Welcome to our week in review.
Tenders Process Begins For Chatswood Urgent Care Clinic
The tender process for a new bulk-billed urgent care clinic in Chatswood has commenced.
Member for Bennelong Jerome Laxale MP has said “We’ve already seen the difference Medicare Urgent Care Clinics make in Bennelong, and now more of our community will benefit from that same accessible, bulk billed care.”
Lane Cove Marks 25 Years of Cultural Stewardship with Aboriginal Heritage Office
Lane Cove Council, along with North Sydney, Ku-ring-gai, Northern Beaches, and Willoughby Councils, recently commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Aboriginal Heritage Office (AHO), a long-standing regional collaboration established in the late 1990s to care for Aboriginal heritage. The councils have renewed a five-year partnership to continue supporting AHO’s essential site management, educational programs, training, and advisory services.
Over its quarter-century of service, the AHO has delivered significant cultural outcomes, including relocating a road to protect the “Whale Rock” engraving at Balls Head, launching the AHO Museum in Freshwater, training staff and volunteers to monitor over 800 Aboriginal sites, and hosting cultural walks and talks that have engaged tens of thousands across the region.
Lane Cove Mayor Merri Southwood expressed pride in the ongoing collaboration, stating that through this partnership, the council has deepened community understanding of Aboriginal culture and care for Country on Cammeraygal land—and looks forward to continuing this vital work.
In celebration of this legacy, the AHO revealed a new logo which incorporates:
- A shield representing protection,
- A shellfish hook signifying deep connection to Country,
- A boomerang for education,
- And a circle of dots embodying community.
Vandalism Forces Closure of Wadanggari Park Playground
The Wadanggari Park playground has been closed indefinitely after a significant act of vandalism on 22 July 2025 damaged more than 30 panels along its elevated walkways and stairs.
This incident follows a troubling pattern of repeated vandalism at the park, which has now rendered the playground unsafe for public use. Work is underway to repair the damage and find a long-term solution. A timeline for repairs is not yet available.
Signage at the park and updates on the Council website will inform the public as soon as further details are confirmed. To keep up to date or to report new damage, visit this website.
In the meantime, anyone with information about the vandalism is urged to contact Crime Stoppers online or by phoning 1800 333 000.
Vale Catherine “Cate” Turner OAM
Lane Cove local Catherine “Cate” Turner passed away peacefully on Saturday, 9 August 2025, aged 97.
Cate was an advocate for women and women’s issues, including aged welfare. Her contribution to these areas saw her awarded an Order of Australia in 2017. In fact, she received numerous awards from a Lane Cove Citizenship Award, Local Hero awards and more.
Her many family and friends celebrated Cate’s life on 20 August 2025.
In The Cove will publish an article on this remarkable woman soon.
Extended Outdoor Pool Hours In September
From 1st to 30th September 2025, swimmers will be able to use the 50m outdoor pool at Lane Cove Aquatic Centre all day.
Local swimmers have been advocating for more access to the facility since 2018, when the pool was deemed unsafe and closed in December of that year. Read our 2020 article here.
Community members have continually cited the need for equitable access to the 50m pool for all community members, particularly outside of peak times. Lane availability has been harder to come by in recent years, with the extended closure of North Sydney Pool and, more recently, the pool at Willoughby Leisure Centre.
September 2025 outdoor pool hours:
Weekdays: 5:30 am – 9:00 pm
Weekends: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
Since the pool reopened in 2020 winter opening hours have seen the pool closed between 10 am and 3 pm. Pool users are encouraged to make the most of the extended hours opportunity throughout September, as usage during the month will form part of the future winter pool schedule.
Read more about the history of the pool here.
Lane Cove Community Bands Almost Spring Concert
On Sunday, 17 August 2025, Lane Cove Community Bands Karingal, Turrumburra and Cameraygal Wind Symphony came together for their Almost Spring concert.
This concert featured the works of Australian composer Kara Williams, who joined the bands to conduct her pieces, including the premiere of her new composition ‘Swings and Roundabouts’.
On Saturday, the Karingal and Turrumburra Concert Bands also had the opportunity to participate in a wonderful workshop with Ms Williams. Kara conducted two of her pieces, ‘Twilight Wonderment’ and ‘Escher’s Dream’, which gave each band an insight into her inspiration and the composition process; it was an enlightening and valuable opportunity for each ensemble.
Nominations – 2025 Community Sports Dad of the Year
Australians are being invited to nominate outstanding local dads for the 2025 Community Sports Dad of the Year award – a national initiative celebrating the unsung heroes of grassroots sport.
Now in its 12th year, the award recognises fathers who go above and beyond for their local clubs, whether it’s coaching, refereeing, fundraising, or simply supporting from the sidelines. The winner will receive a $5,000 Rebel Sports voucher to spend on their nominated community sports club, along with other prizes.
