Welcome to our last week in review of the year!! Wow, what a year, we hope you have liked reading our updates and that you feel you know more about what’s going on in Lane Cove because you’ve read In the Cove or follow us on one of our social media platforms.
Thank you for your wonderful emails, texts and kind comments on our Buy Me A Coffee page. In the Cove is a team effort, and thank you to Renee Maxwell and Yumi Wong Pan for your support during the year (they work longer hours than they are paid, and even when ITC tells them not to, they are always doing something Lane Cove related).
We will be back in the new year with more news about Lane Cove’s local issues, events and updates on local businesses.
If there is any breaking news over the Christmas/New Year period (for example, like the Sydney Water crisis last year – we will be covering it on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/inthecove ).
On behalf of the ITC team, we wish you happy holidays and hope you and your family have a wonderful break.
Now back to the news……
Smoke Haze over Sydney
Yesterday (19 December 2023), Lane Cove residents started smelling smoke and wondered if hazard reduction burning was taking place. The smoke was from the Duck Creek Pilliga Forest bushfire, which impacted air quality and visibility across a broad area of eastern NSW, including the North West Slopes, Hunter, Central Coast, Sydney and the Illawarra.
When air quality is impacted, you can quickly check details on the NSW government’s official Air Quality Website. You can also click for health advice and download the Hazards Near Me app.
The Greater Sydney Metropolitan Region air quality forecast is published at 4 pm every day.
Christmas Events in Lane Cove
Santa has been paying Lane Cove some visits. On Saturday, he was in The Canopy; on Sunday, he was at the Lane Cove Makers Markets and on Monday, he was back at The Canopy to assist in the Letterbox Project.
ConnectedAu held a free event in The Canopy with Santa, cards and treats from Bakers Delight Lane Cove and Harris Farm Markets. Over 150 local kids helped make cards to be sent to local seniors to form a connection.
If you would like to know more about how Lane Cove is being connected to local seniors through the Connected Au LetterBox project – read more here.
Spreading Christmas Joy and Having Some Fun
ITC loves to see people going the extra mile to make Lane Cove a happy, vibrant place and to add a bit of sparkle.
Check out our photos below of some locals who have made us smile and laugh.
- Santa is chauffeured around Lane Cove in a beautiful car.
- The Lane Cove Sign Bomber strikes again on Epping Road.
- The sign at The Burns Bay Bookery
If you see some Lane Cove Christmas Joy, please email us your photos.
Sydney North Planning Panel Rejects Macquarie Health’s Expansion Plans for the Longueville Hospital
Longueville Private Hospital is part of Macquarie Health Corporation. The hospital specialises in acute medical, gerontology, transitional non-weight bearing patients and palliative care.
Longueville Private Hospital is located at 43 – 47 Kenneth Street, Longueville. Macquarie Health submitted a Development Application to enable them to expand. The DA was rejected by the Sydney North Planning Panel (SNPP). Read the background to the expansion plans here.
The SNPP noted that the Lane Cove Council had outlined ten reasons for rejecting their development application, and they supported the reasons. They noted that the current expansion plans were a gross overdevelopment of the site. You can read their full decision here.
Old Uniting Aged Care Facility in 7-9 Lynvale Close
The aged care facility in Lynvale Close has been closed for a number of years. Residents have complained to ITC in the past about the building not being maintained and the chemical storage room being open and chemicals on display (ITC contacted the Uniting Church and it was fixed).
A Development Approval has now been granted to demolish the building (no longer in use) and construct 10 x 3 storey townhouse-style multi-dwelling housing above a shared basement containing separate private garages. An artist’s impression is below.
The developers told Urban.com.au the following:
“Designed with owner-occupiers in mind and at the top end of the market, each home will have a private lift and private master retreats, including large bedrooms, walk-in robes and ensuites, a laundry room and integrated appliances. Select residences will also have a third living area that can be converted into a gym or studio, cinema room, private art studio or a kids’ rumpus room”
Lane Cove Locals In the News
Lane Cove Local Lindsay May OAM will this year be competing in his 50th consecutive Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race. He will be the first person to sail 50 consecutive races.
The Sydney Morning Herald featured Lindsay in this article (it is paywalled).
The only interruption to Lindsay May’s ritual Hobart race preparation since 1973 came when the 2020 event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lindsay wrote to the CYCA in support of “protecting Tasmania” by cancelling the race.
