Introduction

Cocky Guides Australia Limited (“Cocky Guides”, “we”, “our” or “us”) is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you interact with us.

If you have any questions, please contact us at hello@cockyguides.com.au or through the contact page on our website.

1. What is Personal Information?

“Personal information” means information or an opinion about an identifiable individual. This may include your name, contact details, travel preferences, booking details, payment information, and any other data described below.

2. Collection and Use of Personal Information

We may collect personal information directly from you, or through our partners and service providers, for purposes including:

– Booking activities, events and experiences: To arrange travel and related services, we may collect your name, age, address, phone number, email, emergency contact details, passport details, medical or dietary information (where necessary), insurance details, nationality, residency, accommodation preferences, and payment information.

– Customer service and communication: To provide information, process payments, resolve issues, ensure participant safety, and support ongoing services.

– Marketing (with your consent, where required): To inform you about our products and services, or those of our trusted partners, that may interest you.

– Business operations and compliance: To meet legal, accounting, and administrative obligations, as well as immigration requirements.

By booking services with us, you consent to the collection, use and disclosure of your personal information as outlined in this policy.

3. Contests, Newsletters and Promotions

If you enter a contest, subscribe to our newsletter, or request information (such as a brochure), we may collect your contact details. This information is used only to administer contests, deliver the requested information, and communicate with you in accordance with your preferences.

4. Employment

When applying for a role with Cocky Guides, we may collect information such as your name, contact details, work history, education, references, background checks (including criminal record checks where permitted by law), residency or citizenship details, and other information needed to assess your suitability.

5. Service Providers and Third Parties

We may share your personal information with third-party service providers who assist us in delivering services (e.g. airlines, accommodation providers, payment processors, marketing partners, IT support).

– Service providers are only given the information necessary to perform their services.
– They are not permitted to use your information for their own purposes.
– Your information may be stored or processed in Australia or other jurisdictions.

6. International Data Transfers

If you are located in the UK, EU, or EEA, please note that:
– We may store your personal information in Australia (which the European Commission recognises as having an adequate level of protection).
– We may also transfer your information to suppliers and partners outside the EEA. Some of these countries may not provide the same level of protection as the EEA.
– We take reasonable steps to ensure your rights are protected when your data is transferred internationally.

7. Sale or Transfer of Business

In the event of a merger, acquisition, corporate reorganisation, insolvency, or sale of Cocky Guides, personal information may be transferred as a business asset.

8. Legal and Compliance

We may disclose your personal information where required or permitted by law, including:
– In response to lawful requests (e.g. search warrants, court orders).
– To prevent fraud, harm, or security risks.
– To establish, exercise, or defend legal claims.

9. Protecting Your Information

We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, use, alteration, or disclosure.

However, no method of transmission over the internet or storage system is completely secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes described in this policy or to comply with legal obligations.

10. Your Rights

Australian Residents:
You have the right to access, update, or correct your personal information by contacting us (see Section 12).

UK, EU, and EEA Residents:
In addition to the above, you may also have the right to:
– Request information on how long your personal data will be retained.
– Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations).
– Object to or restrict processing of your personal information.
– Request a portable copy of your personal information.
– Lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority (e.g. the ICO in the UK).

11. Website Policies and Cookies

Our website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies help us recognise your device, personalise your experience, and analyse site usage.

Most browsers allow you to block or manage cookies. If you disable cookies, some website features may not function as intended.

Third-Party Cookies:
– We may use third-party vendors (e.g. Google) to display ads across the internet. These vendors may use cookies based on your visits to our website.
– You can opt out of third-party cookie use for advertising by visiting: www.networkadvertising.org/choices.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests about this Privacy Policy, please contact:

Privacy Officer
Cocky Guides Australia Limited
21 Pritchard Ave
Hammondville, NSW, 2170
Australia
Tel: 1300 657 640
Email: accounts@cockyguides.com.au

13. Updates to this Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on our website with the “last updated” date at the top of the policy. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.