Policies and Procedures
The ASNSW strives to be an inclusive and welcoming society.
All Members are entrusted to observe our policies.
Whilst all ASNSW policies apply all the time, attendees at the South Pacific Star Party should refer, in particular, to the Wiruna Light Use Policy, the ASNSW Drones Policy (which bans drones altogether at the SPSP) and the Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy.
Guest speakers at the Star Party and at other venues, including online, should also be mindful of the Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy.
Various other prohibitions (e.g. the ban on fireworks and rockets at Wiruna) are outlined in the Wiruna Usage Polices.
The specific "South Pacific Star Party Admin Policies" deal with administrative matters.
The ASNSW Privacy Policy is available on the website, with a link in the footer of every web page.
Policies and procedures that apply at Wiruna
Fire Danger Periods and Total Fire Ban
Records & Compliance with Regulations
Procedures
UNIVERSE Advertising
Note that there is NO ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING available at Wiruna.
The nearest charging stations are at Lithgow, Bathurst and Mudgee.
Photo and Video Disclaimer
Please note that photographs and video footage may be taken at any ASNSW event (meetings, lunches, dinners, star parties, outreach events, etc.). These may be used by the ASNSW in our publications, on our website, and in social media. Please decline to have your photo taken if you do not want it published.
Policies and Procedures that apply at the Wiruna
OBSERVING AND SITES
Wiruna Light Use Policy - Why you can only use red light at night on the Main Observing Field - people take this really seriously, so you'd better read it!!
Wiruna Sites Policy 2025 (member login required) - For Members with an approved long-term Caravan, Tent or observing site at Wiruna.
Piers, Mats, Sheds and Observatories at Wiruna - Procedure for getting approval for an Observing Site.
MOFMaP 2025 (member login required) - The Main Observing Field Management Plan (shows existing installations and zones).
Accreditation - How to find out about using the site and the Society telescopes.
COMFORT
ASNSW Drones Policy - Check the policy to see when and where you can actually use a drone.
Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy - Note that this policy also applies for all ASNSW members and invited speakers all the time, including at meetings.
Wiruna Usage Policies - IMPORTANT: Prohibitions and other usage policies and recommendations.
Wiruna Guest Policy - Limits how many guests each member can bring.
STAR PARTIES
South Pacific Star Party Admin Policies - Fees, refunds, registrations and numbers, sponsors, locals.
SAFETY
Wiruna Remoteness and Safety Procedures - Buddy system, site induction, Wiruna Safety Information Brochure.
Restrictions on Fires - No fires in the woodland areas. Fires permitted on open, cleared campgrounds in approved metal fireplaces only, unless there is a total fire ban in place (refer Fires and Incinerators at Wiruna).
Fires and Incinerators at Wiruna - DOs and DON'Ts so you don't set fire to Wiruna! Note that the incinerators must not be used during the Bush Fire Danger Period.
See also: Wiruna Bushfire Emergency Management and Evacuation Plan.
Fire Danger Periods and Total Fire Ban - The statutory Bush Fire Danger Period runs from 1 October to 31 March. However, it may vary due to local conditions. During the Bush Fire Danger Period, or on a day of Total Fire Ban, no fires are permitted in the open, in the metal barbecues, in the incinerators, in the fireplaces, or at camp sites. The only exception to this rule is the use of the gas stoves in the Bush Kitchen and the gas stove at the Barry Gerdes Lodge kitchen. At other times, a Fire Permit may still be required for burning off (refer https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/BFDP). For reference, Wiruna is located within the Mid-Western Regional Council district.
Records & Compliance with Regulations
Committee Conflict of Interest: The ASNSW abides by the regulations of the Associations Incorporation Act of NSW 2009, Section 31c, regarding disclosure and recording of Committee of Conflicts of Interest. Take this link to information on the Fair Trading website or read the extract from the Associations Incorporation Act 2009 here (includes table for details to be recorded).
Association Records: The ASNSW keeps the records required by Fair Trading, as listed here on the Fair Trading website.
New Member Application Procedure
General Procedures for Voting at an AGM
Complaint Handling Procedure (13 May 2020)
Policy regarding "advertising" in UNIVERSE Magazine or by email to Members
Correspondents (e.g. secretary or editor) will pass commercial notices to the committee for approval before publicising to the membership by email or in Universe.
This page updated 1 October 2025