Equity, diversity and inclusion

Creating an inclusive and diverse community

Macquarie University prides itself on being a vibrant, diverse and innovative university. We prioritise inclusion, equity and diversity in both employment and education.

Inclusiveness is about creating fair and respectful systems that allow access for all people who have the potential to benefit from higher education, regardless of their background.

It is also about creating a work environment where people from diverse backgrounds are represented and have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and develop professionally.

To this end, the School of Natural Sciences is committed to creating a work and study environment where all members of our community can flourish.

Equity, diversity and inclusion group

The group was formed to support the need for increased awareness on diversity, inclusion and equity. We engage with initiatives that help the School of Natural Sciences meet both internal and University-wide goals in these areas.

Our areas of focus:

• accessibility for staff and students from minority or underrepresented groups
• cultural diversity in recruitment, study and leadership opportunities
• gender equity in building the talent pipeline within the School of Natural Sciences.

We are committed to embedding the principles of inclusion, equity and diversity into everyday practices, and our group membership includes a broad cross-section of staff and students.

Our culture

The School of Natural Sciences is committed to a positive, inclusive and accountable culture that supports the wellbeing and success of all members of our community. Our values guide how we teach, research and engage with the wider world, shaping an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute meaningfully.

Our shared values

We are grounded in diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging, alongside fairness, respect, transparency, collaboration and sustainability. United by our curiosity and care for the natural world, we strive to be a diverse and vibrant community where all members feel welcome, supported and empowered. Diversity strengthens our learning, creativity and impact and we are especially committed to supporting those from underrepresented and marginalised groups.

Our guiding principles include:

• Equity – Ensuring access to the support and opportunities needed to succeed, while recognising that people may start from different places
• Diversity – Valuing the richness of perspectives, backgrounds, identities and experiences across our community
• Inclusion – Fostering a culture where people are respected, accepted, heard and valued for who they are
• Belonging – Enabling people to bring their whole selves to work or study in a supportive environment where diversity is respected and celebrated
• Fairness and respect – Treating all individuals with dignity, courtesy and respect and ensuring fairness in decisions, resource use and conflict resolution
• Transparency and accountability – Communicating clearly, making informed decisions, sharing responsibility and committing to continuous improvement
• Collaboration and collegiality – Valuing teamwork, generosity and mutual support and encouraging participation from staff, students and visitors
• Environmental responsibility and sustainability – Minimising our environmental footprint and embedding sustainable practices across all we do.

Our connection to Country

We acknowledge that we are located on the lands of the Wallumattagal clan of the Dharug Nation. Despite the history and ongoing impacts of European colonisation, we commit to respecting, sustaining and learning from this land and its Traditional Custodians. We aspire to parity for Indigenous peoples in our student and staff cohorts and to strengthening our culture through First Nations knowledges, leadership and perspectives.

How we uphold these values

We bring our commitments to life by:

• recognising and celebrating diversity
• fostering safe and inclusive environments
• supporting wellbeing
• celebrating achievements
• embedding sustainable practices in our daily operations.

Our commitment

By upholding these values, we aim to create a culture that is supportive, ethical and impactful – one where all members of our community can contribute, grow and flourish.