Privacy Policy
At Sheridan Funerals, we are a small, family-owned funeral service provider based in Perth, Western Australia.
As such, we are generally exempt from the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (including the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)) under section 6C. However, we voluntarily adopt these principles to ensure the highest standards of privacy protection, especially given the sensitive nature of the information we handle (e.g., details related to deceased persons and grieving families).
We also comply with relevant Western Australian laws, such as the Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024 (WA) where applicable, and other obligations like the Spam Act 2003 (Cth) for communications.
Last Updated: 3 December 2025
At Sheridan Funerals, we are a small, family-owned funeral service provider based in Perth, Western Australia. As such, we are generally exempt from the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (including the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)) under section 6C. However, we voluntarily adopt these principles to ensure the highest standards of privacy protection, especially given the sensitive nature of the information we handle (e.g., details related to deceased persons and grieving families). We also comply with relevant Western Australian laws, such as the Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024 (WA) where applicable, and other obligations like the Spam Act 2003 (Cth) for communications.
This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, store, and protect Personal Information. It applies to all interactions, including our website (sheridanfunerals.com.au), Meta ads/lead forms, emails, phone inquiries, and funeral services. Our commitment reflects our core values: compassionate support, personalised care, and professionalism.
If you have questions, please contact our Privacy Officer (details below).
Definitions
In this policy:
- Personal Information means information or an opinion about an identified individual, or an individual who is reasonably identifiable, whether the information or opinion is true or not, and whether the information or opinion is recorded in a material form or not.
- Sensitive Information means a subset of Personal Information, including information about racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, criminal record, health information, or biometric information.
- What Personal Information Do We Collect?
We only collect information necessary to provide compassionate support. This includes:
- For clients and families: Name, contact details (phone, email, address), date of birth, relationship to the deceased, payment information, and service preferences (e.g., cultural/religious protocols).
- For deceased persons: Name, date of birth/death, cause of death (if provided), and funeral arrangements.
- From inquiries: Details submitted via online forms (e.g., Meta Lead Forms), emails, or calls, such as “how can we help?” responses.
- Website/analytic data: IP address, browser type, and usage data (anonymised where possible) via cookies or tools like Google Analytics.
We do not collect Sensitive Information (e.g., health records) unless directly relevant to services, and always with your consent
- How Do We Collect Personal Information?
- Directly from you: Through forms (e.g., website inquiries, Meta ads), phone calls, emails, or in-person consultations.
- Indirectly: From third parties like hospitals, coroners, or legal representatives (with consent), or public sources for verification.
- Automatically: Via website cookies for site functionality (e.g., session management). You can manage cookies via your browser settings.
We collect information fairly and transparently, often with a collection notice explaining why it’s needed.
- Why Do We Collect and Use Personal Information?
We use your information only for primary purposes related to funeral support:
- Providing services (e.g., arranging funerals, cremations, grief resources).
- Communicating about inquiries, pre-planning, or follow-ups.
- Sending helpful updates (e.g., pricing guides) with your consent.
- Internal administration (e.g., billing, compliance).
- Improving our services (e.g., anonymised analytics).
We will not use it for unrelated purposes without consent.
- Direct Marketing
We may send you occasional, gentle updates about our services (e.g., pre-planning guides or grief support) if you’ve opted in via forms or inquiries. This complies with the Spam Act 2003 (Cth) all emails include an unsubscribe option. You can opt out anytime by replying “unsubscribe” or contacting us. We do not sell your information for marketing.
- Disclosure of Personal Information
We share information only when necessary and with your consent:
- Service providers: Trusted partners like crematoriums, florists, or transport (bound by confidentiality).
- Legal requirements: To authorities (e.g., coroners, registries) or as required by law.
- Related entities: Within our small family business (none currently).
We do not disclose to unrelated third parties without consent. For overseas disclosures (rare for us), we ensure equivalent protections.
- Data Security
We take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, loss, or unauthorised access, including:
- Secure servers and encryption for online data.
- Access controls (e.g., password-protected systems).
- Staff training on privacy and sensitivity.
Physical records are stored securely in locked facilities. Digital data is backed up and retained only as long as needed (e.g., 7 years for legal/financial reasons, then securely destroyed).
- Data Breaches
Although exempt from the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme, if a breach occurs (likely to cause serious harm), we will notify affected individuals promptly and investigate to prevent recurrence.
- Access and Correction
You have the right to:
- Access your information (free or low-cost).
- Request corrections if inaccurate.
Contact us to make a request—we respond within 30 days. We may charge a reasonable fee for complex requests and can deny access in limited cases (e.g., legal privilege).
- Complaints
If you believe we’ve mishandled your privacy:
- Contact our office in writing, we aim to resolve within 30 days.
- If unsatisfied, escalate to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au or 1300 363 992 (even though we’re exempt, they can provide guidance).
We take complaints seriously and will not retaliate.
- Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy to reflect legal changes or business needs. Changes will be posted on our website with the new effective date. Continued use of our services after changes implies acceptance.
Contact Us
Managing Director
Rebecca Sheridan
Sheridan Funerals
1/8 Brant Road, Kelmscott WA 6111
Phone: 1300 FAREWELL (327 393)
Email: reception@sheridanfunerals.com.au
We value your trust. Thank you for choosing Sheridan Funerals. “Trust in Us” means protecting what matters most.
Effective Date: 3 December 2025