In April 2023, following a year-long discernment process, partner organisations from the Sydney Alliance and Hunter Community Alliance came together to form a unified legal entity: the NSW Community Alliance. This historic transition reflects our shared commitment to people-powered change across regions.

The NSW Community Alliance Board is elected annually and includes representatives from unions, faith groups, and community organisations, alongside two at-large members—ensuring statewide representation and leadership. While the Sydney and Hunter Alliances maintain full autonomy in their local campaigns and councils, this new structure strengthens our collective voice across New South Wales.

Governance

NSW Community Alliance

Board of Directors

Nishadh Rego

Our Co-chair Nishadh Rego is Advocacy and Policy Manager at UNICEF Australia, working on the intersection between climate change and the wellbeing and rights of children and young people, and is also the co-founder of Desis for Yes, a grassroots movement aimed at building connection and engagement between South Asian communities and First Nations justice in the context of the the 2023 First Nations Voice referendum. Nishadh was previously the Head of Policy and Advocacy at the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Australia, and has ten years experience working in a variety of advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and service delivery roles - in homelessness, migration, and international issues - for JRS, Australian Red Cross and Baptistcare.

Having grown up in South-East Asia to Indian-Catholic parents, Nishadh arrived in Australia to study in 2006, and has since been fortunate enough to live, work, and settle in Australia. Motivated by his own personal experience of migration, and his professional experience working closely with refugees and people seeking asylum, Nishadh is passionate about understanding and addressing systemic injustices that newcomers to Australia encounter. Nishadh has published commentary, book reviews, a book chapter, and a journal article on a range of themes including global and Australian migration policy, international politics, and sport. Nishadh has a Bachelors of Economics/Arts (Hons) from the ANU and a Masters of International Relations (Dean's Hons List) from the University of Melbourne.

Steph Cunio

Our Co-chair Steph Cunio is employed by the United Worker’s Union as a Strategist in the new Organising & Pipeline area. Steph comes to this work after senior roles in Climate Action Network Australia, the Public Service Association and the ACTU. During her time in each of these organisations over the last decade, Steph has used the tools and skills developed through the NSW Community Alliance to strengthen the internal and external capacity of these organisations. Steph also holds position of Director for the Union sector.

Steph was involved in the Sydney Alliance Founding Assembly in 2011, leading turnout coordination across the union, faith and community sectors. Through the Alliance, Steph had the opportunity to form deep and enduring relationships with a range of leaders across these sectors. Of significance has been how the Alliance and relational organising created an opening for Steph to be a part of her own community, the Sydney Jewish Community, through the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies. Steph comes to her role on the Board with a depth and breadth of relational organising experience, developed both on the ground and with positional leaders.

Peter Coughlan

Peter is a recently retired Chartered Accountant and business consultant. He holds the position of Treasurer and Director for the Community sector on the NSW Community Alliance Board.

He is an active volunteer with Hunter Renewal, a partner organisation of the Hunter Community Alliance. He completed the AICD Company Directors course in 2016.

In recent years he has also been a board member of several Hunter based not-for-profit organisations including Newcastle Basketball Association, Connectability and Lifeline Hunter Central Coast. He is a co-chair of the Climate Team and also on the Steering Committee of the Hunter Community Alliance, as well as serving as a director of Lock the Gate.

Qwayne Guevara

Qwayne’s early career began in community organising and advocacy, followed by roles in corporate immigration law—experiences that shaped her passion for justice and human dignity. A transformative encounter at World Youth Day in Poland sparked a vocational shift, leading her into ministry with the Diocese of Parramatta in 2017.

Since then, she has worked closely with parishes and schools to foster spaces of encounter, grow leadership capacity particularly with young leaders, and build vibrant faith communities. In 2023, she was appointed Lead Facilitator of the first-ever Synod of the Diocese of Parramatta and was recently appointed Chair of the Australian Catholic Youth Ministry Network, endorsed by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.

Qwayne is the founder of The Hustle Society, a creative community space in Western Sydney, and co founder Embers Basketball, a ministry empowering women through sport, community, and faith. From 2017 to 2023, she also co-owned a local café, mentoring young staff and cultivating connection with community through hospitality and coffee.

She holds a Bachelor of Law & Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, a Master of Laws (Dispute Resolution), a Graduate Diploma in Theology, and is currently completing a Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry at Boston College, USA. Her work is grounded in a deep commitment to faith, formation, and social mission.

