Lane Cove News Week in Review 16th to 23rd November 2022

Welcome to our Lane Cove News week in review.  It’s been a very windy week out there.  We have not received any reports of major wind damage, or (touch wood) power outages due to branches hitting powerlines.

One Canopy Tree did not cope with the wind – see our picture below.

In the last couple of weeks, Lane Cove Council has been trimming and removing trees around the Lane Cove Village and Lane Cove Plaza.  On Tuesday night (22 November 2022) trees were removed near Harris Farm and Lane Cove Shopping Village.

Stunning Sunsets

It’s also been a week of stunning sunsets.  Our cover photo was snapped by ITC this week and below we also snapped a photo of our local birdlife enjoying the sunset.

Festive Lane Cove

Lane Cove is beginning to look very festive, with the famous Lane Cove Christmas Tree going up this week. This year the colour scheme is blue with a splattering of purple.

Check out the decorations below and we have put together an article on Christmas we in the Lane Cove Council starting from the end of this week just before Christmas Day.  Read our article here.

Events coming up include:

• Bluey Live Christmas Experience and Lighting of the Christmas Tree
• Christmas Markets
• Christmas Carols (The Canopy, Hughes Park and Greenwich)
• Bands Performing Christmas Favourites (including a performance at the Lane Cove Pool where you can swim and watch)
• Fireworks – Celebrate Mowbray
• Christmas Workshops and Craft (including Cocktails and Caviar)
• and more (including a travelling band)

 

Busways Continue to Cancel Services

In January 2022, Busways (a private bus company) started operating Region 7 buses (the buses that service the Lane Cove Council Area). The NSW State Government continues to own the buses and depots, however, the day-to-day operations have changed from being operated by the state government to a private operator. You can read more about the background to change in operators here.

Commuters were told there would be no reduction in service levels when bus operators changed.

Since the change, In the Cove has received numerous complaints of buses being delayed or not turning up.

Busways made changes to the Region 7 timetables on 27 July 2022. These changes were not communicated to commuters. These changes were made, according to Busways “to maintain predictable levels of services for our commuters.” However, these changes have not seen a reduction in the number of complaints ITC has been receiving.

The statistics provided by Busways on the number of cancellations etc do not match the data being provided to us by ITC readers. If you are concerned about bus reliability, please take screenshots of the tripapp and put a date next to the screenshot and send a week (or a couple of days) screenshot to [email protected].

See below an example provided to us for this week for the 292 and 288 in the morning peak period.  Note there has been regular cancellations even before the new COVID19 wave (see more below).

COVID19 Update – Time to Wear Masks Again

The next wave of COVID-19 is here.  NSW Health has raised its risk rating and are advising people to wear masks again (it is advisory only, not mandatory).

On 18 November 2022, NSW Health released the following statement about visiting hospitals and health facilities:

“COVID19 UPDATE 18 November 2022

NSW Health has issued the following press release about visiting hospitals and health facilities

“NSW Health has upgraded its COVID-19 risk rating to amber requiring masks to be worn in all hospital areas and visitor numbers monitored to protect staff and patients.

NSW Health Deputy Secretary Deb Willcox said the requirements in all public hospitals and health facilities are due to increasing COVID-19 case numbers in the community.

“Implementing these changes now means that our staff and the community can look forward to the festive season with greater confidence,” Ms Willcox said.

“Family and loved ones can still spend time with patients however, we do ask people to please limit the number of visitors coming to see patients at any one time.

“Visitors as well as staff will now also need to wear a mask in all areas of a hospital or health service, not just in the patient areas, as was previously the requirement.”

There were 22,672 people across NSW diagnosed with COVID-19 in the week ending 12 November, an increase of nearly 52.8 per cent on figures from the previous week.

A significant factor in upgrading alert levels was the number of health staff unable to work due to positive COVID-19 status, and/or while awaiting a negative test result.

