Lane Cove News Week in Review 9th to 16th November 2022

Welcome to our Lane Cove News week in review.

Lane Cove Remembrance Day Service 2022

On 11 November 2022, a Remembrance Day Service was held in the Lane Cove Plaza.  Well done to the Lane Cove Council and the Lane Cove RSL Sub Branch for the excellent organisation of this always-moving service.

The Service was attended by local service personnel, veterans, residents, local business people and community groups (such as Lane Cove Rotary and the Lane Cove Scouting community).  The North Shore Local Area Police Commander, Superintendent Paul Devaney, also attended the service.

Local primary schools were well represented, and school leaders laid wreaths during the service. At the end of the service the school leaders helped relocate the wreaths to the Cenotaph near the Lane Cove Library (see our cover photo).

Mayor Andrew Zbik and other councillors were in attendance, and the Mayor gave a short speech remembering locals who served (and continue to serve) in our armed forces.

Wreaths were also laid by the State member for Lane Cove, Anthony Roberts and the federal member for North Sydney Kylea Tink (who was there with her mum and dad).

Each year the Lane Cove RSL Sub Branch features a presentation about a Lane Cove local who has served in the Australian armed forces.   The presentations are always fascinating as they provide an insight into not only their military life but also their life in Lane Cove before and after their time in the armed forces.

At this year’s Remembrance Day service Lane Cove RSL Sub Branch President Graeme Davis spoke on behalf of the Guy family and their mother, Beryl Guy (a former Greenwich resident), who enlisted in the Australian Women’s Army Service  – you can read the presentation here.

The Cameraygal Wind Symphony performed at the Service, and the Last Post was played before the minute silence at 11 am on 11 November 2022.  The service ended with the National Anthem.

Lane Cove Rotary and Cove Craft Hand-Made Poppies

Lane Cove Rotary sold Remembrance Day Poppies in Lane Cove Plaza on Remembrance Day.  The poppies were made by Cove Craft (who always have a stall at the Lane Cove Makers Market – there is a market this Sunday, 20th November 2022).  Lane Cove Rotary donated all the proceeds to the Lane Cove RSL Sub-Branch.   In the Cove purchased some and handed them out randomly to members of the crowd (who had not had a chance to purchase some before Lane Cove Rotary sold out), and people were delighted to see such a thoughtful handmade item mounted on a keepsake card/bookmark that included the moving poem In Flanders Field by John McCrae.  The cards were printed locally by MBE Lane Cove (owned by Local Andrew, who is always doing rushed jobs for ITC).

Lane Cove Events

Get ready for some big events in Lane Cove as we head towards the festive season.

Bluey and Bingo are coming back to Lane Cove, and there will also be the popular lighting of the Christmas Tree in the Lane Cove Plaza (it has been scaled down for the last couple of years, but before 2020 it was always one of Lane Cove’s popular events)

On Friday, 2 December 2022, there will be Bluey Live Christmas Experience and then the Christmas Tree Lighting.

The Blue Live Christmas Experience shows will be at 3:00 pm, 3:40 pm and 4:40 pm.  You do not need to book the shows.

So put this in your diary now. Make plans to have dinner at one of our local eateries before or after the shows.

North Sydney Council Takes Urgent Action to Stop Pathways Group From Demolishing Homes in Cremorne

Pathways are in the news again.  If you regularly read In the Cove, you would have noticed numerous articles about the Pathways development at 4 Northwood Road (not far from The Diddy aka The Longueville Sporting Club).  This site has had numerous compliance issues and visits from Lane Cove Council and SafeWork NSW.

Mosman Collective (another hyperlocal like In the Cove that reports on Mosman and lower north shore areas) alerted ITC to Pathways’ plan to demolish 23 Cremorne houses on Parraween Street (the street behind the Cremone Orpheum Theatre).  An emergency North Sydney Council meeting was called to put interim heritage orders in place for some of the houses.

