™Privacy policy
Plain-English answers about the personal information VCM holds.
Effective: 10 November 2026. This policy covers Mark Francis Stevens trading as Victorian Country Mercantile (VCM), ABN 20 913 691 147. VCM is bound by the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
What personal information does VCM hold?
Only what a job needs. Depending on the job, that can be a person’s name, date of birth, address, phone number and email, where they work, what is owed and why, details of a loan, contract or secured asset (such as a vehicle), notes and photos from a visit, court documents, and emails and letters.
From this website, VCM receives only what you type into the contact form or the process-serving request form, or send by email. Court documents for process serving come by email, not through the website. Court documents, especially in family law matters, can contain sensitive information, and we use it only to carry out the service you’ve asked for. This site has no website analytics and no advertising cookies.
Where does it come from?
Usually from the business, solicitor or person who asks VCM to do the job. Some also comes from the person the job is about, from what Mark sees and is told on a visit, from public records and lawful trace providers, and from people who have a genuine connection to the matter.
What is it used for?
Doing the job VCM was asked to do: collecting a debt, serving documents, making a field call, locating someone or checking an asset. It is also used to write up reports and affidavits of service, to meet VCM’s own legal obligations and look after everyone’s safety, for VCM’s bookkeeping and records, and to deal with questions and complaints.
Who sees it?
The client who gave VCM the job. When a job calls for it, a trace provider, tow or storage operator or locksmith. Courts, tribunals and regulators. VCM’s accountant, lawyer and insurer. And the technology services VCM uses to store email and files. Each one gets only the part they need. VCM never sells personal information.
Is any of it stored overseas?
It can be. VCM uses Microsoft 365 for email and documents, Netlify (in the United States) to host this website and receive form submissions, and Google Fonts, which sees your browser’s IP address when a page loads.
How is it protected, and for how long?
VCM’s systems are password-protected, with two-factor sign-in wherever it’s offered, and paper files are stored securely. Records are kept for 7 years after a matter closes, or longer if the law requires, and are then shredded, deleted or stripped of anything that identifies a person.
Can I see or correct what VCM holds about me?
Yes. Ask Mark using the contact details at the bottom of this policy. You’ll get an answer within 30 days.
How do I complain about a privacy issue?
Start with the Complaints page. If VCM’s answer doesn’t resolve it, you can go to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC): www.oaic.gov.au, 1300 363 992.
Privacy Officer
Mark Stevens · mark@victoriancountrymercantile.com.au · 0493 795 851 · PO Box 454, Huntly VIC 3551