In the Cove receives requests every week from sporting clubs, schools, businesses, artists, politicians, churches, not-for-profits, residents’ associations, community gardens and residents who want to share something with the Lane Cove community.
We love supporting this community, but to do it well and to stay independent, fair and sustainable, we need to be clear about what we can offer for free, what requires advertising support and what falls outside our editorial guidelines.
In short
We may be able to include basic community information for free, but free coverage is never guaranteed.
If you want guaranteed reach, repeated promotion, a dedicated article, social media promotion, newsletter placement or promotion of an income-generating event, you will need an advertising plan.
A few things that apply to everyone
- We are independent. In the Cove is not aligned with any political party, business, organisation, club, church or interest group. Our editorial decisions are made independently.
- Free coverage is never guaranteed. It is always at our editorial discretion, based on local relevance, community interest, available space and available resources.
- Forms are the best way to reach us. To help our small team manage requests fairly, please use the correct form rather than emailing information directly.
- Not-for-profit discounts may apply. Eligible not-for-profit organisations, sporting clubs, public schools and community groups may receive a significant discount on selected advertising options. Let us know when requesting rates.
- Local relevance is the primary test. If it matters to Lane Cove residents, we want to hear about it. If it does not, it is unlikely to be included.
Choose your type of group for more information
Sporting Clubs
For clubs, associations, teams and sporting organisations in and around Lane Cove.
Covers: free directory listing, event calendar, classifieds, Chat group rules, Week in Review sports section, season features, when advertising is required and discounted advertising options for eligible clubs.
Politicians, Councillors & Government Representatives
For elected officials, candidates, political parties and government representatives.
Covers: what current elected officials may submit, what will not be approved, the difference between a community update and campaigning, election period rules, political advertising policy and Chat group rules for political content.
Not-for-Profits, Residents’ Associations, Community Gardens & Community Organisations
For charities, volunteer groups, service organisations, residents’ associations, community gardens and local community groups.
Covers: what basic free support may be available, what makes a submission more likely to be used, Chat group posting limits and when an advertising plan is required.
Churches & Faith-Based Groups
For churches, faith-based organisations and religious community groups serving the Lane Cove area.
Covers: what community-relevant content may be submitted, guidance on regular services and recurring programs, Chat group rules and advertising options.
Schools & Education Providers
For public schools, private schools, Catholic schools, preschools, early learning centres, tutoring businesses and education providers.
Covers: what public schools may receive for free, private and Catholic school advertising, preschools and tutoring providers, Chat group rules and discounted rates for eligible schools.
Artists, Musicians & Creatives
For artists, musicians, authors, publishers, performers, galleries and creative practitioners.
Covers: what types of creative stories may be considered for free coverage, what is generally considered advertising, Chat group rules and how to pitch a story idea.
Local Businesses
For new and existing businesses in Lane Cove and nearby areas.
Covers: the free new business alert and who is eligible, what counts as advertising, Chat group rules for businesses and what indirect or sneaky promotion looks like.
Community Events & Organisers
For community event organisers, charity events, ticketed events and event promoters.
Covers: what events may be listed for free, what events generally require advertising, how to submit an event and paid event promotion options.
Government Agencies & Public Bodies
For government agencies, councils, emergency services and public bodies with information relevant to Lane Cove.
Covers: what types of public information may be submitted, what we will generally not publish and advertising options for public agencies.
In the Cove Chat Groups — Rules & Guidelines for Participation
For all members of the In the Cove community chat groups — businesses, clubs, individuals and organisations.
Covers: what the Facebook Chat groups are for and what they are not, posting limits for community groups, business posting rules, indirect promotion, political content, jobs and service request rules, privacy and safety guidelines and how moderation works.
Ready to submit something?
Please use the correct form for your request and include all the details we need — dates, location, contact information, images and links. The more complete your submission, the better chance it has of being considered.
If you have a specific question that is not covered by the relevant form, you can contact us via [email protected]. Please note this is a very busy inbox, and using the correct form is usually the most effective way to get your request to the right person.
Support In the Cove
In the Cove is an independent community publication with no corporate backing. If you find value in what we do for the Lane Cove community, we would love your support. Every contribution helps keep local journalism alive.
These guidelines apply across all In the Cove platforms including our website, newsletter, social media channels, event calendar, classifieds and community chat group. They may be updated from time to time. Submission of information does not guarantee publication. Paid advertising does not guarantee editorial coverage. In the Cove reserves the right to edit, decline or remove content at its discretion.