Apparently, a Complying Development Certificate was issued on the same day a 184-page heritage report was uploaded to the North Sydney Council website.  The report identified at least eight of the earmarked Parraween St homes as having historical value.

You can read the Mosman Collective article here.  Since this article was published, interim heritage orders have been issued for some of the houses and North Sydney Council are looking into other interim heritage orders.

Update on Pathways Work Place Injury Incident

SafeWork NSW told ITC that they had taken the following actions in relation to the 4 Northwood Road Site:

SafeWork NSW Inspectors have attended the site on four occasions.

• 4 January – request for service. Four improvement notices were issued for personal protective equipment, traffic control training, traffic control general, and site security.
• 23 February – request for service regarding personal protective equipment and site security. No notices issued.
• 23 September – incident where a concrete line hose burst, striking a worker and causing them to fall backwards into an excavation. Inquiries are continuing.  Background info  here.
• 4 October 2022 – request for service regarding personal protective equipment, welding/generators, and traffic control. No notices issued.

Hazard Reduction Burning

At the end of last week and the weekend, you could smell smoke and see a haze in the sky. NSW Rural Fire Service has started hazard reduction burning.  The hazard reduction burning will continue if the weather is cooler and bushfire risk remains low.  To find out more, check Fires Near Me.

Lane Cove Theatre’s Production of Hercules the Panto Opens

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Hercules The Panto on their opening weekend performances.  Lane Cove Theatre Company’s panto productions are always fun and sell out.

The reviews have been terrific.  Below are reviews posted on In The Cove’s Facebook page.

Find out more here and book those tickets quickly.

Lane Cove Young Guns

Local Rian Cobb is a talented musician. Rian Cobb, with his mate Charlie Codsi has formed a duo called Deep Focus.

“Do It Again” their debut single was released in November this year!

The song was produced by Paul Beard, who has worked with Robbie Williams, Lily Allen and James Blunt.

ITC has just found out Deep Focus has signed a record and publishing deal with Source Music, so big things are on the horizon.

Last weekend they competed in the Joeys’ Battle of the Bands and won the Best Original Song.

So do yourself a favour (yep, what a throwback) and check out their song on Spotify or wherever you listen to music. It’s a catchy tune – but warning there are one or two words that might offend.

Find out more about Deep Focus here https://linktr.ee/deepfocusband and click on the link to their single Do It Again.

Business Alerts

The Source Bulk Foods Lane Cove Closing Down

The Source Bulk Foods Lane Cove is closing.

Personally, ITC would like to thank the Source for being an ITC Business Supporter but also they were amazing at telling people about ITC. If they discovered someone was new to Lane Cove, they would suggest that they follow In the Cove to find out about Lane Cove news and events.

There are numerous reasons behind this decision. ITC will be speaking to Geoff and Michelle further, but we do know that since The Canopy opened, the foot traffic to Lane Cove Market Square has reduced significantly. This centre used to be one of the top “mini guns” according to Shopping Centre News. They have also had to deal with COVID-19, staff shortages, sourcing from areas impacted by fire and floods, changes in consumer shopping patterns, and the rising cost of living expenses.

The Source Crows Nest closed down a few months ago.

Geoff and Michelle posted the following on their Facebook page:

“After 7 years we have decided not to renew our lease, and we will close the store at the end of the month.

We would like to thank all our loyal Lane Cove customers for your support over the years. We will miss you!

Come on in and enjoy the 20% Off Everything Sale*!!

*Only while stocks last.

#thesourcelanecove”

Lane Cove Aesthetics

ITC recently met Lane Cove Local Sandika who has opened Lane Cove Aesthetics

Sandika’s clinic is located at 16 Birdwood Lane, Lane Cove (in the same building as Body By Design).

Lane Cove Aesthetics specialises in skin rejuvenating treatments, including anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers.

