Wow it has been a big week for the ITC team, we have had team members covering burst water mains, new festivals in Lane Cove and Clean Up Australia Day and the start of the Senior’s Festival.

Lane Cove News

The key local stories, announcements and updates affecting our community this week.

Water Woes After Two Separate Water Mains Burst

A burst water main on Garling Street caused significant disruption in Lane Cove West on Friday, 27 February 2026.

Late Friday morning, reports emerged of a burst pipe on Garling Street, Lane Cove West. Properties in the Lane Cove West Business Park were also without water supply as a result of the incident, and remained without water on Friday afternoon.   This prompted the cancellation of lessons at the Carlile Swimming Centre in Lane Cove West Business Park.

The force of the water left a nearby tree leaning at a dangerous angle, requiring its removal for safety reasons. 

Throughout the day, In The Cove sought updates from Sydney Water as to what caused the issue and when water would be restored.  

To complicate matters, Interflow, who have been conducting significant works in the Lane Cove West area for over a year had been working in Garling street in the same week that the water main burst.

Interflow advised that the mains they have installed have not yet been connected to the network and therefore were not related to the failure of the water main pipe.  Previously Interflow has advised ITC that the Lane Cove Works would continue until April 2026.  We have asked them for an updated time frame.  Until works have been completed Lane Cove Council will not be able to start street rectifciation works.

See our video below for footage of the resultant flooding.

On Saturday, 28th February, Sydney Water reported major disruptions to the water supply after a water main burst on Willoughby Road, Willoughby. 

Around 11,500 properties were affected across multiple Local Government Areas (LGAs), including parts of Greenwich, Lane Cove and St Leonards Square. Impact ranged from low to no water pressure to no water supply.

In addition, traffic was impacted along busy Willoughby Road.

By Saturday evening, Sydney Water advised that “Crews have excavated the break site and isolated the main so repairs can commence.”

This meant the number of affected homes decreased significantly, or at least had supply improve over the course of the evening. Works continued through the night and were completed by Sunday morning, allowing supplies to gradually return to normal for the remainder of the premises after safety and quality checks were carried out.

Sydney Water supplied the photo below so locals could see the extent of the issue and thanked the community for its patience and understanding during the unplanned emergency.

St Leonards Lunar Laneways Pops With Korean Culture

Local 2026 Lunar New Year festivities culminated with the inaugural St Leonards Lunar Laneways event on Saturday 28th February. This year’s event was a celebration of Korean culture and featured traditional dances, karaoke, KPop dancing, DJ sets, food and art.

Held in the shadow of Wadanggari Park along Marshall Lane and Canberra Avenue, attendees were treated to energetic displays of cultural celebration.

Clean Up Australia Day Wrap Up

Stringybark Creek Hosts Another Successful Clean Up Australia Day Event

For over twenty years, volunteer members of the Stringybark Creek Residents Association (SBCRA) committee have loyally organised a Clean Up Australia Day event that invites the wider community to help maintain the beauty of their very special neck of the woods.

The 2026 event was led by Danielle Downes and once again included local residents, the Lane Cove Scouts and Girl Guides, as well as the Mayor, Merri Southwood, West Ward Councillors Katie Little and Rochelle Flood, and Councillor Caleb Taylor. 

Attendees were treated to an abundance of community spirit and the obligatory BBQ!

Despite the preceding days of wet weather, there was a great turnout, resulting in some impressive stats:

• 77 volunteers aged 4 – 85 years participated 
• 30 full bags collected, including 25 of rubbish and an additional 4 bags of recycling
• SBCRA noted a huge decrease in plastic bags over the years – only 2 were found this year, showing that banning single-use plastic bags is making a big difference to local environments.
• A very big decrease in aluminium cans, only 50 this year. SBCRA believes the Return and Earn program is a major factor in this result.
• The number of glass bottles collected has remained stubbornly high in recent years. 85 were collected this year.
• Noticeable decrease in the number of single-use coffee cups found – approximately 10 found. SBCRA says this number was around 100, even 5 years ago.
• 16 nitric oxide containers (some very large)
• 35 spray cans were found under the Epping bridge
• Decrease in dumping of large miscellaneous items
• Odds and ends this year included a scooter frame, tyre, metal, garbage bin in the creek, polystyrene and yoga mat pieces.