So, in true ‘yachtie’s larrikin spirit’ Lindsay did his best to cheer up his sailing mates with a pre-start pose on a makeshift Boxing Day start line from his Lane Cove home at 13:00 hrs.
Fast forward to 2023 and Lindsay’s Co-Skipper navigator ride to Hobart on the sleek Santa Cruz 72, Antipodes (Co-Skipper Owner Geoff Hill) will be more action-packed than this balcony breeze, with a strong East Australian Current and experienced crew with a staggering 300+ Hobart races between them!
You might recognise Lindsay as he is a long-time Lane Cove resident, a former Rotary District Governor and a keen member of Lane Cove Rotary – he is always out and about on Lane Cove Rotary Fair Day (when he is not competing in international races like 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race.)
Tis The Season to Look After Others
NSW Health is calling on residents to look out for their neighbours, especially if they live alone, are bereaved, or are separated from family this holiday season.
Chief Psychiatrist Dr Murray Wright said the holiday season is not a joyful occasion for all, as some people experience loneliness, grief and stress.
“Don’t underestimate the power of giving others your time, your conversation or inviting them to share a meal with your family,” Dr Wright said.
“They’re among the most important gifts we can give each other. Positive, healthy relationships have a direct impact on our sense of wellbeing. They can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression and boost our self-esteem.
“In contrast, loneliness is a risk factor for depression and thoughts of suicide.
“Make an extra effort this holiday season to be there for older members of your community; young people who don’t have strong relationships with their parents; people whose loved ones have died recently; and people in financial difficulties.
“You cannot solve their problems, but your time, companionship and consideration could reassure them that they’re not alone in their time of stress or heartache.
“If you are someone who’s struggling, and perhaps having thoughts of suicide, please don’t struggle alone or in silence.
“Please turn to people you trust, talk to your GP or call a 24-7 crisis line, such as Lifeline, Suicide Call Back Service or the Kids Helpline. Someone is there for you.
“It might seem hard to believe at this precise moment, but life can get better and you can rediscover hope for your future.”
If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please contact the below services:
- Lifeline: 24/7 support 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service: 24/7 support 1300 659 467
- Kids Helpline: 24/7 support for children or young adults 1800 55 1800
- NSW Mental Health Line: For advice and connection to specialist mental health services 24/7, call 1800 011 511
An extended list of extra mental health support services can be found on NSW Health – Mental health services and support contact list.
Congratulations to Phil and Janet Wade from Wade Wellness Chemist
Phil and Janet are also members of Lane Cove Rotary. On Monday night (20 December 2023) Lane Cove Local Robert England organised a fundraising evening at the Lane Cove Bowling Club to support Lane Cove Rotary’s work. It was a huge success. Plenty of ham was eaten, and funds were raised to help Lane Cove Rotary assist both local and international not-for-profits.
Lane Cove Christmas and New Year Trading Hours
Our popular Christmas and New Year’s trading hours article is out. This is one of our most comprehensive articles of the year and does take time to collate. The big supermarkets are only closed on Christmas Day but do have different opening hours. @harrisfarmmarkets will be open until 12 am on the two days before Christmas.
The list includes details about:
- Doctors
- Vets
- Chemists
- Cafes and Restaurants
- Locksmiths
- Supermarkets
- Newsagency
- Lane Cove Council, Library, Pool, Recycling etc
If we have missed something vital, let us know – if we have something wrong, let us know – ITC was exhausted after walking around in heat getting all the information.
Read our article here.
Business Alert
North Shore Running Kids by North Shore Running and Outdoor Fitness has grown up and moved out! To celebrate the launch of their new website, you can lock in your 2024 training at 2023 prices! Book before Dec 31st! – www.northshorerunningkids.com.au
Lane Cove Sport
Lane Cove Cats Junior AFL Club
This week the Lane Cove Cats Junior AFL Club announced the formation of the North Shore Swans. This is a three-club alliance to support and grow youth AFL on Sydney’s lower north shore. The North Shore Swans team will include players from the Lane Cove Cats, the Willoughby Wildcats and Mosman Swans. The Lane Cove Cats told their members the following:
“This is an exciting time for the three clubs and their members as we look to build a more sustainable football identity within the Sydney region. The fundamental aim of the North Shore Swans alliance is to encourage the development of Youth AFL (U13-U17) and have more girls and boys playing this great game of ours.
