About
Ambassadors
Friends of Western Sydney brings together respected leaders who believe in the talent, ambition and potential of our region.
Our Ambassadors come from across business, philanthropy, industry and civic life. Each brings a different perspective, network and connection to Western Sydney. What unites them is a belief in the potential of local talent, and the role we can all play in creating greater opportunity.
Meet our Ambassadors
Katie Page
Founding Ambassador
CEO, Harvey Norman
When business backs students to complete their education, Katie believes we are not only supporting individuals, we are developing future leaders, strengthening our workforce and investing in the long-term success of the region.
As CEO of Harvey Norman, Katie brings significant business leadership and an established commitment to education through the Katie Page Scholarships and Harvey Norman Leadership Academy.
Katie and Harvey Norman are long-term generous supporters of student success through scholarships for women at Western Sydney University, including:
- Katie Page Scholarship for High Achieving Women
- Katie Page Scholarship for Refugee Women
- Katie Page Equity Scholarship for Women
In 2023, Harvey Norman established the Harvey Norman Young Women’s Leadership Academy Scholarships with Western Sydney University, for students who attended Auburn Girls High School, the suburb where the first Harvey Norman flagship store opened and sits today. The scholarship was first awarded in 2025, and has been awarded to 29 students to date.
Charles Galayini
Ambassador
Executive General Manager, GSA Insurance Brokers
“I’m proud to belong to Western Sydney and its vibrant multicultural community.”
Charles brings more than 20 years of industry experience and a strong connection to Western Sydney's small and medium business community.
His Ambassadorship helps bring local enterprise into the conversation, creating opportunities to back talent, strengthen the future workforce and support the region's ambitions.
Charles is a passionate advocate for Western Sydney, having grown up in the area and watched it grow and thrive. He works closely with family businesses, small and medium enterprises and community organisations across the region.
Charles’ commitment to the local business community led him to serve on the Board of the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce for four years.
In addition to his role in insurance, Charles holds the following positions and accreditations:
- Accredited Family Business Advisor
- Member, Australian Institute of Company Directors
- Board Member – Assurex Global
- Facilitator – Emerging Leaders Forum Group
Anu Bedi
Ambassador
CEO & Founder, CSmart Consulting
“Western Sydney’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths.”
As founder and CEO of CSmart Consulting and a Western Sydney University alumna, Anu brings more than two decades of experience working across government, business and community settings.
Anu has expertise in business strategy, cross-cultural leadership, mentoring and international engagement.
Her work focuses on strategic advisory, leadership coaching, keynote speaking, cultural intelligence and helping organisations turn strategy into measurable outcomes. She is also an author and contributes through board and advisory roles.
Through her connections with multicultural entrepreneurs, international businesses, chambers and diaspora networks, Anu is helping open pathways to mentoring, placements, partnerships and globally connected opportunities for students.
Ms Fazila Farhad
Ambassador
Chair & Founder, Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce
“Western Sydney’s visitor economy is entering an exciting period of growth, and local talent must be at the centre of it.”
Fazila Farhad brings more than two decades of leadership across hotel ownership, management, business development and regional tourism advocacy.
Fazila is Chair and Founder of the Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce and a strong advocate for the Western Sydney visitor economy. A graduate in Economics from University College London, she brings a diverse background across banking, product management, business development and hotel ownership and management.
Through her family business, she has owned and operated hotel brands including Crowne Plaza, Ibis Styles and Ramada Hotels & Suites for more than two decades.
Her Ambassadorship connects tourism, hospitality, events and destination leaders with opportunities to support students through advocacy, mentoring, internships, placements and graduate employment.
Adam Leto
Ambassador
CEO, Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue
Adam Leto is Chief Executive Officer of the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue and a Western Sydney University alumnus. Since helping establish the Dialogue in 2015, he has worked closely with government, industry and community leaders to champion the growth of Greater Western Sydney, advocating for major infrastructure, investment and city-shaping projects that will drive the region's future prosperity.
Adam is Chief Executive Officer of the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue and a Western Sydney University graduate, holding a Bachelor of Communication.
Adam is also a former Fairfax journalist and communications executive with extensive experience in media, advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
He is a leading advocate for Western Sydney's economic development, infrastructure investment and global connectivity since the Dialogue's establishment in 2015.
Mr David Borger OAM
Ambassador
Executive Director, Business Western Sydney
David Borger OAM is a prominent Australian advocate, former state politician, and urban planner who has spent decades shaping the infrastructure, culture, and economic development of Western Sydney.
In September 1999, at 30 years of age, David became the youngest person to hold the office of Lord Mayor of Parramatta. He went on to serve three separate terms as Lord Mayor.
In March 2007, Borger transitioned to state politics. He served in the NSW Parliament until 2011, holding several high-profile ministerial portfolios including Minister for Western Sydney.
In his role as Executive Director for Business Western Sydney, David advocates for public and private sector investment in the region. He has lobbied for transformational Western Sydney infrastructure projects, including:
- Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport
- Parramatta Light Rail and Sydney Metro West
- Westmead and Liverpool Innovation Districts
David also serves as President of the Powerhouse Museum Trust and holds several board and advisory roles across Western Sydney.
United by a shared belief
Western Sydney talent deserves to be backed.
Our Ambassadors represent different industries, communities and forms of leadership. Together, they are helping turn belief in Western Sydney into practical action.
Back Students
Support scholarships and practical assistance that help students continue and succeed.
Create Opportunity
Open pathways to mentoring, internships, industry experience and employment.
Connect Networks
Bring businesses, industries and communities together around local talent
Amplify Talent
Share the stories, ambitions and potential of Western Sydney students.
Lead by example
Encourage colleagues, customers and peers to play their part.
Together, their voices demonstrate that Friends of Western Sydney is not simply a University initiative. It is a growing regional movement led by people who are invested in Western Sydney and prepared to help shape its future.
Stand alongside our Ambassadors.
Our Ambassadors are leading the way. You can play your part by creating opportunities for local talent, supporting a student or connecting with the people helping shape Western Sydney's future.