Welcome to our week in review. What a stunning Easter Break with some glorious weather. Our cover photo is by Instagrammer Stephtee, taken on Easter Sunday night.
Easter Monday was another stunning day and In the Cove snapped this photo of blue skies and birds in the morning. The rain held off until after Easter.
Easter was also a time when prowlers decided to check out numerous homes throughout the Lane Cove Council Area – further details below.
ANZAC Day In The Cove
ANZAC Day is this Friday, 25 April 2025. We have gathered answers to some frequently asked questions about ANZAC Day in Lane Cove, a guide to activities after the ceremony (like 2 Up) and trading hours for our local cafes/restaurants and supermarkets.
This year, trading hours have changed since new regulations were introduced, which now prohibit large stores like supermarkets from opening at 1.00 pm on ANZAC Day. They will now close all day. We also have some details of events leading up to ANZAC Day.
Pre Pollling Has Started
Pre-Polling started on 22nd April 2025 and will 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
If you work in the Sydney CBD and want to pre-poll poll you can pre-poll at:
TAFE NSW (Ultimo Campus) 651-731 Harris St, Ultimo
Sydney Masonic Centre 66 Goulburn St, Sydney
This election campaign pre polling has been limited to the two weeks before the election. An article in The Conversation noted:
“The popularity of voting early has been on an upward trajectory in recent decades.
Research shows that in 2004, for instance, over 80% of Australians waited until polling day to cast their ballots.
But at the 2022 federal election, almost half of all Australians on the electoral roll voted early.
There were variations across jurisdictions. Queensland had the highest rate of pre-poll voting at 56.6%, while Tasmanians had the lowest at just 36.8%.
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) was actively encouraging people to vote early due to COVID concerns. Nonetheless, the trend is unmistakable. Voters want to skip the queues on election day.”
Meet the Candidates – Bennelong 2025
In The Cove hosted a Meet the Candidates Forum on Tuesday, 15 April 2025, so you could hear directly from the Bennelong candidates ahead of the Federal Election on 3 May 2025.
Head to the link to watch the full forum and find out where and when to vote.
We also asked each candidate the same questions about why they had been nominated to be a Bennelong candidate in 2025. Five of the eight candidates responded, and you can read their responses here.
Media Swarm Blackman Park
On Good Friday, the media were out in full when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, his partner Jodie Haydon and his dog Toto were spotted at Blackman Park.
Nature Photography Competition
Do you love immersing yourself in all the nature Lane Cove has to offer? Why not snap a photo while you’re doing it and enter Lane Cove Council’s Wild About Lane Cove photo competition?
You have until the end of April to share your photos of your favourite nature spot for a chance to win one of two $100 Lane Cove gift cards.
You must tag @lanecovecouncil, #WildAboutLaneCove25, and provide the location of the photo and short blurb on what makes it a favourite nature spot.
You can also enter via email by sending your entry to [email protected]. See here for full terms and conditions.
ITC took this photo on Good Friday at Burns Bay Reserve – such a beautiful spot! Find our more about Burns Bay Reserve here.
The Kayak is a share kayak that anyone can hire at Burns Bay Reserve – find out more here.
Our News, Your Voice Local and Independent News National Campaign Starts Next Week
You may recall that last year the Local and Independent News Association launched a campaign to raise awareness of the funding crisis for local news operators. In the Cove was part of that campaign and our readers responding by supporting us through a press patreon campaign. This funding support helped us to employ three local mums (permanent part time) and a part time journalist to assist ITC in writing articles.
Next week we will be again promoting the role of local and independent news in our community.
Claire Stuchbery is the Executive Director of the Local & Independent News Association, an industry association that supports digital news publishers in producing high-quality public interest journalism for the communities they serve.
Claire sets out below why local news matters:
LINA member publishers, like In The Cove, are embedded in the communities they serve. In the Cove is part of a movement of 166 newsrooms across the country which collectively share over 2,000 stories per week that would otherwise remain untold. These are the voices of your community, represented in news media. These are the stories that connect us, reported by people with knowledge of the area because this is what we live and breathe. In a media landscape that’s increasingly syndicated with content produced by centralised services from Sydney, news services informed by subject-matter expertise are particularly valuable.
Right now, newsrooms across the country are providing information on a range of candidates to help voters make informed choices when they head to the polls on Saturday. This importance of this role has only increased with the proliferation of mis and disinformation, meaning newsrooms are increasingly relied upon to educate audiences in media literacy and act as an antidote to sophisticated campaigns that threaten democratic processes across the globe. Local and independent journalists are at the front line of this fight, combatting mis and disinformation in communities with verified and reliable news.
It’s no secret that undertaking this work is not for the faint-hearted. Business models sustained by advertising and user fees have weakened globally, while demand for local news content delivered via multimedia channels continues to expand. Over 9 million readers get their news from LINA member publishers each month. Audiences often expect to access news content for free, but journalism is not free to produce. This tension has seen the closure of newsrooms across the country. Now, newsrooms must call on readers to contribute to their work, after all, it is our news, but it’s your voice that’s represented.”
We will be releasing the like to our support page next week. Last year LINA had funding to match dollar for dollar your support, this year it has limited funds to match so its first in best dressed, so we would love for you to support us on Monday 28 April 2025.
New Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Lane Cove has six new community electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. These have been installed alongside existing power pole infrastructure on Little St Lane Cove, Mowbray Rd West Lane Cove North, and Bellevue Avenue Greenwich.
