About this policy
Westcare Incorporated (“Westcare”, “we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to respecting and protecting the privacy of the personal information we collect. We operate in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). Our website is www.westcare.com.au and any associated digital or (where relevant) offline services.
What personal information we collect
You may browse much of our website without disclosing any personal information such as your name, address or email. Some features of our website or our service activities (for example, enquiries, job applications, or service intake) may require you to provide personal information.
When you voluntarily provide personal information (for example your name, email address, postal address, phone number, job application details or service-related information), we collect and store that information.
In the context of our operations (as a social enterprise and disability support provider), the personal information we collect may include (but is not limited to):
• your name, contact details (email, phone, postal address)
• professional or employment-related information (in case of job applications)
• service-intake or support-related data where you are a participant, client, resident or applicant of our supports
• any other information you provide voluntarily via enquiry forms, email, fax, postal forms or in-person.
We will only collect sensitive information (for example health or disability-related information) where it is reasonably necessary for our functions and you have consented (or the collection is otherwise permitted under the APPs and relevant legislation).
How we use and disclose your personal information
We use the personal information we collect for the primary purpose it was provided (for example: to respond to your enquiry; process your job application; assess service suitability; support you in our accommodation, employment or training programs).
We may also use or disclose your information for related secondary purposes where you would reasonably expect this, or where permitted by law.
We will not sell your personal information to any third-party organisation.
Where we disclose information to third parties (for example service partners, contractors, IT/cloud service providers), it is done so under appropriate confidentiality or data-security arrangements.
Your website visit data and cookies
When you visit our website, we use web-analytics software and tools which collect standard non-identifying data such as:
• server & IP address (non-identifiable)
• top-level domain name (e.g. .com, .au)
• session data (date/time of visit, landing page, pages visited)
• device and operating-system information
• browser “user-agent” strings
This data is used to improve the performance, usability and functionality of our website.
We also use cookies (first-party cookies) to collect information about how the site is used (for example user journeys, time on page). If you leave a comment or fill out a form on our site you may opt in to storing your name/email/website in cookies for convenience in future visits.
You may disable cookies via your browser settings if you prefer. More detailed instructions are available from your browser provider.
Uploading images or other content
If you upload images or other content to our website or our social-media platforms, please avoid uploading files containing embedded location or other metadata (for example EXIF GPS data). Once uploaded and accessible, visitors may be able to download or extract metadata.
If we embed or link to third-party content (videos, images, articles) from other platforms (e.g. social media), please be aware that those external platforms may collect data about your interaction with that embedded content under their own privacy policies.
Transmitting and storing your information
Transmission of information via the Internet carries inherent risk because it is not completely secure. While we use Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology (or similar encryption) to help protect data in transit, we cannot guarantee that information sent over the Internet is absolutely secure. By using our website or submitting information to us, you accept this inherent risk.
We store digital information you provide in secure cloud or local storage systems, and have implemented reasonable safeguards to protect against misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure of your personal information.
If we embed or link to third-party content (videos, images, articles) from other platforms (e.g. social media), please be aware that those external platforms may collect data about your interaction with that embedded content under their own privacy policies.
Marketing and staying in touch
We may use your contact details (email, postal address) to provide updates, newsletters or information about our services, including by direct marketing (via email, post or social-media messaging).
We include an unsubscribe or “opt-out” function in our digital marketing. If you receive material you no longer wish to receive, please contact us at feedback@westcare.com.au and ask to be removed from that distribution list.
Accessing and correcting your information
You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you. You also have the right to request correction of any inaccurate, out-of-date or incomplete personal information.
To make such a request, please email us at westcare@westcare.com.au providing sufficient details to identify yourself and the information you are requesting. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe (taking into account our obligations under the APPs).
If we refuse access or correction, we will provide reasons (unless legally prohibited to do so) and outline review options.
Complaints and feedback
If you wish to make a complaint about how we handle your personal information or provide any feedback, please contact our Feedback Email: feedback@westcare.com.au.
We will investigate your complaint and respond in a timely manner. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may refer the matter to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) or other relevant authority.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The updated version will be published on our website at www.westcare.com.au and will include a revised effective date. We encourage you to review the policy regularly.
Contact details
If you have any questions about this privacy policy or our handling of personal information, please contact us:
• Email: westcare@westcare.com.au
• Feedback email: feedback@westcare.com.au
• Postal: 75 Carrington Street, Nedlands WA 6009, Australia
• Telephone: 08 6389 4100
Thank you for trusting Westcare with your personal information.