Creative cultural conversations were on the menu today (Wednesday 24 August) as the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Fraser Coast campus celebrated USC Diversity Week.

Indian microbiologist Meghavi Shah, who moved to Hervey Bay last year, and mental health worker Kristiyanto, who moved to Maryborough from Indonesia in 2013, shared their experiences with staff and students at a special international lunch.

The theme of this year’s USC Diversity Week is ‘Together We Will Grow’, with events to promote inclusion and equity also being held at campuses at Sippy Downs, South Bank and Gympie.

The week-long program includes the presentation of the USC Vice-Chancellor and President’s Equity and Diversity Awards and a forum to discuss an action plan for diversity.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill said the University’s 20th anniversary year was a particularly important time to celebrate the diversity of people and groups who have helped to shape USC.

“Principles of diversity are at the heart of USC’s governance and policies,” he said. “But they are also embodied each and every day by those who make outstanding contributions towards creating a community in which we all feel included.”

The full schedule of USC Diversity Week events can be found at www.usc.edu.au/events.

— Clare McKay