Privacy Policy

Collection and Use of Personal Information

ARACY collects personal information directly from you in several ways, including but not limited to:

• Applying for membership and updating membership details;

• Subscribing to newsletters;

• Making financial contributions (donations);

• Sharing interests;

• Registering to attend ARACY events;

• For statistical reporting, system administration, and monitoring to prevent security breaches.

We may also collect information indirectly, such as usage data through cookies or analytics tools. ARACY only collects personal information for purposes directly related to our functions and activities and when it is reasonably necessary for these purposes. If sensitive information is collected, it will only be done with your explicit consent. This site uses a feature of your web browser known as “cookies” to store information and identify you to the system while you’re on a session. 

Data Retention

ARACY will retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law. When no longer needed, we will take reasonable steps to securely destroy or de-identify your personal information.

Security

ARACY takes all reasonable steps to protect personal information collected and held in our systems from unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. We implement a range of security measures, including encryption, firewalls, and secure access protocols, to safeguard our website and data storage systems. However, users should be aware that the internet is an inherently insecure public network, which carries risks of unauthorised interception, viewing, or modification of online transactions by third parties. Files downloaded from the internet may also contain viruses, malware, or other harmful elements. While ARACY takes precautions to protect its systems, we cannot guarantee the security of information transmitted over the internet. ARACY is not responsible for any such security breaches beyond our control. Users are encouraged to use appropriate security software to protect their devices.

Disclosure of Personal Information

All personal information submitted to ARACY through website users, mailing list subscriptions, registrations, or other means is held confidentially. No personal information collected on the website will be disclosed to a third party except when authorised by the provider or required by law.

Overseas Recipients

We do not expect that your personal information will be provided to any recipients located overseas. However, ARACY uses customer relationship management (CRM). This means that your personal information may be stored on servers overseas and could be subject to local country laws, including those that allow the provision of information to government entities. In such circumstances, your personal information may be disclosed to those government entities, but only to the extent necessary for ARACY and the CRM system to comply with relevant laws and regulations. ARACY takes reasonable steps to ensure that overseas recipients handle personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles.

Access and Correction of Your Personal Information

You may access or update any personal information that ARACY holds about you at any time by contacting ARACY by email at privacy@aracy.org.au. If you believe the personal information we hold about you is inaccurate, out-of-date, incomplete, or misleading, you may request us to correct it, and we will take reasonable steps to ensure the information is accurate, up-to-date, complete, and relevant.

Complaints

If you wish to make a complaint about ARACY’s handling of your personal information, you may submit your complaint in writing to privacy@aracy.org.au. We will investigate the complaint and take any necessary action. If you are dissatisfied with the outcome, you may complain to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner. Information about making a complaint can be found at http://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/making-a-privacy-complaint.