Regional Stories – Privacy Policy

Last updated: 20 November 2025

Regional Stories is operated by Blue Clay Creatives Pty Ltd (“we”, “us”, “our”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

By using the Regional Stories platform, submitting a story, subscribing to our newsletter, partnering as a creator, or engaging with our services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

1. What Personal Information We Collect

We collect personal information that is reasonably necessary for our operations, including:

1.1 Information you provide directly

• Name
  
• Email address
  
• Phone number
  
• Address or location (optional)
  
• Story submissions, text, images, videos, pitches, or creative works
  
• Biographical details if submitting content
  
• Payment information (for contributor partnerships, advertising, or commissions)
  
• Social media handles
  
• Preferences or interests (e.g., newsletter topics)
  

1.2 Information collected automatically

When you use our website, we may automatically collect:

• IP address
  
• Device information
  
• Browser type
  
• Pages visited
  
• Date and time of access
  
• Cookies and analytics data
  

We use industry-standard tools such as Google Analytics or equivalent tracking systems.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

• Publish, review, assess, or edit story submissions
  
• Communicate with you about submissions or platform updates
  
• Deliver newsletters and email updates
  
• Operate and improve the Regional Stories platform
  
• Manage contributor partnerships, contracts, or payment arrangements
  
• Respond to enquiries or feedback
  
• Display submitted content publicly (with your consent)
  
• Promote Regional Stories and its creators on social platforms and marketing materials
  
• Comply with legal obligations
  

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

3. Story Submissions & Public Display

If you submit content (articles, stories, images, videos, creative works), you acknowledge:

• Your name and biographical information may be published with your content.
  
• Your submission may be shared across our website, social media, newsletters, and partner publications.
  
• Once publicly published, your content and associated information may be visible to third parties.
  

We will always notify you before publishing a submitted story.

4. Advertising, Sponsored Content & Creator Partnerships

If you place an advertisement or participate as a creator:

• Any information needed for invoicing or contractual obligations is securely stored.
  
• We may display your business name, logo, or profile as part of your advertising or partnership agreement.
  
  

Partner-specific privacy terms may also appear in Contributor or Advertising Agreements.

5. Disclosure of Personal Information

We may disclose your information to:

• Employees and contractors of Blue Clay Creatives
  
• Professional service providers (e.g., accountants, legal advisors)
  
• Website hosting, email, and IT providers
  
• Payment processors
  
• Contributors assisting with content editing or story production
  
• Third-party platforms that host or display Regional Stories content
  

We take reasonable steps to ensure any third party complies with Australian privacy laws.

We may also disclose information:

• if required by law,
  
• if necessary to prevent a threat to life, health, or safety,
  
• or to investigate suspected unlawful activity.
  

6. Storage & Security

We take steps to protect your information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.

Security measures may include:

• Encrypted storage
  
• Secure servers and hosting
  
• Password protection
  
• Access controls
  
• SSL certificates
  
• Regular system monitoring
  

While we take strong precautions, no online system is completely risk-free.

7. Cookies & Analytics

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Improve website performance
  
• Understand user behaviour
  
• Personalise content
  
• Track analytics
  
• Assist with website functionality
  

You may disable cookies in your browser settings, but this may affect your experience on the platform.

8. Email & Communication Preferences

By subscribing to our newsletter or providing your email, you consent to receive:

• Regional Stories updates
  
• New story releases
  
• Creator opportunities
  
• Event invitations
  
• Platform announcements
  

You can unsubscribe at any time using the link provided in every email.

9. Access & Correction of Your Information

You have the right to:

• request access to the personal information we hold about you,
  
• ask us to correct inaccurate information,
  
• request removal of your submitted content (where legally and contractually possible).
  

To make a request, contact us at: info@blueclay.com.au

We will respond within a reasonable timeframe.

10. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to:

• manage your submissions or contributions
  
• operate the platform
  
• meet legal or contractual obligations
  

You may request deletion of your data, and we will comply unless retention is required by law.

11. Third-Party Links

Our platform may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices or content. Accessing third-party sites is at your own risk.

12. Children & Young People

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16 without parental or guardian consent.

If you believe a child’s information has been collected without permission, please contact us immediately.

‍13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates take effect when published on our website. Continued use of the platform indicates acceptance of the changes.

14. Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or requests regarding your privacy:

Regional Stories (Blue Clay Creatives Pty Ltd)
Email: info@blueclay.com.au
Website: regionalstories.au
Address: [Insert physical or postal address]