Lane Cove News Week in Review 17th to 24th September 2025

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 third week.  

New Lane Cove Deputy Mayor – Councillor Rochelle Flood

At the start of the current council term, the councillors voted to elect a new Deputy Mayor in September 2025. At the Lane Cove Council September 2025 meeting, Councillor Rochelle Flood was elected as the new Lane Cove Deputy Mayor.

Three councillors nominated for the position of Deputy Mayor: Councillors Flood, Taylor, and Little.

Councillor Rochelle Flood has been a Lane Cove Councillor since 2021.  She is a West Ward councillor and is a member of the NSW Greens.

Rochelle moved to Lane Cove in 2015 when she started a postgraduate degree specialising in Environmental Law at Macquarie University. She graduated from Macquarie with a Juris Doctor at the end of 2021. She currently works full-time as a Campaign Manager at an animal welfare organisation based in St Leonards.

Mayor Merri Southwood thanked outgoing Deputy Mayor Councillor Bridget Kennedy for her support in her first year as Mayor.

Lane Cove Council in the News

Last week, an agenda item on the Lane Cove Council September Meeting caught the attention of Ben Fordham at 2GB and the Daily Mail (link here).

Councillor Katie Little has proposed a notice of motion asking councillors to support a community grant to allow local businesses to apply for up to $5,000 for Lane Cove hospitality venues to engage professional drag performers in ways that complement their establishments during Pride Month and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival.

Councillor Little noted:

“Why should Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs have all the fun? This motion proposes a one-off community grant program for Lane Cove hospitality venues to add sequins and sparkle with a professional drag entertainer – during Pride Month (June) and/or the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival period (13 February – 1 March 2026).”

Drag bingo and bowls? A café with a little cabaret? A Bollywood lip-syncing extravaganza, or maybe an ice cream server dishing up double scoops with double entendres

Far from frivolous, this motion aims to boost local business and align with Council’s Social Inclusion Strategy.”

“Drag queens aren’t just glitter and sequins — they’re brave beacons of diversity and radical self-expression.

If passed, this motion will not only celebrate Lane Cove’s commitment to inclusion and diversity but also boost the local economy, strengthen community bonds, and remind everyone — whether in sequins or sneakers — that Lane Cove is the place to visit where everyone belongs.

Drag is an internationally recognised art form that combines theatre, fashion, music and humour. Above all, drag thrives on community participation and is the most fabulous fun way to send a clear message: everyone is welcome here.”

The matter was extensively debated, with councillors asking numerous questions about how the grant would work and whether any programmes would need to be cut to enable the grant programme to be implemented.

Councillors Taylor and Bennison spoke against the motion. Councillor Bennison stated that this type of entertainment was not desired by families in Lane Cove and that the area did not require it. He said that it should be left in Kings Cross and not welcome in Lane Cove.

Councillor Taylor was concerned that local businesses need more support, and the money would be better spent during Local Business Month. He was also worried that administering the programme would be a drain on staff.

Councillors Flood and Bryla spoke in support of the motion. Councillor Flood noted that there had been homophobic instances in the past in Lane Cove and stated that it was a good idea to explore alternative ways to support the LGBTQIA+ community. Councillor Bryla mentioned that as a parent, her family would not object to this type of entertainment in Lane Cove.

Councillors voted to put the motion out for public comment. Once the comments have been received, the matter will be returned to the council for further discussion, accompanied by a staff report on how best to support the LGBTQIA+ community within the context of available staff resources and funding.

The motion was passed with five councillors in support and two against, and Councillor Helena Greenwell abstaining.

Vale Roger Climpson OAM

Lane Cove Local and broadcasting legend Roger Climpson passed away on Wednesday 17th September 2025 at the age of 93.

ITC used to see Roger Climpson up at the Figtree Shops visiting Infinity Hair and having coffee at Fink Cafe. 

Roger Climpson was a member of Lane Cove Rotary and he was instrumental in bringing more awareness to Prostate Cancer.  The following appears on Lane Cove Rotary’s website:

“In 1994 television personality Roger Climpson OAM, a member of the Rotary Club of Lane Cove, was successfully treated for prostate cancer.  Roger was concerned by the confusing information available and by the apparent lack of research into the disease being carried out in Australia.  In 1996, he persuaded fellow Lane Cove club members to join him in forming the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) to raise funds for research.  It was not until 2001 that the relationship between the national support group movement and PCFA was clearly and formally established and PCFA was declared the peak national body for prostate cancer.

Rotary Lane Cove can take pride that our members were instrumental in the history of PCFA and several of our members have sat on the National Board of PCFA since 1996.  PCFA is on the list of donor recipients of the Club’s annual giving and a proud supporter of prostate cancer which is the second most cancer affecting our male population.”

The photo below, taken in 2015 at a Lane Cove Rotary function, features the late Paul Murphy, his wife Kay, and Roger Climpson.

Lane Cove In The News

Lane Cove loves their Repair Cafe; a place to repair your items instead of replacing them.

We came across this lovely article about a Central Coast couple who read about the Repair Cafe Sydney North in Lane Cove back in 2019 and loved it so much they helped establish one in Terrigal.

