Privacy

We collect information that is reasonably necessary to assess applications, deliver the Forge program, and communicate with you. This may include:

• Identity and contact details (name, email, phone, address)
• Application responses, background, and goals you choose to share
• Medical and emergency contact information relevant to participation
• Payment details processed via secure third-party providers
• Website analytics and technical logs

As part of our Initial Eligibility Screening we collect sensitive information that is necessary to safely assess your suitability for the Forge Experience. This includes:

• Financial and housing circumstances relevant to your ability to participate safely
• Alcohol and other drug (AOD) history, current use, and any treatment involvement
• Criminal history disclosures
• Medical and physical health information, including relevant conditions and injuries
• Mental health information, including questions about suicidal ideation, self-harm, and current supports

We only collect this information for the purpose of eligibility assessment, participant safety, and duty of care. Providing this information is voluntary — however, we cannot complete a safe screening without it.

When you complete the screening, a complete report of your answers and the calculated outcome is transmitted through our managed email provider to a restricted FORGE inbox (info@theforgeexperience.com.au). This inbox is reviewed only by authorised Forge staff responsible for intake decisions and participant safety.

Screening data is not used for marketing, is not shared with any third party outside the purposes described in this policy, and is retained in accordance with Forge's approved retention policy.

We use personal information to assess eligibility, run intakes safely, communicate with participants, manage payments and refunds, meet legal obligations, and improve the Forge experience.

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.

We may share limited information with trusted service providers (hosting, email delivery, payment processing, insurance underwriters, emergency services) strictly for the purposes outlined above. We require these providers to handle your information securely.

Information is stored on secure managed platforms with encryption in transit. Access is restricted to authorised Forge personnel. Screening submissions and related correspondence are retained in accordance with Forge's approved retention policy and applicable legal obligations, and are deleted or de-identified once no longer required for those purposes.

While we take reasonable steps to protect your data, no system is completely secure.

You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of personal information we hold about you, subject to legal retention obligations. Email info@theforgeexperience.com.au with the subject “Privacy Request”.

Forge uses basic, privacy-respecting analytics to understand site usage. We do not use cross-site advertising trackers.

If you believe we have mishandled your information, contact us first at info@theforgeexperience.com.au. Unresolved complaints can be referred to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).