Welcome to our week in review.
Smash and Grab at Longueville Road Tobacconist
At around 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, 19th October 2004, the TSG Tobacco Station store at 73 Longueville Road was broken into. This is the tobacco store located down the Subway end of Longueville Road.
Police started investigating the robbery at around 7.15 am on Saturday morning.
Hazard Reduction Burning
Hazard Reduction Burning is taking place today, Wednesday, 23 October 2024, and in the next few days. ITC has received reports of thick smoke over Lane Cove West and Lane Cove North. One person advised that the smoke was setting off their smoke detectors. If you suffer from asthma, it’s a good idea to keep your home windows and doors closed.
There was also a grass fire at Dettman Avenue Longueville. This is not the first time there has been a grass fire at Dettman Avenue. There was also one on 23 January 2023.
To check the Hazard Reduction Schedule, click here.
The schedule for the next couple of days is below.
Boscar Releases Study on Drug Driving Trends
The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has released a new study on trends in drug driving charges, roadside drug testing, and drug use in NSW from 2008 to 2023.
Mobile Drug Testing (MDT) was introduced in NSW in 2007, improving the NSW Police Force’s ability to identify and prosecute drug-driving offenders. The study examines trends in drug driving charges between 2008 and 2023, reviewing the outcomes of the MDT program in NSW and the number and characteristics of offenders who are prosecuted as a result of testing.
Key results:
- Since the introduction of Mobile Drug Testing in NSW, there has been a significant increase in the number of people proceeded against by NSW Police for drug driving.
- In 2008, an average of 102 people were proceeded against for drug driving each quarter. By 2023, this number had risen around 32 times to an average of 3,296 people per quarter.
- There are two likely reasons for the increase: (1) two expansions of the Mobile Drug Testing program in NSW, which resulted in a rapid increase in testing volumes, and (2) a recent increase in the detection rate driven by police targeting of repeat drug driving offenders and motorists in regional areas.
- There is no evidence that recent trends in drug driving charges are driven by changes in drug use or self-reported drug driving behaviours.
You can read the full report here.
It’s Snake Season – Red Belly Black Snake Sighted
On Tuesday, 22 October 2024, Lane Cove Chat by ITC member AJ spotted a large red-bellied black snake crossing the road near 300 Burns Bay Road, which is close to Hughes Park and not far from Burns Bay Reserve.
Watch out for snakes coming out of hibernation and moving around our leafy suburb as the weather heats up.
You may also know about the resident snake, sometimes called Jeff/Robert, who lives near the shared user park at Blackman Park.
Read more here about what you should do if you see a snake in your backyard and who you should contact.
Navratri Celebration
Navratri Gala 24 was held in The Canopy on Sunday, 20 October 2024. Navarati is a Hindu celebration. Organised by @Festiv_ibe, the event was a huge success, attracting a large crowd and creating an electric atmosphere filled with bright colours and music.
Attendees of all ages enjoyed vibrant music, dance performances (see our cover photo) and a Best Dressed competition. The sense of community was palpable, and feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
The organisers are already looking forward to next year’s celebration.
St. Michaels Church Huge Garage Sale
It was another Huge Garage Sale at St Michaels Church with nearly $10 000 being donated to Caritas and Youth Off the Streets.
A spokesperson for the Garage Sale told ITC the following:
“We want to thank our amazing volunteers (40 volunteers). The raffle prize winners are:
John Tomic, Michael Branley, Mary Wilson, Patricia Sissons, Tim Martin, Vi Johnson and Alan Cullen.
A big thank you to our supporters:
Found Homewares, Hooked Seafood, Gai’s Hair Salon, Porters Liquor, Welcome Home Help and Blue Illusion. And, of course, In The Cove.”
7 Bridges Walk
On Sunday, 22 October 2024, Cancer Council NSW staged one of its biggest fundraisers: The 7 Bridges Walk. Longueville’s Central Park hosted a ‘village’ for walkers to start, finish, or transit through.
The 28 km circuit around the harbour took participants on a scenic and sometimes challenging trek through parts of the 2066 postcode, including Lane Cove, Riverview, Northwood, Greenwich and Linley Point.
On Monday, the Cancer Council said that “over $2,129,996 (and counting!) was raised to go directly towards funding cancer research, advocacy, support and prevention programs”.
There were 12,678 walkers who took on the walk, for a total of up to 354,984 km walked over Sydney Harbour’s iconic 7 bridges.
Lane Cove locals joined in, and Central Park had a great vibe.
Winners Of Lane Cove Council’s Purr-fectly Safe Cats Photo Competition
Meet the winner of Lane Cove Council’s Purr-fectly Safe Cats Photo Competition! Eve loves to lounge on her cat tree while having a ‘paw-some’ time safely indoors.
One hundred and ten entries were submitted, and Lane Cove Council was pleased to see so many owners sharing their attitude towards protecting their feline friends and native wildlife, too, by keeping their cats safe indoors.
Twelve entries were shortlisted and displayed at Sustainability Lane, with a People’s Choice vote on the day. The Council Bushland team had many conversations about safe-at-home lifestyles for cats and how this protects precious wildlife. The Winners received a Pet-O store voucher, and the People’s Choice winner won a cat bed.
Check out more photo entries at www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/purrfectlysafecats.