Learn all about our local Repair Cafe here.

The Canopy Playground Reopens

After a partial closure, the playground has been reopened in full with bark in place of sand. Lane Cove Council is currently reviewing the results of its consultation regarding the longer-term plans for the space. Follow the process here.

Hazard Reduction Burns

It’s that time of the year when hazard reduction burning takes place. The following have been planned, which may result in smoke over the lower north shore area:

Hazard reduction burn 25 September to 2nd October 2025  – Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park along the powerline trail 

Hazard reduction burn 28 September to 29 September 2025 – Bradley Reserve, Ku-ring-gai Local Government.

Hazard reduction is just one way of preparing for bushfires – it doesn’t remove the threat of fire, and it doesn’t remove the need for you and your family to be prepared. There are different types of hazard reduction, including controlled burning, mechanical clearing such as slashing undergrowth, or reducing ground fuel by hand.

A list of planned hazard reduction burns is on the Hazards Near Me app.

Some tips if you find yourself near a planned hazard reduction burn:

• Keep outdoor furniture under cover to prevent ember burns
• Retract pool covers to prevent ember damage
• Remove washing from clotheslines
• Ensure pets have a protected area
• Obey the instructions of traffic controllers and emergency services
• Keep away from burns for their own safety
• Reduce outdoor activities if smoke levels are high and you have asthma or a lung condition. If shortness of breath or coughing develops, take your reliever medicine or seek medical advice

For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit the NSW Health or Asthma Australia websites.

You can also visit the RFS website to stay up to date.

Marine Rescue NSW Urges Boating Safety Ahead of Spring Holidays

As the spring school holidays approach, Marine Rescue NSW is urging local boaters to prioritise safety on the water. With over 3,400 volunteers on standby across 46 units statewide, the organisation expects a spike in recreational boating activity, especially with the boating season officially starting on 1 October.

Acting Commissioner Todd Andrews reminded boaters to wear lifejackets, check weather conditions, carry proper safety equipment, and Log On with Marine Rescue NSW via their free app or VHF Channel 16. Last spring, crews conducted 234 rescue missions, assisting 475 people.

Mechanical failures, flat batteries, and fuel issues made up nearly 60% of incidents last year—avoidable with good preparation. Marine Rescue’s radio and rescue crews will be on watch 24/7, ready to respond to emergencies on enclosed and offshore waters.

Lane Cove is lucky to have great access to the water and boaters are encouraged to ensure their vessels are in top condition before heading out to enjoy the waterways safely this holiday season.

New Business Alert: Kindy Prep Program

A new school-readiness program is starting in Lane Cove.

Based at Level 1/133 Longueville Rd Kindy Prep will offer a small group program to build confidence in routines like mat time, group work and following instructions to help kids to bridge the gap between preschool and primary school. Activities will blend play-based activities with the real-life skills children need to thrive in a classroom.

Kindy Prep Program is led by Christine Staniforth, who many will know from Gymbaroo.

Enrollments for Kindy Prep are now open. Find out more here. You can also follow on Instagram.

New Business Alert: Regus

We’ve spotted something new in Lane Cove West! Regus Lane Cove have opened at 166 Epping Road, offering flexible office space, meeting rooms, and co-working options.

It could be handy for locals looking for a professional space closer to home — or for small businesses who don’t want to commute into the city every day.

Lane Cove Festival Highlights Week Three

It was another vibrant week in Lane Cove with many Lane Cove Festival and Sydney Fringe events taking place.

La Voce In Concert

La Voce Community Choir was in fine voice at a packed concert at The Lane Cove Library on Thursday, 18th September. The event was part of the Lane Cove Festival and featured the choir entertaining the crowd with songs by Peter Allen, David Bowie, and John Lennon.  

La Voce Community Choir is always interested in new members. There are no auditions, and everyone is welcome. The choir meets every Tuesday night during term time at the Living and Learning Centre at Lane Cove.

Lane Cove District Girl Guides Campfire Lights Up the Spring Festival

On the night of Thursday, 18th September, over 50 people gathered for the Lane Cove District Campfire, a highlight of the Lane Cove Council’s Spring Festival program. The event brought together members from all local Girl Guide groups, along with new visitors, for an evening of fun, friendship, and community spirit.

The campfire program was led by the new Senior Guide unit for girls aged 14+, who did a fantastic job planning and running the activities. It was a wonderful opportunity for Guides of all ages to connect, sing, and share stories under the stars.

A special moment of the night was celebrating Lydia’s 10-year service award, one of the District’s dedicated volunteer Guide Leaders. Lydia has supported girls aged 7-10 in both Gladesville and Lane Cove, making a lasting impact on our community.

Interested in joining Girl Guides?

New members of all ages are always welcome! Girl Guides offers girls a chance to build confidence, learn new skills, and make lifelong friends. 

Visit the Guides’ website for more information about joining or volunteering.

2025 Lane Cove Art Award

The Lane Cove Art Award exhibition was officially opened on Friday 19th September at Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios. With a buzzing crowd (see our cover photo), the Lane Cove Art Society announced the winner of the 2025 acquisitive prize: Theresa Shanley for her painting One More Cup.

