Privacy  & Consent Policy 

Last updated: 03/01/02026

 Applies to: All interactions with Rural Esteem (including conversations, referrals, and follow-up)

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1. Our Commitment to Privacy

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Rural Esteem is committed to protecting the privacy, dignity, and autonomy of every person we engage with.

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We recognise that people who contact Rural Esteem may be under pressure or facing complex decisions. Our approach to privacy is grounded in respect, restraint, and transparency.

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We collect only what is necessary to support ethical advocacy and navigation. We do not collect information for commercial exploitation or unnecessary record-keeping.

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2. What Rural Esteem Is (and Is Not)

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Rural Esteem provides advocacy and navigation support only.

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We are not:

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• a counselling or mental health service
   

• a legal or financial advisory service
   

• a crisis or emergency service
   

Our privacy practices reflect this limited and intentional scope.

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3. Information We May Collect

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With your consent, Rural Esteem may collect limited information such as:

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• your name and preferred contact details
   

• general information about your situation (at a high level)
   

• notes about options discussed
   

• referrals made (e.g. type of service, not clinical detail)
   

• agreed follow-up actions
   

We do not collect:

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• clinical or diagnostic information
   

• detailed mental health information
   

• financial records or debt details
   

• legal advice or case files
   

• sensitive personal histories unless necessary for referral and only with consent
   

 

4. Consent-First Engagement

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All engagement with Rural Esteem is voluntary and consent-based.

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Before recording any information, we will:

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• explain why information is being noted
   

• explain how it will be used
   

• confirm your consent
   

You may:

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• decline to provide information
   

• withdraw consent at any time
   

• request that notes be amended or deleted (subject to legal or auspice requirements)
   

Withdrawing consent will not affect your right to respectful engagement.

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5. How Information Is Used

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Information collected is used only to:

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• support advocacy and navigation conversations
   

• connect you to appropriate external services (with your permission)
   

• follow up where you have requested contact
   

• meet basic reporting requirements under auspice arrangements (de-identified where possible)
   

We do not use information for:

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• marketing without consent
   

• sales activity
   

• pressure tactics
   

• profiling or assessment
   

 

6. Referrals to Other Services

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Where referral to another organisation or professional is appropriate:

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• referrals are made only with your consent
   

• only relevant information is shared
   

• we do not share full notes or personal detail unless necessary and agreed
   

Rural Esteem does not control how external organisations manage privacy. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

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7. Storage and Security

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Information is stored securely using appropriate digital or physical safeguards.

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Access is limited to:

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• the founder (Adam Owens)
   

• authorised personnel operating under an auspice agreement
   

We take reasonable steps to protect information from loss, misuse, or unauthorised access.

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8. De-Identification and Reporting

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Where reporting is required (e.g. for grants or auspice accountability):

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• information is de-identified wherever possible
   

• no personal stories are shared publicly without explicit consent
   

Rural Esteem prioritises protecting identity over demonstrating volume.

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9. Your Rights

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You have the right to:

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• ask what information is held about you
   

• request correction of inaccurate information
   

• request deletion of information (where lawful)
   

• ask questions about how your information is used
   

Requests can be made at any time by contacting Rural Esteem directly.

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10. Limits to Confidentiality

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In rare circumstances, confidentiality may be limited where:

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• there is an immediate risk of serious harm
   

• disclosure is required by law
   

• required under auspice governance or insurance obligations
   

Where possible, this will be discussed with you first.

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11. Accountability and Oversight

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Rural Esteem operates as a social enterprise with programs designed to be auspiced by not-for-profit organisations.

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This provides:

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• governance oversight
   

• ethical accountability
   

• alignment with community standards
   

Privacy practices may be reviewed as part of auspice or funding arrangements.

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12. Questions or Concerns

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If you have questions about this policy, consent, or your information, you can contact:

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Rural Esteem
Adam@ruralesteem.com.au or 0475 243 191

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