Privacy Policy
Mahayogam Australia Inc. Website: https://www.mahayogam.org.au/ Effective Date: 19 August 2026 Last Updated: 19 August 2026
1. About this Privacy Policy
Mahayogam Australia Inc. ("Mahayogam", "we", "us" or "our") is an Australian not-for-profit organisation and registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).
We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting the personal information you provide to us.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, hold, use, protect and manage personal information when you:
- visit or use our website;
- contact us;
- subscribe to our newsletters or communications;
- register for or participate in our programs, activities, events or services;
- make an enquiry;
- volunteer or otherwise engage with Mahayogam;
- make a donation or otherwise support our activities; or
- otherwise provide personal information to us.
Our approach is simple:
We collect personal information only when it is reasonably necessary for our activities and to provide services, information, communications or opportunities that may be of interest to you. We do not sell, rent or trade your personal information. We do not disclose your personal information to third parties without your permission, except where disclosure is required or authorised by law or is necessary for a limited operational purpose described in this Privacy Policy.
We aim to handle personal information fairly, transparently and securely.
2. Privacy laws that apply to us
Mahayogam seeks to comply with the privacy obligations that apply to it under Australian law, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), where applicable.
Depending on the nature and circumstances of our activities, other Commonwealth, State or Territory laws may also apply to the handling of personal information.
Where the Privacy Act or another applicable privacy law imposes an obligation on Mahayogam, we will comply with that obligation.
This Privacy Policy is intended to explain our privacy practices in clear and accessible language.
3. What is personal information?
"Personal information" generally means information or an opinion about an individual who is reasonably identifiable, whether the information is recorded in material form or not.
Depending on your relationship with Mahayogam, the personal information we may collect can include:
- your name;
- postal or residential address;
- email address;
- telephone or mobile number;
- date of birth or age, where reasonably necessary;
- information you provide when registering for an event or activity;
- your interests, preferences or areas of interest;
- membership, participation or volunteer information;
- communications you have with us;
- information you provide through enquiry or contact forms;
- donation or transaction information, where applicable;
- information relating to your participation in our programs or services;
- photographs, videos or other media where you have provided appropriate permission;
- information required to administer events, programs or activities; and
- any other information that you voluntarily provide to us.
We will generally only request information that is reasonably necessary for the particular purpose for which it is collected.
4. Sensitive information
Sensitive information may include information such as health information, information about a person's racial or ethnic origin, religious beliefs, or other categories of information defined as sensitive under applicable privacy law.
Mahayogam does not generally seek to collect sensitive information through its website.
If sensitive information is reasonably necessary for a particular program, activity or service, we will only collect and handle that information in accordance with applicable privacy laws and, where required, with your consent.
Please do not provide sensitive personal information through the website unless it is specifically requested and necessary for the relevant service or activity.
5. How we collect personal information
We may collect personal information directly from you when you:
- complete a website form;
- subscribe to our newsletter or mailing list;
- contact us by email, telephone or other communication method;
- register for an event, program, class, retreat or activity;
- make an enquiry;
- volunteer with us;
- make a donation or financial contribution;
- participate in our activities or services;
- provide feedback or testimonials;
- communicate with us through social media; or
- otherwise voluntarily provide information to us.
We may also collect limited information automatically when you visit our website, such as technical information, browser information, device information and website usage information, depending on the website technologies and third-party services in use.
Where reasonably practicable, we will collect personal information directly from you.
If we receive personal information about you from another person or organisation, we will handle it in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
6. Why we collect personal information
Mahayogam collects personal information only for legitimate purposes connected with our activities and services.
These purposes may include:
- providing services, programs and activities to you;
- responding to your enquiries;
- registering you for events or activities;
- communicating information that you have requested;
- sending newsletters, updates or information about activities that may be of interest to you;
- managing registrations and participation;
- administering memberships, volunteers, supporters and participants;
- managing donations and fundraising activities;
- maintaining appropriate records;
- improving our programs, services and website;
- obtaining feedback;
- maintaining the security and functionality of our website and systems;
- complying with legal and regulatory obligations; and
- protecting the rights, safety and property of Mahayogam and other people.
We will not collect personal information for purposes that are unrelated to our activities unless permitted or required by law.
7. Our commitment regarding your personal information
Mahayogam does not sell, rent, trade or commercially exploit your personal information.
We do not provide personal information to third parties for their own marketing purposes.
We do not disclose your personal information to another organisation or person without your permission, except where:
- you have expressly authorised us to do so;
- the disclosure is required or authorised by law;
- the disclosure is necessary to protect someone's life, health or safety in circumstances permitted by law;
- the disclosure is reasonably necessary to prevent or investigate suspected unlawful activity or serious misconduct, where permitted by law; or
- a limited disclosure is necessary to enable a service provider to perform a function on our behalf, where that service provider is subject to appropriate confidentiality, privacy and security obligations.
Where a third-party service provider is used, we seek to ensure that personal information is only used for the purpose for which the service is provided and is appropriately protected.
