birch-crane

Introduction

This Privacy Policy describes how birch-crane.com collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you use our website and services. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data in accordance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 and applicable privacy regulations.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We collect personal information that you provide directly to us, including:

Name and contact details (email address)
Service selections and inquiry details
Research requests and historical information you share
Correspondence and communications with our team

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain technical information, including:

Browser type and version
Operating system
IP address and general location data
Pages visited and time spent on the site
Referring website addresses

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

To provide historical research and heritage services you request
To respond to your inquiries and communicate about our services
To improve our website functionality and user experience
To maintain records for business and legal compliance
To send service updates or important notices related to your research projects

We do not use your personal information for marketing purposes unless you have explicitly consented to receive such communications.

Data Sharing and Disclosure

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

With archival institutions or research repositories when necessary to fulfill your service request
With professional collaborators working on your specific research project (with your consent)
When required by law or to comply with legal processes
To protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of others

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. Research materials and correspondence related to completed projects are typically retained for seven years, after which they are securely destroyed unless you request otherwise.

Your Rights

Under Australian privacy law, you have the right to:

Access the personal information we hold about you
Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal retention requirements)
Withdraw consent for data processing where consent was the basis for collection
Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner if you believe we have mishandled your personal information

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies to improve user experience and analyze site traffic. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. For detailed information about our cookie practices, please refer to our Cookies Policy.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external sites that are not operated by us. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third-party websites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any external sites you visit.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by posting a notice on our website or by contacting you directly if we hold your email address.

Contact Us

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

Email: privacy at birch-crane.com
Address: 127 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia