Welcome to our week in review. In the Cove has been out and about enjoying the first week of the Lane Cove Festival, eating Fringe on a Stick Food and enjoying the blue skies (until today, 10th September 2025).
Lane Cove Festival and Sydney Fringe Launch 5 September 2025
It might have been a cold night, but that did not stop Lane Cove locals from enjoying the Lane Cove Festival and the Sydney Fringe Launch. Many families turned out, and the atmosphere was electric! Every corner offered something new to delight and surprise.
The ITC team was blown away by the dazzling performances on stage and the roaming performers everywhere; it was nothing short of spectacular.
To find out what is happening over the next few weeks, click here.
300 Burns Bay Road Development
We previously reported that the Housing Development Authority has declared a development at 300 Burns Bay Road (the SAS building) to be a state-significant development. The developer is Level 33.
The next step is for the developer to lodge plans seeking consent for a 15-level building,
The development will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, with approximately 221 units, of which around 26 will be affordable housing units.
There will be two levels of basement car parking and lower ground car parking for approximately 319 car spaces, as well as site landscaping and communal open spaces.
Sarah George Consulting has been engaged to prepare a Community Engagement Outcomes report to accompany the development application. We have been advised that a notice has been delivered to nearby residents.
The Community engagement process is required to gather feedback on the proposal from the community and other key government and non-government agencies. Locals are invited to comment on any matters they would like to see included in the Community Engagement Outcomes Report.
If you would like additional information, please email Sarah George. You can also phone 0418 439 813 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm).
A webinar will be held soon to provide additional information on the development. Locals will have the opportunity to ask questions to register for the webinar email Sarah George.
You can find other relevant documents on the NSW Planning site.
Lane Cove Market Square Lift and Escalators – The Saga Continues
Our Roving Reporters have been contacting In The Cove regarding the numerous issues affecting visitors to Lane Cove Market Square.
Significant work was undertaken last year to repair and refurbish both the lifts and escalators; not much has changed – read what happened in 2024 here.
One or more of the escalators and lifts remain out of operation for extended periods.
Roving reporters have tried to report these issues to the centre manager, Knight Frank, but their office number has been disconnected. Centre Management does not respond to enquiries submitted through their contact form on the website.
In the Cove raised these issues with senior management at Knight Frank (and copied in the Region Group, who operate the centre), and the following was received late today:
“Thank you for reaching out and for sharing your readers’ concerns regarding Lane Cove Market Square. We appreciate your continued engagement and the opportunity to provide an update.
Operational Issues
- Lifts & Escalators: The vertical transport units at the centre are aging, and sourcing replacements becomes increasingly difficult. We have engaged an external consultant to support our incumbent service provider in working directly with manufacturers to source the necessary parts and restore functionality.
- Basement Odour: On Friday, a grease trap line cracked due to pressure buildup, resulting in a spill in the P3 carpark. Plumbers were dispatched immediately and repaired the issue within hours. The clean-up was managed by Lane Cove Council, who oversee the carpark directly and we can confirm there is now no odour present.
Communication & Signage
- Updated Contact Details: New stainless steel lift signage is currently being ordered. In the interim, we are working to install a temporary patch today to ensure contact information is visible and accessible.
- Non-Working Phone Number: The previous number displayed on the Centre Management Office signage has been disconnected. The signage has been updated to reflect the new contact number, which is now active for customers to contact the Centre Management team.
- Accessibility of Contact Info: We are updating lift signage to include the correct contact number. The new permanent signage will ensure that contact details are visible and accessible, even in the event of lift malfunction.
Responsiveness
Web Contact Form Submissions: We acknowledge delays in responding to some submissions. These were due to recent team changes and unexpected staff movements. We are actively addressing this to ensure timely communication moving forward.
We remain committed to improving the experience at Lane Cove Market Square and appreciate your patience as we work through these challenges.
Warm regards,
Centre Manager”
Bendy Buses are Back in the Northern Beaches – What is Happening in Lane Cove?
Last week, the Hon John Graham, NSW Minister for Transport, released a press release stating that Bus queues on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and lower North Shore are expected to improve by the end of 2025 as repaired articulated buses – known as “bendy buses” – return to the roads.
The press release noted:
“Bus capacity in this region of Sydney has been under pressure since 83 Bendy Buses were withdrawn from service in October last year for emergency repairs to cracking identified in their chassis.
