Privacy Policy

Last updated: 05/03/2026

 

This Privacy Policy describes how Stephen Michael Foundation (“we”, “us”, “our”) collects, uses, and discloses your personal information when you visit smfoundation.org.au (the “Site”), use any forms or services offered through the Site, or otherwise communicate with us (collectively, the “Services”).

For the purposes of this Privacy Policy, “you” and “your” means you as the user of the Services, whether you are a website visitor, supporter, donor, volunteer, event attendee, newsletter subscriber, or another individual whose information we collect in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using or accessing any of the Services, you agree to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use or access the Services.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

 

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time, including to reflect changes to our practices or for operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will post the revised Privacy Policy on the Site and update the “Last updated” date.

How We Collect and Use Your Personal Information

 

To provide the Services, we may collect personal information about you from a variety of sources. The information we collect and use varies depending on how you interact with us.

In addition to the specific uses set out below, we may use personal information to:

  • communicate with you

  • provide and improve the Services

  • comply with legal obligations

  • enforce any applicable terms and policies

  • protect and defend the Services, our rights, and the rights of others

What Personal Information We Collect

 

When we use the term “personal information”, we mean information that identifies you, relates to you, describes you, or can reasonably be linked to you.

Information We Collect Directly from You

Information you submit directly to us through the Services may include:

  • Contact details, such as your name, email address, phone number, and (if relevant) postal address

  • Enquiry and correspondence information, including details you provide when contacting us via forms, email, phone, or other channels

  • Newsletter and marketing preferences, such as subscription choices and communication preferences

  • Event / program information, such as registration details, attendance confirmations, and information you submit when participating in our programs or initiatives

  • Donation-related information (if applicable), such as donation amount and date, and receipt details

    • Note: payment details (e.g., card numbers) are typically handled by third-party payment processors and are not usually stored by us.

You may choose not to provide certain information, however doing so may limit your ability to use certain features (e.g., submitting a form or registering for an event).

Information We Collect Automatically (Cookies and Usage Data)

 

We automatically collect certain information about your interaction with the Site (“Usage Data”). We may use cookies and similar technologies (“Cookies”) to collect Usage Data, which may include:

  • device information (e.g., device type, operating system)

  • browser information

  • IP address and approximate location (derived from IP)

  • pages viewed and time spent on pages

  • referral sources (how you arrived at the Site)

  • interactions with Site features (e.g., clicks, form starts)

You can usually adjust your browser settings to refuse or limit cookies. Some Site features may not function correctly if cookies are disabled.

Information We Obtain from Third Parties

 

We may obtain information about you from third parties in limited circumstances, such as:

  • service providers that support our website and systems (e.g., hosting, analytics, email marketing platforms)

  • payment processors (if donations are accepted) who process payments and may provide us with confirmation details for receipts and record-keeping

  • social media platforms if you interact with our official pages or content (subject to the platform’s privacy settings and policies)

Any information we obtain from third parties will be handled in accordance with this Privacy Policy. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third parties.

How We Use Your Personal Information

 

We may use your personal information for purposes including:

  • Providing and operating the Services

    To respond to enquiries, provide information you request, manage newsletter subscriptions, administer events/programs, and maintain Site functionality.

  • Communicating with you

    To send updates, respond to requests, provide support, and send administrative communications.

  • Improving and protecting the Site

    To understand usage, troubleshoot issues, maintain security, prevent misuse or fraud, and improve user experience.

  • Marketing and engagement (where applicable)

    To send newsletters and updates about programs, events, or Foundation news (you can opt out at any time via the unsubscribe link or by contacting us).

  • Legal and compliance

    To comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, enforce our policies, and protect our rights and the rights of others.

How We Disclose Personal Information

 

We may disclose your personal information to third parties for legitimate purposes consistent with this Privacy Policy, including:

  • Service providers who perform services on our behalf (e.g., website hosting, IT support, analytics providers, email distribution platforms, CRM systems)

  • Professional advisers (e.g., legal, accounting, compliance) where necessary

  • Regulators, courts, and law enforcement where required or permitted by law

  • Business transfers (rare), such as if we restructure, merge, or transfer operations (in which case information may be transferred as part of that process)

We do not sell your personal information.

User Generated Content

 

The Services may allow you to submit content (for example, comments on posts, testimonials, or other public submissions). If you choose to submit content to a public area of the Site, it may be visible to others.

We are not responsible for the privacy or security of information you choose to make public.

Third-Party Websites and Links

 

Our Site may include links to third-party websites or platforms. If you follow a link to a third-party site, you should review their privacy policies and terms. We are not responsible for the content, privacy, or security of third-party sites.

Children’s Data

 

The Services are not intended for children, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided personal information to us, please contact us using the details below so we can take appropriate steps.

Security and Retention of Your Information

 

We take reasonable steps to protect personal information. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, including to meet legal, accounting, reporting, and operational requirements.

Your Rights and Choices

 

Depending on where you live, you may have rights regarding your personal information, such as:

  • Access / Know: request access to personal information we hold about you

  • Correction: request correction of inaccurate personal information

  • Deletion: request deletion of personal information (where legally permitted)

  • Withdraw consent: where processing is based on consent (e.g., marketing)

  • Marketing opt-out: unsubscribe from communications at any time

To exercise these rights, contact us using the details below. We may need to verify your identity before responding.

We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights.

Contact Us

 

For questions about this Privacy Policy or to make a request regarding your personal information, contact us at:

Stephen Michael Foundation

Email: admin@smfoundation.org.au

Phone: 08 6270 4606

Address: Fremantle Oval William St & Parry St FREMANTLE 6160