Privacy Disclaimer – WATSIC Programs and Services
Winnam Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation (“the Corporation) is committed to protecting the privacy, dignity, and cultural rights of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who choose to access our programs, supports, and community services. We understand that the information you share with us often relates to personal, cultural, family, health, and wellbeing matters, and may hold deep cultural significance.
This Privacy Disclaimer outlines how your information is collected, used, stored, and protected when you engage with any of our programs or services. It should be read in conjunction with our full Privacy Policy, which provides further detail and legal obligations.
By participating in our services, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to the ways in which your information may be handled as described below.
- Whywemay collect information
We collect personal and sensitive information for the sole purpose of delivering culturally safe, effective, and respectful services to you and our community. This may include:
- Understanding your support needs
- Assessing your eligibility for programs
- Providing health, wellbeing, cultural or community services
- Referring you to appropriate services
- Ensuring your safety and the safety of others
- Meeting government, funding, or reporting requirements
We do not collect information that is unnecessary for the provision of services.
- Whatinformationwe collect
The types of information we may collect include, but are not limited to:
2.1 Basic personal information
- Full name
- Contact details (phone, email, address)
- Date of birth
- Emergency contacts
2.2 Sensitive personal information
Because we serve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we may, with your consent, collect:
- Cultural identity, language group, or community connections
- Family, kinship, or community relationships
- Health, medical, disability, and wellbeing information
- Information related to care needs, risks, or safety
- Details shared during therapy, yarning, counselling or support sessions
- Information about children or other dependants
Sensitive information is treated with additional care, confidentiality, and cultural respect.
2.3 Information shared by others
In some cases, we may receive information about you from:
- Doctors, hospitals, or service providers
- Government agencies
- Family members or cultural carers
- Support workers or referral services
This will occur only where you have given consent or where required by law for safety.
- Howwecollect information
We collect information in ways that respect cultural protocols and minimise intrusion into your privacy. This may include:
- Intake and registration forms
- Yarns, meetings, counselling, and appointments
- Assessments or program participation
- Referrals from other agencies (with consent)
- Conversational sharing during support activities
- Written, verbal, or electronic communication
We aim to keep collection respectful and appropriate to the context and cultural needs of each person.
- Howweuse your information
Your information may be used to:
- Deliver the specific programs and services you request
- Create support, care, case management, or healing plans
- Coordinate with other organisations at your request
- Monitor health, wellbeing, or safety needs
- Advocate on your behalf
- Provide culturally appropriate guidance, referrals, and support
- Fulfil reporting responsibilities required by funding agreements
Your information is never used for marketing, advertising, or any commercial activity.
- Whenwemay share your information
We respect that your story belongs to you.
We will not share your information with anyone unless:
- You give us clear, informed consent, OR
- Sharing is required to provide a service you have requested, OR
- We are legally required to share information due to:
- serious and immediate safety concerns,
- child protection obligations,
- court orders, or
- law enforcement requirements.
Even when information must be shared under legal obligations, we will:
- share only what is necessary
- handle the situation with cultural sensitivity
- explain what is happening wherever possible
We never sell, trade, or misuse personal information.
- Culturalrespect andsensitivity
We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples often have cultural, kinship, and community considerations that influence how information is shared and stored. We commit to:
- respecting your cultural identity and kinship relationships
- allowing you to choose which cultural information you share
- acknowledging community protocols around information and storytelling
- minimising the collection of culturally sensitive data
- seeking guidance from cultural advisors or Elders when appropriate (with your permission)
- providing culturally appropriate privacy explanations when requested
We understand privacy is not only a legal requirement — it is a matter of community trust.
- Howwestore and protect information
To protect your privacy, we use secure methods to store your information, including:
- encrypted digital systems
- restricted access databases
- locked filing cabinets for paper records
- password protection and staff authentication
- secure platforms for communication and document management
- regular staff training on privacy and cultural protocols
Only authorised staff directly involved in your care or program support may access your information.
We take all reasonable steps to prevent:
- loss
- unauthorised access
- misuse
- modification
- improper disclosure
If a privacy breach occurs, we will follow the Notifiable Data Breach Scheme and inform affected individuals where required.
- Yourrights
You have important rights regarding your personal information. You may:
8.1 Access
Request a copy of the information we hold about you.
8.2 Correction
Ask us to correct or update information that is inaccurate or incomplete.
8.3 Withdraw consent
Withdraw permission for us to share your information with other organisations (unless required by law).
8.4 Ask questions or raise concerns
Ask how your information is being used or raise concerns about privacy.
We will respond to your requests respectfully and in a reasonable timeframe.
- Voluntaryparticipation andchoice
Participation in programs and services is voluntary. You can choose:
- what information you share
- whether you want certain details kept private
- whether cultural or family information is included in your file
- how you prefer to be contacted
We will explain any limits to service delivery that may result from withholding certain information.
- Mandatoryreporting
In line with Queensland and Australian law, we may be required to report certain situations without your consent, including:
- risk of significant harm to yourself or others
- concerns for a child’s safety or wellbeing
- threats of serious violence
- domestic or family violence situations where legal duties apply
We will always aim to inform you of such actions wherever it is safe and appropriate.
- Use ofde-identifiedinformation
For funding, reporting, or service improvement, we may use de-identified information such as:
- program attendance
- demographic statistics
- general community needs
- overall program outcomes
This information cannot be used to identify you personally.
- Limitations ofconfidentiality
Although we take every step to protect your information, confidentiality has limits. These include:
- legal reporting requirements
- safety emergencies
- technical limitations of electronic communication
- shared program spaces where others may overhear (we take steps to minimise this)
We will always explain these limits if they apply to your situation.
- Raising aconcern ormaking a complaint
You have the right to raise a privacy concern at any time.
We will:
- listen respectfully
- take your concern seriously
- work with you to resolve the issue
- involve relevant cultural advisors if appropriate
- keep you informed throughout the process
If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
- Acceptance ofthisdisclaimer
By participating in our programs and services, you acknowledge that you understand and accept this Privacy Disclaimer. If at any time you have questions or require clarification, we encourage you to speak with one of our staff members who can explain the process in a culturally respectful and accessible way.
- Contactus
If you have questions, concerns, or wish to access or update your information, please contact:
Winnam Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation
Address: 150 Whites Road, Lota QLD 4179
Postal Address: PO Box 201, Wynnum QLD 4178
Phone: (07) 3396 3431
Email: admin@winnam.org