Bendy buses carry around 50% more passengers than a regular bus.
They are one of the best solutions for busy routes enabling large numbers of passengers to be carried with frequent stops.
There are now 17 Bendy buses in service on the Northern Beaches after repair work in Western Sydney”
However, the press release provided no further information about buses on the lower North Shore.
A Transport for NSW Spokesperson told ITC:
“Two repaired bendy buses have been returned to region 7.
Complex repair work of the remaining withdrawn articulated buses continues and as the buses are rolled out, bus queues on the North Shore and in Lane Cove are expected to improve.
We have also transferred a number of buses from elsewhere in Sydney to assist in Region 7’s fleet shortage caused by the ‘bendy buses’ repairs, and to date five of those buses have entered service. This is alongside the ongoing return of articulated buses as they are repaired.
We continue to address the immediate shortage of buses and drivers in Greater Sydney by procuring 50 additional high-capacity articulated diesel buses and prioritising repairs to existing buses, while continuing the rollout of Battery Electric Buses (BEBs) and 10 double decker buses to supplement the B-Line fleet. These measures will enhance service reliability and increase capacity across the Northern Beaches, North Shore, and the broader network.”
AFL Premiership Cup Coming to Lane Cove
Ever wanted to get your hands on the Toyota AFL Premiership Cup? Now’s your chance! Thanks to Toyota and the Lane Cove Cats, the Cup is making a special stop in our community.
📍 The Canopy, Lane Cove
📅 Friday 12 September
⏰ 5:30pm
👕 Dress up as your favourite AFL legend
📸 Snap a pic with the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Cup
🎟️ Go in the draw to WIN 2 tickets to the Grand Final – flights + accommodation included! Terms and Conditions apply (this is a national competition)
Woolwich Marina Redevelopment Back In The News
In our June 18th 2025, Week In Review, we covered the Lane Cove 12ft Skiff Sailing Club and Save Our Shores campaign to stop the expansion of the Woolwich Marina.
Concerns include:
- Narrowing of the river channel, increasing congestion and safety hazards.
- Restricted shoreline access due to wave attenuators.
- Increased vessel movements, including larger boats up to 25 metres.
- Tripling of the marina’s footprint, limiting public access.
- Potential disturbance of harmful marine sediments during construction.
The Hunters Hill Council and the North Sydney Planning Panel have also opposed the development, which led proponents, Michael Fountain Architects, to launch proceedings appealing the ruling in the NSW Land and Environment Court. Hunters Hill Council have joined the proceedings as a respondent. The costly process has led the Council to seek donations from the public to support the legal fight.
The court hearing commenced on Thursday, 4th September 2025, with a site visit by Justice Richard Beasley, which was attended by community members and groups opposed to the expansion of the marina, as well as proponents of the development.
In-court hearings began Friday, 5th September 2025 and are scheduled to conclude on Friday19th September in the Land and Environment Court.
The Sydney Morning Herald has also covered the latest developments. Read their (paywalled) article here.
Lane Cove Fun Run This Sunday
It’s almost here! Join us at Kingsford Smith Oval for one of Lane Cove’s favourite community days. Read about it here.
There are two events to choose from: the 2km Family Dash – perfect for kids & families, or the 5km Walk or Run. Bring the kids, prams & even pups (at the back of the pack!), dress up and have fun!
In addition to the race, there will be live entertainment, food & coffee stalls, and community stallholders.
A feel-good day supporting our local community. Register NOW!
Stringy Bark Creek Residents Association (SBCRA) Bushcare Big Day Out
On 7th September 2025, sixty locals of all ages descended on Mindarie Park Lane Cove North to help plant over 200 native plants at Mindarie Park, Lane Cove North. They were joined by Mayor Merri Southwood and two Lane Cove West Ward Councillors, Scott Bennison and Rochelle Flood.
After the group did some planting and weeding, they were treated to a lovely morning tea. Meanwhile, SBCRA President Guy Hallowes noted that the State Local Member, Anthony Roberts, had made the following statement in parliament about Bushcare.
“Lane Cove Bushcare
Mr ANTHONY ROBERTS (Lane Cove)—Mr Speaker – I wish to commend the Lane Cove Bushcare program for their continued work in protecting and nourishing our local environment. Especially with their recent maintenance efforts at Stringybark Creek Reserve. I thank them for their stewardship.”
