Allara Support Services is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share your information in line with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles, and the Spam Act 2003.

1. How We Collect Your Information  

We collect personal information to provide care and support services. This may include: 

• Name, address, phone number, and email 

• Date of birth and gender 

• Emergency or advocate contact details 

• Health information 

• Diversity information, such as ethnicity or lifestyle preferences 

We collect information directly from you wherever possible. In some cases, we may collect information from:  

– Your family, advocate, or support person  

– Your doctor or other service providers 

We will only collect information from others if:  

– You have given consent  

– We are legally required or authorised  

– Collecting directly from you is impractical 

You can withdraw your consent at any time, though this may affect the services we can provide. 

2. How We Use Your Information  

We use personal information to: 

• Provide care and support services 

• Communicate with you about appointments, billing, or other important matters 

• Allow service providers and medical practitioners to provide appropriate care 

3. Email Communications 

 We use Mailchimp to manage email communications, including newsletters, appointment reminders, billing notifications, and other correspondence. By providing your email and contact details, you consent to: 

• Storage and processing of your information by Mailchimp 

• Receiving emails related to your care, billing, or other services 

You can unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time using the unsubscribe link provided in the email, in line with the Spam Act 2003. 

4. Use of Images and Content  

Allara Support Services only uses images, testimonials, or other content with explicit consent. This may include: 

• Marketing materials 

• Website content 

• Newsletters or social media posts 

You can withdraw your consent at any time, and we will remove your content wherever practicable. 

5. Who We Share Your Information  

With We may share your information with: 

• Service providers assisting with care and services 

• Medical practitioners, hospitals, and emergency services 

• The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or other government organisations 

• Your nominated advocate, family members, or emergency contacts (aged 18+) 

We do not share your personal information overseas. 

6. How We Protect Your Information 

 We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. This includes: 

• Secure storage of physical and electronic records 

• Access limited to authorised staff only 

7. Accessing and Correcting Your Information 

 You have the right to: 

• Access personal information we hold about you 

• Request corrections if information is inaccurate 

• Request deletion of information, except where retention is required by law 

Requests for access or correction may require proof of identity. We will respond within seven (7) days wherever possible. 

8. Employee and Volunteer Information 

• Employee records are managed according to workplace laws. 

• Volunteer information is managed in accordance with the Privacy Act. 

9. Privacy Breaches  

If your personal information is lost, stolen, or accessed without authorisation, we will follow our Management of Data Breach Policy and Procedure in line with legal requirements. 

10. Privacy Complaints  

You can lodge a privacy complaint through our complaint handling process. Complaints will be: 

• Treated seriously and promptly 

• Handled confidentially 

• Resolved without affecting your existing obligations or relationship with Allara Support Services 

You will be informed of the outcome once the investigation is complete.