Privacy Policy

The Privacy Policy applies to:

Business: The Yarning Press

Last Updated: 28 July 2026

1. About this Privacy Policy

The Yarning Press respects your privacy and is committed to handling personal information responsibly, transparently and respectfully.

This Privacy Policy explains how The Yarning Press collects, holds, uses, stores and discloses personal information obtained through:

theyarningpress.com and any related webpages;
enquiries, registration forms and newsletter subscriptions;
courses, workshops and events;
publishing, editing, digitisation and community history projects;
book, product and service purchases;
surveys, interviews, consultations and community submissions;
email, telephone, video meetings and other communications; and
other activities, products and services offered by The Yarning Press.

In this Privacy Policy, “we”, “us” and “our” refer to The Yarning Press. “You” and “User” refer to website visitors, customers, authors, contributors, workshop participants, students, community members, suppliers, contractors and other people who interact with us.

We aim to handle personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles where they apply to our activities.

2. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Privacy and Respect

The Yarning Press recognises that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories, histories, knowledge, languages, images, voices, family information and cultural materials may carry cultural responsibilities that extend beyond ordinary personal privacy or copyright. We are committed to treating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander information and cultural material with respect, care and sensitivity.

Where appropriate, we will:

seek clear and informed consent before collecting, recording, publishing, reproducing or sharing cultural stories, images, recordings or knowledge;
explain how material is intended to be used, where it may appear and who may be able to access it;
respect cultural authority, community protocols and the rights of individuals, families, Elders, Traditional Custodians and relevant communities;
recognise that permission given by one person may not always be sufficient where material carries family, community or cultural responsibilities;
avoid publishing culturally restricted, sacred, sensitive, secret or inappropriate material;
respect reasonable requests concerning attribution, acknowledgement, anonymity, cultural warnings and restrictions on access;
consult with contributors or appropriate cultural custodians where the intended use of material changes substantially;
take reasonable steps to prevent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural material from being misrepresented, taken out of context or used without permission;
avoid treating access to cultural material as unrestricted permission to reproduce, publish, commercialise or adapt that material;
respect continuing cultural connections to stories, knowledge and heritage; and
consider requests to correct, restrict, remove or discontinue the use of culturally sensitive material, subject to legal, contractual, archival and practical requirements.

Where appropriate, agreements relating to cultural material may include specific conditions concerning consent, ownership, custody, attribution, access, storage, publication, future use and withdrawal.

Personal consent does not automatically transfer ownership or control of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property to The Yarning Press.

This section is intended to support respectful practice. It does not replace direct consultation, informed consent, community protocols or a specific written agreement where these are required.

3. Types of Information We May Collect

Depending on how you interact with us, we may collect:

your name;
postal address;
email address;
telephone number;
business, organisation or community affiliation;
billing and transaction information;
registration and attendance information;
correspondence, enquiries and feedback;
newsletter subscription preferences;
workshop, course or service records;
manuscripts, photographs, recordings, oral histories and other materials you provide;
biographical, family, historical or community information supplied for a project;
information needed to provide editing, publishing, digitisation, educational or consulting services;
website usage and technical information;
information submitted through surveys, forms or community consultations; and
any other information you voluntarily provide.

We ask that you do not provide sensitive, confidential, culturally restricted or third-party information unless it is necessary and you have the authority or appropriate permission to provide it.

4. Sensitive Information

Some projects may involve sensitive information, including information about:

racial or ethnic origin;
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander identity or community connections;
cultural or family relationships;
health or disability;
religious beliefs;
political opinions;
criminal history;
personal hardship or trauma; or
other private aspects of a person’s life.

We will generally collect sensitive information only where:

you have consented;
the information is reasonably necessary for an agreed service or project;
collection is required or authorised by law; or
another lawful exception applies.

Providing information for a manuscript, workshop or community project does not automatically mean that all of that information will be publicly published.

5. How We Collect Information

We may collect information directly from you when you:

visit or use our website;
complete a contact, registration, booking or subscription form;
purchase a product or service;
register for or attend a course, workshop or event;
submit a manuscript, photograph, recording, story or other material;
participate in an interview, consultation, oral history or community project;
communicate with us by email, telephone, post, video call or social media; or
otherwise interact with The Yarning Press.

We may also receive information from:

an authorised representative;
a community organisation or project partner;
publicly available records or publications;
payment, booking, email or website service providers; or
another person, where you have consented or where collection is otherwise lawful.

Where practical, we will tell you why information is being collected and how it is expected to be used.

6. Anonymity and Pseudonyms

You may browse the public areas of our website without identifying yourself.

Where practical, you may communicate with us anonymously or use a pseudonym. However, we may need your correct name and contact details to:

process a payment or order;
enter into an agreement;
provide publishing, editing or educational services;
register you for an event;
verify permissions or cultural authority;
protect project participants;
meet record-keeping requirements; or
comply with the law.

