Local and Independent News Association Collective Fundraising to Help Local News Publishers Like In the Cove

    By
    Jacky Barker
    -

    Founded in 2021, the Local and Independent News Association (LINA) is a not-for-profit industry body supporting digital news publishers to increase the diversity, relevance and sustainability of news services in communities across Australia. LINA aims to strengthen public interest journalism and provide digital newsroom capacity-building support, networking, services, and resources.

    LINA recognises that local news publishers like In the Cove need assistance and has launched the National Collective Fundraising Week for newsrooms. It is a national movement of newsrooms calling on their local communities for support.
    All Australian media companies need two sources of revenue to survive: advertising and subscriptions. In the Cove will never have a paywall, and that is why we need your help. If you can support us by making a monetary contribution (no matter how small or big!!), you will help us pay our staff and hopefully employ more locals in the future.
    We need you to help us continue to be in the Know. Now is the best time to support us, as the Local and Independent News Association will match your financial support dollar-for-dollar during their campaign period from June 3rd to 9th. This means you can turn $20 into $40. The link to support us is here.
    Unlike the larger media companies, In the Cove does not receive fundraising grants, money from Facebook or Google, or any direct government funding.  In the Cove, to remain truly independent, does not receive advertising money from the Lane Cove Council.  However, In the Cove provides free advertising for the Lane Cove Council on all its events, Have Your Say, and any other public awareness campaigns they run.

    In the Cove is Lane Cove’s Local and Independent News.  In the Cove started in 2012, and since that time, we have been providing Lane Cove with information on local issues, events and businesses.

    In the Cove is the only online local publication in the Lane Cove Local Council area, and a team is devoted to informing you about Lane Cove.

    Our founder is Jacky Barker, and she is proud to say In the Cove’s team consists of three part-time local mothers with their fingers on the pulse.

    The ITC Team from left to right Liz McPherson, Jacky Barker, Renee Maxwell and Yumi Wong Pan

    The Big Issues

    In the Cove has been there for the significant issues.

    Sydney Water Outage September 2022

    Do you remember the four-day water outage in 2022? In the Cove was the only media organisation that covered the issue from the start, keeping locals updated and liaising directly with our state members and Sydney Water.    In The Cove was the only media source providing information until the mainstream media got involved when there were traffic delays on the Monday morning after the outage started.

    In The Cove, COVID coverage

    Do you remember the dark days of COVID?  In the Cove, was there providing you with details about the quickest place to get a PCR Test, where to find vaccination centres and who was stocking RATS?  Each day, we provided you with updates on our local area, and when lockdown started, we offered a home delivery guide for local eateries.

    Local Emergencies 

    Over our 11 years, we have documented flooding in Lane Cove when a big rain storm develops, and we have let you know the areas to avoid, like when this tree blocked Burns Bay Road several hours earlier this year.

    Election Coverage

    In the Cove has also organised “Meet the Candidates” forums for local, state, and federal elections and published an article with candidates’ biographies.

    Local Guides

    In The Cove has guides on recycling, reporting issues to authorities, avoiding parking fines at Lane Cove Parking stations, and more.

     

    Local Sports, Charities and Community

    In the Cove provides coverage of local sports and community events. All local sporting groups, charities, and community groups can list their events free of charge on In the Cove.

    Local Jobs

    In the Cove is passionate about local jobs for local people.  All local jobs are free to list on In the Cove.

    Local Business

    We are so grateful for the support of our local businesses. Nearly 100% of our funding is provided by local businesses. However, we have tried to keep our advertising rates affordable for local businesses. Our starting rate is only $36.00 per month for a 12-month commitment. We publish our extremely popular Business Round Up and Business Alerts to support our local businesses and start-ups.

    Christmas Cheer

    ITC puts together a map of the best Christmas lights in the Lane Cove Council Area every year. We know you love it and get emails asking when it will be published.

    Lastly, Why is There a Helicopter Flying Over Lane Cove?

    Yes, we answer all the big questions on In the Cove, from why a helicopter is flying over Lane Cove to why there are so many sirens.

    Thank You

    Thank you to the In the Cove team, our advertisers, roving reporters and everyone who stops our founder, Jacky Barker, on the street and tells her how much In the Cove has helped them learn more about where they live.

    We need you to help us continue to be In the Know. Now is the best time to support us as the Local and Independent News Association will match your financial support dollar-for-dollar during their campaign period from June 3rd to 9th. This means you can turn $20 into $40.   The link to support us is here.

    In the Cove, WhatsApp