“As of 16 November, there were 1,089 health care workers in isolation up from 645 the previous week,” Ms Willcox said.

“This is an important indicator for our health system that we need to find the right balance with simple measures that can help us avoid more significant changes,”

“I also want to acknowledge the NSW Health staff who continue make the very best decisions for our patients and community each day as we continue to navigate COVID-19.”

People are reminded if you test positive or have any cold or flu symptoms, please stay home. If you do have to leave your house, wear a mask and avoid going to any high-risk settings, including hospitals, and aged and disability care facilities.

Make sure you are up to date with your vaccinations. For those over 50 this means four doses, and if you are immunocompromised five doses. For those over 30, you have an option of a fourth dose. Vaccination is your best protection against severe illness and evidence from overseas is showing that vaccination reduces long COVID.

NSW Health again urges people to wear a mask when indoors or in crowded places. It gives you and any vulnerable people who may be near you an extra layer of protection.”

Posties Delivering on Saturday

Just a heads up that Australia Post will be delivering on Saturdays as we head into the festive season. Make sure you check your mailbox regularly. Parcel and Mail Theft is an issue, and if your mailbox is full or a parcel is left outside your door, it may be easier for mail theft.

Here are some tips on what to do with porch pirates.

Also, if you are looking to send a parcel this Christmas – the cut-off dates and links are in this article.

Lane Cove Festival Piano Moves To The Canopy

The Lane Cove Festival Piano, painted by Ros Gervay Creative has been moved to The Canopy.  Some people love the concept (as there has been some talented players) and others find it a bit much.  ITC spotted Will, aged 10, playing.  He has had two piano lessons.

Lane Cove Events

Before the festive season starts, you have one more chance to see the legendary Billy Burton Band at the Lane Cove Golf Club.  Billy Burton will be accompanied by brilliant vocalist/trombonist Dan Barnett of international and local fame.

The event is on Friday, 25 November 2022.  It will be a powerhouse evening of entertainment exclusive to the Lane Cove Golf Club. Dance All Night or sit back, relax and enjoy. The event starts at 6.30 pm and the Band begins around 7 pm-10.30 pm. Featured Salsa Dancers will entertain in the break!  Find out more here.

Opportunity to Develop Leadership Skills

Lane Cove Rotary is seeking a candidate to attend The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)  program in 2023. Ideal for anyone wishing to gain leadership skills.

DATES: SAT 15 JAN – SUN 21 JAN 2023
VENUE: Knox Grammar School, Sydney
AGE: 18 (and one year after leaving school) up to 30 years of age)

What is RYLA?

RYLA is an inspiring program aimed at empowering Australia’s next generation of superstars. Meet life-changing people, be enthralled by inspiring stories and develop skills through challenges and activities that put your leadership into practice, in a supportive and encouraging environment

What does RYLA offer?
• Gain exposure to leadership scenarios
• Explore problem-solving strategies as part of a team
• Discuss and apply creative approaches to leadership and conflict management
• Build confidence in yourself and what you can achieve
• Meet new people and make lasting friendships

It is a weeklong experience for young adults in the early stages of their careers or studies.

The cost of attending is paid for by the Rotary Club of Lane Cove and Lane Cove Council.

How to apply?

Contact Hazel McNamara on 0402 913 537
Click here for more information.

Have You Just Finished HSC and Want to Get into Hospitality?

Lane Cove Local business Barcats has recently provided a group of Hunters Hill High School Students with RSA training and they would like to train other Lane Cove Local for free.

Vanessa Coles from Barcats is inviting any school leaver who wants to obtain their
their Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Certificate to email her.

“Hospitality is desperately looking for staff, and this is a great way to get our HSC school leavers on board and some workplace experience,” she told ITC.

You can attend a 5-day RSA course absolutely free of charge on the following dates:

November 28th – Accor Stadium Sydney Olympic Park
December 5th – CommBank Stadium Parramatta
December 12th – Accor Stadium Sydney Olympic Park

If you’re keen, grab some friends and Email Vanessa to Register Your Interest here.

