What is WEA Sydney?

Established in 1913, we are a voluntary, independent, not-for-profit adult education provider offering opportunities to join a community of keen learners. We offer a range of courses across the Humanities, Languages, Arts and Leisure and Wellness activities. We are based in the Sydney CBD with easy access to a variety of public transport options.

Download a copy of our Information Booklet by clicking here.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide adults with stimulating and varied educational activities which develop their knowledge, understanding and skills. Within our program we place special emphasis on providing opportunities for the serious and objective study of the arts, humanities and sciences. We are committed to:

Maintaining excellence in all aspects of our work
Encouraging students to participate in their own education and in WEA’s democratic management structure
Facilitating access for all who seek to take part in our activities

We believe that WEA activities are of value both to individuals both in their personal life and in their role as citizens in a democratic society.

Educational Policy Statement

Our aim is to provide opportunities for adults to engage in the serious and objective study of the arts, humanities, sciences and wider cultural and social issues.
We offer alternative courses as long as we consider that they contribute to the overall well-being of WEA Sydney (for example, courses which may contribute financially, or introduce students to our core program and courses).
We believe that quality education involves competent and dedicated tutors, well-chosen material and open discussion. We consider the selection of tutors to be crucial to us achieving and maintaining our aims.
We are devoted to achieving excellence in all aspects of our educational work.
We encourage systematic work and wide-ranging reading and study outside the WEA classroom.
We are truly independent and impartial; we promote no particular point of view about politics, social or political movements, or religion.
All relevant views are welcome in our activities. We cherish and promote freedom of thought, discussion and expression.
All of our courses are open to the public. However, periodically we may offer activities to particular groups of people, or to target particular educational needs within the community.

If you would like a copy of our current or previous Annual Reports, please contact us.

Board Directors & Senior Staff

President: Angelo Arulanandam
Vice-President: Leth Maitland
Directors: John Coombs, Louisa Denniss, Ellen Elzey, Peter Skinner, Janet Timberg, Peter Towson

Executive Director: Michael Newton
Education Manager: Christine Gietz
Finance Manager: Susan Robinson
VET Business Development and Compliance Manager: Caroline Evans