Privacy Policy

Last updated: November 3, 2025

1. Who We Are

The Hidden Orchard is a volunteer-led community project that harvests backyard fruit and redistributes it to local charities and community groups. We collect personal information so we can organise harvests, coordinate volunteers, and deliver produce where it’s needed.

2. What Information We Collect

We collect personal information to help coordinate harvests and other events, communicate with volunteers and partners, and deliver fruit to those who need it.

General information we may collect

  • Your name
  • Contact details (such as email address and phone number)
  • Suburb and postcode

Depending on your role, we may also collect:

  • Tree Owners: Street address of the tree, your connection to the property, and fruit tree type
  • Volunteers: Whether you’re 18 or older and your preferred roles
  • Harvest Leaders: Whether you have a current driver’s licence and access to a vehicle
  • Charity Partners: Organisation name, delivery address, preferred fruit types and delivery times

3. How We Collect the Information

We collect information directly from you when you:

  • Fill out an online form (e.g. Google Forms, Eventbrite)
  • Sign up at an event or in person
  • Contact us by email or phone

4. Why We Collect It

We collect and use this information to:

  • Coordinate fruit harvests and deliveries
  • Communicate with volunteers, tree owners, and charity partners
  • Match available produce with community needs
  • Ensure volunteer and harvest leader safety and suitability
  • Report on our impact to the community and funders (using de-identified data only)

5. How We Store and Protect Your Information

We use secure third-party platforms like Google Drive, Google Forms and Eventbrite to collect and store information. Access to this information is restricted to authorised members of The Hidden Orchard team. We take reasonable steps to keep your information safe.

6. Who We Share It With

We don’t sell, trade, or rent your personal information. However, we may share it:

  • With third-party services (e.g. Google Drive, Google Forms, Eventbrite) solely to help us run the project and communicate with you
  • With our harvest leaders or team members when required to coordinate harvests or deliveries
  • If you give us explicit consent
  • If required by law or where someone’s safety is at risk

We only share the minimum necessary information for these purposes.

7. Access, Correction, and Deletion

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal information we hold about you
  • Ask us to correct inaccurate or outdated information
  • Request that we delete your information

Just contact us by email. We’ll respond promptly and aim to action all requests within 30 days.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The most recent version will always be available on request or via our website. We’ll let you know if we make any significant changes.

9. Questions or Concerns

If you have any questions about this policy, or you’d like to access or update your information, please contact us via email thehiddenorchard@gmail.com

We take privacy seriously and will work to resolve any concerns quickly and respectfully.