Welcome to our first week in review of 2024, and Happy New Year. Our cover photo was taken at the 9.00 pm fireworks display. We captured some Lane Cove locals enjoying the view from Longueville.
Lane Cove, Christmas Lights Winner, Donates Prize Money to Delvena Women’s Refuge
A good news story to start 2024.
The winners of the ITC Christmas Lights Comp (best house and people’s choice) donated their $400 prize money to Women & Children First – the organisation that operates Delvena Women’s Refuge in Lane Cove. After we posted this information on In the Cove’s Facebook page, other winners contacted us and told us to donate their prize money to Delvena.
Thank you to the generous winners and Rebecca Mitchell Raine & Horne for her generous prize money. If you did not see who won the comp – details here
The winning house is pictured below.
Lane Cove Sailors’ Sucess in the 2023 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
It was a big year for Lane Cove Sailors in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
Line Honours
It was one of the most thrilling finishes to a Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, with Law Connect and Andoo Comanche fighting it out on the Derwent River.
Law Connect’s skipper and owner is Riverview local Christian Beck.
Handicap Honours
Well done to Lane Cove’s very own Adrienne Callahan (who grew up in Lane Cove and lives in Longueville). She was the navigator aboard ALIVE, which took handicap honours to win the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race 2023. Read more here about this amazing female sailor who was inducted into the Sailing Hall of Fame in 2019
This is the 3rd time she has been on a yacht which has won the handicap division. She is pictured here with Lindsay May, navigator Antipodes (see below).
Lindsay May 50 Consecutive Sydney to Hobart Yacht Races
Congratulations to Lane Cove’s Lindsay May, who completed his 50th Consecutive Sydney to Hobart yacht race aboard Antipodes. What a fantastic achievement!! Lindsay and his wife, Tania Mace, are members of Lane Cove Rotary – there would be no Lane Cove Fair without the dedicated Lane Cove Rotary team, and you will see the Lane Cove Rotary team in action again on Australia Day.
Tania took this picture of Antipodes finishing the race.
Lane Cove Council in the News
Ombudsman Report
On 31 December 2023, Andrew Taylor from the Sydney Morning Herald reported on the most complained about local councils in NSW. The data was obtained from the NSW Ombusdman’s annual report 2022/2023, which was tabled in parliament in October 2023.
You can read the SMH article here (note that it is paywalled).
The data quoted in the SMH article is below. The following statement qualifies the Lane Cove Council data: “A significant number of complaints about the Lane Cove Council were generated by an online petition, which automatically raised a complaint to our office once an individual signed the petition.” In the Cove asked the NSW Ombudsman to supply a breakdown of the complaints (ie an individual complaint or a petition complaint). We are waiting for a response.
When the figures are compared on a rate of complaints per 100,000 residents, Lane Cove Council had the most complaints.
Sydney Morning Herald Article – ‘Baseless accusations, threats, bullying’: Councillors banned from talking to staff’
On 7 January 2024, Andrew Taylor from the Sydney Morning Herald published an article about a closed session Lane Cove Council Resolution where councillors resolved that all councillor questions be submitted to the Lane Cove Council General Manager (previously, councillors were permitted to submit questions to the Councillor’s Executive Management Team). It was further resolved that a clinical psychologist be engaged to train councillors and staff on workplace Psychosocial hazards. Andrew Taylor interviewed Mayor Scott Bennison and Councillors Southwood and Flood. You can read the SMH article here (note that it is paywalled).
