Privacy Policy

Last updated: 21 August 2026

North West Community Services (NWCS) respects your privacy. This policy explains how we collect, hold, use and disclose personal information when you use our website, contact us or engage with our programs and services.

What information we collect

Depending on how you interact with us, we may collect your name, contact details, information included in enquiries, service or program information, booking details, feedback and other information you choose to provide. Where it is reasonably necessary for our work and permitted by law, we may also collect sensitive information such as health, disability, cultural or support-needs information. We will seek consent where required.

How we collect information

We usually collect information directly from you when you complete a form, email or call us, register for a program or event, make a venue enquiry, provide feedback or receive a service. With your consent, or where authorised by law, we may also receive information from a family member, carer, referral partner, government agency or another service provider.

When you visit this website, our systems may automatically record technical information such as your IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited and the date and time of your visit. The site may use necessary cookies and similar technologies to operate, maintain security and understand site performance. You can control non-essential cookies through your browser settings where available.

Why we use your information

We use personal information to respond to enquiries, assess eligibility, provide and improve services, manage registrations and venue bookings, communicate with you, maintain safety and quality, meet funding and reporting obligations, process complaints and comply with legal requirements. We do not sell personal information.

When we disclose information

We may disclose information to NWCS staff and authorised workers, technology and professional service providers, funding or regulatory bodies, and referral or partner organisations where this is necessary and lawful. We may also disclose information with your consent, to prevent a serious threat to health or safety, or when required or authorised by law.

Some technology providers may process or store information outside Australia. Where this occurs, we take reasonable steps appropriate to the circumstances to protect the information and comply with applicable privacy requirements.

How we protect and retain information

We use reasonable physical, technical and administrative safeguards to protect information from misuse, interference, loss and unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. We retain information only for as long as needed for our services, legal, contractual and record-keeping obligations, then securely destroy or de-identify it where appropriate.

Access and correction

You may ask to access personal information we hold about you or request a correction if it is inaccurate, out of date, incomplete, irrelevant or misleading. Contact us using the details below. We may need to verify your identity and, if an exception applies, we will explain our decision where required.

Privacy questions and complaints

To ask a privacy question, request access or correction, or make a complaint, contact:

North West Community Services
9 Park Street, Riverstone NSW 2765
Phone: (02) 9627 3622
Email: reception@nwcs.org.au

Please give us enough detail to investigate. We will acknowledge and respond to privacy complaints within a reasonable period. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy when our practices, services or legal obligations change. The latest version will be published on this page with its updated date.