Privacy Policy

This privacy policy sets out how The Western Sydney Business Connection (WSBC) uses and protects any information that you give WSBC when you use this website. It also covers how WSBC makes the Personal Information it holds available for access and correction by the individual.

WSBC is committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected and is committed to observing high standards in its handling of personal information, respecting the privacy of its members, customers, and website visitors. Should we ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified when using this website, then you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with this privacy statement.

WSBC may change this policy from time to time by updating this page. You should check this page periodically to ensure that you are happy with any changes. This policy is effective from 1 January 2025. This policy has been drafted having regard to the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and is a public document.

Collection

WSBC will only collect Personal Information where the information is necessary for WSBC to perform one or more of its functions or activities. In this context, “collect” means gather, acquire, or obtain by any means personal information where the individual is identifiable or identified. WSBC collects Personal Information primarily to supply members and customers with the products and services including the five core services of WSBC being:

(i) Networking – Workshops, Symposiums, Conferences, Briefings, Networking Lunches and other Events.

(ii) Education – Events and Newsletters.

(iii) Information – newsletters, general advice, publications.

(iv) Government Representation – lobbying.

(v) Industry Standards – accreditation, awards, promotion of best practice.

WSBC also collects and uses Personal Information for secondary purposes including:

(i) billing and account management;

(ii) business planning and product development;

(iii) database management by our database software provider and website developer.

At the time of joining, new financial members, subscribers, and event attendees are asked to accept WSBC’s terms and conditions and privacy policy.

WSBC will not collect Sensitive Information except with consent and only where it is necessary for WSBC to collect such information for an activity or function. Please note that under the Privacy Act, sensitive information includes information about membership of associations or trade unions. WSBC promotes as a member benefit those individuals who are members of WSBC. Any member who does not wish to be promoted in this way should contact WSBC at admin@wsbc.org.au.

Use

We require this information to understand your needs and provide you with a better service, and in particular for the following reasons:

• Internal record keeping.
• To improve our products and services.
• To send promotional emails about new products, special offers, or other information that we think you may find interesting, using the email address that you have provided.
• From time to time, we may also use your information to contact you for market research purposes. We may contact you by email, phone, fax, or mail.
• To customise the website according to your interests.

Where WSBC uses direct marketing to members and non-members, it will ensure that:

(i) the individual is clearly notified of their right to opt out of further direct marketing;

(ii) there is only one use of the information before the opt-out right is given;

(iii) the individual is given an opt-out in all further instances of direct marketing if they have not previously chosen to opt out; and

(iv) if the individual opts out of all direct marketing, the opt-out will be respected by WSBC.

WSBC will not use Personal Information without taking reasonable steps to ensure that the information is accurate, complete, and up to date.

Disclosure

WSBC may collect personal information for purposes such as education, information distribution, and maintaining our member register under the Corporations Act. We may provide marketing communications until 12 months after cessation of your membership or your last interaction with us by telephone, electronic messages (like email), and other means. Contact us to opt out.

We may make recordings of our events. Please let us know before arrival if you do not wish to be identifiable in recordings we disseminate.

We may disclose your personal information to speakers, organisers, sponsors and potential sponsors of our events, providers of special offers, our service providers, and regulatory authorities. Some of these parties may be located overseas including the US, UK, and Singapore, and you agree that they may not always follow the particular requirements of Australian privacy laws.

Unless you opt out, we may congratulate you on your membership or milestones with us (e.g., 5 year membership, fellowship, life membership) in our publications.

If you provide us with information about other individuals (e.g., event guests, bundled memberships), you must ensure that they are aware of this consent.

WSBC may disclose Personal Information to its branch offices, committees, national council, and to database and website software developers. WSBC may disclose Personal Information to unrelated third parties to enable outsourcing of functions (such as conference management and accommodation bookings), where the disclosure or use is for a related secondary purpose and has been notified to individuals or where such disclosure is within the individual’s reasonable expectations.

WSBC will take reasonable steps to ensure its contracts with third parties include requirements to comply with the Privacy Act’s use and disclosure requirements.

WSBC may disclose Personal Information to law enforcement, government agencies, courts, or external advisers where permitted or required by law.

How We Use Cookies

A cookie is a small file placed on your computer’s hard drive with your permission. Cookies help analyse web traffic or let us know when you visit a particular site. They allow web applications to tailor operations to your needs by remembering your preferences.

We use traffic log cookies to identify which pages are being used. This helps us analyse data about webpage traffic to improve the website. We only use this information for statistical analysis, and then the data is removed.

Cookies help us provide you with a better website by monitoring which pages you find useful. Cookies do not give us access to your computer or personal information other than what you share.

You can choose to accept or decline cookies by changing your browser settings. Declining cookies may limit your ability to use parts of this website.

Website Search Results & Links to Third-Party Sites

This site contains a search of members and links to other sites (“Linked Sites”). WSBC does not control Linked Sites and makes no warranties regarding their content, accuracy, or any objectionable material. No link or search result should be construed as an endorsement or recommendation.

Third-Party Promotions

Third-party promotions or advertisements on this site are subject to terms supplied by the relevant third party. Dealings with third parties are solely between you and the third party. WSBC is not responsible for such promotions or dealings.

Disclaimer of Liability

To the extent permitted by law, WSBC and its related bodies corporate or employees are not liable for any loss, damage, cost, or expense suffered through your use or inability to use this site or its products, services, or information. Your use of this site is conditional on your compliance with these restrictions.

Information Quality and Security

WSBC reviews collection and storage practices regularly to improve accuracy. Employees and contractors are required to comply with legal privacy obligations. WSBC takes reasonable steps to secure paper and electronic records containing personal information, restricting access to authorised personnel only.

Access and Correction

You may access and correct personal information held by WSBC by contacting us. We will respond promptly and correct information that is inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated.

Controlling Your Personal Information

You may restrict collection or use of your personal information by:

• Declining to provide information where optional.
• Opting out of direct marketing communications by contacting us or clicking unsubscribe links.

WSBC will not sell, distribute, or lease your personal information to third parties unless you consent or it is required by law.

If you believe any information we hold is incorrect, please contact us at admin@wsbc.org.au or by post at:

Western Sydney Business Connection Inc.
admin@wsbc.org.au
PO Box 4032, Parramatta NSW 2124