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Western Sydney University and the NRL's Penrith Panthers have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on community engagement, education and research in Western Sydney.

Aiming to enhance grassroots sport, create new educational pathways and drive initiatives that benefit the region, the partnership will encompass key programs focused on community engagement, career development, media collaboration, and research into the broader impact of sport. It will also include strategic efforts to enhance facilities and support programs, reinforcing a shared commitment to growth and inclusion.

The MoU was signed on Friday 4th April at a pre-match event before the Penrith Panthers faced off with the North Queensland Cowboys at Parramatta’s CommBank Stadium.

Western Sydney University’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, said the partnership with Penrith Panthers will provide opportunities for not only the University’s staff and students, and elite athletes, but also the wider Western Sydney community.

He advised “our shared commitment to community engagement in the Western Sydney region is key to our partnership with Penrith Panthers, and together through education and engagement we can provide new and unique opportunities to support our people.

“Education is life-changing, and collaborating with Penrith Panthers on engaging, real-life learning programs ensures future success for communities in our region for generations to come.”

Panthers Group Chairman Peter Graham said the new partnership will inspire and support the next generation, both on and off the field, noting “this agreement is about more than sport - it’s about creating lasting opportunities for the people of our region.

“Panthers is deeply committed to Western Sydney, and by working alongside Western Sydney University, we can help build a stronger future through education, research, and community programs.”

The partnership will combine the benefits of community sports to enhance education and research opportunities by delivering diverse programs that address the unique requirements of the Penrith local government area and their communities including:

• The development and collaboration of literacy, numeracy, health promotion, and well-being strategies in Penrith local government area schools
• Involving Indigenous and Pasifika communities in match day cultural activations and collaborating on Western Sydney University’s Indigenous Centre for Excellence and its PATHE program.
• Bespoke educational pathways and opportunities for Penrith Panthers players to engage at all levels, including micro-credentials and recognised development opportunities beyond the game, supporting elite athletes as they prepare for the next chapter of their careers.
• Opportunities to engage with Western Sydney University’s Launch Pad to assist players with business development opportunities
• Establishing a collaborative internship program for university students, providing opportunities in applied projects, events, tours and other social impact programs
• Collaboration on research initiatives between Western Sydney University’s research centres including the Centre for Western Sydney and the Centre for Male Health.
• Women in Sport - Engaging with Western’s Kingswood campus training and accommodation facilities for Penrith Panthers female pathway teams

Image credit: Penrith Panthers NRL club.

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