The complete resolution is published below:
| RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Zbik and seconded by Councillor Roenfeldt that Council:
1. Endorse the General Manager’s Performance Agreement 2023/24 2. Notes the General Manager’s Performance Plan 2023/2024 was not considered in October 2023 and November 2023 due to running out of time during these two Council meetings. 3. In accordance with the General Manager’s performance measures, Lane Cove Council’s Code of Conduct, and Safe Work NSW’s Code of Practice (Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work), and in consideration of recent staff resignations, to ensure ongoing compliance with Work Health and Safety requirements, the Council endorses the following actions:- a. All future Councillor requests for information should temporarily be directed solely to the General Manager until further notice. b. Engage the services of a clinical psychologist to provide training to staff and Councillors in identifying, managing, and eliminating (are far as possible) workplace Psychosocial hazards. c. Obtain legal advice and other professional advice if required, to draft policies that complement the training and advice provided by the clinical psychologist to improve Councillor and Staff interactions. d. The cost be funded from Council’s Councillor Education Budget. |
In the Cove reported about this closed resolution in our Week in Review published after the Lane Cove Council meeting. We noted:
“The last two Lane Cove Council meetings have been long, with extensive debate and numerous questions to the Mayor, General Manager and the Staff. The Mayoral casting vote has been used, and there have been amendments to motions and foreshadowed motions and motions considered “ad seriatim” (which, if a motion has several parts, each part is voted on individually). All of these practices result in lengthy meetings.”
We have asked Lane Cove Council to provide a background to this resolution and to provide some statistics on the staff resignations.
Lane Cove North Traffic Issues – 40 km speed limit
In March 2021, Lane Cove Council resolved:
“Council request at the April Local Traffic Committee meeting a 40km per hour zone for Lane Cove North (not inclusive of Mowbray Road, Pacific Hwy, Epping Rd) be considered.”
Since that time, Lane Cove Council has been discussing a Lane Cove North speed limit reduction programme with Transport for NSW (TfNSW).
Lane Cove North residents regularly attend Lane Cove Council meetings to address Lane Cove Councillors about traffic safety issues in Lane Cove North. Most of the problems are due to excessive speed and traffic.
Drivers avoid the main roads and “rat run” through Lane Cove North. Lane Cove Council is proposing a speed limit of 40km. They are also proposing some speed-calming devices to assist with the speed reduction. The proposal is now open for public comment.
What is being proposed?
To achieve a formal reduction in speed, a number of items would require installation, including:
- Intersection treatments with cyclist and pedestrian priority crossings on the side streets off Mowbray Road (between Willandra Street and Centennial Avenue);
- Flat top road humps on local streets;
- Raised pavement with marked pedestrian crossings on all four approaches at the intersection of Mindarie Street and Kullah Parade;
- Rumble strips on Karilla Avenue at Kurri Street (similar to the ones at Central Avenue near Longueville Road intersection); and
- Associated signage and line marking.
Lane Cove Council has noted:
“It is important to note that all of the above-mentioned devices are required to formally reduce the speed limit from 50km/h to 40km/h. This means we can install some devices and not others, but it will not result in a change to the formal speed limit.”
Benefits of the proposal
- Creates safer environment for vulnerable road-users;
- Creates priority crossing opportunities for pedestrians and cyclists;
- Better place-making outcomes;
- Promotes walking and cycling;
- Minimal reliance on NSW Police as the proposal is self-enforcing;
- Discourages rat-running
The 40km/h speed limit is proposed for the areas in light blue below.
How Do You Provide Comments on the Proposal?
To have your say click here and fill out the online survey or
Alternatively, you can lodge a written submission to the General Manager by quoting SU8903 by:
Email: [email protected](External link) or,
Post: Lane Cove Council, PO BOX 20, LANE COVE, NSW, 1595
You must submit your comments before midnight Sunday, 18 February 2024.
Do You Live in an Apartment with an Embedded Network?
Some apartments in Lane Cove have embedded networks.
What is an embedded network?
Embedded networks are private energy networks for electricity, hot water and gas services. They are typically found at more recent residential developments, shopping centres, and caravan parks.
Customers in embedded networks have limited access to retail competition and competitive market forces to put downward pressure on prices.
Embedded networks are currently being reviewed at the federal and NSW state levels to understand and address consumer harm.