A certificate had been sent to SBCRA and Guy Hallows presented the certificate to Former Councillor and Stringy Bark Creek Bushcare Group founding member Frances Vissel.
Karen Smith from the Aboriginal Heritage Office gave a presentation about how Aboriginal people, including the local Cammerygal people, cared for the environment and the importance of native plants.
Locals were encouraged to join in local bushcare activities. SBCRA would like to extend its thanks to Lane Cove Council for partnering with them in delivering the event.
If you would like to know more about Stringybark Creek Residents Association or Bushcare read more here.
Coffee + BBQ with Lane CoVelo
Every Saturday, the members of Lane CoVelo join together for a social brunch ride.
Members say Lane CoVelo is more than just a ride — it’s a community. They welcome cyclists of all levels to join them.
After their Saturday ride on 6th September 2025, their members enjoyed a free coffee and sausage sizzle at The Canopy — they told ITC that it was excellent company, great food, and plenty of laughs.
Visit their website to learn more about Lane Cove’s cycling club and how to join.
They meet at 6:30 am on Saturdays in the Lane Cove Plaza.
Go for the ride, stay for the coffee (and sometimes the sausage sizzle too!)
Daffidol Day Sip and Swap – Raffle
Lane Cove Festival Highlights Week One
In addition to the official festival launch, the ITC team has been attending as many Lane Cove Festival events as possible.
We saw the joyful Chasing The Rainbow performance last Wednesday evening. It was presented by the Different Degrees Theatre Ensemble, a group comprising individuals of all abilities who collaborate to create the performance.
The show featured elements inspired by Wicked, The Wizard of Oz, the beach and karaoke (which led to some great sing-along fun with the audience). It blended movement, Auslan-inspired action and comedy into a celebration of belonging, difference, and change that left the audience with sore cheeks from smiling.
Director Alice Williams described the final piece as very conversational in style and the result of “what happens when a group of performers and non-performers come together to make something together.”
Gaynor Starkey has worked with the group through Sydney Community Services for many years, and together with the ensemble helped to create the costumes and set.
Congratulations to Celeste, Ewan, Caz, Camilla, Belinda, Stuart, Tim, Lara, Jess, Sama, Tino, Alice and Lucy on a beautiful performance.
The ensemble is supported by professional theatre staff, including an Assistant Director, as well as Lane Cove Council and Sydney Community Services. Contact Sydney Community Services for more information about the program.
The Lane Cove Community Nursery celebrated 20 years of operation with an open morning on Saturday, 6th September. The morning was attended by Councillors Rochelle Flood, Caleb Taylor, Lane Cove Council General Manager Louise Kerr, Council staff, volunteers and many members of the public.
It was fascinating to hear about the combined volunteer hours invested in creating, growing, and maintaining the nursery over the past two decades, totalling 25,000 hours.
Bushcare volunteers were presented with commemorative patches to be worn on their shirts, marking the occasion.
Bushcare volunteers, many of whom have been involved since the nursery’s inception, were on hand to guide visitors through the space, dig for bugs and insects, learn how to protect native bees, create art, and discover this tremendous community asset.
The Community Nursery helps propagate over 10,000 seedlings each year! Plants propagated at the Nursery are not for sale but are used in various Council programs, including Bushcare, Backyard Habitat Program, bush regeneration and revegetation projects, community plant giveaways, and more.
Most recently, the team have been tasked with caring for some of the plants that will be used in the landscaping at Galuwa Recreation Centre.
Mike Kenny’s Blue Hues returned to Pottery Green Performance Space on Saturday, 6th September 2025, after successful shows earlier in the year, and a set at the Lane Cove Festival Sydney Fringe launch on Friday evening.
The show was a song cycle of jazz tunes based on the blues. The band featured:
Mike Kenny on Trumpet/ flugelhorn/ vocals, Melissa Kenny on Vocals, keyboard, Alfredo Lopex on Saxophones, Barney Wakeford on Organ / Piano, Steve Crain on Guitar, Pete Kohlhoff on Bass and Andrew Massey on Drums.
Dear Stranger was a Fringe Festival event which saw participants writing letters to strangers and also receiving letters from strangers. Participants were invited to reflect and share through the simple act of writing. If you missed the two sessions in Lane Cove there are still three opportunities to participate at The Rocks. Details here.