Sandika told ITC   “There’s a revolution happening in the world of beauty and what I love about my job is that cosmetic procedures do not mean changing who you are, it is about becoming the best version of yourself. My philosophy is to deliver natural results to both men and women to improve their confidence. My goal is to help people look in the mirror and feel good in their own skin. Not to change the way they look but to help feel fresh and restored.”

Shorties Lane Cove Celebrates a Milestone Birthday

Big Happy 5th Birthday to the Shorties Lane Cove boys. ITC fondly remembers breaking the news that Shorties was coming to Lane Cove, and who knew what a hit neighbourhood bar it would be. The Sunday sessions are very popular, and the weekly roast has you asking what is on the roast menu this week.   Fun fact, they are called Shorties as they are not far from the Longy.  At one stage, during the COVID19 lockdowns they did not think they would make five years – so well done!!

Climbfit Expanding

Over the years, the ITC family has spent many hours at Climbfit in St Leonards (not far from HomeHQ Artarmon).

What we did not know was that Climbfit is a family business and one of the owners lives in Lane Cove!!

Climbfit has expanded and now has a new centre at Macquarie Park – Climb Fit Macquarie

The grand opening was on Saturday, 12th November 2022.

This is what Climbfit told ITC:

“This state-of-the-art WALLTOPIA build is the culmination of over 26 years in the climbing biz and will bring you all the best that Climb Fit has to offer with something for every member of the family.

It’s the perfect rainy day activity, a great option for a first date and a fresh and exciting way to keep fit.

We offer kids parties and after school coaching, plus loads of technique workshops for adults. We also have some elite competitions in the pipeline.

Now with loads more bouldering – including a Comp wall, top-out section and specialist training area with a fully adjustable Kilter Board – loads of Auto Belays, a custom kids bouldering and roped climbing area with an Augmented Reality climbing wall, plus a boutique fitness and yoga space – you’ll never want to leave!”

The new Climb Fit Macquarie is located about a 5-minute walk from Macquarie Park Train Station and right next door to the Governor Hotel. It’s open Monday – Friday 6 am – 10 pm, Sat- Sun 8 am – 8 pm.

Lane Cove Community Groups

Last week The Stringy Bark Creek Residents Association held their AGM with around 40 residents attending the event held at Tantallon Oval.

Mayor Andrew Zbik – Lane Cove gave an update on Lane Cove Council’s plans.

The following mission statement is published on their website:

“Founded in 1993, the Stringy Bark Creek Residents Association was formed with a very simple focus; to help preserve and improve common welfare, traffic, health, safety, transport and, most importantly the bushland and environment within the Lane Cove North Area.”

Residents Association are important – you meet other people in your area, and they work hard to raise awareness of local issues that may only impact your area.

If you live in Lane Cove North, you can join The Stringy Bark Creek Residents Association – details on how to join here.

Lane Cove Volunteers

Congratulations to Caleb Taylor, Lane Cove Volunteer of the Year 2022. This award is presented by Anthony Roberts.

Caleb Taylor has volunteered or held executive positions with:

• Lane Cove Public School – Secretary and P & C Executive Member
• Lane Cove Fun Run – Head of Community Relations
• Repair Cafe Sydney North – Committee Member
• Lane Cove Council Festival – Committee Member
• Stringy Bark Creek Residents Association Committee Member ( SCBRA organises Clean Up Australia Day, Bush Care Day Out and represents residents)

Security, Crime, Incident and Accident Report

Wine Stolen From MS Cellars

At about 1 pm on Monday, 14 November 2022, a $12,500 bottle of French red wine was stolen from MS Cellars on Longueville Road.  MS Cellars are located on the same side of Longueville Road as Westpac and  Gazman.

MS Cellars has only recently opened in Lane Cove, but the business has had an online presence for a considerable time.