Rotary Lane Cove Tidies Our Shopping Precinct

The indefatigable members of Lane Cove Rotary spent Sunday morning cleaning up around the high-traffic areas of Lane Cove Village. You may have spotted them in their fluorescent vests, using tongs and extendable grabbers to tidy up the areas where so many of us shop and socialise.

Lane Cove Bushcare Hosts Come & Try Event At Gamma Road 

Lane Cove Bushcare hosted a fantastic Come & Try session at Gamma Rd Reserve, which adjoins Lane Cove Golf Club.

Community members rolled up their sleeves alongside Lane Cove Council’s Bushcare team, Landcare representatives and experienced Bushcare volunteers to get hands-on and make a real difference.

Achievements from the session included:

• Weeding to give native plants room to thrive
• Clearing rubbish — including a haul of stray golf balls!
• Planting native species, with a best-practice demo from Landcare
• Learning how to safely manage encounters with insects and other local wildlife

Following the come-and-try session, the aim is to establish the Gamma Rd Reserve as a new Bushcare group. To make this happen, the program would need at least 3 – 4 volunteers each month (with support from Bushcare staff) to help maintain and care for this beautiful space.

If you’d like to get involved at Gamma Rd or join one of the other local Bushcare groups, you can find out more from Council.

Thanks to these groups and the many volunteers who showed up to the events that help keep Lane Cove beautiful.

Lane Cove Bursting With Colour For Holi

The Canopy was transformed into a vibrant sea of colour on Sunday, 1 March 2026, as the community came together to celebrate Holi — the Festival of Colour.

Hosted by Tara Events, the afternoon was filled with eco-friendly colour play, festive treats, music, dancing, performances and plenty of joyful chaos as kids (and adults!) ran through clouds of pink, yellow and blue.

Families gathered to celebrate joy, laughter and new beginnings, and once again, Lane Cove showed just how special our community spirit really is.

From the music to the market stalls, the dancing to the colour throws, it was an unforgettable cultural celebration for all ages.

Live Life in Colour – 2026 Seniors Festival Is Here

The NSW Seniors Festival started on Monday, 2 March and runs until Sunday, 15 March 2026. The festival celebrates and encourages connection, wellbeing and community. There is a huge festival lineup across Sydney and locally.

Here in Lane Cove, there are plenty of events and activities to check out; interactive workshops, art experiences, fitness, culture and social gatherings, there’s something for everyone.

Today (Wednesday 4 March 2026), it was all about Living life in Colour at the Galuwa Recreation Centre.  This event was part of the Senior Festival.

It was lovely to see Maureen, who is 95.5 years old (Maureen told us that exact figure), enjoying the morning.

Maureen is a long-time Lane Cove resident and proud mum of Stewart Kirkby from L J Hooker Lane Cove (see below in our business alert). Maureen tried pickleball and then some exercises. Plenty of information about what is happening around Lane Cove was available, including from Sydney Community Services and Proveda.

There are plenty of senior week activities coming up, including Lane Cove Music’s Gilbert and Sullivan tribute.

Read our article for full details.

International Women’s Day 2026

International Women’s Day is on Sunday, 8 March 2026, and there are a range of local events in Lane Cove to celebrate and reflect on women’s achievements and contributions. From art exhibitions and concerts to community breakfasts and cultural walks, there’s something for everyone.

For all the details and event info, read our full article.

Local IWD Events in Lane Cove (details here):

• Women of Strength and Honour: Being, Belonging and Becoming exhibition 
• Girl Power Concert at The Canopy
• Small Business Networking Breakfast
• In Conversation with Magistrate Debrah Maher
• Dyinalyung Yana Muru: Women’s Walk

The City of Ryde invites you to the International Women’s Day Forum 2026: Balance the Scales

The City of Ryde is inviting the community to its 2026 International Women’s Day Forum, celebrating this year’s powerful theme, “Balance the Scales.”

