Last updated 2 August 2025
1. Who we are
Hawkesbury Gazette (“we”, “us”, “our”) publishes news and other content at hawkesburygazette.com (the “Site”). We are committed to managing personal information in an open and transparent way in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). OAIC
2. What information we collect
| Category | Examples | How collected |
|---|---|---|
| Personal information | Name, email address, phone, suburb/post-code, subscription details, comments, competition entries | Forms you submit, account creation, surveys, emails, phone calls |
| Usage & device data | IP address, browser type, pages viewed, referring URL, time on page | Automatically via cookies, log files, analytics scripts |
| Advertising data | Ad impressions, interactions, cookie IDs, advertising identifiers | Cookies & similar technologies from us and Google advertising partners |
3. Why we collect and use your information
- To deliver and improve our journalism, newsletters and membership services
- To personalise content and advertising (see Section 5)
- To analyse Site performance and detect fraud/abuse
- To communicate with you (alerts, promotions, surveys)
- To comply with legal and regulatory obligations
4. Cookies & similar technologies
We use first-party and third-party cookies, web beacons and local storage to remember preferences, measure traffic and serve ads.
You can control cookies through browser settings or industry opt-out tools (see Section 6).
5. Google advertising cookies
We display ads served by Google Ad Manager / AdSense. Google and its partners may place cookies and collect identifiers to show personalised ads and measure ad effectiveness. Google Help
- Google’s use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads based on your visit to this Site and/or other sites.
- You may opt-out of personalised advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings or www.aboutads.info.
6. Your choices
- Cookie controls: adjust browser settings to refuse all or some cookies.
- Ad personalisation: opt-out via Google Ads Settings or the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page.
- Email marketing: unsubscribe links appear in every marketing email we send.
7. When we share your information
We do not sell personal information. We may disclose it:
- to service providers (hosting, analytics, customer-support platforms) under confidentiality agreements;
- to advertising partners (e.g., Google) for ad delivery & measurement;
- when required by law, court order or to protect our rights, users or third parties.
8. International transfers
Some service providers and advertising partners are located outside Australia (e.g., in the USA, EU). We take reasonable steps to ensure overseas recipients protect your information to Australian standards.
9. Data security & retention
We use encryption in transit, access controls, and regular security reviews. Data is kept only as long as necessary for the purposes described above or as required by law.
10. Access, correction & complaints
Under APP 12 & APP 13 you may request access to, or correction of, the personal information we hold about you.
- Email publisher@hawkesburygazette.com with your request or complaint.
- If we cannot resolve a privacy complaint, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) (www.oaic.gov.au).
11. Children
Our Site is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
12. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in law, technology or our practices. The “Last updated” date will be revised accordingly. Material changes will be highlighted on the Site.
13. Contact us
Privacy Officer
Hawkesbury Gazette
Phone: +61 448 106 038
Email: publisher@hawkesburygazette.com