Welcome to our week in review.
Eighty Six Affordable Dwellings Approved for Mowbray Road, Lane Cove North
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully has approved a five-storey, 86-unit affordable housing development on 618-624 Mowbray Rd and 25-29 Mindarie Street Lane Cove North Road, Lane Cove North. The development will be managed by Homes NSW and is set to deliver a mix of social and affordable rental apartments.
The development will replace seven vacant houses dating back to the 1960s with a modern, five-storey residential building. The 86 new dwellings will be split evenly: 43 social housing units and 43 affordable housing units, ensuring a 50:50 tenure mix.
Apartments will be a mix of one- and two-bedroom layouts, with communal open spaces at ground and podium levels, landscaped areas, and a multipurpose room for residents.
The building will include 42 basement car parking spaces, with vehicle access via Hatfield Street with eligibility and rent rules.
Submissions raised concerns about:
- Limited parking (42 spaces for 86 dwellings), potentially increasing pressure on local streets.
- Overshadowing of Mindarie Park playground and the need for more family-friendly apartment options.
- Insufficient local retail and incomplete infrastructure, such as bus shelters and pedestrian safety improvements.
Lane Cove Council called for urgent discussions with state agencies to address these infrastructure needs and to consider integrating a neighbourhood centre into the precinct’s redevelopment. Homes NSW did not agree to incorporate local shops into the complex.
Lane Cove Man Arrested In Connection To Suspicious Fire
On Thursday, 19 June 2025 a Lane Cove man was charged following a boat fire at Taren Point in April.
On Saturday, 19 April 2025, officers attached to Sutherland Shire Police Area Command commenced an investigation following a fire at a marina in Mangrove Lane, Taren Point. Police were told two men had entered a marina and boarded a commercial vessel which caught fire a short time later, about 2 am on Saturday 19 April 2025.
Following investigations by officers attached to Strike Force FIERASFER, a search warrant was executed at an address on Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove last Thursday. A 39-year-old man was arrested and taken to Gladesville Police Station.
He was charged with dishonestly for gain, damage property by fire/explosive, and destroy property in company use, fire value greater than $5,000.
He will appear at Sutherland Local Court on Thursday 10 July 2025. Inquiries under Strike Force FIERASFER continue. Anyone with further information should contact Sutherland Shire Police Area Command or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Loch Ness Monster Comes to Lane Cove
Were you lucky enough to spot this illuminated monster in Tambourine Bay on Tuesday evening? This beautiful creature and dazzling lanterns on shore (our feature image this week) were a one night only spectacle, put on by the students at Currambena Primary School & Preschool.
Lane Cove Girl Guides Raise Money For RSPCA
On Saturday the Lane Cove Girl Guides were selling delicious baked goods in the plaza. Their aim was to raise vital funds for the RSPCA. Peckish weekend shoppers were more than happy to help out and the group raised over $2200. Well done to all involved.
Entries Open For 62nd Annual Lane Cove Art Award
Entries are now open for the Lane Cove Art Society’s Lane Cove Art Award.
This is the 62nd year of the award which is open to artists around Australia. Entries close at 11:59pm on Sunday 3 August 2025. More information, terms and conditions, entry form here.
The finalists’ exhibition will be held at Gallery Lane Cove from Wednesday 17 September to Saturday 4 October, with the official opening and award presentation on Friday 19 September 2025.
Local Family In ABC News Feature
Locals Georgia Booth and Adam Farrow-Palmer have shared their story of becoming homeowners in an ABC News article talking about intergenerational living. The article talks about how families are getting more creative in their thinking when it comes to realising their dreams of home ownership, and the social benefits that come with those decisions.
Georgia and Adam’s approach to build on top of Adam’s parents’ existing house has resulted in an award-winning home and mutually beneficial support between both households. Read it here.
Puppy Tail Cafe Named One of Sydney’s Best Dog-Friendly Venues
Puppy Tail Cafe at Blackman Park has been named in a Good Food article as one of the best venues to bring your dog for a treat. We tend to agree – a great spot to fuel up pre or post sport, a bushwalk or a park play. They’ve got delicious options for both two and four legged patrons,
Will Your Community Groups Be Part Of Lane Cove Festival?
The Lane Cove Festival is month-long festival featuring community and Lane Cove Council-run initiatives including live music, film screenings, talks, walks and workshops.
The festival is an excellent way to both showcase local community groups and for those groups to attract new members. Now is the time for community groups to put their thinking caps on and develop an event to be held in September during the Lane Cove Festival.
Find out how your community group can get involved here.
Intergenerational Playgroup Study to Support Brain Health and Community Connection
Could time with toddlers help older adults keep their minds sharp? A new national dementia research trial suggests that playing, crafting, and sharing stories with preschoolers could reduce the risk of cognitive decline—and Lane Cove is already embracing the idea.