8. Third-party service providers
Mahayogam may use carefully selected technology and service providers to operate its website and deliver services.
For example, our website may use third-party providers for:
- website hosting and content management;
- email and newsletter distribution;
- event registration;
- online forms;
- payment processing;
- information technology and security;
- cloud storage; and
- website analytics.
These providers may process limited personal information on our behalf where this is necessary to provide the relevant service.
We do not authorise such providers to sell or use your personal information for their own unrelated marketing purposes.
Where practicable, we seek to ensure that our service providers have appropriate privacy, confidentiality and security safeguards.
9. Newsletter and electronic communications
If you subscribe to our newsletter, mailing list or other communications, we may use your name and email address to send you information relating to:
- Mahayogam activities;
- programs and services;
- events;
- community activities;
- volunteering opportunities;
- fundraising activities;
- organisational updates; and
- other information that may reasonably be of interest to you.
You can unsubscribe from marketing or newsletter communications at any time by using the unsubscribe facility included in the relevant communication or by contacting us.
Unsubscribing from marketing communications does not necessarily remove information that we are required to retain for legal, administrative or operational purposes.
10. Donations and payments
Where Mahayogam accepts donations, payments or other financial contributions online, payment information may be processed by an independent payment service provider.
Mahayogam will not ordinarily have access to your complete payment-card details where those details are processed directly by a payment provider.
Payment providers may have their own privacy policies and terms governing their handling of personal information.
We recommend reviewing the privacy policy of the payment provider before completing a transaction.
11. Website cookies and similar technologies
Our website may use cookies or similar technologies.
Cookies are small files that may be stored on your device when you visit a website. They can help a website:
- remember preferences;
- maintain website functionality;
- understand how visitors use the website;
- improve website performance; and
- provide security and technical functionality.
Some cookies may be placed by third-party services used by the website.
You can generally control or disable cookies through your web browser. However, disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of parts of the website.
12. Website analytics
We may use website analytics or similar technologies to understand general patterns of website use, such as:
- which pages are visited;
- approximate numbers of visitors;
- how visitors navigate the website;
- technical information about devices and browsers; and
- general website performance.
Where analytics services are used, the information may be processed by the relevant service provider in accordance with its own privacy policy.
We aim to use analytics information to improve our website and services rather than to identify individual visitors unnecessarily.
13. Social media
Our website may contain links to social media platforms, including platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or other services.
If you choose to interact with Mahayogam through a social media platform, your use of that platform is also subject to the privacy policy and terms of that platform.
Mahayogam does not control how independent social media companies collect or process information through their platforms.
We encourage you to review the privacy settings and privacy policies of any social media service you use.
14. Photographs, videos and testimonials
Mahayogam may photograph or record events, activities and programs for legitimate organisational purposes, including:
- documenting activities;
- promoting Mahayogam;
- community engagement;
- educational purposes; and
- reporting on our charitable activities.
Where an identifiable individual is to be used in promotional material in circumstances where consent is required, we will seek appropriate permission.
If you do not wish to appear in photographs, videos or promotional material, please notify an appropriate Mahayogam representative where reasonably practicable.
Where you provide a testimonial, feedback or other statement for publication, we will use it only in accordance with the permission or terms under which you provided it.
15. Children's personal information
We recognise the importance of protecting the privacy of children and young people.
Where our activities involve children or young people, we will take reasonable steps to handle their personal information appropriately and in accordance with applicable privacy and child-safety laws.
Where required, we will seek consent from a parent, guardian or other authorised person before collecting or using personal information relating to a child.
16. How we protect personal information
Mahayogam takes reasonable steps to protect personal information against:
- misuse;
- interference;
- loss;
- unauthorised access;
- unauthorised modification; and
- unauthorised disclosure.
Security measures may include:
- restricted access to personal information;
- password protection;
- access controls;
- secure online systems;
- appropriate physical security;
- staff and volunteer awareness of privacy responsibilities; and
- appropriate security measures for third-party service providers.
No method of electronic transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
Accordingly, while we take reasonable precautions, we cannot guarantee absolute security of information transmitted to or stored by us.
17. Where personal information is stored
Personal information may be stored in:
- electronic databases;
- cloud-based systems;
- email systems;
- website systems;
- secure physical records; and
- systems operated by our authorised service providers.
Some service providers may store or process information outside Australia.
Where personal information is likely to be disclosed to an overseas recipient, we will take reasonable steps to comply with applicable Australian privacy laws concerning overseas disclosure.
The countries in which information may be stored or processed can change depending on the service providers and technologies used by Mahayogam.
18. Accuracy of personal information
Mahayogam aims to ensure that personal information we hold is accurate, complete and up to date, particularly where the information is used to provide a service or communicate with you.
If you believe that information we hold about you is inaccurate, incomplete or out of date, you may ask us to correct it.
We will take reasonable steps to correct information where appropriate.
19. Access to your personal information
You may request access to personal information that Mahayogam holds about you.
To request access, please contact us using the contact details provided in this Privacy Policy.
We may need to verify your identity before providing access to personal information.
