Privacy Policy

1. Purpose and Scope

This policy outlines how Lord of the Breakthrough Church collects, uses, stores, and protects personal information of members, volunteers, staff, visitors, and ministry participants. It applies to all church activities and ministries, all leaders, staff, and volunteers, and all individuals whose personal information is collected or held by the Church.

We are bound by the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), including the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and relevant Queensland laws.

2. Our Commitment to Privacy

We believe every person is created in the image of God and deserves dignity, respect, and care. Stewardship of personal information is a sacred trust. Lord of the Breakthrough commits to handling personal information lawfully, securely, and transparently, upholding both legal obligations and biblical principles.

3. Types of Personal Information Collected

We collect personal information relevant to our ministries, including but not limited to:

• Names, addresses, phone numbers, emails;
• Date of birth, gender, emergency contacts;
• Blue Card and Working with Children Check status;
• Medical information relevant to participation in activities (e.g., allergies);
• Photos or videos (with consent);
• Volunteer applications and training records;
• Donation and giving information (as required for receipting and compliance).

Sensitive information, such as religious beliefs, health details, or pastoral care notes, is collected only with consent or as permitted by law.

4. How We Collect and Store Personal Information

Information is collected via volunteer and membership forms, event registrations, pastoral care interactions (confidentially), and direct communication (email, phone, online forms).

Data is stored securely: electronic records are password-protected and access-limited, physical documents are kept in locked storage, and Blue Card records are maintained per Queensland legal requirements. We retain information only as long as necessary for ministry, compliance, and legal purposes.

5. Use and Disclosure of Information

Personal information is used for ministry coordination and communication, safety and risk management, volunteer screening and compliance, pastoral care and support, and legal obligations (e.g., reporting, audit, insurance).

We do not disclose personal information to third parties except with consent, where required by law (e.g., child protection reporting), or for operational purposes (e.g., contracted service providers bound by confidentiality). We never sell personal information.

6. Photos, Videos & Social Media

Photographs and videos may be taken during church events for internal use or promotional purposes. Publication (e.g., website, social media) requires prior parental/guardian consent for minors.

• Individuals may opt out of appearing in publicly shared images.
• Sensitive images or content that could cause harm or breach privacy will not be used.

7. Data Security & Breach Response

We implement reasonable safeguards to protect personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. In the event of a data breach, we will promptly assess and, where required, notify affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), and take remedial steps to mitigate harm and prevent recurrence.

8. Access, Correction, and Complaints

Individuals have the right to access their personal information, request correction of inaccuracies, and raise concerns about potential privacy breaches. Requests or complaints should be directed to the Privacy Officer / Safe Church Coordinator at tamaris.howlett@breakthrough.net.au. We will respond in accordance with APP guidelines and aim to resolve issues promptly and pastorally.

9. Legal Compliance

This policy complies with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), the Queensland Child Protection Act 1999 and WHS Act 2011 (where relevant), and the governance rules of Lord of the Breakthrough Church.