Purpose 

The purpose of this policy is to ensure transparency and fairness in ORRCA Inc.’s refund process, supporting responsible resource management while maintaining trust with members and participants.  

Objective  

The objective is to provide clear guidelines for refund requests, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and adherence to ORRCA Inc.’s financial principles.  By adhering to this policy, ORRCA Inc. can ensure the efficient allocation of its resources, allowing the organisation to maximise its impact and further its charitable mission. 

Scope  

This policy applies to the workshop participants, General Members, and Rescue Members. 

Definitions 

•  ORRCA: Refers to ORRCA Inc. 
• Committee Members: Individuals elected to oversee ORRCA’s governance and financial decisions. 
• Membership Fees Payments made by individuals to become ORRCA members, granting access to specific benefits. 
• Marine Mammal Rescue Training Workshops: Educational sessions conducted by ORRCA to train participants in marine mammal rescue procedures. 
• Exceptional Circumstances: Situations beyond a participant’s control that may justify a refund (e.g., medical emergencies, technical errors). 

Policy 

1. Membership Fees: 

• Non-Refundable: Membership fees are non-refundable. No refunds will be issued for change of mind once membership has been processed. 
• Exceptional Circumstances: In cases of genuine error or exceptional circumstances, refund requests may be reviewed at the discretion of the Committee. Such cases must be submitted in writing for consideration within 24 hours of purchase to orrca@orrca.org.au. 

2. Marine Mammal Rescue Training Workshops:

• No-Show Policy: If a participant does not attend a scheduled workshop without prior notice, no refund will be provided. 
• Cancellation or Non-Attendance Notification: Participants must notify us in writing at least 24 hours prior to the workshop start time if they are unable to attend. Failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of the workshop fee. 

3. Refund or Transfer Requests: 

1. Refunds or transfers to another workshop date may only be requested within 60 days of the original workshop date. 
2. Refunds will only be issued if the cancellation meets the 24-hour notification requirement. 
3. Transfers to a future workshop date are subject to availability and must also meet the 24-hour notification requirement. 
   

4. Course Cancellations by ORRCA: 

• If a workshop is cancelled or rescheduled by ORRCA, participants will be offered the choice of a full refund or transfer to an alternative workshop date. 

5. Merchandise Sales:

Change of Mind Returns

ORRCA will accept returns of merchandise for change of mind within 30 days of delivery, provided that:

• The item is unused, unworn, unwashed, and in its original condition;
• All original tags, labels, packaging, and accessories are included;
• Proof of purchase is provided; and
• The item is not a clearance, customised, personalised, or made-to-order product.

Customers are responsible for all return shipping costs associated with change-of-mind returns. Returned items must be sent to the address provided by ORRCA upon approval of the return request.

Once the returned item has been received and inspected, ORRCA will process the refund within 14 business days. Original shipping charges are non-refundable.

Faulty, Damaged or Incorrect Items

If a merchandise item is received damaged, faulty, defective, or is not the item ordered, customers should contact ORRCA within 14 days of receiving the order by emailing orrca@orrca.org.au.

Where a product is found to be faulty, damaged, or incorrectly supplied, ORRCA will provide a remedy in accordance with Australian Consumer Law, which may include a replacement, repair, or refund. In these circumstances, ORRCA will cover reasonable return shipping costs where applicable.

Australian Consumer Law
Nothing in this policy excludes, restricts, or modifies any rights or remedies available under the Australian Consumer Law. Customers may be entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund for products that are faulty, unsafe, not as described, or do not perform as expected under consumer guarantees.

Policy details 

1. Refund Processing 

• Approved refunds will be processed within 14 business days of receipt of the refund request. 
• Refunds will be issued via the original payment method unless otherwise agreed by ORRCA. 

2. Compliance 

Compliance with this refund policy is essential to ensure transparency and fairness in ORRCA’s financial processes. All ORRCA members, workshop participants, and committee members are expected to adhere to the guidelines outlined in this policy. 

In cases where a participant or member disagrees with a refund decision, they may submit a written appeal to the ORRCA Committee for reconsideration. 

Contact 

For questions about this policy, contact the ORRCA Committee by email at orrca@orrca.org.au.