Lane Cove News Week in Review 14th to 21st January 2026

    Welcome to our Week In Review.  Today (21st January 2026) Wigglemaina hit Lane Cove, with some parents lining up for at least two hours for a meet and greet with some of the Wiggles at Harris Farm Lane Cove. At one stage, the queue extended to Tambourine Bay Road near Seville Street (see photos below).

    Quick Links:
    Lane Cove News |
    Lane Cove In The News |
    Lane Cove Council |
    Have Your Say |
    Business Alerts |
    Upcoming Lane Cove Events |
    Local Sports |
    Crime, Accidents, Incidents |
    This Week in Review is proudly sponsored by |
    Support In The Cove


    Lane Cove News


    National Day of Mourning to Honour Bondi Beach Attack Victims

    The Australian Government will observe a National Day of Mourning on Thursday 22 January 2026 to honour the victims and all those affected by the Bondi Beach terror attack last December. The theme chosen by the local Chabad community is “Light will win – a gathering of unity and remembrance.”  Read more here.

    The Lane Cove Council has posted information about the National Day of Mourning on their website here.

    Measles Exposure Sites in Lane Cove

     

    NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles.

    There is currently an increased risk of measles in NSW, with 11 cases confirmed since 1 December 2025. As people return from overseas holidays, it is expected that additional cases may be identified.

    The recently confirmed cases visited many locations across Sydney while unknowingly infectious, including healthcare facilities. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.

    The list of exposure locations and times is regularly updated on the NSW Health website:

    www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/measles/Pages/public-exposure-locations.aspx

    The list includes the following Lane Cove/St Leonards/Artarmon locations

     

    Dr Christine Selvey, Executive Director of Health Protection NSW said people should monitor for symptoms of measles and check the list of locations on the NSW Health website to see if they visited any of these at the listed time.

    “If symptoms develop and you’ve been at one of the locations at the time listed on the website, see your doctor or health service, including an emergency department. Call ahead to let them know that you may have come into contact with measles so you don’t spend time in waiting rooms with other patients,” Dr Selvey said.

    “Symptoms to watch out for include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body.”

    Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes.

    “Importantly, we want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough,” Dr Selvey said.

    “Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”

    The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses.

    Children under the age of 12 months can have a dose of MMR from six months of age if they are travelling overseas. Parents should consult their GP.

    For more information on measles, view the measles factsheet or measles information for travellers.

    Wigglemania Hits Lane Cove

    Today, the number one question ITC was asked – why is there such a long line outside Harris Farm Markets?

    The line along Burns Bay Road for the Wiggles Meet and Greet at Harris Farm Lane Cove

    As mentioned above, it was a chance for Lane Cove kids to meet and greet with Blue Wiggle Lucia (daughter of the original Blue Wiggle Anthony Field) and Purple Wiggle John.

    The Australian fresh produce industry’s ‘Fruit and Veggies Yummy Yummy’ campaign with The Wiggles has kicked into gear at Harris Farm Markets Lane Cove.

    The International Fresh Produce Association Australia-New Zealand (IFPA A-NZ) and The Wiggles have united with Harris Farm Markets to share the message that fruit and vegetables are fun, colourful, and healthy.

    Luke Field, general manager of The Wiggles said “For 35 years, The Wiggles have been singing, dancing, and having fun with fruit and vegetables, so this partnership is a natural fit. We’re excited to support the Fruit and Veggies Yummy Yummy campaign to help Aussie children, and their families make strong, healthy eating choices. Making fruit and veggies fun, colourful, and part of everyday life is something we’ve always believed in, and this campaign gives us the perfect opportunity to bring that message to life in stores and at home”.

    Select products will feature The Wiggles branding in some Harris Farm Markets  to encourage children to choose fruit and vegetables.

    Life-size cardboard and corflute cut-outs of The Wiggles placed alongside fresh produce displays so children can take photos and interact while shopping

    Harris Farm Markets co-CEO Luke Harris said: “We’ve always believed that good food brings people together and that starts with inspiring a love of fresh fruit and vegetables early on.