The inspiring morning will feature keynote speakers Ronni Kahn AO, CEO & Founder of OzHarvest, and Sonia Casanova, CEO of Dress for Success Sydney.

Guests will also enjoy a live performance by acclaimed artist Elaskia, an engaging interactive session and a delicious morning tea provided by local female-led business Gharibian House.

It promises to be a meaningful morning of inspiration and conversation as the community comes together to help balance the scales for women and girls everywhere.

🎟️ Secure your spot via the City of Ryde website.

Young Creators Inspired at Ella Forever Book Launch

ITC attended a wonderful event at Lane Cove Library over the weekend, celebrating the launch of Ella Forever by former Lane Cove resident and author-illustrator Serena Geddes. The session was a fantastic opportunity for young readers and budding writers and illustrators to hear Serena talk about storytelling, creativity and her inspiration.

Children were thrilled by a raffle of framed illustrations, enjoyed the library’s catering, and many stayed afterwards to have their books signed. The Bookery was also there on the day, selling copies of the book. It was an inspiring afternoon for young storytellers.

Read more about the book and Serena’s Lane Cove connection in our original article.

Mardi Gras Had Some Extra Spice This Year & A Lane Cove Mum Saw It All While Giving Out Hugs

And this year, something very special happened. Out of all the parade groups, Sporty Spice herself aka Mel C, chose to march with Free Mum Hugs Australia!

Announced by Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car, the initiative embeds enrichment, extension and STEM opportunities in every public school, with programs showcased on school websites to help families explore local options.

Hunters Hill High School is one of just eight schools selected to run new HPGE Extension Classes in 2026, expanding advanced learning opportunities for local students.

The rollout is backed by teacher training and a $100 million investment in upgraded facilities at 33 HPGE Partner Schools across the state.

Our Post Office Is Getting A Refresh – Of Product Offerings

The sign below has popped up in the Australia Post’s Lane Cove window. It says they are refreshing the list of available products. We wonder if we can expect less non-post-related retail. Watch this space. 

Lane Cove In The News

News Limited published a story about Ausgrid selling off surplus lands for quirky houses and mentioned three properties sold by Ausgrid in the Lane Cove Council Area last year. In the Cove reported on the land sales in April 2024 (you can read this article here), and it was the most-read ITC article in 2025.  You can read the News Limited Article dated 27 February 2026 here.

Lane Cove Council

Food Waste Roll Out – The Food Caddy Is Now Being Delivered

Late last week, the small food caddy that accompanies the maroon food-waste lidded bin began to be delivered.

The Maroon Lidded bin has been delivered to most homes, but some houses have had access issues.

Have Your Say

Draft Electric Vehicle Charging Policy

Lane Cove Council is seeking feedback on a draft Policy that sets out how it will manage the installation, operation, and use of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) on Council land and road reserves so that it is fair, safe, and accessible.

It has been developed to support the delivery of EVCI on public land, so that it integrates effectively with the local context and provides guidance to EVCI providers on the selection of locations and associated requirements.

You can submit feedback by either completing a short online survey or by providing a written submission to Council via email, quoting ref SU11082.

The draft policy and survey link can be found here.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, 30th March 2026.

View other open consultations from Council here.

General Information

Important safety updates, alerts and information relevant to Lane Cove and the surrounding areas.

Save The Date: National Test For AusAlert Monday 27 July 2026

A national test of AusAlert will take place at 2 pm AEST on Monday 27 July 2026 to check the full capabilities of the new system before the complete roll out which is expected in October 2026.

AusAlert is a new national messaging tool that State and Federal governments will be able to use to send geo-targeted messages during emergencies such as:

• Natural hazards, such as bushfires, floods, cyclones and tsunamis
• Public safety and security threats, such as serious public safety incidents or terrorism
• Biosecurity incidents, such as animal or plant disease and biohazard outbreaks
• Health emergencies, such as pandemics or other national public health events.

During the national test, everyone with a compatible mobile device that is powered and turned on will receive an alert regardless of whether your phone is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’. 

A word of warning: it’s loud!