Fireworks

You may have heard some fireworks going off on the weekend.  Usually the fireworks noise comes from the CBD or Darling Harbour.  This time it was at the end of a T20 Match at North Sydney Oval.

If you hear fireworks and want to know where they are coming from just head to this site and put in the date and approved fireworks will be displayed.

The next big fireworks display scheduled for the Lane Cove area is Celebrate Mowbray.

Urgent Recall on RoundUp – Due to Faulty Containers

We know that Lane Cove likes to garden (or, going by the number of requests on, ITC Lane Cove Chat for gardening recommendations, likes having a garden).

An urgent recall has been issued for RoundUp, one of Australia’s most popular weedkiller products.

The products are sold by Bunnings Warehouses.

Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority initiated the recall.

Product Safety Australia issued notices about for Roundup F Weedkiller Fast, Roundup T Weedkiller Tough and Roundup P Weedkiller Path five-kilogram refill packages on Monday 21 November 2022.

Product Safety Australia said it was due to fears that damaged packaging could expose users to the products. That, in turn, could lead to serious eye irritation.  The recall notice is below and you can click here for further information.

Although this recall only applies to retail products sold at Bunnings, Lane Cove Council has discussed the use of RoundUp in parks and playground on a few occasions.  Read more here.

Menopause Hub to Open at Royal North Shore Hospital in 2023

Women living with severe symptoms of menopause will be able to access specialised care at four Australian-first health hubs, with another 12 services to open across the state.

The four menopause hubs include two enhanced services now open at The Royal Hospital for Women and Royal North Shore Hospital, a new hub established at Campbelltown and a rural network hub led by Hunter New England in 2023.

Treasurer Matt Kean said the services had been designed by clinical experts and women who had experienced severe symptoms of menopause, as part of a statewide taskforce.

‘These networked hubs and services will be staffed by doctors, allied health professionals and nurses who will support women across NSW by providing the most up-to-date, specialised care,’ Mr Kean said.

‘For women who are experiencing severe symptoms or are going through menopause early, such as after cancer treatment, these services will provide much-needed support, advice and care during a very challenging time.’

Minister for Women and Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said  “To start the conversation we have launched an awareness campaign and a Menopause Toolkit, which provide clear information about perimenopause and menopause, as well as information about accessing services in NSW.’

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the network of menopause services across the state will also help women manage the longer term health risks associated with menopause, such as osteoporosis, heart disease and high blood pressure.

All 16 networked menopause services are expected to be operational by late 2023.

Women can access the specialised menopause services through their general practitioner.

Business Alert

ITC noticed the old Sloans salon (they have moved to new premises across Longueville Road with a very fab fit-out) is now a Tabocannist and Confectionary Store – it looks like the business known as Lane Cove Tobacconist has moved and rebranded.

We noticed that the store was being fitted out at the same time as the other store had fixtures removed and painted.

 

Lane Cove Village and St Leonards Parking Study – Have Your Say

 

Lane Cove Council is asking for your feedback on the draft parking study for Lane Cove village and St Leonards. The study areas are marked with the red dotted line on the map of Lane Cove below.  You can submit comments by 29 November 2022.  (ITC Note:  This study was undertaken before the Harris Farm car park re-opened and this has led to an increase in parking in The Canopy and Lane Cove Market Square as visitors and new residents find it hard to locate the multi story carpark as there are no wayfinding signs)

Lane Cove Council contracted Cardno (now known as Stantec) to undertake a comprehensive study of parking in the Lane Cove Village and St Leonards.

