Welcome to our week in review.
Summer Storms Lash Lane Cove
On the evening of Wednesday, 15 January, Sydney (and large parts of the rest of NSW) was hit with severe thunderstorms. The thunder and lightning were some of the biggest we’ve seen in quite a while. Wet and windy conditions continued for the rest of the week, creating more damage and hampering clean-up and repair work.
Storm damage across the area included power outages, downed trees and powerlines, and wild conditions on the water. Our roving reporters sent ITC pictures of the damage throughout Lane Cove – see the pictures here.
Cabling Cowboys Part Two – Dangerous Conditions for Pedestrians on Verges Due to Cabling for Data Centres
After In The Cove’s first story on the damage done to Lane Cove verges by cabling companies was published, several people who had worked for or worked with different cabling companies contacted us. They said this issue was not unique to Lane Cove; however, other councils have remediated the verge after direct action (including calling in SafeWork).
Read Part 2 of our investigation – how was this allowed to happen?
Stay tuned for Part 3, where Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland MP has actioned a response to the telecommunication regulators who failed to properly regulate this fiasco.
Friends Of Lane Cove National Park Secure Major Grant For Restoration Project
The Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP and Member for Bennelong Mr Jerome Laxale MP recently attended Friends of Lane Cove National Park’s annual get together to announce their successful Urban Rivers and Catchments Program grant application.
The Friends of Lane Cove National Park secured a $376,500 grant to restore ten areas within the park and surrounding lands. This funding will support a three-and-a-half-year project focusing on:
- Weed removal: Eradicating invasive species.
- Habitat restoration: Planting 3,000 native plants and assisting natural regeneration.
- Creating a wildlife corridor: Connecting 40 hectares of habitat along the Lane Cove River.
As part of their project Friends of Lane Cove National Park have committed around 2,500 hours of volunteer input per year in the project area, with additional in-kind support from both NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and the City of Ryde.
Friends of Lane Cove National Park formed in 1994, representing around 300 members and volunteers with around 25 bushcare sites in LCNP.
New Speed Bump Signage Longueville Road
New signage is in place at both speed bumps that look like pedestrian crossings on Longueville Road. Since the speed bumps were installed, multiple locals have reported pedestrians walking out in front of cars thinking the speed bump was a pedestrian crossing.
Jack & Co Help Fuel Lane Cove West Public School Band
Last year we brought you news of Lane Cove West Public School’s push to keep their concert band in business. Over the years the program numbers had dropped due, in part, to the cost of instruments.
During COVID the school band numbers dropped to 30 kids, but after a tough slog from the parents it has now built up to 90 kids! Music is a gift for life but stumping up the cash for instruments is pretty tough.
They asked local business Jack & Co Food Stores for help. Jack & Co were pleased to donate $2500 from the sale of coffees during November towards new instruments and match community donations.
Seven Spices Receives Chef Hat
Congratulations to Seven Spices on being awarded a Chef Hat from the Australian Good Food Guide in their 2025 Awards!
Seven Spices opened in March 2024, bringing authentic Indian flavours with a modern twist to Lane Cove. Their extensive menu and creative cocktails (all Insta-worthy) quickly became a hit with locals and restaurant-goes from further afield.
If you haven’t visited yet, they’re located above The Cake Man, and open 7 days. See website for details.
Farewell Nick
On Sunday 19 January 2024 owner of NiBu, Nick, poured his last coffee after 30 years in Lane Cove.
NiBu Cafe Has been sold to the owners of Brewmance. We understand that the cafe will close for a short time.
Australia Day at The Canopy
This year, Australia Day falls on Sunday 26th Jan 2024. The day will kick off with a citizenship ceremony in The Canopy. It will be followed by a BBQ and live music in the Lane Cove Plaza and the day will finish with Plastic Soul in The Canopy
Read all about the planned activities here.
Lunar New Year In The Cove
Lunar New Year is earlier this year. Get ready to watch the Lion Dance in the Lane Cove Village on Friday 31st Jan 2025. Then after the dance stay in The Canopy for Kung Fu Panda on the big screen.
Aqualuna Singers Inviting New Members
Have you been wanting to try something new in 2025, or rediscover an old passion?
Aqualuna Singers are a local a cappella four part choir. They sing for the joy and magic of singing together.
Aqualuna Singers are now open to new members; no audition, all voices welcome, your first sing with us is free!
Join on 5 February 2025, 7.30 pm-9.30 pm at St Aidan’s Church Hall, 1 Christina St, Longueville.
More info – [email protected]
Visit: www.aqualunasingers.com
Lane Cove Cricket Club U24s Make Grand Final
Lane Cove Cricket Club’s Under 24 side is in the Sydney Shires Competition grand final for the first time in 18 years.
On Sunday, 19 January 2025, the side defeated North West Sydney (NWS) in a thrilling match at Rouse Hill.
Posting 8/201, Lane Cove looked in trouble with NWS at 3/151. Four quick wickets got them back in the game before a 20-run partnership for NWS seemed to have Lane Cove falling just short. However, the bowlers went on to take the last 3 wickets for 8 runs to win the match by 9 runs.
Carson Forrest took 5 of the last seven wickets in an incredible spell of bowling to win it for Lane Cove, earning him Man of the Match honours.
Lane Cove will face Warringah in the grand final match for the Frank Gray Shield on Sunday, 2 February, at Weldon Oval in Curl Curl.
Local Sailors Take Out Handicap At Cherub Nationals
Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Skiff Club members recently competed in the 60th Cherub Australian National Championship. Racing was held 27 December 2024 to 3 January 2025 at Largs Bay Sailing Club, South Australia.
Two Lane Cove boats made the trip down south – Jess Swadling and James Glassock in Squealer and Gael Glassock and Anne Vervoort in Cunning Ham.
Squealer and Cunning Ham placed 13th and 15th on scratch respectively, with both securing top 10 finishes throughout the regatta. Both boats improved considerably which was recognised in the handicap results – Squealer finished first on handicap, with Cunning Ham close behind them in second.
You can read more about the Championship here.
Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Skiff Club is seeking expressions of interest for two courses, Start Powerboating and Powerboat Handling. See the flyer below for details. Contact Commodore Richard Kornman via [email protected] for questions and to register.
Crime, Accidents and Incidents
Accident Mowbray Road Bend
On Friday 17 January there was another accident on the notorious Mowbray Road bend. Many residents continue to be frustrated with the regular occurrence of accidents at the site, particularly after wet weather. In November 2024 there was a fatal accident here, claiming the life of Lane Cove local Karina Durante.
See our article from 2021 outlining the most recent safety upgrades.
Prowler Grace Street
An ITC reader contacted us regarding a prowler on their Grace St property, providing the following report: “My ring camera captured a hooded figure approaching my front door at 3.30am last night (Monday 20 January). When the security light was activated the figure (very quickly) turned around and ran down the driveway.”
Week in Review Sponsor – The Diddy
Australia Day goes off at the Longueville Sporting Club (aka the Diddy).
Bookings are essential if you want a table, so get in early to secure your spot!
Book Here.
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