The George Institute for Global Health is running the INTEGRITY trial, investigating whether regular, joyful interactions between older adults (65+) and young children can help prevent dementia. Inspired by the ABC TV series Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds, the program explores how social connection, physical activity, and mental stimulation—key factors in lowering dementia risk—can be delivered in just two hours of structured weekly play.
In Lane Cove, intergenerational play is already taking root. A local intergenerational playgroup held at St Peters Residential Aged Care in Lane Cove North, run in partnership with Playgroup NSW, brings together children aged 0–5 and older adults inside an aged care residence. These weekly sessions include games, music, crafts, and shared storytelling that build connection and joy across generations.
Participants report feeling more purposeful and less isolated—while children benefit from empathy, patience, and language development. With social isolation being one of the biggest (and often overlooked) risk factors for dementia, the simple act of intergenerational play may be one of the most powerful tools we have.
Do you want to be involved?
Older adults in Lane Cove can apply to take part in the INTEGRITY dementia prevention trial here OR call 02 8052 4365.
Families with young children can join the Lane Cove Intergenerational Playgroup at St Peter’s Lane Cove North:
Lane Cove Intergenerational Playgroup Information OR email [email protected]
For a full guide to local playgroups check out ITC’s guide.
Leemon Reserve Reopens After A Refresh
In April we let you know that Leemon Reserve in Greenwich was closing temporarily to undergo some upgrades. Well, it has reopened and is looking fresh!
The refresh included installing:
- New double swing set
- Multi play unit including slides, climbing frame and imaginary play
- Sandstone boulder stepping stones
- New native garden
- New native shade tree
Have Your Say: Section 7.11 Development Contributions Plan for the St Leonards South
Lane Cove Council is currently reviewing its Section 7.11 Development Contributions Plan for the St Leonards South area. The draft plan has been updated to include revised costings for open space, roads and drainage, based on works either being undertaken or completed in the precinct.
Email: [email protected] quoting SU10575 – S7.11
Post: Addressed to the General Manager Lane Cove Council, PO BOX 20, LANE COVE, NSW, 1595 quoting SU10575 – S7.11.
To view the draft plan and to make an online submission click here. Consultation closes Friday 18 July 2025.
Get Your Skates On – The Canopy Roller Rink Is Back!
The Canopy Roller Rink is back – and right on time for the school holidays.
From 4 – 13 July, get your skates on at The Canopy’s Roller Rink, which will be open daily from 10 am to 9 pm. Groove to your favourite tunes at themed DJ Nights from 5 – 8pm every evening!
Enjoy a meal at one of The Canopy restaurants and receive discounted entry to the rink.
This Lane Cove Council event is sure to be fun for all ages.
More details and booking link here.
Lane Cove FC Side Runners Up In Cougar Cup
On Sunday, 22 June, Lane Cove Football Club’s LCFC U13 Panthers side travelled to Kariong on the Central Coast to compete in the Cougar Cup.
The team had a solid day out, with a draw and two wins to reach the semifinals.
The semifinal was decided by a golden goal, sending the Lane Cove side through to the Grand Final. That match proved just as even, with both sides scoreless after regular and extra time. The game was decided on corners, with Lane Cove runners up to Kariong FC 13C, who made the most of the home crowd.
The Cougar Cup is an annual gala day hosted by Kariong United FC.
Six-Try Haul Lands Player of The Week Honours
Congratulations to Lane Cove Junior Rugby Union Club’s Under 12 Player of the Week, George.
Last Friday George was playing for Lane Cove against Newport when the side found themselves down 14 nil early in the game. George took matters into his own hands and scored SIX tries for Lane Cove, leading the side to an impressive 36-14 victory!
Lane Cove Cats AFL Club
On Sunday 22 June the Lane Cove Cats AFL Club’s Auskickers spent the morning over in St Ives for a Gala Day. Judging by these photos a great time was had.
Crime, Accidents and Incidents
Willoughby Glass
Willoughby Glass has been established for over 65 years. Their owners live in Lane Cove. Over this period they have gained a sound reputation for honest and reliable work. All of their staff at Willoughby Glass are qualified glaziers with many years experience.
Their primary focus is domestic work including, glass repairs, shower screens, mirrors, table tops, painted splash backs, glass roofs, pool fencing, glass balustrade, stained glass, lead light windows, breezeway louvered windows, sand blasted and etched glass, sash cords & spiral balances and currently service a large number of local real estate agents for various repairs and maintenance, local builders and architects
- All types of Glass Repair
- Mirrors
- Frameless Shower Screens
- Semi Frameless Shower Screens
- Framed Shower Screens
- Table Tops
- Kitchen Splashbacks
- Leadlights
Address: 19/1 Short St Chatswood NSW 2067
Phone: (02) 9882 3648
Facebook Page:@willoughbyglass
Instagram: @willoughbyglass
Website: willoughbyglass.com.au
ITC Business Community Supporter: Willoughby Glass
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Thank You
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