Lane Cove News Week in Review 22nd to 29th October 2025

    Welcome to our Lane Cove News Week In Review.

    Jenny’s Kindergarten Lane Cove North – Operations Suspended 

    On Friday, 24th October 2025, Jenny’s Kindergarten, Lane Cove North, was closed by the NSW Early Childhood Education and Care Regulatory Authority (“the Regulatory Authority”), and suspended operations with immediate effect.  The Regulatory Authority sent parents and carers an email advising of the closure, and asked them to pick up their children immediately.  This is the second Jenny’s Kindergarten to be shut down by the Regulatory Authority.  Read our article here.

    Lane Cove History Prize Awarded

    On the evening of Tuesday, 28th October, the Lane Cove Historical Society held its presentation night for the award winners of the Biannual Lane Cove History Prize.

    The prize is now known as The Frances Christie History Prize in honour of Frances, who sadly passed away this year. She was very passionate about local history and encouraged locals to write about our area. 

    The 2025 Frances Christie History Prize was awarded to Christina Faulk for her essay, “The Tribulations of Mr Digby and Dr Campbell Superintendents, Tarban Creek Mental Hospital” (Tarban Creek used to be part of Lane Cove). It is a fascinating study of the history of Tarban Creek Lunatic Asylum and how it changed through the years.

    A highly commended prize was awarded to Barbara Palmer for her essay entitled Aminya Place: Its History and Its Community Spirit.  In our next week’s newsletter we will provide a complete wrapup of the prize ceremony and some more information about the prize winning essay.

    Photo left: Left to Right Laila Ellmoos (judge), Barbara Palmer (Highly Commended) and Kay Leiper (judge and LCHS Vice President) Photo Right: Left to Right Cathy Duloy (relative of Frances Christie), Pam Palmer (LCHS President), Laila Ellmoos (judge), Christina Faulk (Winner), and Kay Leiper (judge and LCHS Vice President) and David Duloy (relative of Frances Christie)

    Diwali Celebrations In Lane Cove

    The Lane Cove Indian Community celebrated Diwali Fest in the Lane Cove Plaza on Saturday 25th October. There was a lot of colour, music and celebration and the lighting of the Diya to mark Diwali’s universal message of hope and togetherness.

    This was the seventh year Lane Cove Diwali Fest has taken place. It has grown into a multicultural celebration ,which at its heart honours the timeless message of Diwali: the triumph of light over darkness and unity over division.

    In addition to the Indian community, there were representatives from other cultures, including Greek and Russian, who also celebrated through their traditional dance and clothes.

    Jellybean Jam Rocks The Canopy

    The first concert in The Canopy for the Spring/Summer season started with Jellybean Jam and their mix of retro tunes.  It was not a huge crowd, but those who were there enjoyed it.  See our cover photo.

    New Signs At Lane Cove Parking Stations

    Have you seen the news signs at Lane Cove Market Square and The Canopy warning that the parking stations are paperless fine zones?

    This year, the NSW government banned local councils from sending parking tickets by mail (i.e., paperless parking fines).

    Unless it is unsafe, rangers must now issue paper parking tickets.

    The exception to this rule is if the fine is issued in parking stations as the rule only applies to street parking.

    The sign below warns drivers that if they exceed the time limit and do not pay, they will receive a notice by mail, as the ticketless parking rules do not apply.

    So if you think you exceeded the three hour time limit and you did not see a ticket on your windscreen at The Canopy or Lane Cove Market Square – be warned a fine my still be coming in the mail.  To help you keep track of time, you may want to use Easypark – it is free unless you stay over the 3-hour limit, then charges apply – read more here.

    Paperless Fine Zone sign at Lane Cove Market Square

    Seven Bridges Walk Passes Through Lane Cove

    The Seven Bridges Walk took place on Sunday, 26th October. Central Park Longueville was once again one of the checkpoint villages. It was pumping with music, food trucks and portaloos. 

    It was the 20th year the Cancer Council has staged the event, which raises vital funds for research, prevention programs and treatment of cancers. Around 15,000 people participated in the 28km walk around the harbour.

    Many locals took part, including Lara Wehby and Amelia Harris, who shared their experience with In The Cove, including some of their photos below.

    Lara told us; “I did the 7 bridges for the first time this year with my friend Amelia and we absolutely loved it. What a wonderful event! So well organised and an amazing way to see our beautiful city!!! We couldn’t believe how many people there were participating. So great to see so many people out exercising for such a good cause.”

    “It was a great way to see how stunning our city is and so inspiring to be walking amongst many people supporting such a great cause. We thoroughly enjoyed the day and would recommend others give it a go next year,” added Amelia.