7. Non-Personal and Technical Information

We may collect non-personal or technical information when you interact with our website.

This may include:

browser type;
device type;
operating system;
internet service provider;
general geographic region;
referring website;
pages visited;
date and time of access;
website activity; and
other technical information concerning your connection to the website.

Where technical information can reasonably identify an individual, we will treat it as personal information.

8. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to:

remember website preferences;
operate website functions;
understand how visitors use the website;
improve website performance;
support forms, bookings or online purchases; and
measure the effectiveness of website content.

A cookie is a small file stored on your device by your web browser.

You may adjust your browser settings to refuse or delete cookies or to alert you when cookies are being used. Some parts of the website may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

Where third-party analytics, advertising or embedded services are used, those providers may also collect information according to their own privacy policies.

9. How We Use Personal Information

We may use personal information to:

provide requested products, publications, courses and services;
respond to enquiries and provide customer support;
process registrations, bookings, payments and orders;
communicate about a project, manuscript, workshop or service;
edit, publish, reproduce, restore or digitise material under an agreed arrangement;
manage permissions, contributor records and cultural consultation;
provide access to online learning materials or participant resources;
administer our website and improve its content and performance;
maintain business, financial and project records;
send newsletters or promotional communications where you have consented or where otherwise permitted;
prevent misuse, fraud, security incidents or unlawful activity;
meet insurance, accounting, taxation and legal requirements; and
protect our rights and the rights, privacy and safety of others.

We will not use personal information for a substantially different purpose without consent unless the use is permitted or required by law.

10. Email Communications and Marketing

We may use your email address to:

respond to an enquiry;
provide information about an order, registration or project;
deliver a requested product or service;
send administrative notices; or
send newsletters, updates and information about related products, events or services.

You may unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time by:

using the unsubscribe link included in the email; or
contacting us using the details at the end of this policy.

Unsubscribing from marketing communications will not prevent us from sending necessary transactional, project-related, contractual or administrative messages.

11. Payments

Payments may be processed through third-party payment providers.

The Yarning Press may receive limited transaction information, such as:

your name;
contact details;
amount paid;
date of payment;
transaction status; and
order or invoice reference.

We do not intend to directly store complete payment card details unless expressly stated at the time of collection. Payment providers handle information according to their own terms, security practices and privacy policies.

12. How We Protect Information

The Yarning Press takes reasonable steps to protect personal and culturally sensitive information from:

misuse;
interference;
loss;
unauthorised access;
unauthorised alteration;
unauthorised disclosure; and
accidental destruction.

Protective measures may include:

password protection;
access controls;
secure website connections;
reputable hosting and software providers;
software and security updates;
secure backups;
restricted access to project materials;
confidentiality requirements; and
appropriate storage and disposal practices.

No internet transmission or electronic storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure. Where a significant data breach occurs, we will take reasonable steps to contain and assess it and will provide notifications where legally required.

13. Storage and Retention

Information may be stored electronically or in physical records.

We retain personal information only for as long as it is reasonably needed for:

the purpose for which it was collected;
completion of an agreed project or service;
financial, taxation, insurance or business records;
contractual obligations;
dispute resolution;
archival purposes agreed with contributors or communities; or
legal and regulatory requirements.

When information is no longer required, we will take reasonable steps to securely delete, destroy or de-identify it.

Project files, published materials, historical records or culturally significant materials may require separate retention arrangements. These arrangements should be addressed through project agreements, permissions or consultation where appropriate.

14. Sharing and Disclosure of Personal Information

The Yarning Press does not sell or rent personal information.

We may disclose information to trusted third parties where reasonably necessary to operate our business or provide an agreed service, including:

website hosting and maintenance providers;
email and newsletter providers;
cloud storage and file-transfer providers;
booking, event and course platforms;
payment processors;
printers, distributors and fulfilment providers;
editors, designers, proofreaders and other contractors;
accountants, insurers, legal advisers and professional advisers;
project partners, community organisations or funding bodies, where agreed or required;
government, regulatory or law-enforcement bodies where required by law; and
other parties authorised by you.

We will seek to limit disclosure to the information reasonably required for the relevant purpose.

Generic or aggregated information that does not identify individuals may be used for reporting, planning, funding applications, research or promotional purposes.

We will not describe information as anonymous if individuals or communities could reasonably be identified from the context.

15. Artificial Intelligence and Automated Services

The Yarning Press will not knowingly enter confidential manuscripts, unpublished stories, culturally sensitive material, personal information or restricted community knowledge into publicly available artificial intelligence systems without appropriate permission and consideration of the service provider’s privacy and data-use terms.

