UWS Open Forum: The Road to Success

To celebrate the University of Western Sydney's Year of Success through Diversity, a special Open Forum has heard about how education and sport are the perfect examples of people from all different backgrounds succeeding in Australia.

Joining the forum were three people who have broken down barriers and inspired young Australians realise their dreams.

* Christine Cawsey AM is the current principal of Rooty Hill High School, a highly successful and cosmopolitan school in the western suburbs of Sydney. She is the immediate past president of the NSW Secondary Principals' Council and a former member of the executive of the Australian Secondary Principals' Association.

* Emad Elkheir is the Multicultural Programs Coordinator for the Australian Football League in the NSW and the ACT, based in Greater Western Sydney. In this role, Emad is responsible for promoting Australia's game to diverse communities, breaking down any barriers to participation and creating pathways to promote talented athletes.

* Chelsea Roffey is the sole female officiating in the AFL competition and in 2012 became the first woman to officiate in a grand final. Now based in Melbourne as a writer and editor, Ms Roffey has umpired in more than 120 League matches and nine finals, experiencing the highs and lows of Australian football from a truly unique perspective.

Chairing the Open Forum was the UWS Director of Equity and Diversity and former Human Rights Commissioner, Dr Sev Ozdowski.

"Australia has a rich heritage of migrants and people from all backgrounds working hard and succeeding in life," says Dr Ozdowski.

"Sport and education are two of the best ways for young people to realise their dreams, and we are honoured to have such great speakers for this event, the first in the UWS Year of Success through Diversity."

Ends

1 March 2013

Contact: Mark Smith, Media Officer

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