ITC spoke to MS Cellars Manager Jorge Paz, who told us that a well-dressed man and woman were behind the theft.  He told ITC that the couple entered the store and were browsing while Jorge and his staff were fixing one of the temperature-controlled wine units.  He usually allows customers to browse and, if necessary, ask questions.

Jorge said the next thing he knew, the couple had left the store, and a bottle of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Richebourg Grand Cru 2015 (retail value $12 500) was missing.

After reviewing the CCTV footage, Jorge could see the man looking around and then opening one of the temperature control wine units, taking a bottle from the wine unit and then hiding it under his jacket and leaving the store.  The units are usually locked, but the locking mechanism on the unit in question had not locked property allowing easy access to the expensive wine.

MS Cellars staff contacted North Shore Area Command Police immediately after the incident.

North Shore Area Police Command confirmed to ITC that they are investigating the theft and will hopefully be able to release CCTV footage on their Facebook page in the next few days and request assistance from the public.  Note ITC does not publish CCTV footage where a person can be identified until it is released by the Police.

ITC thought either the couple had a very good knowledge of wine or a sophisticated palate.  However, the price was displayed.  It is possible that the couple had also checked out MS Cellar’s website  before visiting the store.  If they are sophisticated wine lovers, they will have to wait until next year to drink, as the drinking window is between 2023 – 2040.

The Wine is described on MS Cellars’ website as:

“A vintage made for Richebourg’, according to Aubert. Sumptuous and soaring, it is certainly already firing on all cylinders, beginning with the magnificent nose of violets and voluptuous red fruits. The palate is resplendently dramatic, with a fanfare of sweet raspberry coulis, dark cherry, bilberry and graphite. Plush, rippling tannins and gorgeous freshness provide the structure that frames this imperious monopole. It displays impeccable balance, class, concentration and sublime finesse. The finish is dazzlingly long. Harvested 8th & 9th September at 24.34hl/ha. Bottled 24th February, and 14th & 15th March 2017. 849 cases produced. Drinking Window 2023 – 2040. (JS)”

The North Shore Police Area Command forensics unit dusted for fingerprints and investigations are continuing.

North Shore Police Area Command Weekly Report

The North Shore Police Area Command notified ITC of the following incidents in the lower north shore area.

E90952070 – Assault – Lane Cove – 04/11/2022

Police are investigating after a staff member at a licensed premises in Lane Cove was allegedly assaulted by a patron.

About 11:40pm on Friday 4th November, staff were advised that a patron within a group had vomited on the floor within the licensed premises. The staff member approached the group and enquired as to who had vomited. One of the males in the group allegedly became hostile and aggressive towards the staff member. The staff member asked the male to leave, however he stood up, poured his beer out and then punched the staff member in the face.

The male then left the venue immediately and police were called. Enquires into the male’s identity are continuing. Officers from North Shore Police Area Command are asking for anyone that may have seen anything or knows anything to please contact North Shore Police on 9414 8499 or Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au).

E92172428 – Armed Robbery – Artarmon – 08/11/2022

Police are investigating an armed Robbery at a Liquor outlet on Hampden Road, Artarmon.

Police have been told that a male entered the store at 2:40pm on Tuesday 8th November and selected two bottles of liquor before approaching the counter and requesting a packet of cigarettes from staff. The male then attempted to leave the store without paying for the items. When challenged by the staff member, the male allegedly lifted the hem of his shirt revealing a knife tucked down the front of his pants. The male then left the store and was last seen on Francis Street, Artarmon.

The male is described as Caucasian appearance, late 40’s in age, 5′ 10″ tall with short white hair wearing a black cap with red rim, black t-shirt, jeans and carrying a backpack.

Detectives attached to North Shore Police Area Command have commenced an investigation into the incident and are asking for anyone that may have seen the male, knows anything or has any CCTV/dashcam of the male to please contact North Shore Police on 9414 8499 or Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au). 