Lane Cove Bushland & Conservation Society (LCBCS) held its popular Native Plant Sale in the Lane Cove Plaza on Saturday morning. Locals were keen to find the perfect plant for gardens of all sizes, as well as books on gardening and conservation, and beautiful handmade cards.
LCBCS members were on hand to answer questions and also share the amazing work they are doing to protect the beautiful Lane Cove environment.
A Sample Of What’s Up Next At Lane Cove Festival
The Vagina Monologues
As part of the Lane Cove Festival with Sydney Fringe, Lane Cove Theatre Company presents The Vagina Monologues at the Pottery Lane Performance Space. This play is powerful, provocative and unapologetic. Prepare to be moved, challenged, and inspired.
The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler, a bold and unflinching celebration of female voices.
This is a limited season with only four performances scheduled between September 11th and 13th, 2025.
More details and ticket link here.
The Judy Bailey Band – At Your Request
As we previously reported the legendary Judy Bailey passed away recently.
Judy Bailey was a proud Lane Cove resident and a passionate supporter of the arts in the community. As patron of the Lane Cove Festival, she celebrated the diversity and vibrancy of local life.
Speaking about the 2021 Lane Cove Festival theme “Moving with the Flow” , she said:
“Moving with the Flow has drawn inspiration from the UN International Year of Water Co-operation and is a great reflection on the prominent role that water plays in our way of life in Lane Cove.
The festival captures activities and performances inspired by water, the flow of information, absorption of new knowledge, an ebb and flow of activity, and the power presented by a wave of new opportunities.”
As part of the Lane Cove Festival for many years, Judy and her band headlined one of the community’s most beloved events: At Your Request – an intimate jazz evening where the audience helped shape the set list. On arrival, attendees could submit their favourite jazz tunes, and Judy’s trio would choose from the requests to create a uniquely personal and interactive performance. These evenings were always memorable—joyful, relaxed, and filled with musical surprises.
In a special tribute, The Judy Bailey Band: At Your Request returns this year as part of Sydney Fringe Festival, honouring Judy’s life and her enduring contribution to Lane Cove’s musical soul.
🎷 The Judy Bailey Band – At Your Request
📅 Friday, 12 September 2025
📍 Lane Cove Civic Centre
🎟️ Click here for tickets and more info
Petting Zoo At The Canopy
Head along to The Canopy this Saturday 13 September and visit the free Petting Zoo from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm.
Tour Gore Hill Cemetary
Join a FREE guided tour of the Gore Hill Cemetary and learn about some of the pioneers of Lane Cove who are buried there. The tour will run on Sunday 14th September from 10 am to 11.30 am.
Bookings not required. Meet at the Westbourne St gate near the Pacific Hwy in St Leonards at 9:45 am for a 10 am start.
And What Will People Say?
Lane Cove’s population of talent has been recognised through a partnership with Sydney’s Fringe Festival, shining a spotlight on local indie artists like Kersh Sivakumaran.
Kersh is the founder of Behind Closed Doors Theatre (BCD Theatre), a performance organisation dedicated to sharing the stories of diverse and marginalised communities in Australia.
Kersh will be showcasing And What Will People Say?, a 60-minute immersive experience sharing the lesser-heard story of women staying for the sake of their children in cases of domestic violence. The performance will explore the topic while combining the artist’s speciality in Indian classical dance, music and spoken word.
Find out more about Kersh, And What Will People Say? and how to book in our article.
For more details on the festival and the full program see our article.
Expressions Of Interest For Galuwa Recreation Centre Public Art
Lane Cove Council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from artists to create sculptural works for the new Galuwa Recreation Centre, which is scheduled to open in late January 2026.
Submissions should reflect the meaning of Galuwa which is ‘to climb’; and take into account the ways this relates to the new centre and the wider Lane Cove community.
EOI period ends at 10 am, Monday, 22 September. Details here.
Business Alerts
New Business Alert: La Latina is a new restaurant coming to The Village Shopping Centre, located across the road from Harris Farm Markets, where Brewmance (previously Nibu) is situated.
La Latina will be on the first level (the premises were previously an Indian Restaurant). You may already be familiar with La Latina, as they used to be located in Chatswood. They serve Latin American Food.
Their address is Shop 21/43-45 Burns Bay Road. You can follow them on Instagram.
