Lane Cove News Week in Review 28 April – 5 May 2026

    Kingsford Smith Oval Image Credit Derek Wong

    If you’ve missed anything this week then the Week In Review is for you! We’ve pulled together key Lane Cove news, updates and events so you can catch up quickly.

    First up, check out our stunning cover image taken by Derek Wong at Kingsford Smith Oval on Monday morning – an absolutely gorgeous way to start the week!

    Thank you KIN Cafe for sponsoring this Week in Review


    Use the buttons below to skip to what matters to you:


    Lane Cove News

    In the Cove Joins National Local News Campaign

    This week, In the Cove is part of the Our News. Your Voice. campaign which is a national campaign supporting independent local news.

    For nearly 14 years, In the Cove has been here every day sharing stories, supporting local businesses and keeping the Lane Cove community informed and connected.

    Local news matters. It keeps residents updated when something goes wrong, connects the dots on local issues and gives communities a trusted place to find information that bigger outlets often overlook.

    In the Cove is a proud member of LINA, the Local & Independent News Association, which supports small independent publishers across Australia.

    If you have ever read In the Cove, this is the week to chip in. Even $20 helps keep local news thriving.

    Support In the Cove via PressPatron here.

    Data Centre Community Forum Held at The Diddy

    A community forum on proposed data centres in Lane Cove was held at The Diddy last Wednesday night (29 May 2026), with strong local interest in the ongoing development of data centres in Lane Cove West.

    The session focused on the number of existing and proposed data centres in the area, possible impacts on surrounding communities and the questions residents want answered as further proposals progress.

    In the Cove attended the forum and will continue to follow this issue closely.

    We published this article last week regarding regulatory compliance failures by AirTrunk. At the bottom of the article there are links to our coverage of data centres over the past twelve months. 

    National Flag Roadshow Visits Lane Cove

    Students in Lane Cove had the chance to experience the National Flag Roadshow this week, with a giant Australian flag displayed as part of an initiative to teach young people about civics and democracy.

    The flag was brought to Lane Cove Public School as part of a national program led by the Speaker of the House, Milton Dick MP. It is one of six that is used for the flagpole at the top of Parliament House in Canberra.

    The Speaker facilitated a Parliament in School Session where students had a chance to roleplay various roles in the House of Representatives and take part in a vote on a bill to ban pineapple from pizza.

    The visit gave students a wonderful hands-on opportunity to learn about Australia’s parliament and the significance of the national flag.

    Left: Jermone Laxale MP, LCPS Pricipal Mr Terry McKinnon, Milton Dick MP and LCPS school captains. Right: Students unfurl a giant Australian flag

    North Shore Police Area Command Welcome New Graduates

    North Shore Police Area Command (NSPAC) have welcomed 8 new Probationary Constables (PC) to their team.

    Probationary Constables are assigned to a location after they complete training at a Police Academy. Through their first year on the job PC’s continue their academic training whilst working in the field on general duties with more experienced colleagues.

    General Duties PC’s typically assist with include:

    • patrolling and high visibility policing
    • domestic dispute issues
    • stealing offences
    • assaults
    • motor vehicle accidents
    • armed robberies
    • deceased persons

    Jazz Music Fills The Canopy

    The Canopy came alive with music over the weekend for International Jazz Day celebrations.

    Locals enjoyed three stages, back-to-back performances from a variety of musicians and plenty of community energy, with people gathering throughout the precinct to enjoy the live music.

    International Jazz Day celebrated in Lane Coe on Saturday

    Family & Individual Yoga Program Kicks Off

    Saturday 2 May saw Tara Events launch their 2026 Family & Individual Yoga Program, offering a chance to slow down, stretch and reset.

    The sessions are designed for ages 6+ and all experience levels, with a focus on movement, mindfulness and wellbeing. You can attend solo or as a family.

    Find out more here.

    Lane Cove Community Band Seeking New Members

    Lane Cove Community Bands are looking to establish two new ensembles, a choir and a beginner jazz band.

    All are welcome to join, and you do not need to be a current member of LCCB. The band is especially keen to hear from brass players for the jazz band and male voices for choir.

    Rehearsals are expected to start in Term 3, 2026. Find out more here.

     

    Greenwich Hospital Redevelopment Enters Construction Phase

    The redevelopment of the Greenwich Hospital has moved to the construction phase, with   Hindmarsh now taking control of the site.

    HammondCare have provided a community update and advised that all services have now transitioned from the existing Greenwich hospital site to the following service locations.

