Last updated: 25 October 2026
Local Aus (localaus.xyz) is a free directory of Australian local businesses, run by Local Aus (“we”, “us”). We follow the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) as a matter of good practice. This policy explains what personal information we collect, why, and how you can contact us.
Contact: [email protected]
1. What we collect
- Account details when you register: username, email address, password (stored encrypted) and any profile details you add.
- Listing details when you add or claim a business: business name, address, phone, email, website, opening hours, photos, descriptions, accessibility details, and the contact details of the person submitting or claiming.
- Messages you send us (for example, reports, removal or correction requests).
- Technical information collected automatically: IP address, browser and device type, pages visited and time of visit. This is used for security, spam prevention and keeping the site working.
- Publicly available business information used to start the directory, such as names, addresses, opening hours and contact details published on OpenStreetMap. This is mostly business information, but it can include a sole trader’s name or contact details.
We do not ask for sensitive information (such as health, religion or ethnicity). Please don’t include it in listings or messages.
2. Why we collect it
- To run the directory and show business listings to the public.
- To create and manage accounts, and check that a person claiming a listing is connected to the business.
- To review listings before they go live and to stop spam, scams and abuse.
- To answer messages and handle reports, corrections and removals.
- To contact publicly listed businesses about claiming or updating their free listing (see section 6).
- To keep the site secure and fix problems.
3. What is public
Business listing details (except the submitter’s private contact details unless you choose to show them) are published on the site and can be seen, copied and indexed by search engines. Your account email and password are never shown publicly.
4. Cookies and similar technology
We use a small number of cookies and browser storage for: – keeping you signed in (WordPress); – security and anti-spam checks (Wordfence and Cloudflare Turnstile); – remembering your chosen language (GTranslate); – letting the site work offline and as an installable app (SuperPWA service worker and cache).
We do not currently use advertising cookies. You can block or delete cookies in your browser, but parts of the site (like signing in) may stop working.
Listing statistics. To show businesses how visitors find them, we count anonymous visits to each listing page and taps on its Call, Website, Directions, social and Share links. We store only totals per listing per month (for example, “240 views in October”). We do not use cookies for this, and we do not store your IP address, device details or any information that identifies you. To filter out automated traffic and repeat clicks, your connection details are briefly turned into a one-way scrambled code that is held for up to 24 hours and then deleted automatically; it is never linked to the totals. Visits by search-engine bots and by business owners viewing their own listing are not counted, so the figures are approximate.
5. Third-party services
We use these providers to run the site. They may process technical information (like your IP address) on our behalf or under their own privacy policies: – Third-party hosting provider – stores the website and its database. – Cloudflare (Turnstile) – checks that forms are submitted by people, not bots. – Google Translate (via GTranslate) – if you choose or are shown a translated version, page text and your browser details are sent to Google to translate. – Wordfence – security firewall and login protection. – Map and data links – listings may link to OpenStreetMap maps and to aussieloo.com for toilet information. Those sites have their own privacy policies. – Email service – used to send and receive email at [email protected].
We do not sell personal information.
6. Emails to businesses
We may send a small number of emails to business email addresses that are publicly listed, inviting the business to claim or correct its free listing. Every such email identifies us, explains how we got the address, and includes a working unsubscribe link. We stop emailing you within 5 business days of an unsubscribe request, in line with the Spam Act 2003 (Cth).
Monthly stats emails. If you claim or add a listing and tick “Send me monthly stats”, we email you a monthly summary of your listing’s anonymous statistics, with tips for improving your page. We only send it if you opt in. Every email identifies Local Aus, includes our contact details and has a one-click unsubscribe link, and you can also turn it off in your dashboard or by emailing [email protected]. We act on unsubscribe requests straight away, and always within 5 business days as the Spam Act 2003 requires. We record the date you opted in or out.
7. Overseas disclosure
Some of our providers (such as Cloudflare, Google and Wordfence) store or process information outside Australia, including in the United States and other countries. Our hosting provider may also be located outside Australia. We use reputable providers, but by using the site you understand your information may be handled overseas.
8. Storage and security
We use reasonable steps to protect information, including encrypted connections (HTTPS), a security firewall, anti-spam checks, limited admin access and regular backups. No website is completely secure. We delete or de-identify information we no longer need — for example, when you close your account, unless we need to keep it to handle a complaint or legal matter.
9. Access, correction and deletion
You can ask to see, correct or delete personal information we hold about you, or ask us to remove a listing, by emailing [email protected]. Registered users can also edit their own profile and listings. We aim to respond within 30 days. We may need to confirm your identity first.
10. Complaints
If you have a privacy concern, email [email protected] and we will try to resolve it within 30 days. If you are not satisfied, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC): www.oaic.gov.au, phone 1300 363 992.
11. Children
The site is meant for a general audience. You must be 18 or older to register or submit a listing.
12. Changes
We may update this policy. The latest version will always be on this page with its update date.