A Presence in the West: Religious Contributions to the Secular Ideology of an A ustralian U niversity

Between 1972 and 1984, the rise of social justice and religious vocational movements in an increasingly self‐conscious W estern S ydney intersected with the rise of an increasingly influential cadre of politicians, public servants, and educationalists. Mobilising a broader sense of grievance, and organising in community, political, and social groups, these people contributed to a widespread campaign for a university in W estern S ydney which extended from the streets of M ount D ruitt to the P rime M inister's O ffice. This article traces the contribution of these religious motivations to the secular legitimisation, mission, and implementation of the U niversity of W estern S ydney.