Welcome to our week in review.
Federal Election Update 2025
Candidates
The candidates for each House of Representatives division and Senate contest will be formally declared at midday on Friday, 11 April 2025, at public events across Australia.
A ballot draw will also determine the order of parties and candidates on ballot papers.
According to the ABC the following have indicated they will be standing in the seat of Bennelong, but this will not be finalised until 11th April 2025 (in alphabetical order)
John August – FUSION Planet Rescue Whistleblower Protection Innovation
Barry Devine – Heart
Adam Hart – Greens
Jerome Laxale – Labor
Scott Yung – Liberal
Postal Voting
Postal vote applications are now open. To order a postal vote click here.
The AEC has noted the following on their website:
“The AEC advises voters that unsolicited postal vote application forms are sent by a political party or candidate, not the AEC. These may be received via email, SMS or delivered to your mailbox. They are reportedly used by political parties to collect data about voters before forwarding to the AEC. This can affect timeliness of applications getting to the AEC and the privacy of an applicant’s details.
If you are eligible to vote via post, click on the link below to apply directly with the AEC. This will avoid delays and protect the privacy of your details. It is important to do this as soon as possible to ensure you receive your ballot papers in time.”
Pre Polling
Pre-Polling will start on 22nd April 2025 and finish on 2nd May 2025. The Lane Cove Council civic centre is NOT a pre-polling booth. The closest booths to Lane Cove are:
St Paul’s Anglican Church 1-5 View St, Chatswood
Willoughby Uniting Church 10-12 Clanwilliam St, North Willoughby
Fred Hutley Hall 200 Miller St, North Sydney
Meet The Candidates – Bennelong
ITC will be holding an online Meet the Candidates on 15th April 2025 between 8.00 pm and 9.15 pm. After holding in person and online forums, we have found that more people participate in an online forum and we can record the forum for those who cannot make. To register for the forum click here.
NSW Government Selling Land Within RNSH Precinct
The NSW Government has launched an Expressions of Interest (EOI) campaign seeking parties interested in buying and developing a 3,301-square-metre parcel next to the Royal North Shore Hospital. Developers must deliver up to 448 new apartments, including 67 affordable housing apartments targeting key workers at the Royal North Shore Hospital.
This is not the first time a state government has tried to sell land near the RNSH. The last time, it was met with vocal opposition from the Willoughby City Council, Doctors and Staff, and community groups that want the land retained for hospital expansion. Read more here.
Pockets of “Vacant Land” for Sale
Are you seeking vacant land in Longueville, Lane Cove West or Hunters Hill? Well, it’s vacant if you ignore the Ausgrid substation on the property. Ausgrid is selling off surplus land across the lower north shore.
The land is sold with the Ausgrid substation, and an easement grants Ausgrid access rights.
There are sites available in Kenneth Street Longueville, Currawong Ave Lane Cove West and Foss Street Hunters Hill.
Last Chance to Win a Family Ticket to the Royal Easter Show
In The Cove is giving one lucky family the chance to experience all the fun of the Easter Show—from show bags to carnival rides and adorable baby animals! The competition closes at midnight on Wednesday, 9th April, 2025 (a family ticket at early bird price is $118.00). Winners will be announced on 10th April 2025.
Enter now for your chance to win.
LINA Summit
As reported last week ITC attended the Local and Independent News Summit in Melbourne. It was great to meet so many other local news providers who are working hard to bring local news to their home patch. The LinkedIn post below sums up why I enjoy being at this annual conference.
Our featured image is of the LINA delegates on day one. Can you spot In The Cove, in our red ITC t-shirt? You might also spot Jack Kelly from ITC in the front row.
Lane Cove in The News
Lane Cove local Kate McGregor was interviewed for this Domain article speaking about her family’s choice to move from the eastern suburbs to Lane Cove. ITC has to agree the family made the right choice!
Chatty Chair Launch
Last week, we reported about the installation of chatty chairs in Lane Cove.
On 8th April 2025 Lane Cove’s Mayor Merri Southwood officially launched the Chatty Chairs initiative in Lane Cove at two locations: the Lane Cove Library and Lane Cove Plaza.
The Chatty Cafe initiative aims to tackle loneliness and social isolation by inviting residents and visitors to engage in casual conversations in a welcoming environment.
The first dedicated venue for the Chatty Cafe initiative is the Chatty Bench at Lane Cove Plaza, located on the raised area near the large trees. This permanent fixture is designed to invite locals and visitors to take a seat and have a chat.
The second venue, known as the Chatty Chairs, is situated in the foyer of Lane Cove Library. These chairs are available every Tuesday from 10:00am to 12:00pm, providing a space where library visitors can relax and have a conversation with other patrons. The newly introduced Chatty Chairs in the library complements the existing program activities on Tuesdays. The chairs are signposted to encourage people to sit, chat, and make new connections.
Lane Cove Mayor Merri Southwood says “I’m thrilled to launch what has been a very anticipated new initiative to hit Lane Cove. We are incredibly proud to partner with the Chatty Café program as it aligns perfectly with our goal to build a healthy, connected community for everyone who lives, works, and visits Lane Cove. From today, I am very proud to say the Lane Cove Chatty Bench will appear on a map joining hundreds other Chatty Venues around the world.”
Local businesses interested in becoming a Chatty Venue or would like more information about Chatty Café should check out www.chattycafeaustralia.org.au
Have Your Say: 2025 Liveability Census
It’s been two years since the last Liveability Census, and residents are again being asked to share their thoughts about Lane Cove Local Government Area (LGA). Place Score, which works with governments around Australia to research what is and isn’t working in neighbourhoods, is conducting the census. Not all LGAS choose to participate in the Liveability Census.
