Welcome to our week in review.
Diamond Cup Event Causes Access, Traffic & Waste Issues At Blackman Park
From Sunday 12 January to Tuesday 14 January the Diamond Cup youth football (soccer) competition was held at Blackman Park. Over the course of the event, multiple locals reported to us via Lane Cove Chat by ITC about issues the event created.
People hoping to access Blackman Park for dog walking, recreation and personal exercise were largely unable to access the park due to the number of event participants and spectators.
Traffic congestion within the park and surrounding streets saw motorists parking on verges and, in some cases, private driveways.
Across the event, the build-up of rubbish around the fields increased, with multiple overflowing bins and litter left amongst shrubs on the side of the bike paths.
Locals have raised this issue with Lane Cove Council, questioning why an event of this size went ahead without proper event management, including community notification, traffic management plan and waste removal procedures. Individual Councillors have responded on Lane Cove Chat by ITC, advising that the issue has now been raised with the general manager, Craig Wrightson.
It is understood event organisers advised Council upon booking that they would have approximately 200 participants, however their own website suggests up to 1000 are involved in the competition.
The impact of this event is a timely reminder for all park users and local residents to have their say on the Blackman Park Master Plan Update.
You can do this online or alternatively, you can lodge a written submission to the General Manager by quoting SU10245 by:-
Email: [email protected] or,
Post: Lane Cove Council, PO BOX 20, LANE COVE, NSW, 1595
Consultation closes midnight Sunday 2 February 2025.
Artarmon Post Office To Close
Australia Post’s Artarmon outlet is set to close on 12 March 2025. The closure is due to a planned $8.65m housing development which will see a five-storey apartment complex with ground floor retail space put on the site.
Local residents and businesses are angered by the decision to close the branch, rather than relocate it within the Hampden Road shopping precinct.
Willoughby MP Tim James is working with locals to protest the closure, and is urging Australia Post to find a more viable solution. “This post office provides essential postal and financial services that support businesses and the personal needs of the local community.” he said.
After the closure, the nearest Australia Post retail shops for Artarmon residents will be Chatswood, Lane Cove or RNSH.
Parking System Glitch at The Canopy
This week, a Roving Reported notified the ITC community that the parking system cameras were detecting the wrong numberplate upon exit at The Canopy. Be sure to check your parking times and note these errors in case a fine is issued. Please read our article here on how to check your number plate and other ways to avoid fines at all Lane Cove Council Parking Stations.
COVID-19 Vaccination Rates In Lane Cove Some of Sydney’s Highest
The Daily Telegraph published this article on Tuesday, 14 January 2024, which outlines the decline in vaccination rates for COVID-19 across the country. Lane Cove is among the Sydney LGA’s where residents have maintained a higher vaccination rate, with an average of 3.9% being fully vaccinated.
Repair Cafe Featured on The Project
The Repair Cafe North Sydney was featured on Channel 10’s The Project last week. The Repair Cafe is open the first and second Sundays of the month from 2-4 pm and is located at the Living and Learning Centre on Longueville Road.
Innovative Tree Management Technology Part Of Burns Bay Road Upgrade
Lane Cove Council is using an innovative structural soil vault system as part of the Burns Bay Road shopping precinct upgrade. The system is designed to maximise soil volume, allowing for the development of stronger root systems, without impacting underground services or the new footpath.
Lane Cove Council is planning to use these Stratavault systems in future St Leonards South street tree planting, as well as in other areas where the services allow. Read more about them here.
Support Delvena Women’s Refuge
The holiday season can be a difficult time for many, with domestic violence often increasing during this period. Delvena provides a safe haven for women and children escaping violence.
Please consider making a donation for Women and Children First.
If you or someone you know needs crisis accommodation, transitional housing, or support – please contact Women & Children First.
Let’s stand together to support those in need, especially during this challenging time.
NiBu Changing Hands – Farewell Nick
The end of an era in Lane Cove. Nibu Cafe is located in the Village Shopping Centre, the owner is Nick, who before Nibu owned Aristocrat (now Two Brothers).
Nick has sold Nibu and after 30 years of serving great coffee, he will be leaving Lane Cove as he has sold the business. Nick’s last day will be this Sunday 19 January 2025. Good luck, Nick, and happy retirement!!
Masala Kitchen Opening in Canberra
Masala Kitchen is soon to open its seventh location, this time in Canberra. Masala will soon bring its vibrant dining experience to Lonsdale Street in Braddon. So if you have friends or family in Canberra, tell them to keep an eye on Masala’s socials for an opening date.
Lane Cove Locals can of course continue to enjoy Masala Kitchen in Lane Cove at The Canopy.
Lane Cove Events
Australian Open Screening at The Canopy 14 – 26 January
The Australian Open started this week. The tournament is being screened at the Canopy in the evenings between 6 – 8 pm. On Tuesday 14th matches were also being shown in the afternoon.
Free Event. Weather permitting
Australia Day at The Canopy
Synergy Youth Centre School Holiday Program
Synergy Youth Centre is running a full program of school holiday programs for kids aged 10-16 years old. The program features a mix of free and ticketed events, including sporting activities, videography workshops and chill out times.
Crime, Accidents and Incidents
Manhunt in local bushland after stolen vehicle crash: In the early hours of Friday, 10 January, Police briefly pursued a car that had been reported as stolen. The pursuit occurred along River Road at Greenwich. After failing to stop the vehicle crashed and two occupants fled into bushland.
Despite efforts on foot, aided by the dog squad, the two occupants could not be located.
Investigations continue, including forensic examination of the car.
Week in Review Sponsor – Bella Bacio Now Open Mondays
Bella Bacio Cafe in Lane Cove North is now trading Monday – Saturday, 630 am – 230 pm. The cafe is a quiet oasis on the ground level of the Sevana apartment complex on Centennial Avenue.
You can support us in three ways:
- Become an ITC reader sponsor – Feel free to sponsor if you have enjoyed our local news coverage and would like to be 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 and shout than a coffee Buy a Coffee here.
- Do 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.
