Why Western Sydney’s growth needs women at the table
Western Sydney is on the cusp of a once-in-a-generation economic upswing. With a brand-new international airport and the 24-hour Aerotropolis coming online, opportunity is landing on our doorstep faster than ever before. Yet after a decade of championing the region’s women and girls, Western Sydney Women (WSW) knows one truth better than anyone: growth that leaves women out isn’t growth at all.
A growing region, if we seize it together
Business lending in suburbs around the new airport is already rising 15 % year-on-year, with construction hotspots such as Austral surging 166%. Analysts expect “double-digit” expansion for at least the next five years.
The Broader Western Sydney Employment Area is now the largest future employment land bank in Sydney, earmarked for advanced manufacturing, logistics and green industries.
Millions of fresh jobs are great headlines, but only if half the population can access them.
The participation gap is still real
Nationally, women’s labour-force participation sits at 62.9 % versus 71.4 % for men.
In Western Sydney the gap often widens due to longer commutes, limited childcare places and industry clusters that skew male. If those barriers persist, the region risks replicating old inequities on a larger scale.
Why women at the table change the game
Smarter infrastructure. Mixed-gender decision teams are 60% more likely to consider end-user safety, transport connectivity and caregiving hubs early in the planning cycle.
Profit & productivity. Companies in the top quartile for gender-diverse leadership are 25% more likely to outperform on profitability, according to McKinsey’s global data.
Community trust. Projects with visible female leadership gain faster social-licence approvals.
10 years on, WSW’s impact so far
Since 2015, Western Sydney Women has supported and educated over 10,000 women.
And the work continues. Every ticket and corporate table sold for the 2025 Summit directly funds the next decade of free programs and awards.
Your seat shapes the future
Western Sydney is hurtling toward a 24-hour economy. Let’s make sure it’s a 24-hour opportunity for everyone. Whether you’re a policymaker, business or non-profit:
Join us on 4 September 2025 at the Hudson Hotel, Blacktown.
Nominate a trailblazer for the Western Sydney Women Awards (nominations close 18 July).
Bring a colleague. Corporate tables of eight include Supporting Partner recognition for your organisation.
Building a stronger economic future for women in Western Sydney starts with giving them a seat, better yet, a voice, at every table where big decisions are made. Reserve yours today and be part of the next 10 years of impact.