Website Privacy Policy

Last updated: September 30th 2025

1. Introduction

At Nature Connect Pty Ltd (Nature Connect), we are committed to protecting and maintaining your privacy. As part of our normal operations, we may collect your information.

This Privacy Policy describes the type of information we may collect and what may happen to that information. It applies to all activities of Nature Connect, including websites hosted by third parties.

This policy explains how Nature Connect uses and manages personal information provided to, or collected by, Nature Connect. We believe you should be aware of our practices so you can make informed decisions about how we use your information.

Nature Connect is bound by and supports the National Privacy Principles contained in the Commonwealth Privacy Act. From time to time, we may review and update this Privacy Policy to reflect new laws, technologies, or changes in operations. All personal information held by Nature Connect will be governed by the most recent version of this policy.

Questions or complaints regarding this statement should be sent to: [email protected]

2. What Personal Information We Collect

Information Collected During Online Purchases (EDD Integration)

We collect information about you during the checkout process on our store, including:

  • Email address and first name (required)
  • Payment method selection and transaction details
  • IP address and browser information (automatically collected)
  • Purchase history and download records
  • Other details necessary to process your order

Other Information We Collect

Nature Connect also collects information directly from customers when they place orders, subscribe to content, complete surveys, attend events, enter competitions, or communicate with us.

Additionally, we may collect:

  • Location and traffic data (including IP address and browser type)
  • Product pages visited and content viewed during your session
  • Comments and product reviews you submit
  • Account details (email and password) if you create an account
  • Name, address, and email address for faster checkout on future orders

2A. Technical Requirements for Digital Products

Our digital products are provided in standard file formats including PDF, JPG, PNG, MP4, and other commonly used formats depending on the product type.

To access your purchases, you will need:

  • A basic internet connection to download files
  • Standard software capable of opening common file formats (most devices have this pre installed)
  • Sufficient storage space on your device for downloaded files
  • A modern web browser for account access and downloading

File format and size information is provided on each product page. Please ensure your device meets these basic requirements before purchase. If you have questions about compatibility, contact us before purchasing.

3. How Nature Connect Uses Personal Information

We use your personal information for the primary purpose it was collected, and for related secondary purposes.

EDD Specific Handling

  • Sending order, account, and service information
  • Processing payments and preventing fraud
  • Providing customer and technical support
  • Verifying your identity

General Purposes

  • Delivering requested products or services
  • Managing and improving our offerings
  • Communicating with readers and community members
  • Providing updates about Nature Connect products and services

Legal Basis for Processing

  • Contract performance – to fulfil your orders and provide support
  • Legitimate interests – fraud prevention, analytics, operations, and service related communications
  • Consent – for marketing communications only when you explicitly opt in via newsletter signup
  • Legal obligation – tax and accounting record keeping

3A. Digital Product Access and Downloads

Purchased digital products remain accessible through your account indefinitely. Download attempts may be monitored and limited to prevent unauthorised distribution and abuse of our systems.

If you experience technical issues accessing your purchased products, contact [email protected] within 30 days of purchase. We will investigate the issue and provide alternative delivery methods, account access restoration, or refunds as appropriate to the circumstances.

Your purchase confirmation email contains your order details and access instructions. Retain this email for your records.

4. How Long We Keep Your Data

We retain your personal information as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy, unless longer retention is legally required.

  • Order information: 7 years (accounting/tax) – manual cleanup required
  • Account information: Until deletion request or 3 years of inactivity – manual review
  • Marketing data: Until you unsubscribe – suppression list maintained
  • Analytics: 26 months (Google Analytics auto deletion)
  • Customer support: 3 years from last contact – manual cleanup required

Download and Delivery Issues

If technical problems prevent you from downloading or accessing your purchase, contact [email protected] immediately. We will investigate and resolve access issues, provide alternative delivery methods where possible, or issue refunds in accordance with Australian Consumer Law where products cannot be delivered as promised.

5. Who We Share Your Data With

We may share your information with trusted third parties to provide services:

  • Payment processors: PayPal, Stripe
  • Email marketing: Mailster (includes suppression list management)
  • Analytics: Google Analytics (if implemented)
  • Digital delivery: Easy Digital Downloads (EDD core system)
  • Hosting provider: for site operation and data storage
  • Legal authorities: where required by law

We never sell your personal information.

6. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access and check personal data we hold
  • Correct inaccuracies
  • Request deletion (subject to legal requirements)
  • Object to processing for marketing
  • Object to processing based on legitimate interests (GDPR aligned)
  • Request data portability
  • Withdraw consent at any time
  • Lodge a complaint with supervisory authorities

Requests must be verified and may incur reasonable administrative fees.

7. How We Protect Your Data

We implement organisational and technical measures to protect personal information, including:

  • SSL encryption for all EDD plugins and payment gateways
  • Secure payment processing via PayPal and Stripe
  • Regular hosting level and plugin security updates
  • Access controls and staff training

8. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Enable shopping cart and login functions
  • Analyse traffic and performance
  • Process payments securely
  • Improve user experience

You can control cookies in your browser. Note: EU style cookie banners are not required under Australian law but may be implemented for international visitors.

Cookie Consent Management

Nature Connect does not provide cookie consent banners or preference management tools, as these are not required under Australian privacy law for our operations. Cookies used on this site are essential for shopping cart functionality, account login, and payment processing.

International visitors should be aware that by using this website, you consent to our use of essential cookies as described above. If you do not accept cookies, some website features including purchasing and account access will not function.

9–12. Other Provisions

  • Links to third party websites
  • Ordering third party products and services
  • How we treat sensitive information
  • Children’s privacy (no data knowingly collected under age 16)

13. eNewsletters and Online Content

Nature Connect offers newsletter subscriptions and online content. If you opt in, you may unsubscribe at any time by:

  • Clicking the unsubscribe link
  • Contacting us directly
  • Updating your account preferences

Mailster manages unsubscribe and suppression lists to prevent re subscription errors.

14. Online Payment Security

Our gateways are PayPal and Stripe, protected by industry standard encryption between your browser, our site, and the payment provider.

15. International Data Transfers

If data is transferred outside Australia, we ensure safeguards are in place:

  • Stripe (DPA available in dashboard)
  • PayPal (DPA available on request)
  • Mailster is self hosted (no DPA required)

16. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy. Significant changes will be notified by email (if available) or by posting a notice on our website.

17. Contact

For access requests, rights, or feedback, contact:
[email protected]

Concerns may also be directed to:
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)