Privacy Policy
Last updated: 20 July 2026
Introduction
Clarence Valley Community Information (CVCI) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you provide when visiting our website or interacting with our services.
As an independent local news and community information service, we collect only the information reasonably necessary to communicate with our readers, publish community information, respond to enquiries and operate our website.
This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it and your rights regarding your personal information.
Information We May Collect
We may collect personal information when you:
• contact us through our website or by email;
• submit a news tip or story idea;
• provide information for a media enquiry;
• submit a community event or notice;
• provide photographs, videos or other material for publication;
• subscribe to our newsletter;
• enquire about advertising or sponsored content;
• enter competitions or giveaways;
• participate in surveys or reader feedback; or
• otherwise communicate with Clarence Valley Community Information.
The information collected may include your name, email address, telephone number, organisation or business name, suburb or general location where relevant, social media profile details, information contained within your enquiry or submission, and any photographs, videos, documents or other material you voluntarily provide.
We may also collect non-identifying information such as browser type, device type, operating system, pages viewed, referring websites, approximate location based on your IP address, website usage statistics and other technical information used to improve website performance.
How We Use Your Information
We may use your information to respond to enquiries and news tips, verify information provided for news stories, communicate with contributors, readers, businesses and community organisations, publish approved news stories, community notices, events or photographs, manage advertising, sponsorship and partnership enquiries, send newsletters and community updates where you have subscribed, administer competitions or promotions, improve our website and reader experience, analyse website traffic and performance, maintain website security and comply with legal obligations.
We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties.
News Tips and Community Contributions
If you submit a news tip, community notice, event, photograph, video or other material, you confirm that the information is accurate to the best of your knowledge, you have permission to provide the material, you have the necessary consent from identifiable individuals where appropriate, and submission does not guarantee publication.
Our editorial team may contact you to verify information or request further details before publication. Where requested and appropriate, we will make reasonable efforts to protect the identity of confidential sources, except where disclosure is required by law.
Mailing List
If you subscribe to our newsletter, we may send local news updates, breaking community information, emergency alerts, event information, newsletters and occasional information about CVCI services. You may unsubscribe at any time using the unsubscribe link included in our emails. Submitting a general enquiry or news tip does not automatically subscribe you to our mailing list.
Cookies and Website Analytics
Our website may use cookies and analytics tools to understand how visitors use the website, improve website functionality, monitor website performance, identify technical issues and enhance the user experience. You may disable cookies through your browser settings, although some website features may not function correctly.
Advertising
Businesses who enquire about advertising may provide contact details and business information. This information is used only to respond to enquiries, prepare advertising proposals, manage campaigns, issue invoices and provide customer support. Advertising enquiries are not added to our mailing list unless consent is provided.
Disclosure of Information
We may disclose personal information to trusted service providers assisting with website hosting, email services, analytics or technical support, where necessary to publish information you have submitted, where required or authorised by law, to protect the safety, rights or security of CVCI, our readers or the community, or where you have given consent. Some service providers may store or process information outside Australia.
Storage and Security
We take reasonable steps to protect personal information against misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification and disclosure. While appropriate security measures are used, no internet transmission or electronic storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure. Personal information is retained only as long as necessary or required by law.
Accessing or Correcting Your Information
You may request access to the personal information we hold about you or ask us to correct inaccurate information. We may need to verify your identity before processing your request.
Third-Party Websites
Our website may contain links to government agencies, emergency services, businesses, community organisations and other external websites. Clarence Valley Community Information is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites.
Children’s Privacy
We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children without the involvement of a parent, guardian or authorised adult. Anyone submitting photographs, videos or information relating to a child must ensure they have the appropriate consent.
Privacy Enquiries
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal information, please contact us.
Email: hello@cvci.com.au
We aim to respond to privacy enquiries within a reasonable timeframe.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes to our website, services or legal obligations. The latest version will always be published on this page with the date it was last updated.