By working together, the alliance will be able to field teams across multiple ability levels within each age group and will therefore be better able to cater to players’ desired level. Fielding multiple teams will also mean that more players will be able to continue to play AFL into their later teens. Another significant benefit will be access to more training and match day facilities, and to a larger pool of potential volunteers and a broader community of members.
A two-stage process is envisaged for the alliance formation, to ensure we allow for proper planning and implementation. Stage 1 for season 2024 will involve u13/u14/u15/u17 youth boys football program. Stage 2 will involve planning for a successful launch of the Girls program in 2025.
Each club will continue to independently develop their respective Auskick and Junior football programs but recognising a more coordinated approach will benefit members of all clubs.”
Golf
Lane Cove Junior Golf is going from strength to strength. They recently held the Lane Cove Golf Club’s C grade Championships, and Rip Taylor Cannon won the C grade (that is the name of a future champ for sure). His father told us:
“Rip fought off some tough competition, scored a personal best and won with a par on the last hole of the Junior Club Championship at Lane Cove (C-Grade).”
You can follow Rip and his brothers on The Green Disease Instagram Account.
Sailing
Lane Cove holds the Festival By The River as there is easy access to Lane Cove River at Greenwich and Longueville and other locations throughout the Lane Cove Council Area.
An incredibly popular School Holiday Event is the Learn to Sail Programme run by the Greenwich Sailing Club. If you are after something for the kids to do this January, book them into the week-long Learn to Sail Programme. More Details here.
Photo Credit: Greenwich Sailing Club Instagram
Safe Driving Demerit Point Scheme
The NSW government is urging all motorists to renew their commitment to safe driving as we head into the Christmas and the summer holidays.
About 1.3 million NSW drivers remain eligible for a demerit point removed from their licence within weeks if they remain infringement-free. Details here.
The 1-year demerit point scheme trial to encourage safe driving will close on 17 January 2024 – meaning those who have been infringement-free since 17 January 2023 will have 1 demerit point removed from their licence.
The NSW Government said the trial has been embraced by the public, and the demerit offer will remain in place in 2024.
The government is urging motorists to use the demerit return as an incentive to drive safely as the road toll has risen significantly in 2023 across Australia.
In NSW in the 12 months to 14 December, 337 people have died on the roads – an increase of 61 compared to the same 12-month period last year.
Minister for Roads John Graham said:
“The demerit point trial is all about reducing the road toll and this comes at such a critical time as we urge all drivers to be as safe as possible heading into the end of the year and the summer holiday season when lots of us drive long distances.
“Our message is crystal clear: drive safely and you’ll get a point scrubbed from your licence. The more people who qualify for a point, the safer our roads will be.
“I am deeply concerned by the number of lives lost on NSW roads. The road toll is rising in other states so this is a shared problem across the nation, but we must do all we can here in NSW to make sure everyone gets home safely to their family.
“The NSW Government is investing almost $2.6 billion road safety programs like seatbelt compliance via our mobile phone detection cameras, as well improved infrastructure, education and fund police operations.”
Drive Safely This Christmas New Year Season – Double Demerits start on 22 December 2023
NSW Police are urging motorists to make safe driving the priority with a high-visibility proactive Christmas / New Year road traffic campaign being launched today.
The state-wide Christmas and New Year road safety operation will start at midnight (12.01 am on Friday, 22 December 2023) and conclude 11.59 pm on Monday, 1 January 2024.
Double-demerit points are in force throughout the period for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.
NSW Police officers will also be targeting other high-risk driver behaviour, including the Four Ds; drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden, urged the community to enjoy the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations but importantly to arrive at your destination safely.
“Traditionally, we see more people on the roads during the festive season, and this year will be no different. All road users need to remember to be patient and allow extra travel time,” Assistant Commissioner McFadden said.
“Double demerits will be in place and police will be on the roads making sure that the rules are being adhered to.
“I urge all motorists to obey the road rules and exercise extra caution to ensure that this festive season and the start of 2024 is safe for everyone.”
“Police will have a presence on all roads across the state, from major motorways to rural backroads, so have a Plan B to get home safely if you’re drinking, keep to the speed limit and always wear seatbelts.
“We continue to encourage the public to report anyone they see or know of breaking the law with the Four Ds – drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving – to Crime Stoppers,” Assistant Commissioner McFadden said.
