Privacy policy

Effective date: 01 May 2025
Website: www.heroesjourney.com.au

At Heroes Journey – Surf Coast Heroes, your privacy matters. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and applicable Victorian legislation.

1. Who we are

Heroes Journey is a community art initiative operated by Brett Dorron (sole trader, ABN: 95 151 281 322), based in Victoria’s Surf Coast Shire. We celebrate local volunteers through portraiture, storytelling, exhibitions, and books.

2. What information we collect

We may collect personal information when you:

  • Submit a nomination (for yourself or someone else)
  • Are selected as a Surf Coast Hero
  • Make a donation
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Use our contact form

This may include:

  • Name, email address, phone number
  • Postal address (if relevant)
  • Details about your volunteer contributions
  • Donation amount and method
  • Any other information you choose to provide

Note: We do not collect or store credit card details. All payments are securely processed via Stripe or PayPal.

3. How we use your information

We use your information to:

  • Manage nominations and project participation
  • Organise portrait sessions and exhibitions
  • Send donation receipts and updates (opt-out available)
  • Share stories and portraits with your permission
  • Maintain secure donor records

If you are under 18, we will require parental or guardian consent before publishing or collecting your information.

4. How we store and protect your information

Your information is stored securely on servers managed by Heroes Journey. Access is restricted to authorised personnel and is protected using up-to-date security protocols.

We do not sell, share, or rent your personal information to third parties except:

  • Where required by law
  • When you give explicit permission (e.g., to publish your story)
  • To manage newsletters via Mailchimp (a secure third-party provider)

5. Cookies and website tools

Our website uses WordPress with Divi, WooCommerce, and GiveWP. These may use cookies for essential site functions. We do not currently use tracking tools like Google Analytics. You can manage cookies via your browser settings.

6. Newsletter subscriptions

If you subscribe to our newsletter, your email address is stored securely by Mailchimp. Every email includes an unsubscribe link, in compliance with anti-spam laws.

7. Access and correction

You may request access to, or correction of, your personal information at any time by contacting us at the details below.

8. Your rights

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal data
  • Request corrections or removal
  • Withdraw consent at any time
  • Unsubscribe from communications
  • Lodge a complaint if concerned about our privacy practices

9. Complaints

To lodge a concern or complaint, please contact us first. If unresolved, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) or Consumer Affairs Victoria.

10. Contact us

If you have questions about your privacy, please contact:

Email: info@heroesjourney.com.au
Phone: 0404 635 327
Postal: 60 White St, Torquay VIC 3288

11. Changes to this policy

This policy may be updated from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with a new effective date. Continued use of the website indicates your acceptance of any changes.