Welcome to our week in review. Lane Cove was again buzzing on the weekend with activities all over Lane Cove as the Lane Cove Festival with Sydney Fringe enters its second week.
Weed Spraying Thursday 18 September 2025
Council contractors will undertake weed spraying on Thursday, 18th September 2025. The following fields will be sprayed:
- Pottery Green
- Tantallon Oval
- Kingsford Smith Oval
- Burns Bay Reserve
Spraying (with Casper Turf Herbicide) will commence in the early morning with fields reopening by 3:00 pm.
People and dogs are not permitted on these grounds during this time
Residents are urged to follow the safety signage at these locations.
Temporary Closure: Canopy Sandpit Being Replaced By Bark
Since Monday, 15 September 2025, the sandpit area of The Canopy has been temporarily closed to complete necessary works. These works are expected to be completed by Friday, 19th September 2025, weather permitting.
In mid-July, 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.
Lane Cove Council has advised that the issues with the sand included:
- Blocking the drains for the water play and athe djacent stormwater drainage infrastructure
- caused drainage and maintenance issues in the adjacent toilet block
- Sand was being tracked across the paving and creating issues with mechanisms in the escalators down to the supermarkets
- Impacting the adjacent rubber softfall, acceleratingthe deterioration of the material, and requiring additional maintenance.
- causing accelerated wear on the rope climbing elements on the large play structure
- greater than anticipated, cleaning + maintenance which is required for safe and enjoyable play
The short-term solution is to replace the sand with bark.
Council sought suggestions from the community on a longer-term upgrade. This feedback is now under review. Read more about the process here.
Greenwich Baths Set To Open For 2025/26 Season
The historic Greenwich Baths will open on Saturday, 27th September 2025 for the 2025/25 season.
The baths are an excellent place for swimmers young and old to enjoy a refreshing dip while soaking up stunning harbour views.
Season Opening Times
September 7.00 am- 5.00 pm
October 7.00 am- 6.00 pm
November 7.00 am- 7.00 pm
December 7.00 am- 8.00 pm
January 7.00 am- 8.00 pm
February 7.00 am- 7.00 pm
March 7.00 am- 6.00 pm
April 7.00 am- 5.00 pm
Closed Christmas Day
For full details, visit this website.
Proposed Retail + Hotel Development St Leonards
Lane Cove Council has received a Development Application (DADA97-2025) for 28-42 Pacific Highway, St Leonards, located on the South side of the Pacific Highway between Reserve Road and Herbert Street.
The proposal involves the demolition of existing structures and the construction of a mixed-use hotel development comprising commercial tenancies, 99 hotel units, communal living areas, and communal outdoor spaces.
You can view the complete plans and application documents here.
Average Speed Cameras to Target Heavy Vehicle Speeding on M2 and Lane Cove Tunnel
New Average Speed Cameras will soon be in operation along a 26 km stretch of the M2 Motorway and Lane Cove Tunnel, aiming to curb heavy vehicle speeding between Baulkham Hills and Naremburn. Set to go live after 22 September 2025, the cameras will monitor the average speed of heavy vehicles and issue penalties for speeding.
A two-month warning period will see minor speeding offences receive warning letters, while more serious violations will be penalised immediately. Authorities say heavy vehicles, though only three per cent of registrations, are involved in nearly one in five road fatalities. The initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce serious crashes, with fines contributing to NSW road safety programs.
Business Alert: Lane Cove Return and Earn is Celebrating 5 Years in Lane Cove!
Lane Cove Return and Earn is located at 67 Mars Rd, Lane Cove West.
It’s the way to go if you are like ITC and love recycling your cans and bottles. It is so quick and convenient to have your containers sorted and money in your account. No more pushing bottles and cans into machines.
ITC has a bin at home which, when it is full, Lane Cove Return and Earn picks up, processes and deposits the earnings in our account. We then donate the money to The Lane Cove Toy Library to purchase toys, or to The Sydney Library of Things to acquire items for the library.
Congratulations to Lane Cove Earn and Return, ITC was there on your opening day.
We look forward to being able to return wine bottles in 2027!
If you would like to know more about Lane Cove Return and Earn read our article here.
Daffidol Day Sip and Swap – A Huge Success
One of the Lane Cove Festival events was the Daffodil Day Sip & Swap, raising funds for the Cancer Council, held on Friday Night, 12th September 2025. This sold-out event raised $25,000 for the Cancer Council.
Lane Cove Theatre Company
Congratulations to Lane Cove Theatre Company on their short run of The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler at The Pottery Green Performance Space.
Some ITC readers shared their reviews with us:
“The 1st night of Vagina Monologues was incredible! The actors were amazing in delivering the funny, thought-provoking and heart-wrenching stories beautifully. The intimate space lets you feel closer to the stories being told. If you get the chance to see the show over the remaining 3 nights, it’s a great way to support the Sydney Fringe, bringing more art to Lane Cove and showing support to the awesome actors.” Dina, ITC reader.