Lane Cove Council area now has 37 charging stations that are located either kerbside or in Council car parks. Details, including location of all stations here.
Burns Bay Dance Shines at the Sydney Family Show
Lane Cove’s very own Burns Bay Dance Studio, led by the passionate and much-loved Miss Chelsea, lit up the stage at the Sydney Family Show at The Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park on Tuesday April 22 2025. With 50 talented dancers taking part, the school delivered two energetic and joyful performances that wowed the audience and showcased the spirit of community and resilience that defines Burns Bay Dance.
Despite the sunshine turning to storm during the second show, the young dancers powered through wind and rain with professionalism and big smiles. Families and friends braved the weather, cheering on the performers and creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
Lane Cove North Cafe & Daifuku Store In The News
Although they only opened in March, Commission Coffee and Sydney Daifuku Store are already making a name for themselves. Daifuku Store was featured in this Sydney Morning Herald Good Food article detailing the delicious Japanese street food snacks on offer.
You can find them at 72 Helen St Lane Cove North.
Rescheduled Shakesperience At The Canopy
After being washed out a few weeks ago, you can put Shakesperience back in the calendar.
See Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet under the stars on the big stage at The Canopy. See the tale of teenage romance gone tragically wrong with thrilling sword fights and larger-than-life characters.
Pack your picnic or purchase dinner from one of the many great restaurants in Lane Cove, and get set to be transported to Verona for the evening.
When: Saturday 26 April 2025
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: The Canopy
Lane Cove Seed Library Launch
Lane Cove is about to get a Seed Library, a place where locals can ‘borrow’ seeds to grow their own plant, then ‘return’ harvested seeds to the library.
The initiative is part of a growing movement that aims to address biosecurity, biodiversity and food security. The Lane Cove Seed Library will be launched next week by broadcaster and author Indira Naidoo.
To get you in the mood for all things planting and growing the team at Lane Cove Library have put together a great display of gardening related books at the entrance to the library.
What: Seed Library launch
When: Tuesday 29 April, 6.15 pm
Where: Lane Cove Library
How: FREE but bookings required
Come and Try Bushcare
Have you ever seen articles on Bushcare and thought I’d like to do that’, but haven’t followed up on it? Well, next month you have a chance to come and try the program before becoming a registered volunteer.
Lane Cove is lucky to have 25 Bushcare groups protecting and maintaining the beautiful nature that surrounds us, so there’s plenty of opportunity to find the right fit for you.
What: Bushcare Come and Try Day
When: Saturday 24th May, 9 am – 11 am
Where: Meet at Stringybark Reserve, Murray Street, Lane Cove North
How: FREE but bookings required
Break-Ins & Attempted Robbery
On Thursday, 17 April 2025, around 1 a.m., a group of 3 to 4 individuals was seen moving through carports in the Longueville peninsula. These weren’t opportunistic youths but clearly prepared individuals: wearing gloves, face coverings, and carrying tools associated with break-ins. In some cases, they approached front doors as well as vehicles.
In Lane Cove North, there was a report of someone following a car into an apartment complex on Mowbray Road on foot, later stealing items from within the building.
Another unusual encounter early Easter Monday involved a couple acting suspiciously outside a building around 3 am. When questioned, they gave vague and inconsistent reasons for being there. Police were called and responded.
Residents are reminded to ensure the security of their homes and vehicles. Lock all doors and windows, remove valuables from your car, and be mindful of who you allow into secured buildings or garages—especially in apartment complexes.
If you do witness anything suspicious or experience an incident, please report it to the police. Online reporting is available and encouraged for non-emergencies.
New Electronic Bus Timetable Signage Vandalised
After less than a week of operation, the new electronic bus signs at Lane Cove interchange have been vandalised. The screen has been spray-painted, making it difficult to see the projected arrival time.
These screens were erected by Transport for NSW, and to report graffiti to them, use this link.
See here for information on where to report graffiti on Lane Cove public property when you see it.
Week In Review – Sponsor
Masala Kitchen, located in The Canopy, has sponsored our week in review.
BYO Wine Monday – Thursday
Bring your own wine to Masala Kitchen and let their curry do the talking (while your wine does the walking). A $5.00 corkage fee applies.
Cooking Classes
A Cooking Class That’ll Spice Up Your Life and Your Group Chat.
Forget dry cooking demos and boring food history — Masala Kitchen is serving up real flavour, real gin, and real laughs.
Join Bhava Kalra and the Masala Kitchen crew as we take you on a wild (and delicious) ride through India’s spice markets, kitchens, and cocktail menus.
What you’ll get:
Learn how to cook Indian food like you actually mean it
Spice secrets passed down like family gossip
A splash of Indian food history (don’t worry, we made it juicy)
And of course… MASALA GIN TASTING 🍸 (yes, it’s a thing, yes, it slaps)
📍LANE COVE – May 18th
📍NORWEST – May 24th
Bring your inner chef. Or just come for the gin.
Either way, you’ll leave saying “Damn, I can cook now.”
Spots are limited. Bring a mate who can’t cook to save their life.
Address: Shop 1 and 2, The Canopy 2 Rosenthal Ave Lane Cove
Phone: 049 973 2044
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @masalakitchenlanecove
Instagram: @masalakitchenaus
Help ITC to Keep Providing Free Local News in 2025
