Equity and Wellbeing: Keys to Sustainable Universities
A satellite event as part of the Universities Australia 2025 Solutions Summit
Presented by HEDx in partnership with
This panel will address the urgent challenges facing Australian universities—financial strain, high attrition, and inequitable campus culture. By prioritising equity and wellbeing, the discussion will explore practical solutions vital to universities’ financial viability, cultural relevance, and social licence.
Sarah Bendall, First Assistant Ombudsman
Sarah Bendall will address critical campus safety issues, including the rise in sexual assaults and racial discrimination, emphasising the importance of effective institutional responses to safeguard student welfare.
Professor Paul Harpur, OAM, The University of Queensland
Paul Harpur will uncover the systemic and physical barriers that exclude people with disabilities from fully participating in university life, highlighting the urgent need for greater accessibility in higher education.
Professor George Williams, AO, Vice-Chancellor, Western Sydney University
George Williams will explore how universities can serve as transformative institutions by embedding themselves in their communities and fostering holistic development for students and staff.
Hashini Panditharatne, Director of the University Racism Study, Australian Human Rights Commission
Hashini is leading the Race Discrimination Commissioner’s research and reporting into racism in Australian universities. This project is an initiative of the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Facilitators:
Dr Martin Betts, CEO, HEDx and Cate Gilpin, Coordinator, Welcoming Universities
Facilitators Martin Betts and Cate Gilpin will steer the conversation toward practical, actionable solutions, ensuring the discussion moves beyond identifying challenges to outlining how universities can achieve lasting, positive transformation.
This esteemed panel brings together diverse experts to address the urgent challenges facing Australian universities, including financial strain, high attrition, and inequitable campus culture. Through a focus on redefining equity to reflect intersectional experiences, the discussion will explore practical solutions for fostering inclusive, supportive, and thriving university environments that serve all community members effectively. The panel will also explore how critical this is to build universities that thrive economically, culturally and educationally into the future.
By the end of the session, participants will clearly understand the challenges Australian universities—and their students—are facing regarding equity and wellbeing. Attendees will gain insight into the work happening in these spaces, and learn some practical strategies to create more inclusive, supportive, and sustainable higher education environments, and why this is so important. Leaders will leave equipped with actionable insights and the inspiration to drive meaningful change.
Event Speakers

Sarah Bendall

Professor Paul Harpur OAM

Hashini Panditharatne

Prof George Williams AO

Cate Gilpin

Dr Martin Betts
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