    • Inpatient palliative care at Neringah Hospital, Wahroonga
    • Older persons’ mental health services at HammondCare Riverglen, Building 50, Macquarie Hospital, Ryde 
    • Ambulatory, bereavement, pain telehealth, community palliative care and restorative care at the HammondCare Pacific Centre, 38 Pacific Highway, St Leonards.

    Early works to prepare for construction have commenced and you will notice increased activity around the River Road site.

    Construction hours will be:

    • 7.30 am – 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday
    • 8 am – 1 pm, Saturdays

    You can view the project plans and updates here

    In The Cove has followed the redevelopent plans for quite a few years now. Here’s an article from 2020 when the HammondCare received the green light to move ahead with their plans.  

    Save The Date: Rotary Car Boot Sale

    Lane Cove Rotary’s Car Boot Sale will be held on Sunday 14 June 2026 from 9 am to 1pm at the Lane Cove Council Civic Centre Car Park, between Phoenix Street and Little Street.

    Locals can clear out unwanted clothes, toys, household items, sporting equipment and more, while supporting reuse and reducing waste.

    Spots are limited and always in demand. Book your space here.


    In the Media

    Data Centres Raising Questions Around The Country

    Proposed data centres in Lane Cove are among several around the country highlighted in this piece from The Guardian Australia.

    Potential Inspiration For Local Transport Issues

    This article from the ABC highlights some public transport wins from passionate locals around Sydney in regards to reinstated or new routes.

    Once again there was mention of bendy buses for the Lane Cove area, but no timeline yet:

    “NSW Transport Minister John Graham said the funding would also be used to purchase an additional 50 new articulated or “bendy buses” which would go into service in parts of Ryde, Epping, Lane Cove, the eastern suburbs and northern beaches.”

    The unreliability of bus services continues to cause headaches for local commuters – take a look below at an example shared from a reader this week.

    Council is urging residents to log their commuter experiences here to aid in advocacy on behalf of locals with Busways and the State Government. 


    Business

    Thimble Café Has New Owners

    One of our readers let us know that Thimble has new owners and staff. We’re keeping an eye out to see whether the previous owners have a new venture, and if the new owners have any changes planned for the cafe.

    We love our Roving Reporters. We’re always happy to receive information from locals who can help us all stay In The Know!

     


    Have Your Say

    Lane Cove Council’s Draft Budget & Operational Plan

    Lane Cove Council is seeking community feedback on its suite of Draft Integrated Planning and Reporting Plans for 2026/27, including:

    • Draft 2026/27 Operational Plan
    • Draft Resourcing Strategy
    • Draft Long Term Financial Plan
    • Draft Strategic Asset Management Plan; and
    • Draft Workforce Management Plan

    You can have your say via:

    • Online survey (link below)
    • Email (External link)
    • Post: Lane Cove Council, PO BOX 20, LANE COVE, NSW, 1595

    Submissions via email or post should be addressed to the General Manager quoting SU10923 and referencing ‘Draft 2026/27 Integrated Planning and Reporting Documents’ in the title

    Submissions close Friday 5 June 2026.

    More information, draft documents and online survey link here. 


    General Information / Safety Alerts

    Parcel Collection At Lane Cove Post Office

    Readers often ask when they can collect parcels at Lane Cove Post Office outside of regular opening hours. There is a hatch window at the rear of the post office, accessible via the small carpark.

    Since mid February the operating hours of the hatch collection point have been permanently changed to:

    Monday to Friday 7 am – 9 am

    You can also register with MyPost and nominate to collect deliveries 24/7 from Australia Post parcel lockers. There are two lockers located centrally in Lane Cove:

    • At the front of the Lane Cove Post Office, Burns Bay Road
    • Birdwood Lane, next to Sunset Diner and opposite The Cake Man

    NSW Police Launch ‘Empower You’ App

    NSW Police have launched the Empower You app, designed to support people experiencing domestic and family violence.

    The app includes a private diary to document incidents and store evidence such as photos and messages, a coded emergency signal that can send a GPS location, one-touch access to Triple Zero and links to local support services.

    The Empower You app is available via the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. NSW Police officers also have QR codes on their MobiPOL devices to help people download the app.

    Find out more here.

    Changes to Warringah Freeway Southbound Lanes

    Drivers heading south on the Warringah Freeway towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel will need to make their lane choice earlier, with permanent changes now in place.