The Executive Director of Asset Management Branch at Transport for NSW, John Hardwick, said, there has been a concerning increase in the road toll so far this year with 349 people dying on NSW roads – 79 more than the same time last year.
“There are strong penalties for drivers and riders who break the rules and there are higher penalties in place for serious and repeated offences. No one should have to endure the pain of losing a loved one on the road,” Mr Hardwick said.
“Please do the right thing – drive or ride under the sign-posted speed limit and adapt to road and weather conditions. Remember to buckle up, please don’t drive when tired, take regular breaks and have a Plan B if you plan on having a drink.
“No matter your journey, this holiday season, let’s all make responsible decisions on the road to ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.”
Crime, Incident and Accident Report
An interesting crime report from Ryde Police Area Command. They were called to a break and enter and ended up charging five men over an alleged kidnapping attempt which led to the discovery of 722kg of cocaine with an estimated street value of over $1 billion.
At about 6.25 am on Monday, 18 December 2023, officers attached to State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad and Ryde Police Area Command attended a unit block on Blaxland Road in Ryde following reports of a break and enter.
Police arrived and found four men in the block’s underground carpark sitting in a Toyota Yaris wearing all-black clothing and face coverings.
Detectives searched the males and car, locating items consistent with a kidnapping attempt including a 60cm crowbar, gloves, a meat cleaver, bladed knife, box cutter, flashing light bars and zip ties.
The men – aged 24, 23, 20 and 19 – were arrested and taken to Gladesville and Burwood Police Stations, where they were each charged with five offences:
– Aggravated break & enter etc in company intend steal,
– Armed with intent commit indictable offence,
– Possess housebreaking implements,
– Face blackened/disguised with intent commit indictable offence, and
– Participate criminal group.
Detectives identified the intended victim of the foiled kidnapping and at about 10.45pm executed a search warrant at the associated unit where they located 722kg of cocaine with an estimated street value of over $1 billion.
The occupant of the unit – a 24-year-old man – attempted to flee from police before he was arrested and taken to Gladesville Police Station where he was charged with supply prohibited drug >= large commercial quantity and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
All five men were refused bail.
Police will allege the four men allegedly broke into the unit complex with the intent to rob and kidnap the 24-year-old occupant.
Commander of State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad Detective Superintendent Joseph Doueihi said the NSWPF have gained the upper hand on organised crime and associated violence across the state.
“This year alone, our detectives have arrested 48 people over alleged kidnapping offences, and through various other operations and strike forces, foiled a number of other violent acts such as public place shootings and homicides,” Det Supt Doueihi said.
“State Crime Command have our sights set on – and will continue to target – violent groups who are contracted by Organised Criminal Networks to carry out their dirty work in their pursuit of power and control of the drug market in NSW.
Week in Review Sponsor – Lane Cove Orthodontics
Lane Cove Orthodontics are foundation sponsors of In the Cove. Without their support, we could not have launched our website. They sponsor many community events.
Their orthodontists are specialists in their field and highly experienced in transforming your smile.
Dr Teriko Rex and Dr Darin Ballard are recognised as specialist orthodontists and can solve all your orthodontic problems. We use the latest technology to get the best treatment results.
Dr Rex obtained her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Sydney in 1996, graduating with First Class Honours. She continued her specialist training in orthodontics at the University of Sydney and obtained her Master of Dental Science (Orthodontics) in 2002.
Dr Ballard obtained his Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Sydney in 1996 before completing his Masters of Dental Science (Orthodontics) at the University of Sydney.
If you’d like to schedule a Consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact them on 9427 8088.
Help Support Local and Independent News
You can support us in three ways:
- Become an ITC reader sponsor – If you have enjoyed our local news coverage, please consider becoming an ITC reader sponsor. You can sponsor us with a monthly sponsorship fee. We have reader sponsors who support us for $5.00 a month and some who invest $100 a year – no amount is too small or too big. Thank you so much to those who supported us via our press Patreon account. Help Us Here.
- Buy the ITC team a coffee – We now have a team, and they need to be paid – by the ITC team a coffee (or two) that will help us pay their wages. Buy a Coffee here.
- If you own a Lane Cove Business or a Lane Cove resident who owns a business, you can advertise with ITC. Please email us here for our rates card.