    “Our stores are designed to be places of joy, play and discovery, full of life and more market than supermarket. The Wiggles’ fun, family-first approach aligns beautifully with that, helping us tell a story that’s simple, joyful and connects with families everywhere.

    “As a father of three, I know first-hand how hard it can be to get kids to eat their greens. Campaigns like this make that challenge just a little easier by making healthy eating something children actually look forward to.”

    The meet and greet was successful.  One parent told ITC that she queued with her daughter for two hours and she was over the moon to meet and greet the “younger wiggles”.

    Harris Farm Markets is an ITC Business Supporter.

    Australia Day Long Weekend

    The first long weekend of the year is almost here! We have compiled all the information you need to make the most of it. There’s loads of live music, a Citizenship ceremony and an obligatory bbq. Read the article for all the details.

    For even more fun you can head to Depot Brewery in Artarmon and take part in their Australia Day Thong-Throwing competition. Find out more in our article.

    Lane Cove Cockatoos Host Inaugural Training Session

    Last week we reported on the newest sporting club in Lane Cove – the Lane Cove Cockatoos. The Cockatoos are a Wheelchair Sports NSW/ACT Wheelchair Basketball Club.

    ITC attended their first open training session last Tuesday. You can see a video here. The team is excited to be in action and would love more łocałs to come down and join in. They need płayers who are in wheełchairs and anyone who wants to have a go in a wheelchair.  

    Head to the Galuwa Recreation Centre on Tuesdays at 5.00 pm to find out more. More information here.

    The Galuwa Recreation centre is located at 180 River Road Lane Cove (and was previously  the Lane Cove Golf Club building).

    Wheelchair basketball
    The newly formed Lane Cove Cockatoos

    Lane Cove In The News


    Galuwa Featured By Nine News 

    Channel 9 recently visited the newly opened Galuwa Recreation Centre. Check out the piece here

    Indoor courts at Galuwa Recreation Centre

    Use Of Synthetic Fields Questioned As Summer Heats Up

    Last week The Sydney Morning Herald published an article about the increase in synthetic playing fields as well as rubber crumb products in public playgrounds and schools. It discussed the increase in temperature and the potential for degraded products to enter nearby ecosystems, as well as the injuries players have sustained on synthetic versus natural grass fields.

    Blackman Park was given as an example, with local cricketer Michael Middleton interviewed and detailing his experience playing on the surface.

    You can read the article here. (warning it is paywalled)

    Blackman Park
    Photo credit: Lane Cove Football Club

    Lane Cove Council


    Lane Cove Council has partnered with social enterprise ZapCat to offer new services to residents, whether they are homeowners or renters.

    The purpose of the services is to make it easier for households to improve energy efficiency. The current offerings are for insulation, draught proofing, and Energy efficiency (especially suitable for renters and low-income households). 

    Proposed Bus Depot + Sales & Hire Business

    Lane Cove Council have received a Development Application (DA1-2026) for a bus depot along with a bus sales and hire business.

    The proposal is for 16 Mars Road Lane Cove West and would entail:

    • Establishing the use of the site as a transport depot bus depot with thirty-seven spaces
    • Minor site works including line marking
    • Use of two parking spaces as a vehicle sales and hire premises.
    • The bus depot component proposes to operate 24hrs a day.

    The proposed bus depot is for temporary use until DA 43/2021 is built. That DA is for the same area but a larger warehouse style depot, whereas DA1-2026 is a temporary outdoor solution for the business in the interim.


    Have Your Say


    Have Your Say: Draft Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan

    Lane Cove Council is seeking feedback on its Draft Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan. After initial consultations and planning, feedback is sought to ensure that prior feedback has been captured in the plan and make any necessary adjustments.

    You can have your say via email to Council before 15 March 2026. Full information and draft plan here. 

