Privacy Policy

Introduction

SparkleForge Education ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website sparkleforge-edu.com, attend our courses, or interact with our services.

This policy complies with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). By using our services, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, postal address
• Course Information: Course preferences, experience level, artistic goals
• Payment Information: Credit card details, billing address (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
• Communication Records: Emails, phone calls, and other correspondence with us
• Feedback and Reviews: Course evaluations, testimonials, and feedback

Website Usage Information

We automatically collect certain information when you visit our website:

• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, device information
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, click patterns, referring websites
• Cookies: See our Cookie Policy for detailed information about our use of cookies

How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

Course Administration

• Processing course applications and enrolments
• Providing course materials and instruction
• Tracking attendance and progress
• Issuing certificates and qualifications

Communication

• Responding to enquiries and providing customer support
• Sending course updates and important notifications
• Newsletter delivery (with your consent)
• Marketing communications about relevant courses and services

Business Operations

• Processing payments and managing accounts
• Maintaining accurate records for regulatory compliance
• Improving our courses and services
• Website analytics and performance monitoring

Legal Compliance

• Meeting legal and regulatory requirements
• Protecting our rights and interests
• Preventing fraud and ensuring security

How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

Service Providers

We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our business, including:

• Payment processors for secure transaction handling
• Email service providers for communication delivery
• Website hosting and technical support providers
• Accounting and legal services

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law or in response to:

• Court orders or legal processes
• Government agency requests
• Protection of our rights, property, or safety
• Prevention of fraud or illegal activities

Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity, subject to the same privacy protections.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against:

• Unauthorised access, use, or disclosure
• Accidental loss or destruction
• Misuse, interference, or modification

Security Measures

• Encryption: Sensitive data is encrypted in transit and at rest
• Access Controls: Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
• Regular Updates: Security systems are regularly updated and monitored
• Staff Training: Employees receive privacy and security training

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but are committed to protecting your data using industry best practices.

Your Privacy Rights

Under Australian privacy law, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

Access and Correction

• Request access to your personal information we hold
• Request correction of inaccurate or outdated information
• Receive a copy of your personal information in a portable format

Opt-Out Rights

• Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time
• Opt-out of certain data collection practices
• Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)

How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise these rights, contact us at:

We will respond to your request within 30 days and may require verification of your identity before processing your request.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

Retention Periods

• Student Records: Retained for 7 years after course completion for certification purposes
• Financial Records: Retained for 7 years as required by Australian tax law
• Marketing Data: Retained until you opt-out or 5 years of inactivity
• Website Analytics: Anonymised data retained for 2 years

When personal information is no longer needed, we securely delete or destroy it in accordance with our data destruction policies.

Third-Party Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. This Privacy Policy applies only to SparkleForge Education. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party sites and encourage you to read their privacy policies.

Social Media

We use social media platforms to promote our courses and engage with the community. When you interact with our social media pages, your interactions are governed by the privacy policies of those platforms.

Children's Privacy

Our services are primarily designed for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 years of age without verifiable parental consent. If you are under 18, please ensure you have parental or guardian consent before providing any personal information.

If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without proper consent, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Sending an email notification to registered users
• Providing notice through our services

Your continued use of our services after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

If you are not satisfied with our response to your privacy complaint, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):