In some circumstances, applicable privacy laws may permit or require us to refuse access to particular information.
If we refuse a request for access, we will explain the reason where we are permitted to do so.
20. Correction of your personal information
If you believe that personal information we hold about you is inaccurate, incomplete, misleading or out of date, you may request that we correct it.
We will consider your request and take reasonable steps to correct information where appropriate.
If we do not agree that information requires correction, we will explain the reason where permitted by law and, where appropriate, provide information about available complaint mechanisms.
21. How long we keep personal information
Mahayogam retains personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, for legitimate organisational purposes, or where retention is required by law.
When personal information is no longer required, we will take reasonable steps to securely destroy, delete or de-identify it, subject to any legal or legitimate record-keeping requirements.
Different types of information may be retained for different periods.
22. Data breaches
Mahayogam takes reasonable steps to prevent personal information from being lost, misused or accessed without authorisation.
If we become aware of a data breach involving personal information, we will assess the incident and take appropriate steps in accordance with applicable laws.
Where the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme applies and an eligible data breach is likely to result in serious harm, we will comply with our notification obligations, including notifying affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) where required.
We will also take reasonable steps to contain, investigate and remediate privacy or security incidents.
23. Direct marketing
We may contact you about Mahayogam services, activities, events, programs, newsletters or other matters that may be of interest to you where permitted by law.
We will respect your choice not to receive direct marketing communications.
You may opt out at any time by:
- using the unsubscribe option included in an electronic communication;
- contacting us directly; or
- following any other opt-out mechanism provided in the communication.
We will not sell or provide your personal information to another organisation for that organisation's direct marketing purposes.
24. Disclosure required by law
Although Mahayogam does not ordinarily disclose personal information to third parties without your permission, there may be circumstances where disclosure is required or authorised by law.
For example, we may be required to disclose information:
- under a court order;
- in response to a valid legal requirement;
- to comply with a statutory obligation;
- to a government authority where legally required;
- to law enforcement where required or authorised by law; or
- where disclosure is otherwise permitted under applicable privacy legislation.
Where legally permitted, we will take reasonable steps to notify you before making such a disclosure.
25. Your choices
You generally have choices regarding the personal information you provide to Mahayogam.
You may choose not to provide certain information.
However, if information is reasonably necessary to provide a particular service, register you for an activity, process a transaction or respond to an enquiry, we may not be able to provide that service or complete the relevant activity without the required information.
You may also choose not to receive optional communications from us.
26. Privacy complaints
Mahayogam takes privacy concerns seriously.
If you believe that we have mishandled your personal information or have breached this Privacy Policy or applicable privacy law, we encourage you to contact us first so that we have an opportunity to investigate and resolve your concern.
A privacy complaint should, where possible, include:
- your name and contact details;
- a description of the privacy concern;
- relevant dates or circumstances;
- details of the information involved; and
- the outcome you are seeking.
We will acknowledge and investigate privacy complaints within a reasonable period.
We will endeavour to resolve complaints fairly, promptly and in accordance with applicable privacy obligations.
27. Complaints to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
If you are not satisfied with our response, or if you believe that your privacy rights have been breached, you may be able to make a complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
The OAIC provides information about privacy rights and privacy complaints through its website:
You should generally contact Mahayogam first so that we have an opportunity to address your concern.
28. Third-party websites
Our website may contain links to websites operated by other organisations.
This Privacy Policy applies only to Mahayogam and our website.
We are not responsible for the privacy practices, content or security of external websites.
Before providing personal information to an external website, we recommend reviewing that website's privacy policy.
29. Changes to this Privacy Policy
Mahayogam may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect:
- changes to our activities;
- changes to our website or technology;
- changes to our service providers;
- changes to privacy laws or regulatory guidance; or
- improvements to our privacy practices.
The updated Privacy Policy will be published on our website.
The "Last Updated" date at the beginning of this Privacy Policy indicates when the policy was most recently revised.
30. Contact us
If you have a question about this Privacy Policy, want to access or correct your personal information, wish to withdraw consent, or want to make a privacy complaint, please contact Mahayogam Australia Inc.
Mahayogam Australia Inc. Website: https://www.mahayogam.org.au/
Privacy enquiries: Please use the contact details provided on our website's Contact page.
If Mahayogam establishes a dedicated Privacy Officer or privacy email address, those details will be published here.
31. Our privacy commitment
Mahayogam Australia Inc. is committed to maintaining the trust of our community, participants, supporters, volunteers and donors.
We will:
- collect only information that is reasonably necessary for our purposes;
- explain why we collect personal information;
- use personal information for legitimate purposes;
- not sell, rent or trade personal information;
- not disclose personal information to third parties without permission except where permitted or required by law or necessary for limited authorised service-provider functions;
- take reasonable steps to protect personal information;
- allow individuals to request access to and correction of their personal information;
- respect requests to stop optional communications;
- respond appropriately to privacy concerns and complaints; and
- continually review our privacy and information-handling practices.
Mahayogam Australia Inc. respects your privacy and appreciates the trust you place in us.
