Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

1.1 Definition

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and to provide information to website owners.

1.2 How Cookies Work

When you visit our website, cookies may be downloaded to your device. These cookies contain information that is transferred to your device's hard drive and allow us to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Improve your browsing experience
• Understand how you use our website
• Provide personalized content and services

1.3 Cookie Lifespan

Cookies can be:

• Session cookies: Temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent cookies: Remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and cannot be disabled. They include:

2.2 Performance Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously.

2.3 Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization.

2.4 Marketing Cookies (Optional)

These cookies are used to deliver relevant content and track marketing effectiveness. They require your consent.

3. Third-Party Cookies

3.1 Analytics Services

Google Analytics:

• Purpose: Website traffic analysis and reporting
• Data Sharing: Anonymized usage data only
• Privacy: IP addresses are anonymized
• Opt-out: Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on

3.2 Social Media Integration

When you interact with our social media features, third-party cookies may be set:

• Facebook: Social sharing and page insights
• LinkedIn: Professional sharing and analytics
• Twitter: Content sharing and engagement tracking
• YouTube: Video embedding and analytics

3.3 Third-Party Privacy Policies

These services have their own privacy policies:

• Google Privacy Policy
• Facebook Privacy Policy
• LinkedIn Privacy Policy
• Twitter Privacy Policy

4. Cookie Consent and Management

4.1 Your Consent

When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner. You can:

• Accept All: Allow all cookies including optional marketing cookies
• Essential Only: Use only necessary cookies for website functionality
• Customize: Choose which categories of cookies to allow

4.2 Consent Requirements

Under Australian privacy laws and international best practices:

• Essential cookies: No consent required (necessary for website function)
• Performance cookies: Consent requested for enhanced analytics
• Functional cookies: Consent requested for improved user experience
• Marketing cookies: Explicit consent required

4.3 Changing Your Preferences

You can update your cookie preferences at any time by:

• Clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in our website footer
• Using your browser's cookie management settings
• Contacting us directly with your preferences

4.4 Withdrawing Consent

You can withdraw your consent for optional cookies at any time. This will:

• Stop new optional cookies from being set
• Remove existing optional cookies from your device
• Not affect essential website functionality

5. Browser Cookie Controls

5.1 Browser Settings

Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:

• Block all cookies
• Block third-party cookies only
• Delete existing cookies
• Set cookies to expire when you close your browser
• Receive notifications when cookies are set

5.2 Browser-Specific Instructions

5.3 Impact of Blocking Cookies

If you disable cookies, you may experience:

• Reduced website functionality
• Need to re-enter information on each visit
• Less personalized experience
• Difficulty using some website features

6. Other Tracking Technologies

6.1 Web Beacons

We may use web beacons (also called pixel tags) to:

• Track email open rates and engagement
• Monitor website traffic patterns
• Measure advertising effectiveness

6.2 Local Storage

Our website may use browser local storage to:

• Store user preferences locally
• Improve website performance
• Cache frequently accessed data

6.3 Session Recording

We do not use session recording tools that capture your interactions on our website.

7. Children's Privacy

Our website and services are designed for adults (18+). We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13, and our cookies are not targeted at children.

If you believe a child has provided information through our website, please contact us immediately so we can remove the information and associated cookies.

8. International Considerations

8.1 Australian Privacy Laws

We comply with Australian privacy laws, including the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles.

8.2 International Visitors

If you're visiting from outside Australia, please note:

• Your data may be processed in Australia
• We respect international privacy standards
• You may have additional rights under your local laws

8.3 GDPR Compliance

For visitors from the European Union, we provide GDPR-compliant cookie consent management and honor your data protection rights.

9. Data Security

9.1 Cookie Security

We implement security measures to protect cookie data:

• Secure transmission: Cookies are transmitted over encrypted connections
• Limited access: Only authorized personnel can access cookie data
• Regular audits: We regularly review our cookie usage and security
• Data minimization: We collect only necessary cookie data

9.2 Third-Party Security

We only work with reputable third-party services that maintain appropriate security standards for cookie and personal data protection.

10. Updates to This Policy

10.1 Policy Changes

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect:

• Changes in our use of cookies
• Updates to privacy laws
• New website features or technologies
• Feedback from users

10.2 Notification of Changes

When we make significant changes, we will:

• Update the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy
• Display a notice on our website
• Request new consent if required by law
• Send email notifications for substantial changes

11. Contact Information

11.1 Questions About Cookies

If you have questions about our use of cookies or this policy:

11.2 Cookie Preferences

To update your cookie preferences:

• Use the Cookie Settings link in our website footer
• Contact us with your specific preferences
• Adjust your browser settings directly

11.3 Complaints

If you have concerns about our cookie practices, you can:

1. Contact our Privacy Officer using the details above
2. Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)