Privacy Policy

Highfields Community Church (A Congregation of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod)

55 Highfields Road, Highfields QLD 4352

Email: admin@highfieldscommunitychurch.com.au

Website: https://www.highfieldscommunitychurch.com.au Last updated: January 2026

1. Introduction

Highfields Community Church (“we”, “us”, “our”, “the Church”) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly and transparently. We recognise your right to privacy and are bound by the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

As a local congregation of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod, we align our practices with the Synod’s Privacy Policy and broader Church standards.

2. What personal information do we collect?

We may collect personal information that is reasonably necessary for our church activities, such as:

Contact details (name, email address, phone number, postal address).
Demographic information (age range, family details).
Information related to participation in church life (e.g., membership, attendance at events, small groups, volunteering).
Sensitive information (e.g., religious beliefs, health information for pastoral care, or emergency contacts) only when necessary and permitted under APP exemptions for religious bodies (e.g., APP 3.4 allows collection of sensitive information for religious purposes with implied or express consent).

We collect minimal information and only what is needed.

Our app and website may collect basic usage data (e.g., via analytics tools), but we do not collect personal data for tracking or advertising unless explicitly stated.

3. How do we collect personal information?

We collect information:

Directly from you (e.g., sign-up forms, event registrations, prayer requests, conversations, app registrations, or emails).
From third parties (e.g., referrals from the Queensland Synod or other Uniting Church entities) with your consent or as permitted by law.
Automatically through our website or app (e.g., cookies for basic functionality; see our website for cookie details).

4. Why do we collect, use, and disclose personal information?

We use your information to:

Provide pastoral care, spiritual support, counselling, and community services.
Organise and communicate about worship services, events, Bible studies, youth/children’s programs, and outreach.
Maintain church records, membership rolls, and volunteer coordination.
Send newsletters, event invitations, or updates (you can opt out anytime).
Comply with legal obligations (e.g., child safety reporting).

We may disclose your information to:

Other Uniting Church entities (e.g., Queensland Synod, presbyteries, or affiliated agencies) for shared ministry purposes.
Trusted service providers (e.g., email platforms like Mailchimp, app hosting, or payment processors for donations) who are bound by confidentiality.
Authorities if required by law (e.g., mandatory reporting).

We do not sell your personal information or use it for marketing unrelated to church activities.

5. Sensitive information

As a religious organisation, we may collect sensitive information (e.g., health details for pastoral support or beliefs for membership) only when it is necessary for our functions and with your consent (express or implied). We handle it with the highest care and confidentiality.

6. Storage and security

We take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. Information is stored securely (electronic and/or paper records) and access is limited to authorised church leaders and volunteers on a need-to-know basis.

7. Access and correction

You have the right to access and correct your personal information we hold (subject to exceptions under the Privacy Act). Contact us using the details above. We will respond within a reasonable time (usually 30 days). There may be a small fee for extensive access requests.

8. Complaints

If you have concerns about how we handle your personal information, please contact: Privacy Contact: Church Secretary / Council Chairperson Email: [Insert email] Phone: [Insert phone]

We will investigate promptly and fairly. If you are not satisfied with our response, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC): Website: www.oaic.gov.au Phone: 1300 363 992

9. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time to reflect changes in law or our practices. Significant changes will be notified via our website, newsletter, or announcements.

10. Contact us

For any privacy questions, contact the details at the top of this policy. You can also refer to the Queensland Synod Privacy Policy for more information: https://ucaqld.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/B1.1-Privacy-Policy-POL-0001.pdf

By engaging with Highfields Community Church (including our app, website, or services), you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information as described in this policy.

This policy is not legal advice. If your church handles specific data (e.g., children's information, donations via third-party processors, or extensive app features), review with your church council and consider Synod guidance.