Privacy Policy
Last Updated: February 2025
At melquastrae, we're upfront about how we handle your information. This policy walks you through what we collect, why we collect it, and what you can do about it.
We know privacy matters to you. It matters to us too. We've structured our practices around Australian Privacy Principles and the Privacy Act 1988, because that's what's required and because it's the right thing to do.
1. Who We Are
melquastrae operates from Sunnyside, 744 Majura Road RMB, 307 Majura Rd, Majura ACT 2609, Australia. We run educational programs focused on budget literacy — helping people understand money management in practical, everyday terms.
When you interact with our website, sign up for programs, or reach out to us, you're dealing directly with our Australian entity. We're the ones responsible for your data.
2. Information We Collect
What You Give Us Directly
When you register for webinars, enroll in learning programs, or fill out contact forms, you provide:
- Name and contact details (email, phone number)
- Educational background and current financial literacy level
- Program preferences and learning objectives
- Payment information when you enroll in paid programs
- Feedback and questions you send through our contact channels
What We Collect Automatically
Like most websites, ours gathers technical information when you visit:
- IP address and browser type
- Pages you view and how long you stay
- Device information and screen resolution
- Referring websites and search terms
- Session data and interaction patterns
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies. You can disable these in your browser settings, but some features might not work properly if you do.
| Data Type | Collection Method | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Details | Registration forms, contact forms | Program enrollment, communication |
| Technical Data | Cookies, server logs | Website improvement, security |
| Learning Progress | Platform interactions | Personalized education, support |
| Payment Information | Secure payment processors | Transaction processing |
3. How We Use Your Information
Your data serves specific purposes. We don't collect it just to have it sitting around.
- Delivering Educational Services: Running the programs you signed up for, tracking your progress, providing materials and support.
- Communication: Sending program updates, schedule changes, educational resources, and responding to your questions.
- Improvement: Understanding how people use our site and programs so we can make them better.
- Administration: Processing payments, maintaining records, handling technical issues.
- Legal Compliance: Meeting our obligations under Australian law and protecting our legitimate interests.
We won't sell your personal information to third parties. We're not in that business. Your data stays with us unless we have a legitimate reason to share it — and we'll tell you about those reasons here.
4. Sharing Your Data
Sometimes we need to share information with others to run our programs properly. Here's when that happens:
Service Providers
We work with third-party companies that help us operate — email platforms, payment processors, web hosting services. These providers can only use your data for the specific tasks we give them, and they're contractually required to protect it.
Legal Requirements
If Australian law requires us to disclose information, or if we need to protect our rights or someone's safety, we'll share what's necessary. We hope this never happens, but it's part of operating responsibly.
Business Transfers
If melquastrae merges with another organization or gets acquired, your information would likely transfer as part of that transaction. We'd notify you if this occurs.
We don't share data with marketing companies, data brokers, or anyone else looking to use your information for their own purposes.
5. Your Rights Under Australian Law
The Privacy Act 1988 gives you specific rights. Here's what you can do and how to do it:
Access Your Data
You can request a copy of the personal information we hold about you. We'll provide it in a readable format within 30 days.
Correct Information
If something we have is wrong or outdated, let us know. We'll fix it promptly or explain why we can't if there's a legal reason.
Request Deletion
You can ask us to delete your data. We'll comply unless we have a legal obligation to keep it, like tax records.
Opt Out of Communications
Unsubscribe links are in every email we send. You can also contact us directly to stop communications.
Withdraw Consent
If we're processing data based on your consent, you can withdraw that consent anytime.
Lodge a Complaint
If you're unhappy with how we've handled your information, you can complain to us or directly to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
To exercise any of these rights, email us at help@melquastrae.com or write to our Majura address. We'll respond within a reasonable timeframe — usually within 30 days, though complex requests might take longer.
6. Data Security
We take reasonable steps to protect your information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. That includes:
- Encryption for data transmission and storage of sensitive information
- Regular security assessments and updates to our systems
- Access controls limiting who on our team can view personal data
- Secure payment processing through certified third-party providers
- Staff training on privacy practices and data handling
But let's be honest — no system is completely secure. We do our best, but we can't guarantee absolute security. If we discover a data breach that affects you, we'll notify you and the relevant authorities as required by law.
7. How Long We Keep Your Data
We don't keep information longer than necessary. Retention periods depend on why we collected the data:
- Active Students: We keep your data throughout your enrollment and for two years after program completion to provide certificates and answer questions.
- Financial Records: Tax law requires us to keep payment records for seven years.
- Marketing Contacts: If you've opted in to communications but never enrolled, we'll remove you after three years of inactivity.
- Website Analytics: Technical data gets anonymized after 26 months.
When we no longer need your information, we delete it securely. That means permanent deletion from our systems, not just moving it to a different folder.
8. International Data Transfers
Your information stays primarily in Australia, where our operations are based. However, some service providers we use have servers overseas — typically in the United States or Europe.
When we transfer data internationally, we ensure those providers meet adequate privacy standards. This usually means they're certified under recognized frameworks or have entered into contracts that require them to protect your information consistent with Australian privacy law.
If you're concerned about international transfers, contact us and we can provide more details about specific providers and the safeguards in place.
9. Children's Privacy
Our programs are designed for adults. We don't knowingly collect information from anyone under 18 without parental consent.
If a parent or guardian becomes aware that their child has provided us with information without permission, contact us immediately. We'll delete it promptly.
For students aged 16-17, we require parental consent before enrollment in paid programs. Free educational resources are available without this restriction, though we still don't actively collect personal information from minors.
10. Cookies and Tracking
Our website uses several types of cookies:
- Essential Cookies: Required for the site to function. These remember your login status and preferences during a session.
- Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how people use the site so we can improve it. These track page views, time spent, and navigation patterns.
- Functional Cookies: Remember your choices like language preferences or whether you've dismissed certain notifications.
We don't use advertising cookies or third-party tracking for marketing purposes. You can control cookie settings through your browser, but disabling essential cookies will affect site functionality.
11. Changes to This Policy
We update this policy occasionally to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. When we make significant changes, we'll notify you by email if you're enrolled in programs, or by posting a notice on our website for at least 30 days.
The "Last Updated" date at the top tells you when we last modified this document. Continuing to use our services after changes take effect means you accept the updated policy.
Previous versions are available upon request if you want to see what's changed.
12. Third-Party Links
Our website occasionally links to external resources that might be helpful for your financial education. We're not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites.
Before providing personal information to any third-party website, read their privacy policy. Our protections don't extend beyond melquastrae.com.
Questions About Your Privacy?
If something in this policy is unclear, or if you want to exercise your rights, we're here to help.
For formal complaints or concerns, you can also contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at oaic.gov.au or by calling 1300 363 992.