    Greenwich Hospital Launch Ceremony

    An announcement this week about the future of the Greenwich Hospital site.

    Construction of HammondCare Greenwich will start immediately. It will be an integrated site with a sub-acute hospital, seniors living, registered aged care for dementia, older persons mental health and a range of other services including Hammond Innovations.

    The construction cost will be $300-$350 million, the most significant investment in HammondCare’s history.

    HammondCare stated:

    “It will be a first for NSW that a subacute hospital will be built with both seniors living apartments and an aged care home for people living with dementia. HammondCare CEO Andrew Thorburn was joined by Northern Sydney LHD Chief Executive Anthony Schembri, State MP for Lane Cove Anthony Roberts and Lane Cove Mayor Merri Southwood for the announcement.”

    Artarmon Mosque Open Day

    On Saturday, the Artarmon Mosque held an Open Day for the community.

    The North Shore Police Area Command went along to participate in the event which was all about strengthening community and cultural relationships. They shared the photos below on their socials.

    The Artarmon Mosque is located at 35 Hampden Road, the former scout hall. It was built in 1958 and used by the Scouts until 2002. In 2003, the building was sold to the Australian Islamic Education Board to provide educational, cultural, religious and community welfare activities to the local Islamic community.

    Images courtesy North Shore Police Area Command

    Halloween in Lane Cove 2025 – To Trick or Treat or Not to Trick or Treat?

    Halloween has become one of the most anticipated nights on the Lane Cove calendar. From creatively decorated homes to costume-clad kids (and dogs), the spooky season now brings the community together like never before.

    But it wasn’t always that way.

    We asked In the Cove’s own Renee, who grew up in the U.S. before calling Lane Cove home, to share her take on how Halloween has evolved locally, what she loves about it, and her tips for making the most of the night. Read it here.

    Lane Cove Festival by the River Starts This Weekend

    The Lane Cove Festival by the River is back from 1–16 November 2025, bringing two weeks of art, food, music, and community fun to our beautiful waterfront.

    Festival Highlights include Food and Wine Festival by the River, Greenwich Village Arts Trail, Try Skiff Sailing with the Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Club, Noasis at The Canopy and the return of the Lantern Loch Ness Monster, created by students from Currambena School — glowing back to life on Tambourine Bay!

    This is another great festival that celebrates so many of the things we love about Lane Cove.

    All the details for planning how you’ll take part here.

    Lantern Loch Ness Monster

    Popular Car Boot Sale Returns

    The Lane Cove Rotary Car Boot Sale is back on Sunday, 7th December 2025.

    This is an excellent opportunity to get rid of your unwanted items and prevent them from going to landfill, AND to make sure the guest room is ready for the festive season.

    Details and booking link here.

    Graphic courtesy of Lane Cove Rotary

    Lane Cove In The News

    Last week Advanced Vet Care Lane Cove veterinarian Matt Buchanan-Pascall was included in a News.com article discussing how to care for pets in the warmer months. He shared, “As temperatures soar during extreme heatwaves, it’s crucial to remember that our pets feel the heat even more than we do.”  Read the full article here.

    This week Scott Sloans of Sloans features in a Sydney Morning Herald article where he discusses the old rule of cutting your hair short after Menopause.  Read the full article here.

    Have Your Say: Changes To No Stopping Zones River Rd, Greenwich

    Lane Cove Council has opened consultation on its proposal to increase the No Stopping periods on River Road, Greenwich, between Nos. 47 and 71. This is in response to concerns about traffic safety and restricted visibility for vehicles exiting driveways along this stretch of River Road.

    The current ‘No Stopping’ period is 3 pm – 7 pm, Monday to Friday. 

    The proposed restrictions would include the morning peak period 7 am – 9.30 am Monday to Friday, in addition to the afternoon period.

    Have your say by completing the online survey before Sunday 10 November 2025. Further details and survey link here. 

    Image courtesy Lane Cove Council

    Business Alert: Women & Children First Benefit From The Foot Group Donation

    In August and September, we shared that The Foot Group was celebrating 25 years in Lane Cove and 15 years in Brookvale. To give back to the community, the team decided to participate in Gather for Good, an initiative that provides critical relief and comfort to families rebuilding after domestic abuse.

    The initiative is organised by Women and Children First, a charity committed to ending gender-based violence and supporting families through trauma, which has refuges in Lane Cove and on the Northern Beaches. 

    Both Lane Cove and Brookvale communities responded by dropping off donations and The Foot Group matched each one with their own contribution.