Selected communities will be part of community trials in June prior to the national test in July. Liverpool is the only Sydney suburb included in this stage of testing.

An example of what the test message will look like is above.

Business Alerts

Notices and updates affecting local businesses, traders and services.

Hot off the press:  LJ Hooker Lane Cove will now be known as The Cavill Group Real Estate.  After 39 years in real estate, Stewart Kirkby is taking a step back.  He will still be involved in the business as the licensee in charge.

The sign that went up today at the LJ Hooker offices.

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.

Get Ready to Celebrate Girl Power!

On the eve of International Women’s Day The Canopy will be buzzing with Girl Power’s 90s & 00s tribute show. It’s the ultimate IWD celebration, packed with all your favourite hits from iconic female artists,  think Beyoncé, Kylie, J.Lo, Pink, Katy Perry, Spice Girls and more! 

When: Saturday, 7 March 2026
Where: The Canopy
Time: 6pm – 9pm
How: Details and ticket link here.

Watch Australia Vs Iran Asian Cup Match At The Canopy

Catch the excitement of the AFC Women’s Asia Cup live on the big screen at The Canopy, with selected matches being screened throughout March — including the Matildas in action this Thursday.

Australia is hosting the tournament, which runs from Sunday, 1st March to Saturday, 21st March. Matches are being played in Sydney, Perth and the Gold Coast.

The initial schedule of the Group Stage matches being screened at The Canopy is outlined below.

• Wednesday 4 March – Japan vs Chinese Taipei at 1 pm
• Thursday 5 March – Philippines vs Korea at 1 pm 
• Thursday 5 March – Iran vs Australia at 7 pm
• Monday 9 March – Bangladesh vs Uzbekistan at 5 pm
• Tuesday 10 March – Japan vs Vietnam at 5 pm

More dates are scheduled for later in the tournament, with match details to follow as the tournament progresses.

• Saturday 14 March – Quarter Final at 1 pm – 3 pm
• Thursday 19 March – Semi Final at 1 pm – 3 pm
• Saturday 21 March – Final – 8 pm to 10 pm

Seniors Car Maintenance Workshop

Learn how to do basic maintenance checks on your vehicle, what to do in an accident and how to choose a mechanic. Bring your own car or work with the mechanic’s car. Available for Lane Cove residents only.

What: Hands on car maintenance workshop
When: Saturday 7 March
Where: Lane Cove Council building carpark
Time: 9.30 am – 11.30 am
How: Details and registration link here.

Downsizing With Ease Information Session

Thinking about downsizing but not sure where to start? Join local downsizing expert Julia Dyer for a practical and empowering information session designed to help you feel confident and in control of your next move.

Whether you’re planning ahead for retirement or ready to simplify your space, this session will give you the tools and confidence to make the most of your downsizing journey.

When: Wednesday 11 March 2026
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: The Alcott, 1 Birdwood Ave, Lane Cove NSW 2066
How: Bookings essential — spaces are limited. More information here.
Cost: $10 at the door (Refreshments included) 

Lane Cove Bushland & Conservation Society’s Native Plant Stall

Come along to Lane Cove Bushland & Conservation Society’s always popular Native Plant Stall & Sale next week. The very knowledgeable team are keen to share their knowledge of choosing and caring for native plants in gardens of all shapes and size.

Don’t forget to ask them about their guided bushwalking events too!

When: Saturday 14 March
Where: Lane Cove Plaza
Time: 9 am – 12.30 pm
How: Just come by. More details here.

Shakesperience Brings Macbeth To The Canopy

Outdoor theatre will return to The Canopy later in the month, with Shakesperience Australia putting on a FREE production of Macbeth. Immerse yourself in this popular tale of dark magic, betrayal, and madness. Expect fast paced action, fortune telling witches, and exhilarating sword fights.

When: Saturday 14 March
Where: The Canopy
Time: 6 pm – 8 pm
How: Free. Bring low chairs or picnic rugs. Weather dependent.

Local Sports

In the Cove is a massive supporter of local sport for young and old. If you have something you’d like us to mention about your local club’s events or achievements, check out our contact details at the bottom of the article.