    Have Your Say: Bike Plan

    Lane Cove Council is reviewing its Bicycle Plan. The 2026 Bicycle Plan will set out an updated vision for cycling in Lane Cove and an action plan for priority routes for the next 10 years.

    A key component of the review is community consultation. This will occur in various formats and play an important role in guiding the project’s early direction.

    Consultation will include:

    • Online survey
    • Pop-up stall: Sunday 15 February in The Canopy at Lane Cove Makers Market 9 am – 3 pm
    • Community Workshop: Monday 16 February at Lane Cove Council 6 pm – 8 pm
    • Bicycle Advisory Committee Workshop
    • Public Exhibition at Draft Bike Plan Stage

    See here for all the details including links to the current plan and online survey.

    Source: City Of Sydney Shared Pathways

    Greenwich Community Association Concerned About the 177 – 183 Greenwich Road, Greenwich Development

    Lane Cove Council is consulting with the wider community on a proposed amendment to the Lane Cove Local Environment Plan (LEP) for 177-183 Greenwich Road, Greenwich.

    The site-specific amendments will involve:

    • Maintaining the existing split zoning of R4 High Density Residential and C2 Environmental Conservation zone,
    • Increase in the height of buildings from 12 metres to RL 48.85 metres, and
    • Increase the floor space ratio from 0.8:1 to 1.68:1.

    The Greenwich Community Association is concerned that this is an overdevelopment of the site, and in their latest newsletter, they noted the following:

    “The facts you need to know are as follows:

    • The site covers 4 existing house lots located between home unit blocks at 171 Greenwich Rd and Landenburg Place, and is located opposite the Viva (previously Shell) oil tank farm.
    • The site is zoned high density residential.
    • The developer proposes 29 dwellings which is more than twice the density allowed by the current zoning and a height fronting Greenwich Rd which is 3 stories higher than allowed by the current high density zoning.

    There is no reason why Council should approve this overdevelopment as it fails to meet any of the grounds specified for justifying changing Council’s Local Environment Plan.
    There are numerous reasons why Council should not approve this developer’s request – including existing congestion, safety, traffic, overshadowing, bulk and setting a precedent for the area.”

    Further information on this development plus links to planning documents are here

    To provide your comments, submit them to the General Manager quoting the reference ‘LEP Amendment No 41 – 177-183 Greenwich Road – SU10962’ by:

    Submissions close 5 pm Friday 13 February 2026.


    Business Alerts


    Poseidon’s Catch – Temporarily Closed

    Poseidon’s Catch, located at 225 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove West, in the Figtree Shops (near Hummerstons and The Beautician), has temporarily closed for refurbishments.

    The popular local seafood spot is under new ownership, with signage on-site promising a brand-new menu and a larger kitchen as part of the upgrade.

    No reopening date has been announced yet, but locals can expect some fresh changes once works are complete. We’ll keep you updated as more details emerge.

    New Business Alert: Little Learners Academy

    A new operator is taking over the Jenny’s Kindergarten early learning centre site. In October 2025, the Regulator suspended its operations. Read more here.

    Little Learners Academy have now put up signage, and their website is advertising centre tours. So far, all we know is it’s ‘coming soon’. According to their website, Lane Cove would be the fourth Little Learners Academy in the Sydney area.


    Upcoming Lane Cove Events


    There is so much happening around Lane Cove. See below for a selection of what’s coming up. For a comprehensive list check out In The Cove’s Event Calendar.

    Blood on the Wattle

    A bold, contemporary update of a classic Australian play, Blood on the Wattle brings today’s most charged global and political issues straight to the stage — including the Ukraine war, climate politics and party turmoil.

    With immersive video design and powerful performances, this gripping production is entertaining, authentic and unmissable, and is already being recognised as pioneering in its treatment of current world events.

    When: Friday 23rd & Saturday 24th January
    Time: 7.30 pm performances + 3 pm matinee on Saturday 24th January
    Where: Pottery Lane Performance Space, Lane Cove
    How: Book now. Concessional rates available for local residents. 