Take the survey to share what you thoughts about Lane Cove, and what you might like to see more or less of in our community. It takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
Lifeline Connect Providing Face to Face Support at Libraries
Trained Lifeline Supporters are now providing a drop-in face-to-face service at three Northern Sydney libraries – Hornsby, Stanton and Chatwood. ‘Lifeline Connect’ offers immediate, one-off support for people wanting someone to talk to, as well as referrals to local services or groups for ongoing assistance.
Referrals include those to health providers, social groups, volunteer organisations, exercise groups and clinical services.
Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney (H2HS) Community Engagement Manager, Rachel Krippner, said the average interaction ranges from 30 minutes to an hour, however there is no set time limit.
“We are giving space and time for people to really share what is going on with them. It’s also delivered by people that live in the area, for community members, and that’s a special connection to have.”
Working with local volunteers and community groups, Lifeline Connect hubs currently offer support services in Mandarin and Cantonese. A review found that 44% of people who seek help from Lifeline Connect were born outside of Australia.
Click here to find out more about the program.
Sushi Naya Close to Opening In the Plaza
The fit-out for Sushi Naya is progressing. We haven’t got an opening date yet, but it must be close. They are located where the ANZ Bank used to be, overlooking the plaza. This is a chain, and they are also located at Greenwood Plaza and Macquarie Shopping Centre.
Lamin8 Patisserie Closes
Saturday, 5 April 2025, was the last day of trade for Lamin8 Patisserie (located in the Lane Cove Village opposite McGrath Lane Cove). Mariam, on the left, and May, on the right, were there on the last day.
ArtXtra! Opens At Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios
ArtXtra!, the Lane Cove Art Society members’ exhibition, opens at Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios on 9th April 2025.
The opening night event is on 11th April 2025 between 6.00 pm and 8.00 pm. Meet the artists and hear about their artwork.
This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy and buy art created by local artists in various styles and media. Painting, Printmaking and Drawing are included in the exhibition.
The Lloyd Rees and Guy Warren Prize is given to the best in the show. Winning artists are recognised on an honour board displayed in Lane Cove Library.
Our photo is “Midnight sun, Lofoten” by Ania Zmijewska, winner of the Lloyd Rees and Guy Warren Prize 2024.
Winter Sports Are Back!
Winter sport season has commenced with many local clubs having their first round in the past week or two. Thanks to the Lane Cove Cats, Lane Cove Tigers and Lane Cove Netball Club for these shots.
Crime, Accidents and Incidents
ACCIDENT LONGUEVILLE RD OUTSIDE LIBRARY
On Friday 4th April 2025 at around 8.00pm there was a one vehicle accident outside the Lane Cove Library. The police media unit has confirmed to ITC that it was a medical incident. Police, Ambulance and NSW Fire and Rescue attended. The driver was not seriously injured.
A power pole, other road signs, and a bus stop sign were severely damaged in the accident. The area was sectioned off with tape.
On Tuesday, 8 April 2025, ITC contacted Ausgrid to ask for an update on repairs and when the tape would be removed, as it was the main thoroughfare to Lane Cove Public School and St Michael’s School, and difficult for parents with prams or those with mobility issues to traverse. Ausgrid advised that they had not been notified of the incident and would send someone out asap. Lane Cove Council said Ausgrid was at the accident scene on Friday Night.
A technician attended the site and advised that the repairs would be complex.
Ausgrid asked us to let locals know they can report any problems with power poles via Ausgrid’s website or by calling 13 13 88.
Warning and Information Request
From an ITC follower last week:
“Yesterday, 2 April, Mum finished her shopping at Coles at 2.40pm and went down to The Canopy car park on P1, which was parked in the back section of the car park. Her black handbag which is a backpack style went missing, possibly stolen from her trolley. Wallet with a substantial amount of cash, keys, personal items and diary are all missing. The diary is the most important item as it contains all her medical appointments. There are no security cameras in the car park unfortunately.
Police have been informed. “
If you have any information or have found the diary, please email [email protected]
Return & Earn From Home Or At The Depot
Lane Cove Return and Earn (an ITC Business Supporter) is reshaping the recyclables-for-cash scheme so it’s easier for locals to earn a quick buck in the most convenient ways. Forget about feeding those bottles into a machine one by one – collecting cash for containers has never been easier.
You can visit their premises at 67 Mars Road Lane Cove West or arrange to fill up a bin supplied by Lane Cove Return and Earn and have it picked up by them (a fee applies). is a big fan of the home pick up service – we grab containers from our friends and the money we earn we use to buy toys for The Lane Cove Toy Library or items for The Sydney Library of Things.
Week in Review Sponsor – VDC Handyman
If we had a dollar for every time we get asked about a local handyman – ITC would be rich. Let us introduce local handyman Vincent Di Constanzo from VDC Handyman and Vincent describes in his own words what he can do for you.
“I am Vincenzo Di Costanzo, a highly experienced Handyman and Painter.
I have extensive knowledge in a wide range of home repair and maintenance tasks and I am also well-versed in using various tools and materials for renovations, repairs and installations. I am reliable and safety-conscious, with excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
Attached below is a list of examples of the tasks that I usually carry out:
-Perform minor home repairs e.g. changing locks, fixing broken tiles, repairing drywall)
-Install shelves, curtain rods, and
other simple fixtures
-Caulk windows, doors, tubs, and showers
-Replace lightbulbs, smoke detectors, and other hardware
-Repair or replace leaky faucets
-Unclog drains
-Assemble furniture
-Hang pictures, mirrors, and other wall decorations
-Install appliances (such as dishwashers ext)”
Help ITC to Keep Providing Free Local News in 2025