Stacey Miers

Stacey's professional career has seen her work across many sectors including local and State Governments, primarily focused on housing inequality. For Stacey land use planning can be a two-edged sword, it can provide opportunities to support the delivering of better, social, cultural, economic and environmental outcomes that can improve the lives of people experiencing disadvantage or it can entrench inequalities and unsustainable practices. She aims to dedicate her energy with the NSW Community Alliance as a Director-at-Large, working in collaboration with others to deliver better social, economic and environmental outcomes across NSW.

Rev Tom Stuart

Rev Tom Stuart is a minister of the Uniting Church in Australia, currently serving the Charlestown and Garden Suburb congregations. He is the founder of Project Reconnect, a national initiative that supports small congregations across Australia to sustain vibrant, community-rooted worship. Created in response to the challenges faced by rural and regional churches, Project Reconnect equips communities with weekly video messages, music, and discussion resources based on the Lectionary—encouraging small groups to reclaim their role as powerful spaces of faith, dialogue, and transformation.

Tom’s ministry is shaped by a deep belief in the spiritual vitality of small communities. He has helped establish the Whitebridge Wellness Centre and is active in the contemplative life of the Hunter region, co-founding groups such as Uniting in Prayer and Uniting in Contemplation, and helping to lead regular Quiet Days and spiritual reflection gatherings. His leadership is grounded in an ecumenical spirit and a practical commitment to building hope-filled, spiritually alive communities.

He holds a Bachelor of Social Science, a Bachelor of Theology, and a Graduate Diploma in Science (Mental Health), alongside advanced training in Spiritual Direction and supervision. With over a decade of experience supporting individuals and communities in their spiritual growth, Tom continues to offer a thoughtful, grounded, and inclusive approach to ministry.

Dr Rosemary Hancock

Dr Rosemary Hancock is Assistant Director of the Institute for Ethics and Society, and Convener of the Religion, Culture and Society Research Focus Area at the University of Notre Dame, Australia.

Rosemary is a sociologist who writes about the intersection of religion with politics and activism, with a particular focus on environmental politics. Her research grapples with the ways religion is integrated into grassroots political spaces, the ways in which religion influences or motivates activists in their political practice, and how the engagement of religious people and organisations in democratic politics and civil society transforms those spaces - and how political action transforms religious communities.

Rosemary is a leading expert in the study of Islamic environmentalism, and has worked with broad-based community organisations in Australia investigating the involvement of religious communities and organisations in grassroots politics. She is also interested the use of the internet by Muslim women, in particular the way gender is represented and negotiated in online spaces.

Chris Gambian

Chris Gambian is the Executive Director of Australians for Mental Health, bringing over 25 years of experience as an organiser, campaigner, educator, and leader of progressive change. His career has been grounded in the pursuit of equality, justice, and sustainability through collective action, and he has held leadership roles across the union movement, environment sector, and civil society.

A former senior trade union official and political candidate, Chris has worked as a strategic consultant, campaign manager, and executive officer in organisations of all sizes. From 2019 to 2022, he served as Chief Executive of the Nature Conservation Council of NSW, where he earned a reputation as a persuasive public advocate and skilled political lobbyist, working across party lines in the NSW Parliament.

Chris’s approach is deeply strategic—focusing on smart, principled, and pragmatic solutions to complex challenges. His work is marked by a strong belief in people-powered change and the power of solidarity, always placing authentic relationships and community building at the heart of his campaigns.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Economics (Social Science) and a Master of Labour Law from the University of Sydney.

Our Code of Conduct

1. We behave openly and honestly, towards each other, making integrity in word and deed the foundation of our relationships.

2. We accept that diverse member organisations won’t always agree but we focus on the values that we share.

3. We work in good faith and consult, negotiate and compromise wherever possible to find and preserve common ground.

4. We try as far as possible to reach decisions by consensus.

5. We treat each other with mutual respect at all times.

6. We do not allow religious, political or other differences to cause divisiveness in the Alliance.

7. If we foresee that our statements or activities outside the Alliance are likely to be contentious for some Alliance members, we show respect by giving the relevant Alliance members fair notice.

8. We recognise that each Alliance partner will continue to promote its respective organisational objects and may from time to time communicate for that purpose with other Alliance partners. But we do not use Alliance distribution lists or forums for other than Alliance business. If we wish to communicate with Alliance members about matters that are not approved by Alliance procedures as Alliance business, we do so on a one-to-one basis outside of the Alliance.

9. We accept that the Sydney Alliance brand may be used only for activities that have been approved by the Sydney Alliance Council.

10. We recognise that one or more Alliance partners may from time to time cooperate in joint activities but we do not describe or refer to such activities as Alliance activities unless and until we have approval to do so from the Sydney Alliance Council.

