Welcome to our week in review.
Gai-mariagal Festival Amplifies Local First Nations Voices
The Gai-mariagal Festival was founded in 2001 and aims to raise awareness of First Nations People living in the Northern Sydney region.
This year’s festival events include workshops, art exhibitions, performances, films, talks and more.
The Gai-mariagal Festival takes place around the following significant dates:
- Sorry Day 26th May;
- National Reconciliation Week 27 May- 3 June; and
- NAIDOC Week 6 – 13 July.
Read more about the festival in our article here.
Vaccination Rates Drop Among Children and Teens, Experts Urge Action
Health experts are sounding the alarm as vaccination rates for children and adolescents continue to fall across Australia. New interim data from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) shows a steady national decline in childhood immunisation since 2020, with the trend continuing into 2024.
The most recent figures show that only 91.6% of one-year-olds are fully vaccinated—down from 94.8% in 2020. Two- and five-year-old vaccination rates have also declined, along with HPV vaccination coverage in adolescents, which dropped sharply between 2023 and 2024. See the interim data here.
Associate Professor Frank Beard of NCIRS warned the downward trend puts young people at increased risk of serious, preventable diseases.
A national survey by NCIRS and partner institutions identified common barriers including difficulty booking appointments, cost concerns, and growing vaccine hesitancy. A full report offering solutions is expected later this year.
Health officials are urging families to check their children’s immunisation status and keep up to date with routine vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program.
Lane Cove Community Men’s Shed
The Lane Cove Community Men’s Shed (LCCMS) were out on Saturday selling their beautifully crafted items in the plaza. Organisers reported record sales, took orders for more items and fielded membership enquiries.
If you missed seeing them on Saturday their next stall will likely be at the Lane Cove Rotary Fair in October. Their stall will be in the Sustainability Lane section.
If October is too long to wait, members of the public can always get in touch with the LCCMS to place orders for their regular stall items. If you’re after something extra special you can commission a bespoke piece – one member recently completed a giraffe letterbox! The team can offer advice on design and timber choice. Orders can be taken via phone, email, or by visiting the LCCMS during opening hours.
The LCCMS is always ready to welcome new members. They open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 10:00am – 2:30pm.
The Shed is located in the Underground Car Park of St Columba’s Retirement Centre, 15 Fig Tree Street, Lane Cove.
See the Lane Cove Community Men’s Shed for more information.
You can also read more about the LCCMS in our article from July 2024.
National Volunteer Week 2025: Celebrating the Spirit of Volunteering in Lane Cove
National Volunteer Week, held this year from 19 to 25 May, is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering. This year’s theme, Connecting Communities, underscores the vital role volunteers play in fostering stronger, more inclusive communities.
In Lane Cove, volunteering is part of so many aspects of community life. Locals actively contribute to various sectors, including aged and disability care, community welfare, sport, the arts, crisis response and recovery, and environmental protection. These efforts not only support those in need but also enrich the lives of those who volunteer.
For those interested in getting involved, Lane Cove offers numerous opportunities including Bushcare, The Lane Cove Toy Library, Sydney Library of Things, Ethics Programs at local primary schools, sporting clubs and so much more. If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, now is the perfect time to reach out to organisations that align with your interests, and see what you can offer.
National Volunteer Week serves as a reminder of the incredible impact volunteers have in building thriving and inclusive communities. Whether you’re a long-time volunteer or considering giving it a go for the first time, your involvement can make a significant difference in Lane Cove.
Thanks to all the volunteers who support our community!
Have Your Say on The Alcott’s Future
EOI For Public Art Projects At New Sport & Recreation Centre
Construction of the new sport and recreation centre on River Road continues to progress with completion expected late 2025.
Lane Cove Council will include new public art at the facility, and the expressions of interest (EOI) process is underway for two pieces; a mural and a poem.
The mural “will celebrate a passion for sport within the community, highlighting Lane Cove’s rich history of health and wellbeing, its connection to the natural environment, and its reputation for fostering active, vibrant lifestyles.”
The poem “will capture the Centre’s role as a vibrant community hub for sport, wellbeing, nature, and connection to Country.”
Interested artists can view the full briefs for both projects here.
The EOI process for the mural closes this Sunday 25th May.
The EOI process for the poem closes Wednesday 4th June.
SCAM ALERT: Australia Post Urges Vigilance Against Delivery Scam
Last week we brought you an article about new Australia Post delivery procedures (read it here).
This week, Australians are being warned of a new wave of scam texts and emails impersonating Australia Post. The messages falsely claim a delivery failed due to an invalid postcode and prompt users to click malicious links to steal personal information.
The scam is part of the global ‘Darcula’ phishing-as-a-service operation, which allows cybercriminals to mimic trusted brands and bypass network filters — even sending messages via iMessage and Rich Communication Services (RCS).