    Heavy vehicles, including trucks, overheight vehicles and those carrying dangerous goods, must use the left lanes for the bridge.

    Motorists are advised to follow signage carefully to ensure they are in the correct lane and can reach their destination safely.

    Water Leak Update – Burns Bay Road

    Following reports from locals about a persistent water leak on the corner of Burns Bay Road and Penrose Street, Sydney Water has now carried out repairs, with the issue appearing to be resolved as of Saturday.

    The leak had been running for several weeks despite multiple reports, with residents noting increasing water flow and a second leak emerging further along Burns Bay Road near No. 255.

    While it’s good news that the original issue has now been fixed, locals have since flagged a new water leak further along Burns Bay Road, outside Jack & Co.

    If you notice ongoing issues, you can report leaks directly to Sydney Water.

    two photos on the left are the original leak and the one on the right is the new leak near Jack & Co


    Upcoming 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.

    Cove Connect Coffee Catch-Up

    Lane Cove Rotary is launching Cove Connect, a relaxed monthly coffee catch-up for locals to meet someone new, run into a familiar face or discover something new about the area.

    The first catch-up will be held at The Canopy, outside the lifts, on Thursday 7 May. Locals can drop in any time from 7.30 am.

    No agenda, no pressure — just good people and conversation.

    The Year of the Movie Horse + Directors Q&A

    Image Credit – Lane cove Council

    The May event for Lane Cove Cinema Club is a special one-night screening of four short films by Chinese-Australian filmmakers, exploring identity, family expectations and creative ambition across “four cinematic acts.”

    Inspired by the multicultural shift sparked in 1978 and its legacy today, the program follows a young woman’s journey through pursuing a film career, navigating cultural pressures and redefining success.

    The screening concludes with a 30-minute Q&A with the directors, offering insight into the stories and filmmaking process.

    What: Lane Cove Cinema Club
    Where: Pottery Lane Performance Space, 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove
    When: Thursday, 07 May 2026 | 07:00 PM to 09:30 PM
    Time: 7 pm – 9.30 pm. Doors 6.45 pm. Screening 7 pm followed by Q&A.
    How: FREE. More information and booking link here.

    Repair Cafe

    The wonderful volunteer team at Repair Cafe Sydney North will be in action again this Sunday, helping people to repair all sorts of items from clothing to jewellery to small electronics.

    When: Sunday May 10
    Time: 2 – 4 pm
    Where: 180 Longueville Road Lane Cove
    How: Just turn up. Bookings for time slot allocations open at 1.30 pm.

    Hands On Car Maintenance Workshop

    Learn the essentials of taking care of your car so it runs smoothly and safely.

    Bring your own car or learn using the mechanic’s vehicle, perfect for building confidence and practical skills.

    When: Saturday 9 May
    Time: 11 am – 1 pm
    Where: Council Chambers Car Park (enter from Little of Phoenix Streets)
    How: Free. Registrations essential. More info.

    Senior Drivers Informative Workshop

    This free, practical and informative workshop is designed for senior drivers, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about driving risk factors and safe strategies, new car technology, current road rules, licensing options and assessments.

    When: Wednesday 13 May,
    Time: 10 am – 1.30 pm
    Where: Lane Cove Library
    How: Free. Register here

    Aqualuna Singers

    Based in Lane Cove Aqualuna is a warm and friendly community choir. Classic standards include Moondance, Fix You, Chisel’s When the War is Over and more. The group is currently rehearsing Lean on Me.   

    New members and all voices welcome: no experience required, no audition, first sing with us is FREE.

    Where: St Aidan’s Church Hall, Longueville
    When: Wednesday evenings 7:30-9:30pm, school terms
    More information: Email or website.


    Local Sports

    Lane Cove Cats Looking for AFL Nines Players

    Lane Cove Hunters Hill Cats are looking for female and male players aged 15 years and older to join Autumn AFL Nines at Blackman Park on Monday nights.

    The competition is mixed, non-contact and social, with nine players per side and at least three females on each team. No experience is needed and games run for around 40 minutes.

    Images courtesy LCHH Cats AFL

    Find out more about AFL Nines here.

    Check out some action from the regular season’s games over the weekend. Featured are the U11 Girls side and the U12 Boys side. Both teams have a number of players trying the game for the first time and they are starting to see the results of all their hard work.

    Graphic credit LCHH Cats AFL

    Lane Cove Junior Rugby Players On The Big Stage Soon

    Lane Cove Junior Rugby Union club players will soon have an amazing opportunity to get on the field at a Waratah’s match.

