Strong communities are built through participation, trust and shared responsibility.

GWSAN exists to help strengthen:

• civic participation

• public understanding

• systems literacy

• regional identity

• collaboration across sectors

• community voice and leadership

We believe people are more likely to feel connected to their communities when they:

• understand how decisions are made

• can participate meaningfully

• feel heard and represented

• have access to welcoming public spaces

• feel hopeful about the future of their region

This is why civic literacy matters.

Understanding how cities, planning, government and infrastructure work helps communities participate more confidently in shaping the future of Greater Western Sydney.

“People are more likely to trust systems when they understand and can participate in them.”

Young people are already shaping communities, culture and civic life across Greater Western Sydney.

Yet many continue to experience:

• housing pressure

• long travel times

• limited local opportunities

• lack of welcoming third spaces

• reduced influence over decisions shaping their future

Through the Western Sydney Youth Collective and broader GWSAN initiatives, we are helping strengthen:

• youth-informed research and insight

• leadership capability

• systems understanding

• participation pathways

• storytelling and advocacy

• belonging and community connection

We believe every young person should feel connected to the future of their community and understand how they can help shape it.

There are many ways to contribute to healthier, fairer and more connected communities across Greater Western Sydney. 

Whether you’re a resident, student, researcher, planner, creative, community worker or organisation, GWSAN provides opportunities to contribute through advocacy, research, storytelling, civic education and collaboration.