If you’re living in a building with an embedded network contract, here’s your chance to have a say:
Comment on NSW’s Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal review by Monday 22 January here.
Feedback on the Australian Energy Regulator review closes on Monday 5 February here.
Business Alert
Eyes 4 You
Eyes 4 You is relocating on Tuesday, 16 January 2024, to 42 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove NSW 2066 (near The Spotted Orchid).
Their phone number and email remain the same.
Phone: 02 94272500
Email: [email protected]
Barrel One Coffee Roasters
Barrel One Coffee Roasters opened on 6 January 2024. However, due to plumbing issues, they are closed until further notice (check out their Instagram page for updates). They are located on Rosenthal Avenue across from the post office (next to The Canopy shared zone exit). They sell coffee and bagels.
Barrel One has locations in
- Potts Point
- Manly
- Brookvale
- Cromer
- and now Lane Cove.
Volunteering Opportunity
Volunteer today with Sydney Community Services and help make a difference.
Your support allows Sydney Community Services to continue improving the quality of life of people in the local community so they can live independently in their homes for as long as they wish.
They are looking for volunteers for the following positions:
Gardeners – They would like to find enthusiastic people to assist their gardening team. The gardening team operates on Tuesday to Thursday, 8.30 am – 12 noon. There is flexibility, and you can volunteer weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Great team environment.
Linen Service – Can you offer your time to help change bed and bathroom linen for residents in their homes and replace it with commercially laundered linen? The linen is collected and returned to SCS and the Lane Cove hub. They require a volunteer every second and fourth Monday of each month, approximately 8:30 am to 10.30 am -11 am (dates may change depending on public holidays).
If you, or someone you know, is interested in any volunteer vacancies, contact their Volunteer Coordinator, Yvonne Hughes, for more information and find out how you can get involved. You can call Yvonne on 9427 6425 or email [email protected]
Lane Cove Sport
Lane Cove Cricket Club
Well done to the Lane Cove Cricket Club Under 15 Girls team, who defended their title in the Western NSW Junior Carnival in Orange (the local paper described the cricket carnival with the headline – “Move over SCG, this is why Wade Park is the home of cricket this week”).
Last year, the team won a last-over thriller against Gordon. This year, it was a very strong win over our North Sydney neighbours! The girls were captained by Lizzie Yates, who was playing in her 3rd (and last) Orange tournament.
One of the parents kindly provided the following report:
“Lane Cove Cricket Club (LCCC) attended the Western NSW Junior Carnival in Orange on 2 January entering a team in the Under 15 Girls. Having won the carnival last year, the girls were keen to defend the title.
Having difficulties fielding a Lane Cove-only team due to the dates of the competition being brought forward by a week ( 6 Lane Cove players 12-15 years), additional players were recruited from Mosman, Hornsby and regional NSW (Orange, Bathurst and Armidale) to complete their team of 12.
Captained by Lizzie Yates, the girls started strongly on day 1 (40 overs), scoring 233 runs off their 40 overs and defeating Manly convincingly with 57 runs by the captain and 43 runs by Eveline O’Farrell. The girls started day 2 defeating ACT by more than 100 runs in a T20 hit out with Willa Pearson scoring a handy 49 runs. The most impressive game was the second T20 against Blacktown Warriors who fielded a team of very strong players. The cohesion of the team and relentlessness on the field was extraordinary (5 run outs!!) and the girls won their 2nd T20 scoring 129 runs to Blacktowns 65.
It was a local North Shore final with LCCC coming up against North Sydney, many girls of whom also play in the same rep teams as our girls. Lane Cove bowled brilliantly, restricting North Sydney to just 105 runs. Lane Cove ran this total down in just 19 overs scoring 4-106 with Orange local (and adopted Covid) Holly Reed showcasing her talent with 51 runs not out.
