Privacy Policy – My Companion Services
At My Companion Services, we are committed to protecting your privacy. We understand the trust you place in us when you share your personal information, and we take this responsibility seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and share your personal information in line with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and where applicable, the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW).
Our Commitment to Privacy
My Companion Services provides non-medical support and companionship services to people across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. In doing so, we handle personal and health-related information with great care. We comply with all relevant Australian privacy laws.
In NSW, health service providers — including aged care, disability support and companion care — must also comply with the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW) if they are not already covered under federal law. As a business that deals with sensitive health and wellbeing information, we follow both federal and state-based privacy obligations as they apply to our services.
Collecting Personal Information
We collect personal information when you engage with our services, contact us, use our website or speak with a member of our team. This information may include:
- Your name, contact details and address
- Date of birth
- Health or mobility information relevant to your care
- Details of your emergency or authorised contacts
- Payment details and service history
In most cases, we collect this information directly from you, or from someone you’ve authorised to act on your behalf.
Why We Collect It
We collect your personal information so we can provide you with safe, respectful and individualised services. This includes:
- Coordinating bookings and delivering care
- Communicating with you and your support network
- Processing payments and managing accounts
- Ensuring your safety and wellbeing while in our care
- Meeting our legal, regulatory or funding obligations
We only collect what is necessary and handle your information with care.
Why We May Disclose Your Information to Others
There are times when we may need to share your information with others — but only when it’s appropriate, necessary or required by law.
For example, we may disclose information to:
- Medical professionals or emergency services, if something happens while you are in our care
- Your nominated family members, carers or advocates, with your consent
- Government departments or agencies, such as the NDIS or other funding bodies
- Trusted third-party providers, such as digital storage platforms or payment processors, who help us deliver services
We always aim to share only the minimum necessary information, and we ensure anyone we work with also meets Australian privacy standards. We never sell or rent your information.
How We Use and Handle Your Information
Your information is only used to deliver the services you’ve asked for, and to support your safety and wellbeing. Access is restricted to authorised team members, and we take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, loss or unauthorised access.
Information may be stored electronically or on paper, but always in a secure and responsible manner. If information is no longer needed, and we are not required to keep it for legal reasons, it is securely destroyed or de-identified.
Accessing or Updating Your Information
You have the right to request access to any personal information we hold about you. You can also ask us to correct it if it’s out of date or inaccurate.
Just get in touch using the contact details below and we’ll guide you through the process.
Visiting Our Website and Use of Cookies
When you visit our website, we may collect basic technical information such as your IP address, the type of device or browser you’re using, and how you interact with our site. This helps us improve the online experience.
We may also use cookies, which are small files that help the website remember your preferences. You can choose to disable cookies in your browser settings if you prefer.
Links to Other Websites
We may occasionally link to other websites we think you might find helpful. Please keep in mind that we aren’t responsible for the privacy practices of those sites. We recommend reading their privacy policies before providing any personal information.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the law, technology or our services. The most current version will always be published on our website.
Contacting Us
If you have any questions, need to update your information or want to raise a concern about how your privacy has been handled, please reach out to us directly.
My Companion Services
Phone: 1800 627 669
Email: assistme@mycompanionservices.com.au
Website: https://mycompanionservices.com.au
Service Area: Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, NSW
If you’re not satisfied with our response, you can also contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) by visiting www.oaic.gov.au or calling 1300 363 992.