New Business Alert: Club Pilates is coming soon to Lane Cove. The studio will be located at 87 Mars Rd, Lane Cove West. The Reformer studio will offer a variety of classes to suit beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Keep an eye on their website for more details.
Reopened: Max Acai has reopened after a little renovation break. They have reconfigured their indoor space to add cozy seating and accommodate a servery window.
Max Acai are also participating in Fringe on a Stick – so pop by for your festival food fix and check out the reno while you’re there. They are located in the laneway between The Canopy and Lane Cove Plaza at the entrance to Lane Cove Arcade.
Netballers Bring Home A Lot Of Silverware
Lane Cove Netball Club had a fantastic end to the netball season with six teams making the grand finals. Read more here.
Local Sailor Nominated For Prestigious Award
Congratulations to The Lane Cove 12ft Skiff Sailing Club member Makenzie Mayne for being nominated for Instructor of the Year for the Australian Sailing Awards NSW/ACT.
The 2025 NSW & ACT Sailing Awards will be held at St George Sailing Club, Sans Souci, on Saturday, 20th September 2025. Good luck!
National Campaign Launches To Combat Retail Crime As Two Local Incidents Under Investigation
On Monday, 8th September, as part of a major push to combat rising retail crime, Crime Stoppers Australia and the Shopping Centre Council of Australia launched a first-of-its-kind nationwide campaign aimed at encouraging the public to report suspicious behaviour in shopping centres.
The initiative, launched at Westfield Parramatta, will see Crime Stoppers messaging broadcast across more than 2,000 digital screens in retail precincts nationwide.
The campaign highlights that information can be shared safely and anonymously; a timely reminder as shoplifting, antisocial behaviour, and more serious crimes continue to affect both shoppers and businesses, costing the retail sector over $9 billion each year.
The campaign launch comes as two serious incidents close to home highlight the kind of behaviour authorities are working to deter.
On the morning of Sunday 7th September, a man was arrested after allegedly attempting to film a woman in a public restroom at a West Ryde shopping centre. Members of the public, including the woman’s husband, helped detain the 46-year-old suspect until police arrived. He has been charged with multiple offences, including filming a person without consent and common assault.
In a separate incident at Macquarie Park on the afternoon of Sunday 10th August, a 35-year-old man is alleged to have secretly recorded women in change rooms. Detectives seized hidden cameras and electronic devices during a search of his home, with investigations uncovering multiple intimate videos taken without consent. He faced Burwood Local Court on September 10th.
Local police are urging community members to stay alert and report concerning behaviour.
Have you seen something unusual or suspicious around The Canopy, Lane Cove Plaza, or Market Square? You can report what you’ve seen anonymously to Crime Stoppers online or by calling 1800 333 000.
In an emergency call Triple Zero 000. For non-emergencies, call 131 444 (Police Assistance Line).
Accidents
It’s wet (Wednesday 10th September 2025) and that means another accident on the dangerous bend on Mowbray Road, Lane Cove North – (near the old Caltex Station 434 Mowbray Road). Last year, there was a fatality at this bend. Drive carefully out there, it’s really wet. The photo below was posted on Lane Cove Chat by ITC by Federal Member for Bennelong Jerome Laxale.
This Week’s Week in Review is proudly sponsored by Helloworld Travel Lane Cove
Debbie, Courtney, and the team at Helloworld Travel Lane Cove are more than just travel agents — they’re true community champions. They actively support local initiatives such as the Lane Cove Toy Library and the Lane Cove Fun Run, and they also extend their generosity beyond Lane Cove, regularly travelling to Vanuatu to deliver essential supplies and toys to children in need.
Their passion for helping others shines through not only in their community work, but also in the way they take care of their clients every day. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a romantic escape, or the trip of a lifetime, you can trust Helloworld Travel Lane Cove to go above and beyond.
Drop in to see the team in Lane Cove Village or call them to start planning your next adventure. Supporting local businesses like Helloworld means supporting the people who support our community.
Courtney is also one of the organisers of the Cancer Council Daffodil Day Sip & Swap to be held on Friday night at Gallery Lane Cove. The event is sold out and has already raised. Between the ticket sales and raffle tickets, we have raised nearly $11,500 to date. Even if you are not going to the event, you can buy raffle tickets here.
Hello World Lane Cove Contact Details
Address: Shop One 43/45 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 02 9418 6866
Instagram: @helloworld_lanecove/
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.
