We respect your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how StartBNE (“StartBNE”, “we”, “us”, “our”) collects, uses, discloses, and protects personal information
in connection with our website, events, communities, and related services (collectively, Services). We handle personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
1) Who we are and scope
StartBNE is a Brisbane-based community helping people go from idea to execution through events, Communities of Support, and online channels.
This Policy applies to personal information we collect about members, event attendees, visitors, partners, and other individuals who interact with our Services.
2) The information we collect
The types of information we may collect include:
- Identity and contact — name, email, phone number, social handles, organisation, role, location (city/region).
- Account and profile — username, preferences, community memberships, bios, photos you upload.
- Event and participation — registrations, attendance, group selections, dietary or accessibility notes you choose to provide.
- Payments — transaction details and amounts. Payment card data is processed by our payment provider; we do not store full card details.
- Communications — messages and feedback you send us (email, forms), and posts you make in community channels we operate.
- Media — photos, audio, or video captured at events (see “Photos and recordings”).
- Usage and device — pages viewed, links clicked, referring pages, approximate location, IP address, browser, device, and cookies or similar technologies used for functionality and analytics.
- Sensitive information — we generally avoid collecting sensitive information. If you voluntarily provide it (e.g., health or accessibility needs), we will handle it with care and use it only for the purpose you provided it for.
3) How we collect information
- Directly from you — when you sign up, register for events, join groups, complete forms, or contact us.
- Automatically — via cookies, pixels, and analytics when you use our website or platforms we manage.
- From third parties — ticketing, payment, messaging, or social platforms when you interact with our official pages, chats, or events.
4) Why we collect and use information
- To operate, provide, and improve our Services and community experience.
- To manage memberships, registrations, attendance, and group communications.
- To send service messages (event updates, reminders, policy changes).
- To send community news and marketing where permitted — you can opt out at any time.
- To support safety, moderation, and compliance with our Code of Conduct.
- To analyse usage, measure performance, and enhance content and accessibility.
- To comply with laws and respond to lawful requests.
5) Photos, video, and recordings
- We may capture photos, audio, or video at events for community documentation and marketing.
- If you prefer not to be photographed or recorded, please inform a team member on arrival; we’ll provide a no‑photo indicator where practicable and do our best to accommodate.
- Please do not record or photograph others without their consent.
6) Cookies and similar technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to run the site, remember preferences, understand engagement, and improve performance.
- Essential — required for core site functions and security.
- Performance/analytics — to understand visits and improve the experience.
- Functional — to remember settings and enhance usability.
- Marketing — to measure campaigns and community growth, where used.
You can control cookies via your browser settings and, where available, our on‑site preferences. Blocking some cookies may impact functionality. At this time, we do not respond to “Do Not Track” signals.
7) Lawful basis
Under Australian law, we collect, use, and disclose personal information as reasonably necessary for our functions or activities, with consent where required. If you are located in the EU/UK, we may rely on consent, contract performance, and our legitimate interests to operate and improve the Services, while respecting your rights.
8) When we share information
- Service providers — hosting, ticketing, payment processing, analytics, communication, and customer support providers who help us run the Services.
- Community platforms — messaging or social channels (e.g., event chats) where your profile and posts may be visible to other members per that platform’s settings.
- Event partners — if we co‑host an event, limited attendee details may be shared to operate the event (we will disclose this at registration where applicable).
- Legal and safety — to comply with law, enforce our terms, or protect people, property, and rights.
- Business changes — in a merger, reorganisation, or transfer, information may be part of the transaction subject to confidentiality and this Policy.
- With your consent — where you ask us to or clearly opt in.
9) Cross‑border disclosure
Some service providers or platforms may store or process information outside Australia. Where we disclose personal information overseas, we take reasonable steps to ensure recipients do not breach the APPs in relation to your information.
10) Retention
We keep personal information only for as long as needed for the purposes described or as required by law. We use criteria such as account status, event history, legal obligations, and system needs.
When no longer needed, we take reasonable steps to de‑identify or securely destroy information.
11) Your choices and rights
- Access — you may request access to personal information we hold about you.
- Correction — you may request corrections if your information is inaccurate, out of date, incomplete, or misleading.
- Marketing — you can opt out of marketing emails or group announcements by using provided links or contacting us.
- Consent — where we rely on consent (e.g., photos), you can withdraw consent for future use by contacting us; we will action reasonable requests going forward.
- EU/UK visitors — subject to local laws, you may have additional rights (erasure, portability, restriction, objection). Contact us to exercise these.
12) Security
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organisational measures to protect personal information. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure; please protect your devices and accounts and tell us promptly about any suspected unauthorised access.
13) Children and young people
Our Services are for a general audience. Participants under 18 should have parent/guardian consent and may need supervision at events as advised. If we learn we have collected personal information from a child without appropriate consent, we will take steps to delete it.
14) Third‑party sites and platforms
Our Services may link to or integrate with third‑party sites and platforms (e.g., ticketing, payments, messaging, video, or social media). Their privacy practices are governed by their own policies. We are not responsible for third‑party content or policies.
15) How to contact us
For privacy questions, requests, or complaints, contact:
16) Complaints
If you have a privacy complaint, please contact us first so we can help.
17) Changes to this Policy
We may update this Policy from time to time to reflect operational, legal, or regulatory changes. We will post the updated version with a new “Updated” date above.
Your continued use of the Services after changes take effect indicates acceptance of the updated Policy.
18) Definitions
- Personal information — information or an opinion about an identified individual, or a reasonably identifiable individual.
- Services — our website, events, communities, content, and related offerings.
- Community platforms — group channels we operate or moderate on third‑party services.