GWSAN Privacy Policy

Greater Western Sydney Advocacy Network (GWSAN)
Last Updated: May 2026

The Greater Western Sydney Advocacy Network (GWSAN) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling personal information responsibly, ethically, and transparently.

We understand that people engage with GWSAN in many ways — as volunteers, community members, researchers, advocates, event participants, collaborators, storytellers, or supporters. We recognise that sharing your information, experiences, or perspectives requires trust, and we take that responsibility seriously.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect personal information across our website, forms, programs, campaigns, events, digital platforms, and advocacy activities.

1. Who We Are

GWSAN is a community-led advocacy and research network focused on spatial justice, housing affordability, equitable infrastructure, community wellbeing, and the future of Greater Western Sydney.

Our work includes:

• Community engagement and consultation

• Research and policy advocacy

• Volunteer and youth participation programs

• Events, workshops, and campaigns

• Digital storytelling and public education

• Collaborative projects with community, academic, government, and industry partners

2. What Information We Collect

Depending on how you engage with GWSAN, we may collect personal information including:

Contact & Identity Information

• Your name

• Email address

• Phone number

• Suburb, postcode, or local government area (LGA)

• Organisation, school, university, or affiliation

Participation & Volunteer Information

• Volunteer applications or expressions of interest

• Skills, experience, qualifications, or areas of interest

• CVs, LinkedIn profiles, portfolios, or biographies

• Notes from interviews, meetings, workshops, or coordination calls

Community Feedback & Research Contributions

• Survey responses

• Consultation feedback

• Policy ideas or submissions

• Stories, lived experiences, testimonials, or quotes voluntarily shared with us

Digital & Website Information

When you use our website or digital platforms, we may collect:

• Website usage analytics

• Device/browser information

• Referral sources

• Engagement metrics such as clicks, page visits, downloads, and interactions

This information is generally collected in aggregated or anonymised form.

Media & Content

With consent, we may collect:

• Photos

• Videos

• Audio recordings

• Artwork or creative contributions

• Quotes or written stories

3. Why We Collect Information

We collect information to:

• Communicate with volunteers, supporters, and collaborators

• Coordinate projects, programs, campaigns, and events

• Deliver community engagement and advocacy initiatives

• Understand trends, challenges, and priorities across Greater Western Sydney

• Improve our website, resources, and programs

• Develop research, submissions, reports, and policy recommendations

• Share stories and lived experiences (with consent)

• Build partnerships and demonstrate community impact to funders and stakeholders

We only collect information that is reasonably necessary for our activities.

4. Storytelling, Media & Consent

GWSAN uses a consent-first approach to storytelling and media.

We will never publicly share identifiable personal stories, quotes, photos, or videos without clear permission.

When submitting stories, testimonials, or creative contributions:

• You may choose to remain anonymous

• You may request edits or withdrawal at any time

• You may choose how your information is attributed

• We will explain how content may be used before publication

For participants under 18:

• Parent or guardian consent may be required for identifiable media participation

• We apply additional safeguards for youth-related content and engagement

We aim to use respectful, trauma-informed, and community-safe storytelling practices.

5. How We Store & Protect Information

We use secure digital platforms and reasonable safeguards to protect personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, disclosure, or alteration.

Platforms we may use include:

• Google Workspace

• Mailchimp

• Notion

• Airtable

• Canva

• Eventbrite

• Password-protected cloud storage and collaboration tools

Access to personal information is limited to authorised GWSAN team members, volunteers, coordinators, or approved collaborators who require access for legitimate project purposes.

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information to third parties.

6. Research, Advocacy & Reporting

GWSAN may use aggregated or anonymised information to:

• Identify trends and regional issues

• Support advocacy campaigns

• Produce reports, submissions, presentations, or educational content

• Demonstrate impact to funding bodies or partners

Where possible:

• Personal identifiers are removed

• Sensitive information is anonymised

• Data is presented in grouped or statistical form

If we wish to use identifiable stories or quotes, we will seek explicit permission first.

7. Third-Party Platforms & External Links

Our website and communications may contain links to third-party websites or services, including:

• Google Forms

• Eventbrite

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

• TikTok

• YouTube

• Canva

• Partner organisations

These external platforms operate under their own privacy policies and terms. We encourage users to review those policies separately.

GWSAN is not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites or services.

8. Access, Corrections & Removal Requests

You may request to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you

• Correct inaccurate information

• Withdraw consent

• Request deletion of your information

• Opt out of communications or participation

To make a request, contact us at: gwsadvocacy@gmail.com

We aim to respond to privacy-related requests within a reasonable timeframe.

9. Data Retention

We only retain personal information for as long as reasonably necessary for:

• Operational purposes

• Legal obligations

• Research and reporting requirements

• Active projects or partnerships

Information that is no longer required may be securely deleted, archived, or anonymised.

10. Privacy Concerns & Data Breaches

If you believe your privacy has been compromised or you have concerns about how your information has been handled, please contact us immediately.

In the event of a serious data breach:

• GWSAN will investigate promptly

• Affected individuals will be notified where appropriate

• Reasonable steps will be taken to minimise harm

• Relevant legal obligations under Australian privacy law will be followed

11. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically as GWSAN grows, our digital systems evolve, or legal requirements change.

The “Last Updated” date at the top of this page reflects the latest version.

Questions?

We’re happy to answer any questions or concerns about how we manage your data.