Welcome to our week in review.
Low and Mid-Rise Housing Reforms Lane Cove Council/Willoughby City Council Information Sessions
Both Lane Cove Council and Willoughby City Council have held information sessions on the new Low and Mid-Rise Housing Reforms. Lane Cove North locals who live on the Mowbray Public School side of Mowbray Road are in the Willoughby City Council area.
The information session webinars are online; the links are below.
Lane Cove Council – The webcast recording is available here.
Willoughby City Council – The webcast recording is available here.
Name The New Sport & Recreation Centre
With construction of the Lane Cove Sport and Recreation Centre remaining on track for completion by late 2025, Lane Cove Council has decided it’s time to finalise the facility’s permanent name.
Lane Cove Council has previously sought community input to name other projects such as Wadanggari Park and The Canopy.
The Lane Cove Sport and Recreation Centre has been used as the project name for the construction of the new eight-court multi-sport facility at 180 River Road, Lane Cove. The facility also provides for a range of other uses, including multi-purpose community rooms, a bistro/dining venue, a golf pro shop, and amenities.
The current stage of the construction process requires decisions regarding signage and other permanent features that incorporate the facility’s name.
Lane Cove locals can make name suggestions here until Monday 21 April 2025.
The suggestions will be reviewed and considered alongside the various project requirements, and Councillors will be briefed on the final name selection.

Lane Cove Locals In the News
In February 2023, In the Cove interviewed Lane Cove Local Sarah Martin about her book called Dear Psychosis, a confronting, dramatic and no-holds-barred account of a family’s experience following their daughter’s first-ever psychotic episode in Istanbul and her later diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
This month Sarah and her daughter Alice are featured in The Women’s Weekly (with Dame Julie Andrews on the cover).
Sarah and Alice have worked hard to raise awareness of mental health, and an article in the Women’s Weekly is a big achievement for a self-published book. Read more here.
The book is available from The Burns Bay Bookery (who are so good at supporting local authors).

Lane Cove Theatre Company’s First Performance at The Pottery Lane Performance Centre
The reviews are in, and critics and audience members are enjoying Lane Cove Theatre Company’s first production at the brand new Pottery Lane Performance Centre.
Waiting in the Wings Theatre Review called it:
It is not too late to book your tickets – only three performances left to If/Then – book here.
Lane Cove Choirsters
The new Pottery Lane Performance Space came alive with a a heartwarming and lively concert from the Lane Cove Choristers. The audience sang along to their favourite tunes and was delighted by special guest soloists.
he Lane Cove Choristers (LCC) are a small, friendly choir of senior ladies (55+), and are currently looking for new members.
Members feel that singing keeps them ‘young’ and gives them pleasure as they bring joy and entertainment to other seniors in the community. Their repertoire ranges from classical to modern, folk, spirituals, musicals and golden oldies, with comedy and audience participation too. A volunteer conductor and an accompanist are both experienced professionals.
They share their passion at various events, including at aged care and dementia facilities, hospitals, retirement villages and Council events.
LCC is ready to welcome any lady (over 55yrs) who likes to sing – no audition needed. They need new members, especially altos!
Rehearsals and concerts are held in the daytime, always preferred by seniors. Rehearsals every Tuesday at the Gallery Lane Cove, 1.00pm – 3.30pm.
To find out more about joining the Lane Cove Choristers contact
President Bev Young
0419 680 910

Local Filmmakers In The Spotlight
On Saturday, 22nd March, Lane Cove hosted a powerful and inspiring event: the “Weaving Stories” Film Festival. This festival culminated the council’s innovative “Weaving Climate Stories” project—there was even free popcorn!
Ten films were screened, on topics ranging from rising sea levels to harvesting rainwater and tapping into the ancient knowledge of Indigenous people to care for our land.
Filmmakers ranged in age from 11 to 86.
Luke Carroll was the MC and he is known for his roles on “Play School” and “Sydney Weekender.”
Lane Cove Council has been fostering community connection through its “Weaving Climate Stories” project, a diverse initiative to unite residents. With a range of engaging courses, workshops, and a highly anticipated film festival, there’s been something for everyone.
As part of the event a new community art piece was unveiled. It was created by Dr Virginia Keft, a proud Muruwari woman and participant in the eight “Weaving & Yarning” workshops. This collaborative artwork symbolizes the community’s shared connection to culture and country, weaving together stories and experiences through traditional techniques.
Dr. Keft, an award-winning multi-disciplinary artist, has guided participants through the art of weaving, fostering cultural connection and understanding.
Before the film screening, attendees had the opportunity to visit stalls by Council and community organisations to learn about how they can take climate action in their everyday lives.
Missed seeing the short films? Don’t worry, Council will soon make them available on their website – ITC will let you know when they’re live.
New Business Alerts
Sarnie and Panini Opens
Sarnie and Panini is now open for all your sandwich needs. Located on Birdwood Lane behind The Canopy eateries, it has a two-week soft opening with reduced hours and an introductory menu. Pop in seven days from 10 am to 2.30 pm.
Comission Coffee
A new cafe, Comission Coffee, opened on Wednesday, March 26 2025, at 72 Helen St Lane Cove North. The site is a short walk from Helen Street Reserve and is a very welcome addition for residents in that pocket of Lane Cove North. The building was most recently the home of a hairdresser and, at one point, a chemist.
Opening hours are 6am – 8 pm, Wednesday to Sunday. Drinks only until around 2pm, then they will also be serving delicious Japanese treats, daifuku and mochi, to get you through the rest of your day.
ITC met store manager Masa and barista Adela, who are so excited to welcome locals to the cafe. Over the coming months, the fit-out of the cafe and adjoining retail space will evolve, with plans for a nail and beauty salon on the premises next door.
Follow them on Instagram; @comissioncoffee and @sydney.daifuku.store
Get Ready to Be Wild About Lane Cove Wildlife
Get ready to get up close and personal with wildlife in the Lane Cove Local Government Area, particularly the beautiful Stringybark Creek area.
Stringybark Creek Residents Association and Lane Cove Council have teamed up to bring you a great event. There will be a wildlife display, a BBQ, guided walks, and the launch of the Lane Cove Council’s Wild About Lane Cove Photo comp.
This is a family-friendly event at Mindarie Park on Sunday, 30 March 2025, and it is FREE.
A brilliant day out – a free snag and you learn all about wildlife – what more could you want on a Sunday morning!! All the details here.

