Privacy Policy

At Ubuntu, we value community, transparency and respect — and that includes how we handle your personal information.

This Privacy Policy explains how Ubuntu Thrift Shop collects, uses, discloses and protects your personal information when you visit our website, interact with us, submit applications, or participate in our community programs.

We manage personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

By using our website or submitting information to us, you agree to the practices outlined in this policy.

What Information We Collect

We may collect personal information including:

  • Your name

  • Email address

  • Phone number

  • Location or suburb

  • Information provided through contact forms or communications

  • Information relating to purchases, enquiries, or donations

  • Information provided through community support or funding applications

  • Information relating to wellbeing, circumstances, or support needs (where relevant to applications)

  • Information provided by parents, guardians, carers, schools, or support workers

  • Website usage data collected through cookies and analytics tools

We only collect information that is reasonably necessary for our functions, services, and community programs.

In some cases, particularly for support applications, we may collect sensitive information where it is reasonably necessary to assess and administer support.

Applications for Funding or Other Programs

As part of Ubuntu Thrift Shop’s community initiatives, we may collect information through applications for creative, non conventional therapeutic, educational or alternative support funding.

This information may include personal circumstances, wellbeing-related information, support needs, and details of requested services or providers.

We collect this information solely for the purpose of:

  • assessing applications

  • communicating with applicants or referrers

  • administering funding or support programs

  • coordinating approved services or payments

We handle all application information with care, respect, and confidentiality.

Access to this information is restricted to authorised Ubuntu team members or trusted individuals involved in assessment or program delivery.

We do not sell or rent personal information.

We will only disclose personal information where it is reasonably necessary to:

  • engage with a requested service provider

  • comply with legal obligations

  • protect the safety or wellbeing of an individual or others

How We Collect Information

We collect personal information when you:

  • Submit a contact form

  • Complete a program or funding application

  • Sign up to receive updates or communications

  • Make a purchase or donation

  • Interact with our website or social media

  • Contact us directly

We also collect limited information automatically through cookies and analytics technologies.

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Respond to enquiries

  • Provide customer and community support

  • Assess and administer funding applications

  • Deliver approved programs or services

  • Communicate updates about Ubuntu initiatives

  • Process purchases or donations

  • Improve our services, website and community impact

  • Maintain operational and administrative records

  • Send marketing communications (only where you have opted in)

Cookies & Website Analytics

Our website is hosted on Squarespace, which may use cookies to improve functionality, analyse traffic and understand user behaviour.

We may also use analytics services such as Google Analytics to collect non-identifiable usage data.

You can disable cookies through your browser settings, although this may affect website functionality.

Third-Party Platforms & Services

We may use trusted third-party platforms to operate our services, including:

  • website hosting providers

  • online form and application platforms

  • payment processors

  • email and communication tools

  • analytics platforms

  • cloud storage and administrative systems

This includes platforms such as Squarespace and Formaloo.

Information submitted through these platforms may be processed or stored on secure servers located outside Australia.

We take reasonable steps to ensure third-party providers handle personal information securely and in accordance with applicable privacy standards.

By submitting your information, you acknowledge that it may be processed through these systems.

Storage, Security & Accuracy

We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

We also take reasonable steps to ensure that personal information we collect, use and disclose is accurate, up to date, and complete where necessary.

If we receive personal information that is not reasonably required for our functions, we will take reasonable steps to securely delete or de-identify it where appropriate.

No system of electronic storage or transmission is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Data Retention & De-identified Information

We retain personal information only for as long as it is reasonably necessary for the purposes for which it was collected.

This may include:

  • assessing and managing applications

  • delivering approved support or services

  • maintaining administrative and legal records

When information is no longer required, we take reasonable steps to securely delete or de-identify it.

We may use de-identified or aggregated information for reporting, evaluation, and to understand the impact of our community programs.

This information does not identify individuals and cannot reasonably be used to re-identify them.

Any public sharing of personal stories or testimonials will only occur with explicit consent, unless fully de-identified.

Access, Correction & Marketing

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

You may opt out of marketing communications at any time using the unsubscribe link or by contacting us directly.

Children & Young People

Some Ubuntu programs support children and young people.

Where possible, applications involving minors should be submitted or overseen by a parent, guardian, carer, school, or appropriate support person.

We handle all information relating to young people with additional care and confidentiality.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any updates will be published on our website.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please contact us:

Email: hello@ubuntuthriftshop.com.au
Location: Brisbane, Australia