Welcome to our week in review.
Jerome Laxale’s Office Damaged After Adjacent Building Fire
Federal Member for Bennelong Jerome Laxale’s electoral office has been significantly damaged after an adjacent building caught fire.
The residential section of the adjacent building, located on Beecroft Rd Epping, was alight between 8 pm and 10 pm on Saturday 19th July. There were no injuries reported.
Mr Laxale’s team was alerted about the incident around 9 pm on Saturday.
The fire caused extensive smoke and water damage to the electoral office, with ceilings, electrical, and office equipment all damaged.
As a result the office is temporarily closed whilst damage is assessed and an alternative location is organised. Mr Laxale is working temporarily from some Commonwealth Offices in the CBD.
Constituents can still contact the office via phone 02 9869 4288 or email, bearing in mind that response times may be slightly affected by the disruption. If you would like to speak to Mr Laxale face-to-face he has a number of mobile office events over the next month. Details here.
There is an ongoing investigation by Ryde Area Command. Detectives urge anyone with information and video or photos to contact them.

Arrest Made In Relation to The Vandalism Of Anthony Roberts’ Office
In June we covered the news that NSW Member for Lane Cove Anthony Roberts’ office had been damaged with an anti-Israel message scratched into a glass window. Read the background here.
Late last week Police advised a 37-year-old man has been charged following an investigation into damage caused to an office in Gladesville last month.
Officers from Ryde Police Area Command executed a search warrant at a unit in Homebush. Several items of clothing were seized during the search, and the man was arrested at the scene.
He was taken to Auburn Police Station and charged with destroying or damaging property valued between $5,000 and $15,000.
He was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Burwood Local Court on Thursday, 18 September 2025.
Lane Cove Council July 2025 Monthly Meeting
The Lane Cove Council July 2025 Meeting will be held on Thursday, 24th June 2025, at 7.00 pm.
Residents can write to councillors about any agenda item or issue. If you use the email address – [email protected], your email will go to all councillors.
Council meetings are live-streamed and viewable via the webcast on this website.
You can also attend the Lane Cove Council meeting in person. The Council chambers are located on the ground floor of the Lane Cove Civic Centre 48 Longueville Road Lane Cove.
Public members can address the councillors for a time limit of three minutes per person (in-person or virtually) during the public forum segment of the Ordinary Council Meeting. Register by using the online form no later than midnight, on the day prior to the Ordinary Council Meeting.
The public forum provides an opportunity to address only. It is not a forum for debate or response from Councillors.
This agenda is a packed agenda. You can review the agenda here.
Some items that may be of interest are:
1 Notice of Motion – Canberra Avenue, St Leonards South Recommendation
7 Lane Cove Aquatic Centre improving access and equity
Local Teen Aiming To Be World Champion In Archery
A young Lane Cove local has shot for the stars by striking her target, qualifying for the World Youth Archery Championships in Canada.
Eve Whitar represented NSW at the 2025 National Youth Archery Championships at Canberra in April. The 15-year-old won gold for the 720 round competition, not only solidifying her position on the Australian team at the August global competition in Winnipeg, but also the Trans Tasman Challenge in Christchurch, New Zealand in September.
Read all about Eve’s journey to the Championships and how you can help in our article.

Lane Cove In The News: HydGene Renewables Receive Grant To Turn Waste Into Fuel
In February we profiled HydGene Renewables and took you behind the scenes at their Lane Cove West facility. At the time the team were working on scaling their research for commercial application. Refresh your memory here.
This week the company is again in the news after securing a significant NSW Government grant to further their commercialisation aspirations. The Waste Management Review article shares:
“Among the projects funded was HydGene Renewables in Lane Cove, which will receive $2,500,000 to turn farm waste into green bio-hydrogen and ammonia – clean fuels that can be used on farms.
The funding will be delivered as part of the $275 million Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative to fuel new investment, new jobs and new opportunities for New South Wales businesses, industries, communities and workers.”

Rotary Car Boot Sale A Success
On Sunday 20th July locals came out to grab a pre-loved bargain (and a famous BBQ snag) at the Lane Cove Rotary car boot sale.
Over 30 stall holders sold clothes, books, toys, household items and more. The Club were happy with the turnout of both stallholders and attendees, with many showing a keen interest in future events. Lane Cove Rotary advises that the next event will take place in late October – early November.
Entries Closing Soon 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.
Read more about the thriving Lane Cove arts community.

