Terms & Conditions

Australian Tao Academy Limited ("Academy", "we", "us", or "our") is a not-for-profit organisation incorporated in Australia. Our purpose is to promote, preserve, and teach Taoist philosophy, traditional Chinese cultural heritage, and related educational disciplines for the benefit of the community.

We operate exclusively as a charitable educational institution. We do not provide commercial consulting, investment advice, legal advice, financial advice, or any other professional services.

Email: iching@taoacademy.com.au | Website: www.taoacademy.com.au

By accessing our website or enrolling in any of our programs, you confirm that you:

• Are at least 18 years of age, or are participating with the consent and supervision of a parent or legal guardian;
• Have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions in their entirety;
• Agree to comply with all applicable Australian laws and regulations.

We reserve the right to update these Terms at any time by posting a revised version on our website. Your continued use of our services following any update constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.

The Academy offers educational courses and programs in the following areas:

• Taoist philosophy and classical thought;
• Traditional Chinese cultural studies;
• I Ching (Book of Changes) studies and classical interpretation;
• Meditation and contemplative practice as part of Taoist tradition;
• Community lectures, workshops, and cultural events.

All programs are of an educational and cultural nature. They are designed to promote learning, personal development, and community engagement in accordance with our charitable purpose. No program constitutes professional advice of any kind.

We reserve the right to modify the content, schedule, format, or availability of any program at any time. We will provide reasonable notice to enrolled participants of any material changes.

To enrol in any of our programs, you must complete the registration process as set out on our website or as otherwise communicated to you. You are responsible for providing accurate and complete registration information.

Enrolment in a program does not constitute a guarantee of ongoing participation. We reserve the right to decline or terminate enrolment where a participant's conduct is inconsistent with our community standards or organisational values, subject to applicable law.

As a not-for-profit charitable organisation, our programs are offered on the following basis:

• Some programs are offered free of charge as part of our community outreach mission;
• Other programs may attract a program fee, which is published on our website or communicated at the time of registration;
• All fees are in Australian Dollars (AUD);
• Voluntary donations to the Academy are gratefully received. Receipts will be issued upon request. The Academy does not currently hold Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status; donations are not tax-deductible at this time.

Payment must be made in full at the time of enrolment unless a written payment arrangement has been agreed upon. We accept payment via the methods displayed on our website.

We understand that circumstances may prevent participation. Our refund policy is as follows:

• Cancellation notified more than 14 days before the program commencement date: full refund, less an administrative fee of AUD $30;
• Cancellation notified between 7 and 14 days before commencement: 50% refund of the program fee;
• Cancellation notified less than 7 days before commencement: no refund. A credit towards a future program of equivalent value may be offered at the Academy's discretion;
• If the Academy cancels a program: participants will receive a full refund of all fees paid;
• Downloadable or digitally accessed course materials are non-refundable once accessed.

All refund requests must be submitted in writing to iching@taoacademy.com.au.

All original content produced by the Academy, including but not limited to course materials, written texts, audio recordings, video content, website content, logos, and branding, is the intellectual property of the Academy or its content contributors, and is protected under Australian copyright law.

• You may use materials provided during a program for your own personal, non-commercial study and learning purposes only;
• You may not reproduce, distribute, publish, adapt, or create derivative works from our materials without prior written consent from the Academy;
• Classical Taoist texts and public domain materials remain in the public domain and are not claimed by the Academy.

Our programs foster an environment of respect, learning, and cultural appreciation. All participants are expected to:

• Treat fellow participants, instructors, and Academy staff with courtesy and respect;
• Honour the cultural and spiritual significance of the teachings and traditions;
• Refrain from conduct that is discriminatory, harassing, abusive, or disruptive;
• Not record, photograph, or distribute program content without prior written consent;
• Comply with any additional conduct guidelines communicated at specific events or programs.

Participants who breach these standards may be removed from a program without refund, at the Academy's sole discretion.

All content, teachings, and communications provided by the Academy are strictly educational and cultural in nature. Nothing provided by the Academy — whether in a course, on our website, in written materials, or otherwise — constitutes or should be construed as:

• Medical, psychological, or health advice;
• Legal advice;
• Financial or investment advice;
• Any other form of professional or regulated advisory service.

Participants should seek qualified professional advice for any matter relating to their health, legal affairs, finances, or other professional concerns.

Our website and program materials are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Academy makes no representations or warranties, whether express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or fitness for a particular purpose of any content, materials, or information provided.

To the maximum extent permitted by the laws of Australia, the Academy and its directors, officers, employees, and volunteers will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential loss or damage of any kind arising out of or in connection with your participation in our programs or use of our website.

The Academy's total aggregate liability to any participant shall not exceed the total amount paid by that participant to the Academy in the 12 months preceding the relevant claim.

Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts, or modifies any guarantee, right, or remedy conferred on consumers under the Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)) that cannot be excluded, restricted, or modified by agreement.

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of New South Wales, Australia. The parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales.

In the event of a dispute, we encourage you to contact us directly at iching@taoacademy.com.au to seek an amicable resolution before commencing any formal proceedings.

The Academy operates exclusively for charitable and educational purposes consistent with our Constitution and applicable Australian charity law. All revenue and assets are applied solely in furtherance of our educational and cultural mission. No part of the Academy's income or assets is distributed to members, directors, or associates.

We are registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). Enquiries regarding our charitable status or financial reports may be directed to the ACNC register at www.acnc.gov.au.

For questions or concerns regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact us at:

Australian Tao Academy Limited Email: iching@taoacademy.com.au Website: www.taoacademy.com.au