Last year’s winner, Nathan Butler of South Australia’s Blue Lake Soccer Club, was honoured for his tireless work across coaching, refereeing, and club administration. His efforts helped improve facilities and gear for players from under-6s to seniors.
Hurry, nominations close 27 August 2025 so submit your entry now. The winner will be announced ahead of Father’s Day (which is on Sunday, 7th September. ITC Father’s Day is out now.
Update: The Canopy Playground Changes
A few weeks ago, we reported that Council would be making some changes to the sandpit area of The Canopy playground. The sand has caused ongoing maintenance issues in the area.
The short-term solution is to replace the sand with bark. This replacement is scheduled to commence on Monday, 15th September 2025, and is expected to be completed by Friday, 19th September 2025, weather permitting.
Council asked the community for suggestions on a longer-term upgrade. This feedback is now under review. Read more about the process here.
Rotary Down Under Journalism Scholarship
Are you, or do you know someone who is enrolled in a third year undergraduate course with a journalism speciality?
Rotary Down Under is a Rotary magazine covering the projects and impact that Rotary has across Australia, New Zealand and the South West Pacific.
Lane Cove Rotary have advised that the Award is valued at $10,000 and aims to support the successful applicant through the later stages of their study.
Eligibility criteria apply, and applicants must submit two written papers on set subjects as part of their application.
For full details and to apply, check out Rotary Down Under.
Applications are open now and close Thursday October 30, 2025.
Upcoming Public Tree Works Website
Lane Cove Council has a webpage dedicated to tree works across the LGA. You can now go to one place to find out about scheduled tree management works, emergency tree removal and planned removal of public trees.
Under each subheading, you will find the address of the tree, the works required and the date the work will be carried out (or was carried out in the case of emergency works). Explore the page here.
Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios: Management Committee Opportunity
Have you ever thought about getting more involved in our vibrant Lane Cove community? This is your chance!
Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios is on the lookout for enthusiastic locals to join their Management Committee. This dynamic arts hub delivers year-round exhibitions, workshops and programs that inspire creativity across all ages—and now they’re inviting people with skills in:
- Finance and governance
- Marketing, philanthropy, and fundraising
- Corporate or business management
It’s around 5–7 meetings a year where you can truly make a difference and help shape the future of one of Lane Cove’s most treasured community arts organisations.
Reach out today at [email protected] to learn more or express your interest.
Northside Speech Pathology Celebrates 6 Years
On 14 August, Northside Speech Pathology marked 6 years of supporting children and families in Lane Cove through speech therapy, occupational therapy and more.
Here’s to the next chapter – growing, learning and making a difference together!
Learn more
25 Years of Hearing Care in Lane Cove
WHAT The Hearing Centre at 174 Longueville Road is celebrating 25 years of helping locals hear better and stay connected. Founded in 2000 by audiologist Damian O’Connor, the independent clinic offers hearing checks, wax removal, hearing aids, and custom earplugs — always with friendly, personalised service.
📍 Lane Cove’s own hearing specialists, right in the heart of the village.
New At Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios: Repair | Replace
Repair | Replace has opened at Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios. The exhibition brings together artists who rethink our relationship with the planet through the materials we choose, the stories we tell, and the structures we sustain.
Visitors will experience works in various mediums including painting and installation whilst exploring themes around cycles of damage and renewal.
There will be an official opening event.
When: Wednesday 27 August
Time: 6 pm – 8 pm
Where: Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios 164 Longueville Rd.
How: Free. RSVP here.
The exhibition runs from the 20th August to the 13th September 2025.
Movie Night At The Canopy
Bring a picnic and enjoy a FREE screening of Cats & Dogs at The Canopy on Friday 29th August.
Chasing The Rainbow
Haven’t had a chance to experience the new Pottery Lane Performance space yet?
Come along during the Lane Cove Festival and enjoy Chasing The Rainbow, a musical delight by Different Degrees, an ensemble of actors with and without disabilities.
This event is in partnership with the Sydney Fringe Festival.
Lane Cove Cats Auskickers Take To The Field At AFLW
Registrations Open For Cricket Season
Cricket season is just around the corner, and registrations at Lane Cove Cricket Club are now open. The club offers teams for all ages and skill levels, providing a fun environment where players can develop their skills. So there is something for everyone!
Week In Review Sponsor
This Week in Review is proudly sponsored by Advanced Veterinary Care Lane Cove
The team at AVC are promoting Pet Dental Awareness Month during August and Advanced Vet Care Lane Cove is here to keep those furry smiles sparkling! They offer free dental assessments year-round (just call and book in), and this month you’ll also get $50 off all dental procedures.
✨ Tips for a healthy pet smile:
- Brush daily (or as often as possible)
- Use pet-safe water additives
- Provide dental-friendly chews and toys
Book your free dental assessment today at Advanced Vet Care Lane Cove. Further details of the clinic here
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.