You can read a full event recap in our article.

A Weekend With Something For Everyone

The weekend was once again jam-packed with festival fun for all, and the weather came to the party, making it a spectacular time to be out and about in Lane Cove.

Over both days, Carisbrook House welcomed visitors to explore the historic residence and garden, including Devonshire tea. Some Junior ITC reporters were fascinated by the contrast to modern life and enjoyed guessing what different household items were used for, as well as how ‘fancy’ the formal dining room was. They were less taken with reports of ghosts in and around the home.

Carisbrook House is curated by the Lane Cove Historical Society.

The volunteers informed ITC that they would have a stall at the Lane Cove Rotary Fair, so be sure to head along to say hello, discover some local history, and find out how you can get involved.

The next open weekend at Carisbrook House will be the 18th and 19th of October. Details here.

On Saturday, Snap Fitness Lane Cove ran a free Zumba class in The Canopy. The music and the participants’ blood were pumping, making for a fun morning. 

Over in the plaza, locals were treated to performances from Karingal Concert Band and Stringybark Jazz .

In the afternoon, the Turrumburra Concert Band took to the stage in The Canopy and shared classic TV tunes and movie hits.

Sunday was just as busy with markets, music, art and bike riding.

The Lane Cove Youth Orchestra presented their annual concert at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music as part of the Lane Cove Festival. Under the baton of award-winning conductor Mark Brown and Scholar Conductor Mya Hill the program included favourite classical pieces, as well as contemporary works from renowned composers.

Their concert also featured talented guest artists from Cheltenham Girls’ and Epping Boys’ High School, under the direction of Michael Tabrett.

The Children’s Art Project was an amazing morning with around 50 people attending to create works that will be exhibited at Galuwa Recreation Centre when it opens. Kids are so creative – we can’t wait to see the finished project.

No dramas if you missed this session, there is another one scheduled for Sunday, 26th October. Details here. 

The Big Family Fun Ride was back at Blackman Park, giving riders of all ages and abilities the opportunity to learn new skills and enjoy some laps around the playing fields. There was an obstacle course to test rider skills, a free bike tune-up station and a helmet decorating competition as well.

In the afternoon, The Canopy hosted The Big Sing. The relaxed event was led by a choirmaster, who guided attendees of all singing abilities through a range of singing activities, allowing them to experience the joy of singing for its own sake, regardless of their vocal skills. There was rhythm, action, singing in rounds, and testing newfound skills, singing some songs in two- and three-part harmonies.

Lane Cove Rotary Fair & Sustainability Lane Is Almost Here

In just over two weeks, it will be time for one of Lane Cove’s favourite events, The Lane Cove Rotary Fair and Sustainability Lane.

There are stallholders, rides, face painting, sustainability workshops stallholders and more.

In The Cove will be there – so come along and say hello.

It’s a great day organised by Lane Cove Rotary and Lane Cove Council – so see you on Sunday 12th October.

All the details are here.

Lane Cove Sailor Instructor Of The Year

Congratulations to Makenzie Mayne from Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Skiff Club who has taken out the Instructor of the Year Award for the 2025 NSW & ACT Sailing Awards.

The judges noted:

“Having progressed from being an Assistant Instructor at Lane Cove, Makenzie has delivered many of the Discover Sailing Courses at Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Skiff Club as the Head Dinghy Sailing Instructor. In addition to Instructing and Sailing at Lane Cove, Makenzie also oversees Discover Sailing programs at Vaucluse Amateur 12ft Sailing Club. Makenzie carries out her role as an Instructor with great enthusiasm and understanding of the challenges facing new participants in Sailing.”

The awards were held at St George Sailing Club, Sans Souci, on Saturday, 20th September.

Well done Makenzie!

Lane Cove Cats Kicking Goals In AFL Sydney League

Congratulations to Cooper Hawtin, a former Lane Cove Cats Junior who has won the Kealy Medal for 19.5 League Division 1 Best and Fairest. This is the second year in a row Cooper has taken out the medal. Cooper plays with the North Shore Bombers Australian Football Club.

Overturned Car on Phoenix Street 

On Monday, 22nd September, an overturned car blocked Phoenix Street near Pottery Green 

Emergency services attended. 

Road Rage Incident Leads to Arrest in Macquarie Park

A man has been charged following a violent road rage incident and assault on a police officer in Macquarie Park on the evening of Thursday 18th September.

Around 8pm, a 27-year-old driver was allegedly approached by a 43-year-old man near the intersection of Herring and Waterloo Roads. Police allege the man forced his way into the vehicle, assaulted the driver, and stole his phone. When the victim exited the car to retrieve his phone, he was assaulted again.

A Ryde Police Area Command officer was flagged down and attempted to intervene. The alleged offender reportedly refused to cooperate, pushing and spitting at the officer before being subdued with a taser and arrested.

He was taken to Gladesville Police Station and charged with assaulting a police officer, common assault, and resisting arrest. Bail was refused, and he appeared in Burwood Local Court on Friday.

The victim was treated by paramedics and taken to hospital. The officer was unharmed.