“The play addressed a female topic that even females find impossible to talk about sometimes and it did it with humor as well as heaviness. The actresses did an amazing job!” ITC Roving Reporter.
The show was part of Lane Cove Festival and Sydney Fringe Festival.
Big Day Out at The Canopy
The Canopy was a hive of activity on Saturday, 13th September, with music, craft, cute animals and cricket.
Stringybark Jazz entertained from the main stage followed by other local acts at the Live Music Zone as part of Lane Cove Live which was held across Saturday.
Kids of all ages were well catered for during the morning with a Petting Zoo, crafts, and face painting, courtesy of Currambena parents near the lifts. Additionally, The W.O.W. Project offered some excellent messy play!
Over in the plaza the Lane Cove Cricket Club had a stand encouraging more girls to join their current competition as well as letting everyone know they are starting a women’s comp too – details in Sport further on in this Week In Review.
Sunday, the 14th of September, offered just as much action with the Lane Cove Fun Run, guided bushwalks and more music!
Lane Cove Fun Run
The Lane Cove Fun Run was a fabulous event that saw so many from the community come together for a great morning of running, jogging, walking, skipping or being pushed around the 5km and 2km courses. There were plenty of local businesses and community groups in attendance, making for an awesome atmosphere at Kingsford Smith Oval. Read our event wrap here.
Stringy Bark Creek and Harry Howard Bushwalk
A roving reporter has filed with us this report on the Lane Cove Bushland and Conservation Society’s Guided Walk Through Stringybark Creek and Harry Howard Bushwalk as part of the Lane Cove Festival.
They described the event as “fantastic”. There were two group walks, one from 9.15 am to 11 am and the other from 11.15 am to 1 pm. Just over 20 people went on the walks (with ten in each group).
Ruth Neumann was their local guide. She provided an informative and fascinating history of the area, pointing out local plants, birds and wildlife, and explaining why the area is so special.
Our roving reporter told us they found out the following:
- The Stringy Bark Creek catchment is the largest water catchment in Lane Cove, going from the Pacific Highway to the Lane Cove River.
- Harry Howard and the Lane Cove Bushland Society were instrumental in mapping and preserving the Bushland and its significant flora and fauna.
- The area has four of the six Endangered Ecological Communities (EEC) in Lane Cove, including 2 Coastal Littoral Rainforest, Blue Gum forest and Turpentine forest
- During the 1.7km Bushwalk, we walked through and observed the special features of all these ECCs, noting the distinct differences in wildlife and vegetation between them.
- Native wildflowers were flowering – beautiful!
- A very special part was seeing a Powerful Owl in the trees of the Batten Reserve just next to Stringy Bark Creek. It is not often that you see this endangered species, let alone during the day.
- The area of the walk east of Centennial Ave has the Turpentine Forest and remnant Blue Gum forest, and was where a quarry used to be
Ruth also told us about the importance of Lane Cove Council’s purchase of the Gay St property and the residents’ action to preserve it – this property has many of the endangered turpentine trees on it.
Ruth also emphasised the importance of residents who back onto bushland in keeping their areas free of weeds and nurturing the local native plants. Council’s Backyard Habitat program helps with this.
Phonic Trio Rocks the Canopy
After all that activity in the morning, it was great to relax at the Canopy and listen to Phonic Trio in the afternoon!
Phonic Trio is a tight-knit acoustic trio that’s been lighting up Sydney’s live music scene for over 15 years. With Sal on vocals, Karl on guitar, and Tom on the cajon, they bring a fresh acoustic twist to everything from classic rock hits by The Eagles to today’s chart-toppers like Olivia Rodrigo.
Their sound is warm, rhythmic, and perfect for any crowd—whether it’s a laid-back afternoon or a lively evening gig. With strong vocals, smooth guitar, and punchy percussion, Phonic Trio delivers familiar tunes with energy and heart.
This week, we also tried Kosuke Ramen’s Fringe on a Stick offering—a delicious karaage chicken skewer. They are located at 2 Austin Street between Via Napoli and Lane Cove Public School entrance.
We’ve still got more sticks to try! See the map below for where you can find your next stick fix.
The Jesuit Mission Bazaar proved once again to be popular. The Jesuit Mission published the following on their website:
“What an extraordinary day! Our annual Jesuit Mission Bazaar once again brought together thousands of friends, families, schools, parishes, teachers, students and volunteers at Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview.
Your generosity, spirit, and joy filled the day – and your support is already helping to transform the lives of vulnerable communities in Asia and Africa. THANK YOU”
If you attended, you may have been featured on their website – click here to see if they snapped you enjoying the day.
As reported last week, the Lane Cove Market Square centre manager acknowledged that there was insufficient signage and details about who to contact in the event of an issue in the centre. ITC spotted these new signs. You can also win $100 if you provide them with some feedback … over to you.
AFL Premiership Cup in Lane Cove
Ambulance Appreciation Day This Friday
If you’ve ever wondered what goes on inside the Artarmon Ambulance Superstation, you can find out on Ambulance Appreciation Day on Friday, 19 September 2025 between 11.00 am and 2.00 pm.