Where artificial intelligence or automated services are used in connection with a project, we will take reasonable steps to:

avoid unnecessary disclosure of personal or culturally sensitive information;
review the provider’s privacy and data-retention settings;
use de-identified material where practical;
maintain human review of significant editorial or publishing decisions; and
obtain additional consent where the proposed use falls outside the original agreement or could materially affect a contributor’s rights.

16. Overseas Disclosure and Storage

Some third-party technology providers, including website hosting, cloud storage, email, analytics, payment and software providers, may store or process information outside Australia.

The countries in which information may be processed can depend on the providers used and may change over time.

Where practical, we will select reputable providers and take reasonable steps to understand their privacy and security practices. However, overseas providers may be subject to the laws of the countries in which they operate.

17. Third-Party Websites and Services

Our website may contain links, advertisements or embedded content connected to third-party websites and services.

We do not control those third parties and are not responsible for their:

website content;
privacy practices;
security measures;
terms and conditions; or
handling of personal information.

Your use of a third-party website or service is governed by that provider’s own policies and terms.

18. Photographs, Video and Audio Recordings

We may take or receive photographs, video or audio recordings in connection with workshops, interviews, publications, community events and projects.

Where reasonably practical, we will explain:

what is being recorded;
why it is being recorded;
where it may be published;
whether names or identifying details will be included; and
how consent may be limited or withdrawn before publication.

Additional care will be taken where recordings involve children, deceased persons, cultural material or culturally sensitive circumstances.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that some website pages, publications or archival materials may contain the names, voices or images of people who have died. Where appropriate, a cultural warning will be displayed.

19. Children and Young People

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without appropriate consent where consent is required.

For workshops, publications, recordings or projects involving children or young people, we may require permission from a parent, guardian, school or authorised organisation.

We may also consider the young person’s own understanding and wishes, taking account of their age, capacity, safety and the nature of the activity.

20. Accessing or Correcting Your Information

You may request access to personal information we hold about you or ask us to correct information that is inaccurate, incomplete, out of date, irrelevant or misleading.

To make a request, contact us using the details at the end of this policy.

We may need to verify your identity before providing access or making a correction.

In some circumstances, access may be limited or refused where permitted by law, including where access would:

unreasonably affect another person’s privacy;
disclose confidential or culturally restricted information;
breach a legal obligation;
reveal information relating to legal proceedings; or
create a serious safety concern.

Where appropriate, we will explain the reason for refusing or limiting a request.

21. Withdrawing Consent

Where we rely on your consent, you may contact us to withdraw that consent.

Withdrawal will apply to future use where reasonably practicable. It may not require us to:

recall material already lawfully published or distributed;
remove information that must be retained by law;
undo an action already taken with valid consent;
breach another person’s rights; or
disregard contractual, archival or cultural responsibilities.

Requests involving stories, images or cultural material will be considered carefully and respectfully, including any interests of families, communities, contributors and cultural custodians.

22. Privacy and Cultural Concerns

You may contact us if you believe:

your personal information has been mishandled;
material has been used outside the permission given;
cultural information has been published inappropriately;
attribution is incorrect or incomplete;
information should be corrected, restricted or removed; or
a publication or project has failed to respect relevant cultural protocols.

We will take the concern seriously and aim to:

acknowledge the concern;
gather the relevant information;
consult affected people or cultural authorities where appropriate;
explain our findings; and
take reasonable corrective action where required.

We may seek advice from an Elder, Traditional Custodian, cultural adviser, legal adviser or relevant organisation where this is appropriate and has been discussed with the affected person or community.

23. Privacy Complaints

To make a privacy complaint, please provide:

your name and contact details;
a description of the concern;
relevant dates or communications; and
the outcome you are seeking.

We will aim to acknowledge the complaint promptly and respond within a reasonable period.

If you are not satisfied with our response and the Privacy Act applies to the matter, you may be able to contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

24. Changes to This Privacy Policy

The Yarning Press may update this Privacy Policy when our services, technology, legal obligations or information-handling practices change.

The revised date will appear at the top or bottom of this page.

Material changes may also be communicated through the website, email or another appropriate method.

Your continued use of the website after an updated policy is published means that the updated policy will apply to information handled from that point. Where a change requires new consent, we will seek that consent rather than relying only on continued website use.

25. Contact Us

For privacy enquiries, access or correction requests, cultural concerns or complaints, contact:

The Yarning Press
Contact person: Remona Mejak
Email: theyarningpress@gmail.com
Postal address: PO Box 12, Tooraweenah. NSW. 2817 Australia
Website: theyarningpress.com

Please do not send sensitive personal information, confidential manuscripts or culturally restricted material through an unsecured contact form or ordinary email unless this has been discussed with us.

Last updated: 28 July 2026