my people, who share the same culture as me. We’re showing people what it means to be Filipino.”
The African Australian Collective emphasised its role in fostering connections: “We represent the campus, promote diversity, country, belonging, and identity. We’re a safe space fostering a connection to our roots. This is a great place to meet new people.”
(Innovative art installation by W’SUP News at Western Sydney University. Photo credit: Jasmine Kaur, 2024)
As the festival came to a close, it was clear that the event had succeeded in its goal of promoting cross-cultural understanding and celebrating the unique contributions of each student’s heritage.
Whether you were having a crack at a new dance move or tasting food that made your taste buds do a happy dance, everyone was getting amongst it. As the day wrapped up, it was clear that Diversity Fest didn’t just bring people together; it helped build a stronger, more inclusive campus community. It left everyone feeling stoked to be part of a multicultural uni where everyone’s yarn matters.
The event left a lasting impact on students, making them feel right at home. It showed that diversity isn’t just about being in the same space, it’s about coming together. Learning from one another and celebrating what makes each of us unique. As students went back to their routines, they carried with them a deeper appreciation for the rich, cultural blend that makes Western Sydney University such a vibrant and welcoming place.
If you’re wondering how to stay connected and be part of more amazing events like Div Fest, signing up for WESTERNLife is the perfect way to stay in the loop. You’ll get updates on all the exciting activities happening across campus, so you never miss an opportunity to celebrate, connect, and learn from the diverse community at Western Sydney University.