A recent survey conducted for Australia Post found:
- 9 in 10 Australians have received a scam text or call.
- 74% report scams most often impersonate parcel delivery services.
- 85% are more concerned about scams now than a year ago.
How to Spot a Scam:
- Unexpected messages about failed deliveries
- Requests for personal or financial details.
- Suspicious links or payment demands.
Australia Post Will:
Never call, text, or email asking for personal or financial details.
Never request payment via text or email.
Stay Safe: Use the official AusPost app to securely track and manage deliveries. It provides real-time parcel updates, missed delivery alerts, and redirection options.
Get the app or create a free MyPost account.
More scam safety tips.
Bone Health Study
Would you like to be involved in a research programme combining exercise with medication for bone and muscle strength in women?
Please see details in the image.
QR code link to survey to register your interest.
This study has been approved by the Northern Sydney Local Health District (2022/ETH01794) and site-specific approval has been obtained at Royal North Shore Hospital (2023/STE01005).
More info – [email protected]
New Business Alert – Circular Style Collective
Circular Style Collective is opening this Friday 23 May. They are located behind Birdwood Cafe, and up a set of stairs – keep an eye out for the signage.
Circular Style Collective is your new go-to for curated preloved fashion, offering high-quality, designer women’s clothing, shoes and accessories, with a focus on sustainable fashion.
they’re accepting consignments now, so if you’ve got great pieces ready to part with, call and make an appointment via 0435 930 885 or DM on Instagram.
New Business Alert – Pho Hoa
New signage has appeared where JoyChew was located. It seems Lane Cove is getting another Vietnamese dining option soon. Stay tuned!
New Business Alert – Jules
Signage is up for Jules which is to be located on Birdwood Lane in where Little Red Robin was. We’ve heard it will offer modern Australian cuisine and their Instagram promises good food, good wine and good times.
New Business Alert –
Exciting news from long-time ITC supporters, Wood n Stone! They’ve expanded their business family — and we’re here for it!
Say hello to:
WoodnStoneBathrooms – stunning bathroom renos with serious wow factor.
woodnstonebathrooms.com
Doors First – Doors Windows & Hardware Specialists
www.instagram.com/doorsfirst/
We love seeing local businesses grow and thrive. Congrats to the team!
New Business Alert – This Is Pilates
This is Pilates is located above the NAB. This new studio is from the team who brought Soulful Fitness to Lane Cove, they’ve relocated and rebranded. This Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th May is their opening weekend, so pop in and see the space and learn about their opening specials.
Small Business Breakfast at Sunset Diner
Do you own, operate or work in a small business? This event will focus on the topic Understanding the Global Economy in 2025 — and What It Means for Local Business.
This Lane Cove Council event will include a keynote address by Andrew Clifford — Co-Founder of Platinum Asset Management, an expert ‘speed dating desk’, and an opportunity to win one of seven mentoring sessions.
When: Wednesday, 11 June 2025
Time: 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM AEST
Where: Sunset Diner, Shop 6, 2 Rosenthal Avenue, Lane Cove, NSW 2066
How: Free – bookings required
Crime, Accidents and Incidents
On Tuesday, 20th May, traffic was at a standstill on Epping Road when a car caught on fire near the entrance to the Lane Cove Tunnel.
Good News
We reported the following in last week’s week in review and we are pleased to say the UTE has been found.
On Tuesday 13 May, one of ITC’s followers posted on Lane Cove Chat by ITC the following:
“Please help. My son’s Ute was stolen from William Edward street last night (Monday 12th) – a grey Ford Ranger. It has a 6 mtr long white PVC pipe on it. Rego plate CE68YS. It has all his plumbing tools in it. We have reported it to the police however if anyone has seen it can they please either message me or let the police know.”
Week In Review – Sponsor
Our week in review Sponsor is Jack & Co. They have two locations in Lane Cove.
Burns Bay Road Lane Cove
Northwood Road Lane Cove
You can score 30 days of caffeinated bliss — on the house. 💥
Here’s the drill:
✅ Grab a yellow promo loyalty card
✅ Buy 9 coffees in May, get the 10th FREE
✅ Pop your name + number on the card
✅ Chuck it in the barrel at your local Jack & Co
✅ Cross your fingers (and maybe toes)
One winner PER STORE gets a month of FREE COFFEE in June. So the more you sip, the more chances you’ve got. ☕️☕️☕️
Help ITC to Keep Providing Free Local News in 2025
The link to support us is here.
Thank You
Thank you to the In the Cove team, our advertisers, roving reporters and everyone who stops our founder, Jacky Barker, on the street and tells her how much In the Cove has helped them learn more about where they live.
The link to support us is here.