The purpose of the study is to:

• Provide an efficient, fair, and equitable use of on-street parking;
• Improve the utilisation of existing parking spaces while ensuring that future parking demands are met; and
• Consider the opportunity to provide sustainable transport options such as car share and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations.
• In April and May 2022, we spoke with residents and businesses in the Village through two workshops and an online survey. As major developments in St Leonards South had not commenced, workshops for the St Leonards study area were not necessary.
• Our contractors physically observed where cars were parked and for how long in early December 2021.
• Using the data collected from the observations and feedback from the community, several recommendations have been made. These aim to improve parking availability and standardise the parking restriction times.
• Parking Proposal

A summary of the recommendations from the Draft Lane Cove Village and St Leonards Parking study and the complete Draft Lane Cove Village and St Leonards Parking Study have been prepared by Cardno in consultation with Council.

Lane Cove Council has summarised the key findings as:

• On street parking demand in the Lane Cove Village varies from street to street and differing users are served by each street.
• Opportunities to improve accessible parking in the Lane Cove Village and St Leonards
• Seniors parking is highly utilised in Lane Cove Village
• Car share has low use in Lane Cove Village and St Leonards
• The overall Loading Zone demand in the Lane Cove Village does not exceed capacity
• Following is some of the key recommendations for the Lane Cove Village and St Leonards.
• Changes to the parking restrictions on a street-by-street basis with a focus on streets that exceed 85% capacity at the time of the survey.
• Increase the number of accessible parking spaces in the Lane Cove Village and St Leonards
• Implement 3-hour time-restrictions for on-street accessible parking spaces in the Lane Cove Village
• Ensure consistent seniors parking signage
• Develop a Lane Cove Council LGA Electric Vehicle strategy including consideration for on-street EV charging bays
• Develop a Lane Cove Council LGA car share strategy

Have Your Say 

To have your say on the above recommendations you can make a submission by either:-

Completing the online survey. Your email address will not be linked to your answers and all comments remain anonymous.

Email: [email protected], quoting Lane Cove Village and St Leonards Parking Study; or

Post: Lane Cove Council, PO Box 20, Lane Cove NSW 1595.

Submissions must be received by Council before 5.00pm, Tuesday 29 November 2022.

 

Lane Cove Volunteers

This week Sal Tremlett, President of the Lane Cove Junior Rugby Club, resigned after four years.

The Lane Cove Junior Rugby Club posted the following on their Facebook Page:

“Farewell and thank you to Sal, John, Dave and Greg. Thank you a million times over. Welcome & congrats to our 2023 President, Simon Johnson.

We say thank you to our outgoing President Sal Tremlett, who has been in the role for 4 years working tirelessly for our club and a driving force behind Summer 7’s.

We would also like to farewell the following committee members who have hung up their boots this year:

– John Saleh: mini’s co-ordinator for the past 2 years and has done a fantastic job with our youngest members and their families.

– Dave Clugston: treasurer for last 2 years, looking after the club’s financial transactions and keeping the books in order.

– Greg Plamondon: Coach Development for the club, keeping us all in line and accountable.

Thank you all for your contributions. None of what we do would be possible without you and all the volunteers.”

Lane Cove Public School P&C President Darshini Heaney (photo below standing in centre of photo) has resigned as President after four years on the Lane Cove Public School executive committee (two as president).  The following is an extract posted on the Lane Cove Public School Facebook Page – click here to read the full post.

Message from our P&C President, Darshini Heaney …

“As many of you know, I am retiring from the role of P&C President tonight, at the AGM, as I had announced a year ago. It has been a privilege to lead this organisation for the last two years, and be part of the Executive for the last four years. It has been often exhausting, at times exhilarating, but always a privilege.

I would like to thank every member of the P&C – but particularly my amazing Treasurer, David Roberts, Secretary, Caleb Taylor, VP School Community, Em Patterson and VP Community Partners, Renee Maxwell.

