1 – Introduction
Water for Africa Inc. (WFA) is an Australian non-profit organisation providing clean water and sanitation solutions to communities in Africa.
In this Privacy Policy (Policy) the terms “we”, “our”, “us” and “Water for Africa” refer to Water for Africa Inc., Charitable Collections Licence No: 21366.
2 – Scope
WFA is committed to protecting the privacy of all individuals whose personal information we collect. Our actions are guided by the Privacy Act 1998 (Cth), as amended in 2012 and 2017, the Australian Privacy Principles and any other applicable codes of conduct to which we adhere.
This Policy outlines how we collect, hold, use and disclose and manage your personal information.
We value your privacy and are committed to the highest levels of professionalism and integrity in handling your personal information. This includes protecting the privacy of people who support us, as well as those with whom we work with in developing countries.
Where practicable, you may choose to interact with us anonymously or under a pseudonym. However, if you do not provide certain personal information, we may be unable to deliver some services (for example, issuing a tax receipt).
By providing your personal information to us, you consent to its collection, disclosure and management as set out in this Policy.
3 – Types of Personal Information Collected
The types of personal information WFA collects depends on your relationship with us. In general, we collect personal information:
- to provide services to you or because you are one of our supporters
- to share the impact and build further support
- because you are an employee or volunteer
- because you are a supplier, contractor or are employed by one
- because you are a partner organisation or are employed by one
- because you are a participant in one of our overseas projects
We will only collect personal information for purposes directly related to our activities when:
- we have your express or implied consent; or
- such or disclosure is required or authorised by law
The personal information we may collect includes, but is not limited to:
- contact details (name, address, email and phone number)
- position and organisation details (where relevant)
- payment details (credit card, debit card or bank account)
- transaction history
- records of communications and interactions with us
- skills, experience or connections relevant to our work
4 – How We Collect Personal Information
We may collect your personal information through various means, including:
- directly from you (in person, online or in writing)
- via our website, online surveys or electronic forms
- through email correspondence or telephone calls
- in person, including during events or field visits
- through publicly available sources of (e.g. websites or directories)
- from your employer or authorised representative
- from third parties where you have consented to such disclosure
5 – How We Hold Personal Information
WFA holds personal information securely in both electronic and paper formats.
We take reasonable measures to protect all personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. This includes the use of secure login systems, passwords and restricted access to sensitive data.
Online donations made via our website or other platforms are processed using secure, compliant gateways. Credit card details are stored securely by these gateways are not retained by WFA.
Offline donations (such as those made over the phone or at events) are processed by the WFA office, and any credit card details collected are securely destroyed after processing.
6 – Purposes Collecting, Holding, Using and Disclosing Personal Information
WFA collects, holds, uses and discloses personal information for purposes directly related to our organisational activities, including:
- processing donations and issuing tax receipts
- working collaboratively with partners and stakeholders
- reporting to donors, regulators and partners
- sending updates, newsletters or information on upcoming opportunities
- raising awareness about the issues we work on
- managing general enquiries or complaints
You may engage with WFA through social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. You can manage your preferences and privacy settings directly through those platforms. Any data collected through these channels in an anonymous, aggregated form for statistical purposes.
If you prefer not to receive communications from us, you may opt out at any time. All electronic communications include an unsubscribe button that will permanently remove you from future mailings.
7 – Disclosure of Personal Information
For the purposes outlined above, WFA may disclose your personal information to relevant third parties, including:
- the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
- the Australian Tax Office (ATO
- regulatory bodies or authorities where required by law
We will never sell, rent or trade your personal information.
8 – Access to and Correction of Personal Information
You have the right to request access to or correction of the personal information WFA holds about you. Requests can be made in writing to the Office Manager (see Section 10 –How to Contact Us).
For security reasons, WFA may require verification of your identity before providing access.
9 – Enquiries and Complaints
If you would like more information on how WFA manages your personal information or if you wish to make a complaint regarding a potential breach of your privacy, please contact us
WFA will acknowledge your enquiry or complaint within a reasonable timeframe. If further information is required to respond or resolve the issue, we will inform you accordingly.
If you are dissatisfied with our response, you may contact:
Director of Privacy Case Management
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
GPO Box 5218
Sydney NSW 2001
Phone: 1300 363 992 | Outside Australia: + 61 2 9284 9749
Website: www.oaic.gov.au
10 – How to Contact Us
Attention: Office Manager
Email: info@waterforafrica.com.au
Post: PO BOX 20, Stoneville, Western Australia 6081
11 – Resources and Related Documents
WFA Complaint Handling Policy and Procedures
Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
Australian Privacy Principles – Privacy Fact Sheet
12 – Review
This Policy is reviewed on an annual basis.