1st Tambourine Bay Scout Group Christmas Tree Fundraiser
You may think it is a bit early to start talking about Christmas, but did you know that 40% of the Australian public will start their Christmas shopping by the end of October?
This year, the 1st Tambourine Bay Scouts are making it even easier for you to buy a beautiful fresh Christmas Tree by ordering online. You can then pick it up in person or have it delivered.
1st Tambo scouts will deliver pre-ordered Christmas Trees on Saturday, November 30th, and Saturday, December 7th, 2024.
Order yours now! A limited number of trees are available online.
Medium tree: $110 + $20 for delivery
Large tree: $145 + $20 for delivery
Christmas tree stand: $45
Click here to order your Christmas Tree.
Want to select your tree? Come in person and select your tree at St Michael’s Primary School. Arrive early, from 7 am, to avoid missing out!
Dates on Sale at St Michael’s Primary School Longueville Road:
- Saturday 30th November
- Saturday 7th December
Chatswood Chase Update
If you are heading to Chatswood Chase in the next few days, be aware of the road closures.
From 10 pm Friday, 25 October 2024, to 10 pm Sunday, 27 October 2024, Havilah Street will be temporarily impacted as a tower crane is installed to assist with their redevelopment project.
During this time, the Havilah Street pedestrian entrance to Chatswood Chase will be closed, and access will remain via Victoria Avenue and Archer Street. The Victoria Avenue carpark will remain open.
Their fresh food, elevated eats and daily essentials on the lower ground level will remain open.
Business Alerts
Gelatissimo Lane Cove has had a glow-up. Check out their new signage and the fresh touch of paint in the store. They’re all fresh and bright for spring and ready for (hopefully) consistently warmer days.
Buckle Has Opened in Artarmon HQ
Buckle is named after Frank Buckle, a renowned first-grade cricketer who became a respected industrial architect responsible for designing the heritage Home HQ Artarmon Building.
The venue now houses Buckle Cafe Distillery, which opened on Tuesday, 22nd October. The 150-seater venue is inside a glass atrium alongside the heritage-listed Artarmon Home HQ site at 1 Frederick Street.
The cocktail bar and eatery will offer a menu featuring a mix of classic eats. For brunch, customers can choose from a Bacon and Egg Roll, Avocado On Toast, Corn Fritters, an Acai Bowl, and more. From noon to dinner, the menu switches to a more hearty offering, including a Falafel Bowl, a Reuben sandwich, Tomato Penne Pasta, Rump Steak, and more.
Buckle has engaged James Peters—a young and passionate mixologist who’s worked in high-energy bars and premium cafes, including The Glasshouse Artarmon and Acre Artarmon—to create a cocktail list featuring standard favourites like the Buckle x Black Market Espresso Martini (Buckle Vodka, Black Market Cold Brew, Coffee Liqueur) and house exclusives such as the Spiced Honey Daiquiri (Spiced Black Rum, Honey, Lime).
A sister venue and bistro, Depot Brewery, is due to open its doors in late November.
You can follow them on Instagram here.

Sunset Diner Supporting Pinktober
Sunset Diner is fundraising this month to ensure that no one goes through breast cancer without the care of a McGrath Breast Care Nurse. You can help them in this endeavour by attending their Pink Friday event and/or by donating.
What: PINK FRIDAY EVENT, including live music from 4-6 pm, pink drinks and a raffle draw at 7 pm. All raffle funds and $5 from every Pink Drink will be donated.
When: October 25th, from 4 pm
Where: Sunset Diner, The Canopy Lane Cove
How: https://www.pinkisthecolour.com.au/fundraisers/SunsetDiner
Celebrate Stringybark Creek Bush Care’s 30th Birthday
Lane Cove’s longest-running Bush Care group is celebrating its 30th birthday at Mindarie Park from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Come and join them for bushwalking, tree planting, bush care, and a yummy morning tea. Last year’s major day out Bushcare morning tea was a big success, and local families loved it, so book it now.
Booking Details here.
Lane Cove Junior Cricketers Enjoy Getting Back into the Swing of Things
Lane Cove Cricket Club players have enjoyed the season’s first few weeks across all grades.
Their Junior cricket teams were out in force on the weekend, making the most of the perfect playing conditions.
Lane Cove Junior Rugby Union Club – AGM
The LCJRU Club’s Annual General Meeting is on 20 November 2024, and they are calling for nominations for the positions listed below.
NSW Police Request – Appeal for Dashcam Footage Following Double-Fatal Crash
Police investigating a double fatal crash on the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Thursday, 17 October 2024, are seeking dashcam footage as inquiries into the incident continue.
At about 1.40 pm on Thursday, October 17, 2024, emergency services were called to the Sydney Harbour Bridge following reports of a multi-vehicle crash.
Officers attached to Sydney City Police Area Command attended and found four cars and a bus had collided.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the driver of a blue Hyundai i30 – a 51-year-old man – and the driver of a white Hyundai Accent – a 44-year-old man – however, they died at the scene.
The bus driver was uninjured, and no passengers were on board at the time.
The drivers of the other cars were not injured.
As investigations continue, police are urging anyone with dashcam footage of the area at the time of the incident or information on the incident to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
Week In Review – Sponsor – Aussie Home Loans
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Aussie Home Loans Contact Details
Phone: 8084 9733