Most importantly, the girls had a fantastic time and formed wonderful friendships. Their energy and skill in the games were impressive as was their sportsmanship towards their competitors.
The Western NSW Junior Carnival is one of our favourite carnivals and the club looks forward to the opportunity again next year.”
Photos: Lane Cove Cricket Club Facebook page
Don’t Put Your Brown Christmas Tree in Your Green Bin (in one piece)
Have you returned from holidays and found that your beautiful fresh Christmas Tree is now brown and dried? There are a couple of options for disposing of your tree.
Read our article here on how to dispose of your tree: https://bit.ly/3JIHDup.
Make sure you don’t leave it on the verge near your driveway (as it will stay there) or put it in your green bin like below, as it will not be emptied as part of a green waste pickup. Also, to help out the Lane Cove Council Staff who chip the trees, please remove all decorations and make sure the tree is placed with the bottom of the tree facing the depot.
Are You Going Camping?
NSW Health is reminding residents to cover up to avoid mozzie bites (particularly if you are heading off on a camping trip). NSW Health has started the spray-up, cover-up, and screen-up campaign.
With the recent wet weather, ensuring you have no mozzie breeding grounds in your backyard is a good idea.
This article provides Tips on stopping those pesky mozzies breeding around your house.
Full details of their campaign are below.
“NSW Health is reminding people to protect themselves from mosquitoes when they are out and about during the summer holidays.
NSW Health’s Acting Director of Environmental Health, Paul Byleveld, said that with more people spending time outdoors, it was important to reduce mosquito bite risk.
“Mosquitoes thrive in wet, warm conditions like those that much of NSW is experiencing,” Mr Byleveld said.
“Mosquitoes in NSW can carry viruses such as Japanese encephalitis (JE), Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE), Kunjin, Ross River and Barmah Forest. The viruses may cause serious diseases with symptoms ranging from tiredness, rash, headache and sore and swollen joints to rare but severe symptoms of seizures and loss of consciousness.”
“People should take extra care to protect themselves against mosquito bites and mosquito-borne disease, particularly after the detection of JE in a sentinel chicken in Far Western NSW.”
People are encouraged to take actions to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of acquiring a mosquito-borne virus by:
- Applying repellent to exposed skin. Use repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Check the label for reapplication times.
- Re-applying repellent regularly, particularly after swimming. Be sure to apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent.
- Wear light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants, covered footwear, and socks.
- Avoiding going outdoors during peak mosquito times, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Using insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitoes (mosquito coils should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas)
- Covering windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps.
- Removing items that may collect water such as old tyres and empty pots from around your home to reduce the places where mosquitoes can breed.
- Using repellents that are safe for children. Most skin repellents are safe for use on children aged three months and older. Always check the label for instructions. Protecting infants aged less than three months by using an infant carrier draped with mosquito netting, secured along the edges.
- While camping, use a tent that has fly screens to prevent mosquitoes entering or sleep under a mosquito net.
Remember, Spray Up – Cover Up – Screen Up, to protect from mosquito bite.”
Traffic Alert – Changed Traffic Conditions Near Huntleys Point on Victoria Road (16 January to 8 April 2024)
Transport for NSW issued the following traffic alert.
Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions on Victoria Road, Huntleys Point from next week.
These changes are necessary to carry out routine bridge maintenance underneath Victoria Road at Huntleys Point, eastbound, before the Gladesville Bridge.
Work will be carried out between Tuesday 16 January and Monday 8 April for up to 46 day shifts and 16 night shifts, weather and worksite conditions permitting.
Day shift work hours will be between 7am and 6pm from Monday to Friday. Night shift work hours will be between 8pm and 5am from Sunday to Thursday.
We will not work Friday nights, Saturdays or public holidays.
Temporary lane closures, traffic controls and reduced speed limits will be in place for the safety of pedestrians, workers, and motorists.
Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic controllers.
Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.
For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.