    The Club juniors have been chosen to be the curtain raisers for the final home game for the Waratahs against the Brumbies on Friday 22 May. The club will be there in force to cheer them on, so if you’re going along too be sure to show your Lane Cove love as well!

    Around The Grounds With Lane Cove FC

    Some great shots from Lane Cove FC of the weekend games. Special shout out to the women’s WO30/1 Yellow team who came away with a 9-0 win!

    Clockwise from top left: WO30/1 Yellow team, G9 Phoenix, MO35/3 Blue and U8 Milan. Images courtesy LCFC.


    Crime, Accidents & Incidents

    Attempted Break-in – Cullen Street

    A local resident has reported that two individuals attempted to break into several homes on Cullen Street in the early hours of 21 April.

    The resident advised that the individuals tried opening external doors before taking pet dog bowls from the property. No further items were stolen.

    The incident has been reported to Police, and CCTV footage has been provided.

    Residents in the area are reminded to ensure doors and windows are secured overnight and to report any suspicious behaviour to Police.

    Attempted Break-in – Lane Cove

    A local resident has reported an attempted break-in at their home last week, which was captured on their Ring doorbell camera around 4:00pm. The resident confirmed the incident has been reported to Police.

    They also shared that there was another attempted break-in at the same property a few weeks earlier at around 3:00am. Police have been notified of both incidents.

    As always, it’s a timely reminder to make sure your home is secure, keep doors and windows locked, and report any suspicious behaviour to Police.

    Dashcam Footage Sought After Car Damaged

    A local resident posted on Lane Cove Chat by ITC seeking dashcam footage after their car was damaged near the corner of Graham Street and Sutherland Street on Thursday evening.

    The incident is believed to have happened between 4.20 pm and 6.30 pm.

    Car Mirror Damaged on Murray Street

    Another resident reported on Lane Cove Chat by ITC that a side mirror was damaged on Murray Street between 4.30 pm and 5.30 pm on Thursday afternoon.

    Anyone who saw anything or has dashcam footage may be able to help.

    Northwood Speed Camera Sparks Discussion

    On Lane Cove Chat by ITC this week a post sparked discussion around a mobile speed camera on Northwood Road on the section towards the wharf. The poster was interested to receive data on how many vehicles have been checked and how many have been recorded travelling over the speed limit. 

    Mobile Speed cameras only record vehicles that the sensor has detected as traveling above the speed limit, not every vehicle that passes the location.

    Residents said they would like to see the data behind the camera’s placement and understand whether the location is justified compared with other local roads, with many sharing concerns about speed in parts of Longueville as well as other road violations around Lane Cove.

    For those who are interested, yes, you can make suggestions for speed camera locations, both mobile and fixed. See Service NSW for details on the process.

    April Update: North Shore Police Area Command

    Multiple charges after breakins across the Lower North Shore

    A 35-year-old Glebe man has been charged with multiple offences after a stolen vehicle was tracked to St Leonards.

    On the 5th of June 2025 police will allege that a residential house in Cremorne was broken into whilst the occupants were away on holiday. Entry was forced to the home and multiple items were stolen. Police will allege that this break in was captured on CCTV cameras installed in the house. DNA and forensic examinations were also completed, and police will allege in court that the Glebe man’s DNA was located in the house.

    On the 7th of June 2025 police will allege that a residential house in Mosman was broken into whilst the occupants were inside and asleep. Items including car keys were stolen which were subsequently used to steal a Grey BMW X3 from the location. Police attended and a forensic examination was conducted. Police will allege in court that DNA obtained at the scene matched to the Glebe man’s DNA.

    Police will allege that on the same evening the Glebe man proceeded to another residential house in Mosman where the occupants were inside and asleep. The Glebe man was able to make entry into the residential garage where he stole high valued items including the keys to a Porsche Macan which was subsequently stolen. Police will allege that this incident was captured on CCTV.

    On the 15th of April 2026 police were informed that the stolen BMW X3 was moving, and it was followed to Lane Cove where police located the Glebe man hiding inside the backyard of a property. 

    The Glebe male was placed under arrest and taken to Chatswood Police station where he was charged with serious offences including “Aggravated Break and enter, dwelling etc in company steal”, two counts of “Aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence” and “Take and drive conveyance without consent of owner”.

    The Glebe male was refused bail and is due to appear before Downing Centre on the 16th of June.