    Last week, the team shared the following message and photo on their Facebook page:

    “Incredibly proud to deliver the donations given by our patients, staff and matched by us to Women and Children First. A great way to celebrate our 25 years in Lane Cove and 15 years in Brookvale.”

    This is a fantastic effort by The Foot Group and our community.

    Image courtesy The Foot Group

    Upcoming Lane Cove Events

    Spotlight on Safety:  A Community Discussion With North Shore Area Command

    The Lane Cove Council has arranged for the Crime Prevention Officer from North Shore Police Area Command to talk about promoting safety in our neighbourhoods.

    Learn about crime prevention and how to keep your neighbourhood secure. What is concerning you about safety in your neighbourhood?  

    When: 5 November 2025
    Time: 6.00 pm
    Where: Lane Cove Civic Centre, 48 Longueville Rd.
    How: Details and Booking Link here

    Register to attend the Crime Prevention information session

    Carisbrook Historic House Spring Concert

    Enjoy wine, cheese, and musical theatre classics, all in a historic setting.

    The talented members of Normanhurst Uniting Church Musical Society present the Spring Concert at Carisbrook Historic House. This delightful concert will feature songs from their recent stage success, My Fair Lady.

    When: Saturday 8 November
    Time: 5.30 pm – 7 pm
    Where: Carisbrook House, 334 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove
    How: All the information here 

    St Michael’s Parish Trivia Night 

    The parish is raising money for Youth Off The Street and Caritas by holding a Trivia Night (and supper is provided). So come along and show how brainy you are, or that you have a good memory.

    When: Saturday 8 November 2025
    Time: 7 pm – 9.30 pm
    Where: St Michael’s Parish Hall, 204 Longueville Rd, Lane Cove
    How: Details here. 

    Last Days To Nominate A Sporting Volunteer Hero

    It’s time to shine a light on Lane Cove’s unsung sporting heroes!

    Nominate a volunteer who goes above and beyond to support our local sporting community — from coaching and scoring to washing jerseys and running canteens. They could win an incredible prize and attend the 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner of the Australian Sports Hall of Fame.

    Let’s celebrate the people who make local sport happen — the heart and soul of every club!

    Learn more and nominate here. Applications close  31 October, 2025.

    Junior Cricketers Selected For Representative Duties

    Lane Cove Cricket Club players Hamish Hobbs and Charlie Pitt have been selected to join the North Shore Junior Cricket Association’s (NSJCA) Under 11s representative team.

    Their selection recognises their commitment to developing their skills in the sport, as well as the talent they have demonstrated so far.

    NSJCA representative teams compete in the Metropolitan Youth Championships (MYC) which are run by Cricket NSW. MYC teams come from across metropolitan Sydney, Wollongong, the Southern Highlands and Newcastle.

    Congratulations Hamish and Charlie!

    Image courtesy Lane Cove Cricket Club

    Crime, Accidents, Incidents

    Some rainy weather this week has resulted in accidents on the notorious bends at River Road and Mowbray Road.

    The photo below is a car on the wrong side of the road on River Road West between Barina Road and Warraroon Road.  An eyewitness told ITC that the driver was adamant he was not speeding and just lost control on the bend.  He had only just finished restoring his car.

    Another week and another truck stuck on The Canopy roundabout on Tuesday morning.

    Week in Review Sponsor – Questa Property Services

    Looking for a cleaner? Questa Property Services is a long-time supporter of ITC, and they do home, office and outdoor cleaning.  Call 0413 235 605
    If you are on the hunt for a reliable cleaner, give Questa a call for a quote.

     

    If You Buy Us A Coffee, it is, in fact, helping to pay the ITC Team

    We want to clarify that, yes, the ITC team does support local businesses by drinking coffee, but there is a limit to the number of cups you can drink in a day.

    We started the Buy Us A Coffee Campaign as a way to keep local news free and to grow our team.  Our team is now comprised of three local mums who work part-time to bring you all the up-to-date news, traffic alerts, incidents, and events.  We also now have Walkley Award Nominee Jack Kelly writing articles for us, as well as founder Jacky Barker.  We truly appreciate any help you can provide, whether large or small. 

    How local journalism keeps communities engaged

    Local newsrooms play a vital role in keeping communities informed and engaged with the decisions that affect them. Without dedicated coverage of local government, infrastructure, and policy changes, many residents are left uninformed about issues that significantly impact their daily lives. Independent newsrooms help bridge this gap, providing a trusted source of information and giving people a platform to voice concerns. Strong local reporting doesn’t just inform, it fosters public participation and strengthens civic engagement. – extract from the Local and Independent News Association Website