Safety Tips & Event Etiquette

1 Before Joining an Activity

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  Always meet in public: Make sure you meet in a public, well-lit place with others around.
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  Inform Someone You Trust: Share details of your activity, location, and expected return time with a friend or family member.
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  Keep Communications on HobbyMate: Use the in-app chat for all activity-related communication. It's logged and reviewable if you ever need to report a conversation — don't move to a private messaging app before you've actually met someone.
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  Be in Control of Your Own Transportation: Arrange reliable transportation to and from the location, so you have full control over your travel and can leave at any time if needed.
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  Understand Local Norms: Research local customs, tipping practices, and cultural expectations for a smooth experience.

2 During the Activity

Personal Safety

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  Stay Aware: Keep your belongings and drinks in sight at all times. Be mindful of your alcohol consumption to remain alert.
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  Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, excuse yourself and leave. Your safety is the top priority.
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  Seek Help If Needed: If you feel unsafe, inform venue staff, local authorities, or a trusted contact immediately.

Etiquette & Conduct

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  Respect Others: Engage in inclusive and respectful conversations. Avoid sensitive topics unless everyone is comfortable.
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  Embrace Diversity: Appreciate different perspectives and backgrounds. HobbyMate is a global community designed to connect people from all walks of life.
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  Splitting the Bill: Be prepared to handle your share of expenses. Use digital payment apps or cash for smooth transactions.
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  Tipping: Follow local tipping customs when dining out or using services.

3 After the Activity

Continued Interaction

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  Stay Connected Safely: Use the HobbyMate app to continue conversations. Share personal details only with people you trust.
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  Report Concerns: If you experience inappropriate or unsafe behaviour, report it through the app. Reports are confidential and help keep the community safe.

Transportation Safety

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  Avoid Impaired Driving: Arrange alternative transportation if you've consumed alcohol or other substances.
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  Be Cautious with Rides: Avoid accepting rides from unfamiliar people, especially if they have been drinking.

4 Blocking and Reporting Users

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  Block for Safety: Use the blocking feature to prevent unwanted contact. Once blocked, the user will no longer be able to see your profile or contact you.
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  Report Serious Concerns: Blocking a user does not automatically report behaviour. If someone violates community guidelines, submit a report through the app.
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  Respectful Use: Misuse of the blocking feature to disrupt others' experiences is not allowed.

5 Tips for Participating in Activities

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  Arrive on Time: Respect others' time by being punctual.
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  Communicate Dietary Needs: If attending a food-related activity, let the organiser or venue staff know about allergies or dietary restrictions.
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  Be Present: Stay engaged in conversations and be mindful of your phone use to foster real connections.

6 Emergency Situations

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  If you're in immediate danger, call 000 (Police, Fire, or Ambulance) straight away. This applies anywhere in Australia, any time, day or night.
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  Travelling overseas: familiarise yourself with the local emergency number before you go — 000 only works in Australia.
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  Report Incidents: Once you're safe, report what happened through the app's reporting system so we can act on it.

7 Online Safety

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  Never Send Money or Share Financial Information — Never send money to someone you met on HobbyMate, even if they claim to be in an emergency. Be cautious of investment opportunities or requests to open accounts. If someone asks for money, report them immediately.
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  Protect Your Personal Information — Avoid sharing sensitive details such as your home/work address, daily routines, or financial information. If you have children, limit information about them in public profiles.
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  Stay on the Platform — Keep conversations on HobbyMate until you feel comfortable. Fraudulent users often try to move chats to private messaging apps early on.
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  Be Wary of Long-Distance Relationships — Scammers may claim to be from your country but stuck somewhere else, often asking for financial help. Be cautious of anyone who avoids video calls, refuses to meet in person, or rushes into a relationship.
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  Report Suspicious Behaviour — Block and report anyone who violates guidelines, including requests for money or donations, underage users, harassment, abusive messages, fraudulent profiles, or spam.

8 LGBTQ+ Travel Safety

While HobbyMate is an inclusive space, some regions have laws or cultural attitudes that put LGBTQ+ members at risk. Before travelling, review local laws and safety considerations. Resources such as ILGA World provide up-to-date information on LGBTQ+ rights by country.

In High-Risk Areas:

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  Be cautious about sharing personal details, especially on public profiles.
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  Research LGBTQ+ safe spaces and support organisations in the area.