Terms & Conditions

Ballarat Community Health Website
https://bchc.org.au

1. Introduction and Acceptance

1.1 About These Terms

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of the Ballarat Community Health website located at https://bchc.org.au (“Website”) and any related services provided by Ballarat Community Health ABN 98 227 492 950 (“BCH”, “we”, “us”, or “our”).

1.2 Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using our Website, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our Website.

1.3 Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to the Website. Your continued use of the Website after any changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

2. About Ballarat Community Health

2.1 Our Organisation

Ballarat Community Health (BCH) is a public company limited by guarantee, registered under the Corporations Act 2001. We are a registered charity and health service provider operating in Victoria, Australia.

2.2 Our Mission

BCH exists to ensure that people from all walks of life can access quality health care, regardless of their circumstances. Our vision is that all people within the communities we support achieve the best possible health and wellbeing.

2.3 Our Services

We provide a comprehensive range of health and wellbeing services including:

• Primary health care and general practice services
• Allied health services
• Mental health services
• Alcohol and drug services
• Community programmes
• Youth, family and migrant services
• Exercise and fitness programmes
• Health promotion and prevention programmes

3. Website Use

3.1 Permitted Use

You may use our Website for lawful purposes only, including:

• Accessing information about our services
• Booking appointments where available
• Contacting us for legitimate enquiries
• Accessing health resources and educational materials

3.2 Prohibited Use

You must not use our Website to:

• Violate any applicable laws or regulations
• Transmit harmful, offensive, or inappropriate content
• Interfere with or disrupt the Website’s functionality
• Attempt to gain unauthorised access to any part of the Website
• Use automated systems to access or collect information
• Impersonate any person or entity
• Engage in any activity that could harm BCH’s reputation

3.3 User Accounts

If you create an account on our Website:

• You must provide accurate and complete information
• You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account
• You must notify us immediately of any unauthorised use
• You may not share your account credentials with others

4. Health Information and Medical Disclaimer

4.1 General Health Information

Information provided on this Website is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.

4.2 No Doctor-Patient Relationship

Use of this Website does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and BCH or any of our healthcare providers.

4.3 Medical Emergency

4.4 Consult Healthcare Professionals

Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific health conditions, symptoms, or treatment options.

4.5 Medication and Treatment Information

Information about medications, treatments, or procedures is general in nature and may not be suitable for your specific circumstances.

5. Privacy and Personal Information

5.1 Privacy Policy

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection, use, and disclosure of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which forms part of these Terms.

5.2 Health Information

We handle health information in accordance with:

• Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth)
• Health Records Act 2001 (Victoria)
• Other applicable privacy and health information legislation

5.3 Consent to Collection

By using our Website, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in our Privacy Policy.

6. Intellectual Property

6.1 Ownership

All content on this Website, including text, images, logos, graphics, videos, and software, is owned by or licensed to BCH and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

6.2 Limited Licence

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable licence to access and use the Website for personal, non-commercial purposes only.

6.3 Restrictions

You may not:

• Reproduce, distribute, or publicly display any content without permission
• Modify, adapt, or create derivative works
• Use our trademarks or logos without authorisation
• Remove or alter any copyright or proprietary notices

7. Third-Party Content and Links

7.1 Third-Party Links

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites. We do not control these websites and are not responsible for their content, privacy practices, or terms of use.

7.2 Third-Party Services

We may integrate third-party services (such as booking systems or payment processors) into our Website. Your use of these services is governed by their respective terms and conditions.

7.3 No Endorsement

Links to third-party websites do not constitute endorsement of their content, products, or services.

8. Appointment Booking and Cancellation

8.1 Online Booking

If available, online booking services are provided for your convenience. Booking confirmations are subject to availability and staff scheduling.

8.2 Cancellation Policy

• At least 24 hours’ notice is required for appointment cancellations
• Late cancellations or no-shows may result in fees
• Repeated missed appointments may affect future booking privileges

8.3 Appointment Confirmations

Appointment confirmations sent via email or SMS are for convenience only. Please confirm your appointment directly with our staff if you have any concerns.

9. Fees and Payments

9.1 Service Fees

Fees for our services are determined based on:

• Government funding eligibility
• Concession card status
• Fee-for-service arrangements
• Bulk billing availability

9.2 Payment Methods

We accept various payment methods as displayed on our Website or at our facilities. Payment is generally required at the time of service.

9.3 Fee Changes

We reserve the right to change our fees at any time. Current fees are available on our Website or by contacting us directly.

10. Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability

10.1 Website Availability

While we strive to maintain continuous access to our Website, we do not guarantee that it will be available at all times or free from errors.

10.2 Information Accuracy

We make reasonable efforts to ensure information on our Website is accurate and up-to-date, but we do not warrant its completeness or accuracy.

10.3 Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, BCH shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of the Website.

10.4 Australian Consumer Law

Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts, or modifies any rights you may have under the Australian Consumer Law or other applicable consumer protection laws.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless BCH, its directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising from your use of the Website or violation of these Terms.

12. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

12.1 Applicable Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia, and the Commonwealth of Australia.

12.2 Jurisdiction

Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the Website shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Victoria, Australia.

13. General Provisions

13.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and BCH regarding your use of the Website.

13.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

13.3 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision.

13.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights under these Terms without our written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations under these Terms at any time.

14. Contact Information

15. Accessibility

15.1 Accessibility Commitment

We are committed to providing an accessible website that serves all users, including those with disabilities.

15.2 Accessibility Features

We strive to ensure our Website meets relevant accessibility standards and guidelines.

15.3 Accessibility Feedback

If you encounter accessibility barriers on our Website, please contact us so we can address them.