Values we share

We believe in a fair, just and sustainable Sydney.
We believe in the richness of diverse cultures, beliefs and relationships and in the importance of human dignity.

We believe that individuals need groups, groups need co-operation and co-operation needs relationships based on reciprocity of respect, understanding and trust.
We believe in the consequent interdependence of enlightened individual interests and our common good.

We believe that a democratic society benefits from having strong communities and strong civic organisations.
We believe that all people have the potential to speak and act with others on their own behalf, to grow and develop as leaders and to participate fully in our democracy.

Annual Reports

Sydney Alliance Annual Report, 2021-2022

Sydney Alliance Annual Report, 2022-2023

Our Safeguarding Guidelines

The Sydney Alliance and the Hunter Community Alliance are constituent parts of the NSW Community Alliance Ltd.

Introduction

NSW Community Alliance Ltd (referred to as "the Alliance") is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals involved in its activities, including people participating in Alliance activities, staff, students on placement. This safeguarding policy outlines the principles and procedures to prevent discrimination, ensure child safety, protect privacy, and prevent bullying within the organisation.

Scope

This policy applies to all volunteers, staff, board members, students on placement, and participants engaged in Alliance meetings, campaigns, and training activities, including residential training.

Code of Conduct

In becoming a partner organisation, Friend of the Alliance, Board Member or staff member, individuals commit to following the NSW Community Alliance Code of Conduct. A, C and E are relevant to the ongoing culture of safety at the Alliance. Maintaining this culture is the responsibility of everyone who participates in the organisation.

We behave openly and honestly, towards each other, making integrity in word and deed the foundation of our relationships.
We accept that diverse member organisations won’t always agree but we focus on the values that we share.
We work in good faith and consult, negotiate and compromise wherever possible to find and preserve common ground.
We try as far as possible to reach decisions by consensus.
We treat each other with mutual respect at all times.
We do not allow religious, political or other differences to cause divisiveness in the Alliance.
If we foresee that our statements or activities outside the Alliance are likely to be contentious for some Alliance members, we show respect by giving the relevant Alliance members fair notice.
We recognise that each Alliance partner will continue to promote its respective organisational objects and may from time to time communicate for that purpose with other Alliance partners. But we do not use Alliance distribution lists or forums for other than Alliance business. If we wish to communicate with Alliance members about matters that are not approved by Alliance procedures as Alliance business, we do so on a one-to-one basis outside of the Alliance.
We accept that the region/city alliance brands may only be used only for activities that have been approved by the respective council. I.e. Sydney Alliance Council, Hunter Community Alliance Council.
We recognise that one or more Alliance partners may from time to time cooperate in joint activities but we do not describe or refer to such activities as Alliance activities unless and until we have approval to do so from the relevant council.

4. . Working together

We are committed to providing a culturally safe and inclusive organisational environment for participants to build power and act. The Alliance recognises there can be inherent tensions in bringing diverse people together. Partner organisations have their own approaches to diversity.

In Alliance spaces we respect:

First Nations people’s sense of self and identity
people of all ages
people from non-English speaking backgrounds
people from diverse ethnic or cultural backgrounds
ensuring people with disabilities have genuine voice, choice and control
gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual, queer or intersex people and their freedom of expression
Diversity of religious perspectives and practice
People from a range of economic and education backgrounds
Neurodiversity
Robust discussion of the common good and a diversity of views

We recognise that in bringing diverse people together there will be challenges. We are committed to working with organisations and individuals when these principles have been contravened during or in association with Alliance activities.

5. Anti-Discrimination

The Alliance is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Negative discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other characteristic is strictly prohibited. We recognise the diversity of people participating in the Alliance and that not all people will agree on all matters. All individuals are expected to treat each other with respect and dignity, valuing the unique contributions and perspectives of every person involved.

6. Sex-based discrimination & unlawful conduct

The Alliance staff and leadership will take an active role in combating discrimination on the grounds of sex & gender and take an active role in eliminating any hostile environment at work on the grounds of sex.

The Alliance has a zero-tolerance policy in relation to:

Sexual harassment in connection with Alliance activities
Sex-based harassment in connection with Alliance activities
Related acts of victimisation

7. Child Safety

Alliance staff all have NSW Working-With-Children checks and do not work directly with children without their parents or guardians present.
In some contexts, students will participate through their schools but only with a parent or teacher present.
We do not condone adult leaders involved in the Alliance meeting with children under the age of 18 without their parents or guardians present. In cases where children are involved indirectly, such as through family participation or events, extra care will be taken to ensure their safety and well-being. Any concerns regarding child safety must be reported immediately to the designated safeguarding officer (see below).
In addition to staff policies regarding child safety. Those under the age of 18 wishing to participate in the Alliance, must do so with the accompaniment of a parent or legal guardian.
Organisations bringing children to Alliance events such as training or assemblies are responsible for their safety at those events and must have the appropriate permissions from the child’s parents or guardians
Parents and guardians take responsibility for their children coming to and from Alliance events.

