Our Story
The Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue was established in 2015 as a way to shine a light on the key issues in the region, to spark and nurture a national conversation about the West and to help ensure it is better equipped to shape its future.
Through the power of connecting the right people, we shape progress and effect positive social and economic change for a thriving Greater Western Sydney.
Our Region
Greater Western Sydney has one of the youngest, fastest growing and most diverse populations in the nation.
As of the 2021 census, 41% of GWS residents were born overseas, with top countries being India, China, Vietnam, Philippines, Iraq & Lebanon.
Almost half (46%) of the GWS population speak a language other than English, and 22% identify as religiously affiliated with Buddhism, Hinduism, or Islam.
Approximately 3% of NSW’s residents identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. Of the 77,000 Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander residents who live in Greater Sydney, three-quarters live in GWS. Blacktown, Penrith & Campbelltown LGAs are home to the greatest count of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander residents in Greater Sydney.
Our Team
The Dialogue’s approach is bold, inclusive, diverse and innovative – like the people of Greater Western Sydney it represents.
Our team’s mission is to not only drive our annual program of events, thought-leadership and collaboration, but we strive to embed a culture of partnership and participation.
It is this collaborative approach, one which values public, and meaningful engagement, that’s at the core of the Dialogue, and one we see as critical as we look at what comes next.
Christopher Brown AM
Chairman & Founder
Adam Leto
Chief Executive Officer
Laura Cameron
Policy & Research Officer
Lauren Nicholls
Head of Policy & Analysis
Marushka Noronha
Head of Events
Dr Fiona Pacey, PhD
Senior Manager, Policy - Special Projects
Nicholas Rupolo
Communications Officer
Brett Towers
Chief Commercial Officer
Luke Turner
Executive Director, Policy & Advocacy
Philippa Walker
Executive Officer
Belinda Wallis
Director, Communications
Stephanie Yeo
Events Manager
