Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Glowspire Institute ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website glowspire-institute.com, use our services, or engage with our community programs.

This policy complies with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and applies to all personal information we collect about individuals.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Contact information (name, email address, phone number, postal address)
• Demographic information (age, location, interests)
• Workshop and event participation records
• Newsletter subscription preferences
• Communication history with our organisation
• Payment information for services or workshops

2.2 Website Usage Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect:

• IP address and browser type
• Pages visited and time spent on our site
• Referring website information
• Device information and operating system
• Cookies and tracking technologies data

3. How We Collect Information

We collect personal information through:

• Direct interactions when you contact us, register for events, or subscribe to our newsletter
• Website forms and online submissions
• Phone calls and in-person meetings
• Workshop and event registrations
• Social media interactions
• Third-party platforms used for event management or communication

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

• Provide our services and respond to your enquiries
• Send newsletters and updates about sustainable living initiatives
• Organise and manage workshops, events, and community programs
• Process payments for services or events
• Improve our website and services
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Communicate important information about our programs
• Conduct research and analysis to improve our environmental initiatives

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website, conducting business, or serving our community
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government regulation
• Consent: When you have given explicit consent for specific sharing purposes
• Business Transfers: In connection with any merger, sale, or transfer of assets
• Safety: To protect the rights, property, or safety of Glowspire Institute, our members, or others

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Secure data transmission using SSL/TLS encryption
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication procedures
• Staff training on privacy and security practices
• Secure data storage and backup procedures

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights

Under Australian privacy law, you have the right to:

• Access: Request access to your personal information we hold
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information in certain circumstances
• Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time
• Complaint: Lodge a complaint about our handling of your personal information

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details provided in Section 11.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. We use:

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: To understand how visitors use our website
• Preference Cookies: To remember your settings and preferences

You can manage your cookie preferences through our cookie consent banner or your browser settings. Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

9. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Generally:

• Newsletter subscription data is retained until you unsubscribe
• Event registration data is retained for 7 years for administrative purposes
• Website analytics data is retained for 26 months
• Financial records are retained for 7 years as required by Australian tax law

10. International Data Transfers

Your personal information may be stored and processed in countries other than Australia, including the United States, where our website hosting and email service providers operate. We ensure that any international transfers comply with Australian privacy law and include appropriate safeguards.

11. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our handling of your personal information, please contact us:

12. Complaints Process

If you believe we have not handled your personal information in accordance with this policy or Australian privacy law, you may lodge a complaint with us. We will:

1. Acknowledge your complaint within 7 days
2. Investigate the matter thoroughly
3. Respond to your complaint within 30 days
4. Take appropriate action to resolve the issue

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting a notice on our website
• Sending an email to subscribers (if the changes affect newsletter practices)
• Updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy

Your continued use of our website and services after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.