E404624094 – Custody of a Knife – Neutral Bay – 03/11/2022

A 31-year-old Neutral Bay man has been issued with a Court Attendance Notice after allegedly being found in possession of a knife.

Around 8:40pm on Thursday 3rd of November 2022 police received reports of a male armed with a weapon in Anderson Park, Neutral Bay.

Police attended and located the Neutral Bay man matching the description given to police. The male was subsequently searched by police who allegedly located a knife in his pants pocket. The male was unable to provide police with a reasonable excuse for possessing the knife .

The male is due to appear at Manly Local Court on 23rd November in relation to the charge of Custody of knife in public place – subsequent offence.

E91703618 – Fraud – Kirribilli – 03/1/2022

At 4:00pm on Thursday 3rd November 2022, a Kirribilli woman received a phone call to her mobile phone from a person claiming to be from Telstra. The Kirribilli woman was advised that her phone had shown fraudulent activity via her internet connection. She was told that they needed remote access to her phone to clear the activity and the victim subsequently downloaded an application to her phone.

Once in the app the victim was told that it appeared her bank account had been accessed via her IP address which she was told had been made public. At this stage, the Kirribilli woman because suspicious and checked her bank account, noticing that $25,000 had been transferred out of her account without her knowledge.

Police are reminding the public to never download applications that give unknown persons remote access to their devices. Please visit https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams for further information on current scams.

H94396686 – Stealing/Fraud – Hornsby and Chatswood – 04/11/2022

A Parramatta man and a Maroubra woman have both been charged with stealing and fraud offences.

At 11:30am on Friday 4th November 2022, police will allege that the male and female entered a communications store in Hornsby where the male stole a staff members blue Apple iPhone14 from behind the front counter. The staff member noticed his phone was missing and was able to track and follow his phone to Chatswood.

About 12:15pm the male entered a sports store located within a shopping centre in Chatswood. The male located a staff members red Apple iPhone 8 on a table within the changeroom area of the store and allegedly took it. Located in the phone case of the red Apple iPhone 8, the victim stored a debit card. It will be alleged that the male also stole a jacket worth $114 from the sports store.

Over the following hour the female entered a number of stores within the shopping centre and allegedly used the victims debit card to purchase several items.

At 2:15pm, the original victim spoke with police who located the male and female nearby. The Parramatta man and a Maroubra woman were searched by police who allegedly located the two mobile phones along with several items purchased with the stolen debit card. They were both arrested and conveyed back to Chatswood Police Station.

The male was charged with three counts of stealing and was given conditional bail to appear before Hornsby Local Court on 16th November.

The female was charged with Dishonestly obtain property by deception and will face Hornsby Local Court in January 2023.

E90939570 – Stealing – Chatswood – 04/11/2022

A 23-year-old Summerland Point man has been charged with stealing after an incident in Chatswood.

Around 10:30am on Friday 4th November 2022, the male entered a clothing store on Penshurst Street, Chatswood. The male allegedly selected four items totalling $1,129.96 and then left the store without making any attempt to pay for the items.

About an hour later, police will allege the male entered a department store located within a shopping centre in Chatswood. The male selected 7 more items of clothing totalling $1004, which he allegedly secreted in a bag he was carrying. The actions of the male were observed by a Loss Prevention Officer (LPO) employed by the department store. The Summerland Point man then allegedly left the store without paying for the items. The LPO attempted to stop the male, however he ran from the location towards Chatswood Train Station with the LPO giving chase.

The male entered the train station without “tapping on”, which was witnessed by police who were also at the train station. Police stopped the male and spoke with him. The male was subsequently searched, and the property recovered.

The male was issued with a Court Attendance Notice to appear at Hornsby Local Court in December.

Week in Review Sponsor

This week we are sponsored by Electrician to the Rescue.

You may not know this but the business was started by a Lane Cove Local and has evolved into a 24/7 business 375 days a year.  Check out their website and make an online enquiry now for all those jobs you need doing around the place.

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