Dear @FirstName,

We are delighted that you are joining us for the Sydney Food System Innovator Workshop on Thursday 31 March 2022.

This workshop is part of a broader research study. The research will be used to create a Food Systems Innovation Map of the City of Sydney LGA. This will be orientated toward understanding the local context for food systems innovation.

Before you decide whether or not you wish to participate in this study, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take the time to read the following information carefully and discuss it with others if you wish.

PARTICIPANT INFORMATION FORM

What is the purpose of this study?

The purpose of this study is explore what factors contribute to success of urban food systems innovations in the City of Sydney Local Government Area. This information will help inform future food policies in this local area.

Why have I been invited to participate in this study?

We are seeking people who identify as food systems innovators in the City of Sydney Local Government Area. You have been identified as an appropriate stakeholder. You must be 18 years or older to be eligible to participate.

What does this study involve?

If you agree to participate, you will be asked to participate in a one day workshop. The workshop will involve active participation and discussion in small groups about food systems innovations, focusing on the key factors that have supported successful food system innovations.

Are there risks and benefits to me in taking part in this study?

There is always the potential for discomfort during research. If you feel discomfort, you can leave the workshop. We estimate the likelihood for discomfort to be low. There is a list of support services provided at the end of this document if you feel discomfort or distressed after the workshop.

We cannot promise you any individual benefit from participating in this research.

How is this study being paid for?

This study is being paid for by a grant from the City of Sydney with support from Charles Sturt University and The Australian Sociological Association.

Will taking part in this study (or travelling to) cost me anything, and will I be paid?

There is no remuneration or incentive for your participation in this study. Travel costs will not be reimbursed. There will be a light lunch provided on the workshop day.

What if I don't want to take part in this study?

Participation in this research is entirely your choice. Only those people who give their informed consent will be included in the project. Whether or not you decide to participate, is your decision and will not disadvantage you.

What if I participate and want to withdraw later?

As the workshop will use the inputs from many individuals and organisations, it will not be possible to withdraw the information that you contribute during the workshop.

How will my confidentiality be protected?

Personal identifiers will be retained from this activity as a key feature of the research design is to involve members of a relatively small community. Participants would be able to identify each another in the workshop and outside of the research context.

What will happen to the information that I give you in the short term?

The workshop materials such as photos, flipcharts, mind maps and recordings will be placed on a public website.

What will happen to the information that I give you in the longer term?

At the end of the study, all research materials will be placed on a free Open Access Data Archive, such as the Charles Sturt University Research Output (CRO) system for at least 5 years.

There are no restrictions on access to the Open Access Data Archive and anyone can view and download a copy.

How will the research be reported?

The findings from this research will be reported in a number of formats, including

Final report
Conference presentation
Public webinar
Scientific journals
Public Communication such as factsheets, infographics, podcasts and social media posts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn).

What feedback will be available to me about the results of the study?

You can choose to have a final report emailed to you. You are also welcome to participate in the public webinar.

What should I do if I feel discomfort or distressed after the workshop?

If you feel discomfort or distressed after the workshop, it is important that you talk to someone. Here are a list of support services in NSW.

Beyond Blue

Talk to a trained mental health professional any time of the day or night. Calls are confidential. They will listen, provide information and advice and point you in the right direction to seek further support.

Beyond Blue | 1300 22 4636 | Open 24/7

Beyond Blue chat online
Open 3pm to midnight, 7 days a week

Beyond Blue - email

Lifeline

24-hour crisis support telephone service. Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Lifeline | 131 114

NSW Mental Health Line

A mental health professional will answer your call about mental health concerns for you or someone you are concerned about, including children, teens, adults and older people.

Mental Health Line | 1800 011 511

Australian Government subsidised mental health support

Information about how to access 10 additional Medicare subsidised psychological therapy sessions each calendar year.

Department of Health - Looking after your mental health during coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions

What should I do if I want to discuss this study further before I decide?

If you would like further information please contact Dr Sarina Kilham

Dr Sarina Kilham

Chief Investigator

Phone: 0269332385

Email: skilham@csu.edu.au

'Who should I contact if I have concerns about the conduct of this study?'

Charles Sturt University’s Human Research Ethics Committee has approved this project.

If you have any complaints or reservations about the ethical conduct of this project, you may contact the Committee through the Ethics and Compliance Unit via the following contact details:

The Governance Officer

Human Research Ethics Committee

Ethics and Compliance Unit

Locked Bag 588

Wagga Wagga NSW 2678

Tle: (02) 6933 4213

Email: ethics@csu.edu.au

Any issues you raise will be treated in confidence and investigated fully and you will be informed

of the outcome.