I would like to celebrate some of the achievements of the P&C Team this year:

Funds committed this year by the P&C

• $71,000 spread over two years toward the beautiful Kindergarten Playground, including a $30,000 NSW Government Community Funding Grant (2021) and a $30,000 Special Premier’s Grant (2022). Thank you to David Roberts for securing the Community Building Partnership Grant, and Tony Nolan for applying for the Special Premier’s Grant
• $80,000 towards a total of $100,000 LCPS contribution to resurfacing the Basketball courts to make them suitable for basketball and netball. The DOE will match these funds up to a total spend of $200,000 on the project. The P&C Contribution includes $50,000 from a NSW Government Community Building Partnership Grant (2022) – thanks to David Roberts for securing this.
• $55,000 returned to the school from the P&C Voluntary Contribution, to assist with funding programs for students and staff
• $5,000 towards replacing malfunctioning Whiteboards
• $5,000 towards the Art Enrichment Program
• $10,000 towards cost of Learning Support
• $1,000 to cover the cost of swimming caps to be worn by the students when competing at Zone sports competitions.
• $2,000 to help defray the costs of the Year 6 Farewell, as the hall is still not available as a low cost venue for this event
• $6000 as $200 payments to each classroom teacher for classroom resources
• $200 towards prizes for the Year 6 Fete
• $10,000 to pay for one of two electronic signs installed at the school
• Purchase of two new BBQs for use by the P&C and school at various events
• Purchase of a extra freezer for the Canteen
• $500 towards to cost of food and drinks for the Art Show
• $300 for a World Teachers Day Morning Tea for our wonderful teaching staff”

Share the Dignity Campaign Zjoosh – Last Few Days to Particpate

Zjoosh is supporting and promoting Share the Dignity It’s In the Bag Campaign.
Zjoosh Dog Harvey helped drop of some bags at Bunnings and you can see that others have also dropped off full bags.

Share the Dignity is a women’s charity in Australia, that works to make a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or doing it tough. They distribute period products to women, girls, and anyone who menstruates who needs support.

Zjoosh is a business proudly run by women for women. Lane Cove Local and Zjoosh Founder, Kellie Rigney said it feels so right for Zjoosh to support Share the Dignity

It’s In The Bag is Share the Dignity’s annual Christmas giving campaign, where Australians put together bags filled with essential items, to donate to someone in need for Christmas. The bags are dropped off at collection points within Bunnings stores nationwide between 18th to the 27th of November, and are distributed to 3,000 Australian charities that have registered with Share the Dignity. These charities then hand out the donated bags to people in need for Christmas.

With your help and kindness Zjoosh’s would love you to fill their pretty peony bags made from recycled ocean plastic with practical, essential items that can help restore dignity and hope to those experiencing hardship.

To be involved purchase any item at Zjoosh, in-store or online, until the 27th November* and receive a beautiful peony bag for FREE. Fill the bag with essential items and take your bag to any Bunnings store nationwide between the 18th-27th November 2022 and the amazing volunteer Shereos will pick them up and distribute the bags to over 3000 charities nationwide.

More information here: https://www.sharethedignity.org.au/itsinthebag

*while stocks last

 

Security, Crime, Incident and Accident Report

 

This week ITC has been advised of two break and enters in the Lane Cove Council area, one in Longueville and one on River Road West.

The following was posted on 15 November 2022 on Lane Cove Chat by ITC:

“Lock up your houses. A brazen theft last night on Stuart Street Longueville after midnight. Thieves entered home took keys and car. Occupants asleep upstairs.”

The house was locked at the time, and police located the stolen car in Upper North Shore.

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.

E91589640 – Break and Enter – Artarmon – 14/11/2022

Police are investigating a break and enter that occurred at a residential unit complex on Cleland Road, Artarmon.

At 7:20am on Monday 14th November a resident of the unit complex heard a loud commotion coming from the underground garage area and went to investigate. The resident has noticed that two of the garages were open, including their own garage. Upon walking into the open garage, the resident confronted an unknown female looking through personal possessions.  The resident challenged the female, and she was last seen walking out onto Cleland Road. After the female had left, the resident noticed that their Grandfather’s war medals had been taken.