There will be displays, giveaways, food and your chance to say thank you to our hard-working ambulance crews.
A Sample Of What’s Up Next At Lane Cove Festival
There’s still so much to see and do at the Lane Cove Festival. We’ve hand picked some events below, and you can browse the full program here.
On Now – Book Now!
And What Will People Say? Wednesday 17th – Sunday 21st September
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.
La Voce Choir – 18 September 2025
LaVoce is a Lane Cove community choir that sings for fun and the benefits of good health. LaVoce celebrates Lane Cove by singing each week and contributing to our local community. Join us to listen to the choir, sing along AND consider joining the LaVoce choir! They will be singing in the Lane Cove Library.
Free performance. Bookings essential.
Lane Cove Art Award 2025
The Lane Cove Art Award exhibition is now open at The Gallery Lane Cove and runs until Saturday 4th October.
Each year the Lane Cove Art Society partners with the Lane Cove Council to conduct the Lane Cove Art Award. The Awards are now in their 59th year!!
You can be there when the winners are announced at the official opening this Friday, 19th September, from 6 pm to 8 pm. Free, RSVP here.
Coming Soon – Book Now!
Award-winning International Act Coming to Pottery Lane Performance Space
UK duo Wright & Grainger are coming to Pottery Lane Performance Space for a special Lane Cove Festival X Sydney Fringe residency.
Wright & Grainger are renowned for their powerful fusion of storytelling and music. They’re bringing three different immersive shows to Lane Cove: Helios, Orpheus & Grandpa Poseidon (especially for kids!). Each one is a modern reimagining of a story from Greek Mythology.
There are multiple performances of each show, each promising an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.
See under ‘A Special International Feature’ heading for show details. Be sure to select the Lane Cove dates at the Pottery Green Performance Space when selecting your tickets.
This Weekend 20th & 21st September – Free, No Bookings Needed
Carisbrook House is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm. You can visit this hidden historic gem and explore life in Victorian-era Australia. Entry is free, and optional paid extras such as guided tours and Devonshire tea are available on both days.
Live music Saturday In The Plaza and At The Canopy
10.00 – 12 pm: Karingal Concert Band and Stringybark Jazzin The Plaza
2.00 pm – 3 pm: Turrarumburra Concert Band play TV Tunes and Movie Hits
Zumba in The Canopy Saturday 10 am – 11 am.
The Big Sing Sunday 2 pm – 4 pm
The Big Sing event is sure to put a smile on your face and a song in your heart (and ears!). Come along and then sing along.
Shower singers, “non-singers” and the simply curious all welcome! A fun, family-friendly event.
Missing Cat – Hugo
In the Cove was contacted by Arthur & Co Pet Detectives and asked to share this flyer about Hugo, who has been missing from Lane Cove West since last Friday, 12th September 2025.
Free Child Car Seat Checks
The next free child seat safety check will be held on Saturday, 27th September.
You can also donate unused car seats for reuse or recycling.
Bookings are essential. Details and link here.
Women’s Cricket Coming To The Cove
Lane Cove is starting up its first-ever Women’s Cricket team to participate in a social competition to play other women’s teams across Sydney. The competition will be played on Sundays and will start from 12th October 2025
The Lane Cove Cricket Club is looking for expressions of interest from women (U16 and up) who would be keen to be part of this first-ever women’s cricket team. Eight years ago, the Lane Cove Cricket Club, led by John O’Farrell, started girls’ cricket, and they are now looking to provide women in Lane Cove with the same opportunity.
Please reach out to John O’Farrell via email or on 0408264758 to express your interest.
Man Charged Over String of Business Break-Ins
Earlier this year, In the Cove reported on a spate of break-ins targeting businesses in the Lane Cove Plaza. It turns out that the break-ins were allegedly committed by the same man who appeared in the Manly Local Court on Wednesday, 10th September 2025.
Kepu Tanile Nathan (Nathan), aged 35, from Dee Why, was arrested on 10 September 2025, following a NSW Police media release issued on 5 September, which appealed for the public’s assistance to locate him.
He was wanted on outstanding warrants for traffic offences and break-and-enter charges.
We have compiled a list of the cafes and eateries featured in our article, which can be found here.
Teen Arrested After Man Injured by Falling Shopping Trolley in Chatswood
A 13-year-old girl has been arrested after a man was seriously injured when a shopping trolley was allegedly thrown from a railing at a shopping centre in Chatswood around midday on Monday, 15 September.
Emergency services were called to the scene on Victoria Avenue just before 12 pm, where a 59-year-old man had been struck while walking on the ground floor. He sustained head and facial injuries and was transported to Royal North Shore Hospital in stable condition.
Police from North Shore Command arrested the teenage girl at the scene. She is assisting with inquiries. A crime scene has been established, and the trolley has been seized for forensic examination.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers online or by phone 1800 333 000. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
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