Lane Cove Music 80th Anniversary Concert
A few weeks ago, we reported on Lane Cove Music’s 80th anniversary concert, where around 200 people gathered at the LCM Church hall to celebrate the occasion. They were accompanied by world-class jazz performed by internationally renowned musicians.
A night expected to be a 70-minute jazz music performance was regularly interspersed with charming banter and insightful comments by the musicians performing the songs, concert pianist Simon Tedeschi and vocalist and violinist George Washingmachine.
In the Cove reporter, Jack Kelly, raved about the music, and he filed this video report.
New Exhibitions At Gallery Lane Cove
Last week The Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios launched two new exhibitions. Both exhibitions are free and open to the public now.
LUCENT: women treading lightly
This exhibition spotlights female artists from regional areas, showcasing works that embody quietness and contemplation. Featuring artists like Chris Byrnes, Helen Dunkerley, and Patricia Wilson-Adams.
Bone Drift: Wax, Bone and Thread
This exhibition explores ‘non-normative’ bones and (dis)ability identities over time. Through a series of workshops, artist, researcher, and creative producer Lizzie Crouch has guided participants to experience the materiality of bones, wax, and thread, fostering a deeper understanding of the human body.
Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in contemporary art!
When: 12 March – 5 April 2025
Where: Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios
Entry: Free
Opening times: Tuesday – Friday 10am – 4.30pm & Saturday 10am – 2:30pm
For more details on these exhibitions and upcoming workshops, read the full article here.

Helloworld Lane Cove – Helping out Vanuatu
Helloworld Travel Lane Cove is collecting donations to support communities in Vanuatu and their super cute grandkids have helped spread the message in the most adorable way!
They’re seeking:
Working condition electronics
Kids’ & adults’ clothing
Children’s toys & books
Monetary donations for supermarket vouchers
Every contribution makes a difference! If you can help, get in touch at 02 9418 6866 or [email protected]..
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – At Auskick!
The Lane Cove Cats’ Auskick program is calling all girls aged 4 – 8.
Footy’s not just for the boys! Girls can do it too – and they’ll love the fun, friendships and confidence Auskick brings to the field.
Register for NAB AFL Auskick with the Lane Cove Cats Auskick Centre by 28 March for your chance to play at the SCG on 4 May 2025, Swans v Giants, during the ALL-GIRLS Halftime Auskick!

Get Ready for Some Roarsome Fun With Lane Cove Tigers
Do you have a keen rugby league player in your house? Lane Cove Tigers Junior Rugby League Club have some spots available. If your child is aged between 4-9 they still have spots available in their Mini Footy teams for the 2025 season! Register here.

Jump Into Junior Rugby Union
Lane Cove Junior Rugby Union is looking for more players to have a great time. This year, the LCJRU is celebrating 75 years of community rugby.
They told ITC, “Our under 6 and under 7 teams are looking for a few more players to join the fun this rugby season. We train on Thursdays, 5 pm at Tantallon oval and games are played on Saturday mornings around Sydney.”
You can head along to training and see what it is all about, or register right now.

Crime, Accidents and Incidents
Hello Fresh Box Stolen
A member of Lane Cove Chat by ITC has told locals that food delivery boxes (like Hello Fresh) are still being stolen after they have been delivered. The member noted:
Accident Burns Bay Road/Coxs Lane
On Thursday, 20 March 2025, a two-car crash occurred at the intersection of Burns Bay Road and Coxs Lane. No injuries were reported. Police attended and assisted with traffic management until the car was moved from the intersection.