Police were called and have commenced an investigation. The female is described as Caucasian appearance, approximately 40 years old, large build wearing a dark coloured shirt.

Police are asking for anyone that may have seen anything suspicious, know anything or has any CCTV/dashcam of the female to please contact North Shore Police on 9414 8499 or Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au).

Whilst unavoidable in this case, Police do not recommend you confront persons that may be committing crimes.  Contact Police immediately, providing the best description you can and we will attend.

E91585640 – Mid Rang Drink Driving – Mosman – 14/11/2022

Police have charged a 24-year-old Mosman woman with mid-rang drink driving after she was stopped on Middle Head Road, Mosman.

About 12:55am on Monday 14th November 2022, police stopped a white Hyundai for the purposes of a breath test. The female driver returned a positive roadside result and was subsequently arrested and conveyed to Chatswood Police Station.

Back at the station the driver stated she had consumed five seltzers, four red wines and two gins before getting behind the wheel. The female returned a mid-range reading of 0.106 grams of alcohol in her breath. Her licence was suspended on the spot, she will face Manly Local Court in December.

E339428798 – Posses Prohibited Drug – North Sydney – 13/11/2022

A 26-year-old Waterloo man will face Manly Local Court after allegedly being found in possession of prohibited drugs.

On the 13th October, police were conducting an operation at a licensed premises in North Sydney targeting the possession and supply of prohibited drugs and were utilising a drug detection dog to assist with this. Patrons are also subject to a “pat down” search from security prior to entering the premises.

At 4:05pm the Waterloo man was given a “pat down” search by a security officer who located a clear resealable bag in the rear pocket containing several capsules.  Police spoke with the male who told police that the capsules contained 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) commonly known as Ecstasy.  The male was issued with a court attendance notice for the office of Possess Prohibited Drug and refused entry to the venue.

E91588136 – Offensive Behaviour – Chatswood – 12/11/2022

A 44-year-old West Ryde man has been charged with Offensive Behaviour after an incident in Chatswood CBD on Saturday night.

The male was walking along Victoria Avenue, Chatswood at 6:17pm on Saturday 12th November 2022 when he started becoming aggressive towards a group of disabled children and their carers who were alighting from a bus.  The male is alleged to have thrown milk in the direction of the bus and its passengers.

A short time later, while still on Victoria Avenue, several members of the public called police stating that the same male had exposed himself while in open view of the public.

Police attended a spoke with the male. The male was issued with a Court Attendance Notice for offensive behaviour and will face Hornsby Local Court on the 18th January 2023.

E91577940 – Assault – Cremorne – 13/11/2022

A food delivery driver has been assaulted while working in Cremorne.

The driver stopped on Langley Avenue at 7:18pm on Sunday 13th November to complete a delivery. As soon as he pulled his vehicle over, an unknown male approached the vehicle with his fist raised.  The male approached the driver and allegedly punched him several times through the open car window.

Police have been told the commotion caused several residents to exit their houses and investigate, with some of them intervening causing the male to stop and leave the area towards Parraween Street.

The male is described as Caucasian appearance, approximately 182cm tall, muscular build, short dark hair wearing a black t shirt, black and grey shorts, long white socks, and black and white shoes.

Police are asking for anyone that may have seen the assault, know anything about the assault or have 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).

Week in Review Sponsor

This week we are sponsored by Zjoosh.  Both Zjoosh and ITC are celebrating 10 years in Lane Cove.  Zjoosh has grown to 13 stores in NSW and 1 in Queensland and has an active online presence.  Seeing Zjoosh grow for one store in Lane Cove has been exciting.  They also have just released their summer range Linen Shorts – which ITC is thinking would look good on Miss ITC!!

Zjoosh is located right in the heart of Lane Cove Plaza and offers free gift wrapping on all purchases.   Check out below their Black Friday special (which has already started)!!  So pop into Zjoosh and get that discount!!

 

 

 

 

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