School Holiday Activities
If you want to book your kids into some school holiday activities during the School Holidays, you can find a list of school holiday activities here.
- Golf
- Sailing
- Sewing
- Intensive swimming sessions
- Pottery
- Tennis
- Coding
- Martial Arts
- Dance Camps
- Jujitsu Camp
- Self Defence camp
- School Readiness
- Maths
- All Abilities group programs
- Craft
- Music Camp
Also it is about time to think about term time activities. It’s never too early to start booking your term time activities. We have put together a list of some local activities for babies, pre-schoolers, primary school students, tweens, teenagers/secondary school kids – in other words something for everyone. Read our article here.
New Year’s Resolutions
We can tell from requests posted on our Facebook page that locals are getting both their personal affairs and their homes in order. Below are articles that will answer some of the most frequently requested information on In the Cove.
ITC has been in existence for over 11 years. If you are looking for some Lane Cove information, head over to our website, www.inthecove.com.au and use the search function.
Recycling in Lane Cove – https://bit.ly/lanecoverecyclingtips
JP’s in Lane Cove –https://bit.ly/lanecovefindajp
Handyman in Lane Cove and other tradies – bit.ly/2WTEe4v
Recycling E-Waste and Other Hard to get rid of items like paint, oil and gas bottles – https://bit.ly/3fFDx7o
Want a recommendation from your neighbours? Join Lane Cove Chat by ITC.
Crime, Incident and Accident Report
Accidents
Over the Christmas and New Year Period, several accidents occurred on River Road between Barina Road and Warraroon Road Lane Cove.
ITC was informed of three accidents in 24 hours (it was raining on 20th and 21st December 2023). This part of River Road is not a state road. Lane Cove Council is responsible for upkeep and maintenance.
ITC contacted Lane Cove Council about this stretch of road, and a spokesperson commented.
“Thanks for getting in touch about the accidents on River Road.
NSW Police and a tow truck are still on site – once the site is clear, our staff will utilise an oil spill kit if required.
The area near Barina Road and Warraroon Road has been previously treated with a high-grip surface. It also has a safety barrier as well as advisory signs related to bends, road grades and concealed driveways. As you’re aware, the area is signposted to 50km/h, and drivers should drive to the conditions.
Our staff are on-site to reduce the impact of oil on the road with the spill kit.
We appreciate you checking in to help keep the community safe”
Crime
An apartment complex in Birdwood Avenue has reported that their storage cages were broken into on 9 January 2024. The person tailgated an owner and then had access to storage cages. The matter has been reported to the police.
Now for Something Completely Different….
Have you started back at work, and are you already googling destinations for your next holiday? We thought we would inspire you by giving you a list of 2024 public holidays.
It’s always good to know the Easter Holiday dates as they change yearly – a moveable feast.
NSW School Holidays:
Autumn holidays
Monday 15 April to Friday 26 April 2024
Winter holidays
Monday 8 July to Friday 19 July 2024
Spring holidays
Monday, 30 September to Friday, 11 October 2024
Summer holidays
Monday 23 December to Friday 31 January 2025
Week in Review Sponsor – The Alcott Lane Cove
It’s the Australian Open this January, and The Alcott has an Alcott Open Promotion happening throughout January!
With mini table tennis, big screens, and tennis-inspired cocktails, it’s the perfect way to entertain yourself and the young!
If you purchase any drink from our Alcott Open Activation during January, swipe your membership card at the till and go in the draw to win a family annual pass to Taronga Zoo Sydney! Prize includes a selection of activation spirits.
T&Cs apply. The Alcott practices the responsible service of alcohol and this is an 18+ members promotion only.
One entry per transaction. The winner will be drawn on 1 February. Members promotion only.
Address: 1 Birdwood Ave Lane Cove Lane Cove, New South Wales, Australia
Phone: 9428 5155
Facebook: @thealcott
Instagram: @thealcott
Website: thealcott.com.au
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.