Get Ready To Run For Fun At The 2025 Lane Cove Fun Run
Mark your calendars – Sunday 14 September is the big day! Join us at Kingsford Smith Oval for a morning of family-friendly fun, fitness and community spirit.
Choose your pace with a 5km run or a 2km run/walk
Prams, costumes and even dogs on leads welcome in the 2km
Early bird pricing is open now – don’t miss out!
Register with your school to enter into the Inter-school Comp
Let’s make this year’s event bigger than ever. Get all the details here.
Fare-Free Travel Days On Sydney Metro & Sydney Trains
Commuters across New South Wales will enjoy two days of free travel on the Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink, Metro and Airport Link networks from Thursday 31 July to Friday 1 August 2025, as part of a government initiative aimed at thanking the public for their patience during recent rail disruptions.
The 48-hour fare-free period will see Opal readers turned off at all train and metro stations, meaning no tap on or tap off is required. For NSW TrainLink services, booked tickets are still necessary, but passengers will receive full fare refunds automatically.
However, not all transport modes are included. Travel on buses, ferries and light rail will continue to incur regular Opal charges. Commuters using those services must still tap on and off, with standard fares and transfer benefits applying as usual.
Transport for NSW confirmed the free travel days are not only a goodwill gesture but also a move to support local businesses impacted by rail delays and industrial action.
Car Wash Proposed For Longueville
A Development Application (DA) has been lodged with Lane Cove Council to build a car wash at 5 Northwood Rd Longueville next to Jack & Co. The site was originally included in plans when Jack & Co redeveloped the BP service station and convenience store however those plans were scaled down and the site has remained vacant.
The DA from Elephant Car Wash is for an automatic car wash facility that the DA proposes would operate 6 am to 11 pm, 7 days a week.
The DA indicates traffic into the car wash would flow from Kenneth St and exit onto Northwood Rd.
The proposed development would see:
▪ Provision of three automatic car wash bays (with space for 6 queuing vehicles)
▪ Provision of two staff car parking spaces
▪ Provision of bin storage shed and a loading/servicing bay adjacent to the bin storage
shed.
▪ Provision of a plant room and storage shed
▪ Associated line-marking and signage.
Elephant currently operates another facility in Chatswood.
Submissions about this DA can be made via email quoting DA76-2025 and the development address and will be accepted until 31st July 2025. Full details available from Council.

Walking Tracks Accessing Bob Campbell Oval Reopened
Lane Cove Council has announced that access through Bob Campbell Oval (BCO) has now been reopened following the completion of the BCO upgrade. Walkers can once again enjoy uninterrupted access along the Gore Creek bushwalking tracks, with full connectivity between River Rd, Fleming St, Ford St, and St Vincents Rd.

Have Your Say: Marjorie York Park Playground Upgrade
Marjorie York Playground (AKA The Steamroller Park) in Riverview is scheduled for upgrade. In preparation for this Lane Cove Council is gathering feedback from locals to understand what the community values about this park, which will inform the final design.
You can have your say by:
Completing the short online survey
OR
Sending an Email and quoting SU10724
OR
Calling the project team on 9911 3555.
Consultation closes midnight 14th August. Upgrade works are expected to commence later 2025 or early 2026.
Get Planting on National Tree Day
Help plant native shrubs and groundcovers in July as part of National Tree Day events all across Australia!
This year Lane Cove’s Tree Day events will be spread across two weekends at smaller reserves, to support the ongoing work of our Bushcare volunteers.
When: Sunday 27 July
Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Where: Aquatic Park, Mary St, Longueville
How: RSVP essential.
Busy Bees Open Day
Busy Bees Lane Cove is reopening on Monday July 28th.
The centre, located in the old Mandalay function building on Burns Bay Rd, closed late December 2024 to allow for urgent remediation works to take place on the building. These works have been completed and the team is excited to welcome existing and new families.
Bring the whole family for a buzzing good time to celebrate the reopening of Busy Bees Lane Cove, a brand-new early learning centre and preschool.
When: Saturday 2 August
Time: 1 pm-4 pm
Where: 72 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove.
What’s On:
> Face painting, singing & storytelling
> Snap a pic with Buzz the busy bee
> Craft & cooking fun
> Petting zoo
> Live music & entertainment
> Barista coffee & gourmet food carts for the grown-ups!
> Explore the beautiful new centre, meet the Educators
How: RSVP here
Lane Cove Old Ignatians’ Rugby Football Club Heritage Round
On Saturday 26th July Lane Cove Old Ignatians’ Rugby Football Club (LCOIRFC) will celebrate the tradition and history of their founding clubs with Heritage Round at Tantallon Oval.
Kickoff is at 11.50 am, and all current and former players and supporters are welcome to attend.
Winter Swim Club This Friday
Lane Cove Swim Club invites new and existing members to attend Winter Swim Club this Friday 25th July. The event will be held at the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre indoor pool.
Interested non-members can attend up to 3 Winter Swim Club sessions before they need to sign up to the club, so it’s a great way to see if Swim Club is for you.
Races from 6.30 pm.

Lane Cove Tigers Growing Skills On & Off Field
Recently players from Lane Cove Tigers Junior Rugby League Club had the opportunity to put their skills to the test on and off the field.
Some of the Under 13s players participated in the RISE program which is a national Rugby League program which aims to guide participants to develop skills that will serve them on and off the football field for life.
The Under 14s’ development squads showed their on-field prowess representing the North Sydney Bears in a massive gala day at Heffron Park.

Crime, Accidents and Incidents
Accident Longueville Rd & Dorritt Street Tuesday 22 July: Around 6 pm on Tuesday evening a moving vehicle struck a parked car resulting in the car stationary car being pushed onto the road. Police and tow truck attended. No injuries reported.
Week In Review Sponsor – Lane Cove Orthodontics
Lane Cove Orthodontics are specialists in their field and highly experienced when it comes to transforming your smile.
Dr Rex obtained her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Sydney in 1996, graduating with First Class Honours. She continued her specialist training orthodontics at the university of Sydney and obtained her Master of Dental Science (Orthodontics) in 2002.
Dr Ballard obtained his Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Sydney in 1996, before later completing his Masters of Dental Science (Orthodontics) at the University of Sydney
Lane Cove Orthodontics Contact Details
Level 1 138 Longueville Road, Lane Cove NSW 2066
Mon-Thur – 8:30am to 5:30pm
Fri – 8:30am to 5:00pm
Ph: 02 9427 8088
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