    So Fresh Party @ The Canopy

    So Fresh Party delivers the ultimate throwback dancefloor, packed with the biggest party hits from the 70s through to the 2000s. Expect wall-to-wall nostalgia, high-energy anthems, and an unforgettable live experience that will have you singing, dancing, and wanting more all night long.

    When: Saturday 7th February
    Time: 6 pm – 9 pm
    Where: The Canopy Lane Cove
    How: Book now. 

    Source: So Fresh Party

    Holi Color Fest’26 in Lane Cove

    Color up your calendar for Holi 2026. This event is becoming one of the most joyful community events in Lane Cove.

    When: Sunday 1st March
    Time: 4 – 7 pm
    Where: The Canopy Lane Cove
    How: FREE event. Limited spots. Register here.

    Images from the 2025 Holi event at The Canopy

    Local Sports


    AFL Nines Registrations Open

    Lane Cove Cats are looking for Males and Females ages 14 to Adults to join AFL Nines teams.

    AFL Nines is a non-contact, mixed, social competition that’s lots of fun. No experience is needed. Games go for 40 minutes at night and are played between 6.30 pm and 8.30 pm.

    The season will run from 2nd February to 23rd March at Blackman Park.

    Anyone interested in playing can find out more here or contact the Lane Cove Cats.

    Registration Time for “Winter Sports”

    The following sports clubs have registration open for their 2026 seasons:

    Lane Cove Cats Junior AFL – register here.
    Lane Cove Football Club – Juniors, Seniors and Overs – register here
    Lane Cove Old Ignatius Club Rugby –
    Colts and Seniors – register here
    Lane Cove West Football Club – register to trial here.

    Lane Cove Junior Rugby Union Club – juniors register here. 

    LCJRUC is looking forward to welcoming all new and returning players, families, and supporters for what they believe will be an epic 2026 season – as they celebrate the club’s 75th anniversary!

    To mark the occasion, the registration fees for the 2026 season have been reduced.  

     


    Crime, Accidents, Incidents

    Wet & Windy Weather

    The past week saw Sydney shift from heatwave conditions to summer storm mode. We had reports of at least three accidents on Mowbray bend over the weekend and then a tree down on Stokes Street on Monday morning.

    Mowbray Rd accident 17 January 2025

    A big thank you to all the hardworking emergency personnel who show up and work in these trying conditions.  A very big special thank you to our local SES, who are your neighbours and friends.

    ITC journalist Jack Kelly visited our local SES in 2025.  Read our article about the great work they do and how you could also help out.

    SES Willoughby-Lane Unit January 2025.

     


    This Week in Review is proudly sponsored by Nicky’s Kid Town


    Looking for a warm, nurturing and engaging early learning environment for your little one? Nicky’s Kid Town is a well-established Lane Cove long day care centre, supporting children’s development through play-based learning, caring educators and thoughtfully designed indoor spaces.

    With a strong focus on early childhood education, social development and family connection, Nicky’s Kid Town provides a safe and supportive place for children to learn, grow and thrive.

    👉 Find out more or enquire about enrolments at
    www.nkt.com.au


    Why Local News Matters

    In the Cove delivers independent Lane Cove news every day — 100% free, with no paywall and no media owners influencing what we publish.

    We write for the community, from within the community.

    We are a proud member of LINA – the Local & Independent News Association, which supports small, independent publishers who serve their communities with reliable, accountable, local journalism.

    Why local news matters:
    Local news strengthens community connection, keeps residents informed, spotlight issues that bigger outlets overlook, and holds local decision-makers accountable. When local news disappears, communities lose transparency, trust and shared understanding. Your support ensures Lane Cove continues to have a strong, independent voice.

    Independent reporting takes time, resources and a huge commitment to our community. Every contribution helps us continue covering the stories no one else does.

    Support Independent Community News

    Shout ITC a Coffee (one-off): buymeacoffee.com/inthecove
    💛 Contribute Any Amount: inthecove.presspatron.com
    📣 Advertise with Us: inthecove.com.au/advertise