Lane Cove Cricketers’ Selection Success

Congratulations to Isabelle Lawry, a Lane Cove Cricket Club Junior, who has been selected as a bowler in the NSW Primary Schools Sports Association (PSSA) team. The selection comes after she captained the Combined Independent Schools (CIS) team at the recent NSW Schools championships. Issy is one of a number of Lane Cove Girls who have been selected for the NSW PSSA team in recent years.

Congratulations also to Olivia Maxwell and Olivia Callaghan, who were both named in the NSW Women’s Second XI side. The team is currently taking on South Australia in Lyndoch, SA, as part of the Women’s Second XI Series. Both players were juniors at Lane Cove Cricket Club.

Lane Cove Swim Club

• Conor M – Silver in 4 x 50 Medley Relay
• Adelaide D – Silver in 50m Freestyle
• Finn M 1st – 50m Freestyle & 3rd – 50m Breaststroke

The Speedo Sprint Series is an entry-level annual swimming competition in NSW/ACT for boys and girls aged 8–13, featuring 50 m races in strokes.

It’s designed to be fun and help young swimmers learn competition skills in a friendly environment. Area-based heats were held in February, and then the top finishers in each event progressed to the finals in Sydney in March.

Crime, Accidents, Incidents

Police, emergency services and incident updates reported in and around Lane Cove.

Can You Identify These People?

Police are seeking assistance from the public to identify a male and female who may be able to assist with their enquiries into an alleged assault which occurred on Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, at about 6.30 pm on Saturday, the 7th of February 2026.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has knowledge of the identity of the person (s) depicted to come forward. View the NSPAC post here.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or online. Information is treated in strict confidence. Reference C 104704780.

North Shore Police Busy in February

The North Shore Police Area Command (NSPAC) has released its February 2026 crime wrap-up. A 35-year-old man from Lane Cove was stopped on the Pacific Highway and allegedly provided false details. This led the police to charge him with 16 offences after linking him to multiple alleged break-ins and thefts across the Lower North Shore.

Other local incidents featured in the wrap-up:

• A 36-year-old Artarmon man was charged after allegedly breaking into a home in Greenwich and found with house-breaking tools. 
• A 33-year-old Lane Cove North woman and a 24-year-old Artarmon man are being investigated for possessing stolen goods in St Leonards. 
• A 34-year-old man in Camperdown was charged after police allegedly stopped him evading on an electric scooter in St Leonards and found an outstanding warrant. 
• Driving and drug offences were recorded across Mosman, Neutral Bay and Lane Cove. 
• A road rage intimidation incident in Roseville saw a woman charged after allegedly confronting a driver with a crowbar — witnessed by police in an unmarked vehicle.

Read the full article for the complete February North Shore crime summary.

Update: Accident on Kimberly Avenue, 8 February 2026

On the 9th February ITC published the following:

“About 7.50 pm yesterday (Sunday 8 February 2026), emergency services were called to the intersection of Longueville Road and Kimberley Avenue, Lane Cove, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to North Shore Police Area Command attended and found a vehicle had struck a pedestrian.

The pedestrian – a 31-year-old man – was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to hospital in a critical condition.

The driver – a 64-year-old man – was arrested and taken to hospital for mandatory testing. Upon release from hospital, he was taken to Chatswood Police Station, where he was released pending further investigation.

A crime scene was established and investigations commenced into the circumstances of the crash.

Investigations are ongoing. As investigations continue, police are urging anyone with information, dashcam footage or any witnesses to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

Late last week In The Cove sought an update on the incident from North Shore Police Area Command and received the following response:

“The pedestrian is still in hospital in a serious condition. The matter is still under investigation; however, I can confirm that the vehicle involved was a taxi and the collision occurred on the roadway, not the footpath.”

Another Wet Week – More Accidents on the Mowbray Road Bend

Another wet week and accidents at the Mowbray Road Bend.  On 27 February 2027, a resident of Mowbray Road reported hearing of at least three accidents.  A roving reporter posted the following on Lane Cove Chat by ITC

This Week in Review is sponsored by
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