Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and to provide information to website owners.

Cookies allow a website to recognise your device and store some information about your preferences or past actions. This enables websites to:

• Remember your login status and preferences
• Provide personalised content and experiences
• Analyse how the website is being used
• Improve website functionality and performance

Similar Technologies

We also use similar technologies including:

• Local Storage: Stores data locally within your browser
• Session Storage: Temporarily stores data during your browsing session
• Web Beacons: Small transparent images used to track page usage
• Pixels: Tiny tracking codes that help measure website performance

2. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies for several important reasons:

2.1 Essential Website Functionality

• Enabling basic website features and navigation
• Remembering your cookie preferences
• Maintaining security and preventing fraud
• Supporting forms and user interactions

2.2 Performance and Analytics

• Understanding how visitors interact with our website
• Identifying popular content and areas for improvement
• Measuring website performance and loading times
• Tracking conversion rates and user journeys

2.3 Personalisation

• Remembering your preferences and settings
• Customising content based on your interests
• Providing relevant course recommendations
• Maintaining your session across page visits

2.4 Marketing and Advertising

• Showing relevant advertisements on other websites
• Measuring the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns
• Building audience profiles for targeted advertising
• Preventing duplicate advertising impressions

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for our website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility.

These cookies cannot be disabled as they are essential for website operation.

3.2 Performance Cookies

These cookies collect information about how you use our website, such as which pages you visit most often and if you get error messages.

3.3 Functionality Cookies

These cookies allow our website to remember choices you make and provide enhanced, more personal features.

3.4 Marketing/Targeting Cookies

These cookies are used to deliver advertisements more relevant to you and your interests. They may be set by us or by third-party providers.

4. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies on our website are set by third-party services. We use these services to enhance your experience and analyse website performance.

4.1 Analytics Services

• Google Analytics: Provides detailed website usage statistics
• Google Tag Manager: Manages tracking codes and analytics
• Hotjar: Records user sessions to improve user experience

4.2 Social Media Platforms

• Facebook: Enables social sharing and targeted advertising
• LinkedIn: Allows professional network sharing and analytics
• Twitter: Facilitates social media integration
• YouTube: Embeds videos and tracks viewing behaviour

4.3 Marketing and Advertising

• Google Ads: Enables targeted advertising across Google's network
• Facebook Ads: Facilitates advertising on Facebook and Instagram
• Retargeting Providers: Show relevant ads on partner websites

4.4 Customer Support

• Live Chat Services: Provides real-time customer support
• Help Desk Tools: Manages customer inquiries and feedback

Note: Third-party cookies are governed by the respective third party's privacy policy. We recommend reviewing their policies for more information.

5. Cookie Duration

Cookies can be categorised by how long they remain on your device:

5.1 Session Cookies

• Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser
• Used for essential website functionality during your visit
• Help maintain your session and preferences while browsing
• Automatically deleted when your browsing session ends

5.2 Persistent Cookies

• Remain on your device for a specified period or until manually deleted
• Remember your preferences for future visits
• Enable personalised experiences across sessions
• Typical duration ranges from 30 days to 2 years

5.3 Specific Duration Examples

6. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

6.1 Our Cookie Consent Tool

When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner allowing you to:

• Accept All: Consent to all cookie types
• Necessary Only: Accept only essential cookies
• Customise: Choose specific cookie categories

You can change your preferences at any time by:

• Clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in our footer
• Using the cookie preference centre
• Contacting us directly at [email protected]

6.2 Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:

• Block all cookies
• Accept only first-party cookies
• Delete cookies when you close the browser
• Receive notifications when websites want to store cookies

Browser-Specific Instructions:

• Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Preferences > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
• Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Cookies and site data

6.3 Mobile Device Settings

For mobile browsers, cookie management is typically found in:

• iOS Safari: Settings > Safari > Privacy & Security
• Android Chrome: Chrome Menu > Settings > Site settings > Cookies

6.4 Third-Party Opt-Outs

You can also opt out of third-party cookies through:

• Google Ads: adssettings.google.com
• Facebook: Facebook Ad Preferences
• Industry Opt-Out: youronlinechoices.com.au

7. Impact of Disabling Cookies

While you have the right to disable cookies, doing so may affect your experience on our website:

7.1 Essential Cookies

Disabling essential cookies may result in:

• Inability to use certain website features
• Loss of security protections
• Problems with form submissions
• Difficulty navigating the website

7.2 Performance Cookies

Disabling performance cookies means:

• We cannot improve the website based on usage data
• Technical issues may take longer to identify and fix
• Website performance may be less optimised for your device

7.3 Functionality Cookies

Without functionality cookies:

• Your preferences will not be remembered between visits
• You may need to re-enter information repeatedly
• Personalised features will not be available
• Language and region settings will reset

7.4 Marketing Cookies

Disabling marketing cookies will:

• Stop personalised advertising
• Show less relevant advertisements
• Prevent conversion tracking
• Reduce our ability to measure marketing effectiveness

8. Cookies and Your Privacy

8.1 Data Protection

We are committed to protecting your privacy when using cookies:

• Cookies do not contain personally identifiable information unless you provide it
• We use secure, encrypted connections for sensitive data
• Access to cookie data is restricted to authorised personnel
• We comply with Australian Privacy Principles and GDPR requirements

8.2 Data Sharing

Cookie data may be shared with:

• Third-party service providers who help operate our website
• Analytics providers to improve website performance
• Marketing partners for advertising purposes (with your consent)
• Legal authorities if required by law

8.3 Data Retention

Cookie data is retained according to:

• The specific cookie's expiration date
• Legal requirements for data retention
• Business need for the information
• Your consent withdrawal

8.4 International Transfers

Some cookie data may be transferred to:

• Servers located outside Australia
• Third-party service providers in other countries
• Cloud storage services with international infrastructure

We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for all international transfers.

9. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed to children under the age of 18, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children through cookies.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided information through our cookies, please contact us immediately at [email protected], and we will take steps to remove such information.

We encourage parents to monitor their children's internet usage and to help enforce this policy by instructing their children never to provide personal information through websites without permission.

10. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect:

• Changes in technology or cookie practices
• Updates to legal requirements
• New features or services on our website
• Feedback from users and privacy regulators

When we make changes, we will:

• Update the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy
• Notify you through our website or email for significant changes
• Request new consent where required by law
• Provide clear information about what has changed

We encourage you to review this Cookie Policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.

11. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please contact us:

Cookie Preference Centre

To manage your cookie preferences, you can:

• Use our cookie consent tool on the website
• Email us at [email protected]
• Call us during business hours

Complaints

If you have concerns about our cookie practices, you may also contact:

• Australian Privacy Commissioner: oaic.gov.au
• Phone: 1300 363 992
• Email: [email protected]