8. Privacy & Confidentiality

Storytelling

While recognising that the Alliance trains people to share their stories of the challenges they face in public, respecting the privacy and confidentiality of individuals is paramount. Personal information shared within the Alliance, including stories and testimonies, must be handled with sensitivity and discretion. Volunteers and staff will obtain explicit consent before sharing or using any personal information, ensuring individuals' autonomy and agency over their own narratives.

Privacy Policy

The Sydney Alliance is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of its supporters and partner organisations’ members. We are bound by and act in accordance with the National Privacy Principles in the Privacy Act 1988 as amended by the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000.

A copy of the National Privacy Principles may be obtained at: www.privacy.gov.au

Use and Disclosure of Personal Information

The personal information we collect may be used to:

Inform our supporters about the work of the Alliance and keep them up to date about any projects we may be undertaking.
Process donations, membership fees and other contributions
Issue tax invoices and receipts
Respond to comments or questions from supporters
Inform a partner organisation if their member has attended one of our events or raised an inquiry with us.
Seek specific support for campaigns and projects
Research attitudes on campaigns and projects
For internal reporting purposes
We respect the choice of supporters not to receive some or all of our communications, or not to be contacted for any specific purpose.

Staff and leaders will ask permission to participants, trainees and working group members before sharing their contact information.

A supporter may email us at admin@sydneyalliance.org.au to update their personal information or convey their communication instructions.

We will never disclose the personal information of our supporters to a third party unless they are working directly on our behalf or we are required to do so by law. We do not publish personal information in publications or on our web-site, without explicit/express consent, unless required by law.

We never sell, rent, lend or give away our supporter/membership list.

Protection of Personal Information

The Alliance actively seeks to ensure that all personal information we collect is protected from misuse, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. We have internal data protection and electronic data transmission procedures and all donations and communications made on-line via our website are secure.

9. Bullying

Bullying, harassment, or intimidation of any kind will not be tolerated within the organization. This includes verbal, physical, or online forms of bullying. All individuals are encouraged to speak up if they witness or experience any form of bullying behaviour. Complaints will be taken seriously and addressed promptly and confidentially (see below).

Workplace bullying is defined as repeated and unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or a group of workers that creates a risk to health and safety. Repeated behaviour refers to the persistent nature of the behaviour and can refer to a range of behaviours over time. Unreasonable behaviour means behaviour that a reasonable person, having considered the circumstances, would see as unreasonable, including behaviour that is victimising, humiliating, intimidating or threatening. Single incidents of unreasonable behaviour can also present a risk to health and safety and will not be tolerated.

Staff are bound and protected by additional anti-bullying policy.

10. Training and Awareness on this document

Staff and board members will receive training on safeguarding principles and procedures during their induction and periodically thereafter. Training will cover this policy and more detailed policies for staff, reporting mechanisms, confidentiality guidelines, and appropriate conduct. Additionally, ongoing awareness-raising initiatives will be implemented to promote a culture of safeguarding throughout the Alliance.

At the beginning of Foundations and National training and annually at relevant Alliance council meetings, participants will be made aware of this document and where it is on the Alliance website.

11. Alliance Responsibilities

The Alliance acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard all individuals involved in its activities. While it cannot directly oversee safeguarding within member organisations, it will ensure that safeguarding principles are upheld during its own activities. The board of directors, in collaboration with the safeguarding officers, will oversee the implementation and review of this policy to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with legal obligations.

12. Reporting Procedures

Any concerns or incidents related to discrimination, child safety, privacy breaches, or bullying should be reported immediately to the designated safeguarding officer. Reports can be made confidentially and will be handled with sensitivity and discretion. The safeguarding officer will investigate the matter promptly and take appropriate action in accordance with this policy and relevant legislation.

The safeguarding officer for the NSW Community Alliance is the Executive Officer of the NSW Community Alliance. This work is supported by the Lead Organisers of the Sydney Alliance.

Contact details:

For issues pertaining to Hunter Community Alliance:

David Barrow, davidb@thehca.org.au

For issues pertaining to Sydney Alliance

Cat Coghlan, ccoghlan@sydneyalliance.org.au
Chantelle Ogilvie-Ellis, chantelle@sydneyalliance.org.au

NSW Community Alliance Executive Officer (designated safeguarding officer)