Privacy & Data Policy

Last updated: 11 June 2025

The Good Neighbours Movement, an initiative of Every Bit Counts (EBC) and Property Republic Pty Ltd, is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information with care, integrity, and transparency. This policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your data in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and, where applicable, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

  1. Our Commitment

    We are committed to safeguarding your personal information through:

    - Transparency: You will always know what data we collect, why we collect it, and how it’s used.

    - Control: You have rights to access, correct, and manage your data.

    - Care: We apply strong standards of security and accountability to data handling.

  2. What is Personal Information?

    “Personal Information” refers to any information or opinion that identifies you, such as your name, email address, phone number, suburb, organisation, or job title.

    “Sensitive Information” (as defined by the Privacy Act) may include your cultural background, political opinions, religious beliefs, membership in groups, health data, or criminal history. We will only collect and use this information with your consent or when legally required.

  3. How We Collect Information

    We collect Personal Information through a variety of channels, including:

    - Event registrations, sign-up forms, surveys, and feedback tools

    - Direct communications (in person, by phone, or online)

    - Social media, websites, and digital interaction platforms

    - Referral partners, community leaders, and publicly available sources

    If information is obtained from third parties, we take reasonable steps to inform you or obtain your consent.

  4. Why We Collect Your Information

    We collect and use your information to:

    - Deliver programs, services, and community activities

    - Keep you informed about updates, events, and opportunities

    - Facilitate local engagement, feedback, and neighbourly connections

    - Enhance our communications and improve your experience

    - Meet legal, regulatory, and ethical obligations

    You may opt out of communications or request deletion of your data at any time.

  5. Data Use and Disclosure

    We respect your trust and will only share your data:

    - With trusted service providers or collaborators assisting with communications, events, or digital - delivery

    - When legally required (e.g., under a court order or health directive)

    - With your explicit consent in specific cases

    We never sell or monetise your data.

  6. Accuracy and Access

    To ensure data integrity, we encourage you to:

    - Request access to the information we hold about you

    - Update or correct your personal details

    - Withdraw your consent or request deletion at any time

    We may need to verify your identity before actioning certain requests. Access is generally free; however, a small fee may apply for detailed requests.

  7. Data Storage and Retention

    We protect your data with secure systems and processes to guard against misuse, loss, or unauthorised access.

    - Data no longer needed is securely deleted or de-identified.

    - Files related to service provision may be retained for at least 7 years to comply with legal or contractual requirements.

  8. Email Communications & GDPR Alignment

    Our digital communication practices:

    - Follow the Spam Act 2003 (Cth)

    - Require your active opt-in consent

    - Always include a clear unsubscribe option
    - Comply with GDPR standards where applicable, especially for international participants

  9. Cookies and Website Analytics

    Our websites may use cookies and analytics tools to:

    - Improve your user experience

    - Monitor engagement and performance

    - Tailor content based on preferences

    You can adjust your cookie preferences through your browser settings at any time.

  10. Updates to This Policy

    We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect new legal requirements or improvements to our practices. The latest version will always be available on our website.

  11. Questions or Complaints

    We are committed to resolving any privacy concerns fairly and promptly. If you have a question, concern, or complaint, please contact us:

    Email: hello@goodneighboursmovement.au

    Mail: Good Neighbours Movement (c/o Every Bit Counts), PO Box 784, Hawthorn VIC 3122

    We aim to respond to all privacy-related enquiries within 14 business days.