    Assault and Trespass Charges After Incidents In Mosman

    A 38-year-old Surry Hills male has been charged with multiple offences after allegedly being found trespassing at a Navy base in Mosman.

    About 1.20 pm on the 13th of April, police will allege that the Surry Hills male was observed by defence personnel walking along the rock wall of the HMAS Penguin base. A security guard at the location approached the Surry Hills male to inform him he was trespassing and directed him to leave the premises. It is alleged the Surry Hills male refused and attempted to move further into the base before returning to the rock wall.

    Police arrived a short time later and informed the Surry Hills male again that he was trespassing and was required to leave. Police will allege the Surry Hills male refused to comply with police requests to move and became argumentative. When Police attempted to arrest the male, he allegedly resisted and assaulted police including headbutting a Constable.

    Police will allege that during a subsequent search of the male’s possessions they located a knife and an “ice pipe”.

    The Surry Hills man was transported to Chatswood police station where he was charged with “Enter defence premises/accommodation without authority”, “Hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty” and “Assault police officer in execution of duty without a weapon”.

    The man was refused bail and is due to appear at Manly Local Court on the 27th of May.

    Teen Found With Suspected House Breaking Implements

    A 15- year-old boy has been dealt with under the Young Offenders Act after being stopped during a Police Knife Scanning operation in Chatswood.

    About 4.20 pm on Friday the 10 April, police were at Chatswood Interchange conducting a knife scanning operation. Police allege they stopped the 15-year-old boy for knife scanning with a handheld metal detector and upon scanning his backpack the detector indicated a metal object.

    Police will allege that the boy emptied his bag which located several objects of interest including a CCTV camera, keys, a bag of markers, two inflatable wedge tools, a metal right angle and metal wire. Police allege that the inflatable wedge tools, the metal right angle, wire and keys are House Breaking implements, and the CCTV camera was unlawfully obtained.

    Police seized these items and contacted the boy’s mother who was advised of the incident.

    The boy has since been dealt with under the Young Offenders Act via way of caution.

    Man Charged With Possession Of Housebreaking Implements

    A 40-year-old Bellambi male has been charged after being stopped in Artarmon.

    About 10.20 pm on the Friday 17 April police were conducting high visibility proactive patrols within the Artarmon area. Police will allege they observed a stationary vehicle with its engine running and whilst police drove past the front two passengers appeared to be attempting to conceal themselves from police.

    Police approached the vehicle and spoke with the passengers and could allegedly smell cannabis emanating from the vehicle. Police observed torches in the car as well as a screwdriver to which Police will allege the Bellambi male stated was used for tightening car batteries.

    Police had cause to search the vehicle and will allege they discovered multiple items of interest in a backpack belonging to the Bellambi male including a balaclava, torches, screw drivers and a pair of gloves.

    The Bellambi male was charged with “possess housebreaking implements” and is due to appear before Hornsby Local Court in May.

    Shoplifting Charges Chatswood

    A 39-year-old Rouse Hill male has been charged with multiple offences after allegedly being caught shoplifting in Chatswood.

    About 4 pm on Thursday 30 April the Rouse Hill male was allegedly observed by a loss prevention officer entering change rooms in a retail store with multiple items, when a loud banging noise commenced. The Rouse Hill male proceeded to leave the change room with only 1 item. The loss prevention officer followed the Rouse Hill male outside the retail store before approaching the male who allegedly confirmed the theft.

    Police were called and during a search of the man, police allege they located further items suspected of being stolen as well as a laser pointer.

    Police enquiries also revealed that there was an outstanding warrant for the man.

    The 39-year-old was arrested and taken to Chatswood police station where he was charged with “Larceny”, “Goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen”, and “Have in custody a laser pointer in a public place”.

    The male was refused bail and is due before Blacktown Local Court on the 4 May 2026.


    This Week is sponsored by KIN Cafe 

    If you haven’t made your way to KIN yet, this is your sign.

    Tucked just off Burns Bay Road, KIN has quickly become a go-to for locals looking for something a little bit special — whether that’s a relaxed brunch, a coffee catch-up, or a long lunch with friends.

    By day, it’s all about great coffee and a standout all-day menu built around fresh, seasonal ingredients. By night, it has previously transformed into a wine bar-style dining experience (currently paused), so keep an eye out for updates.

    What really sets KIN apart though is the atmosphere — polished without being pretentious, and genuinely designed for connection.

    It’s no surprise it’s become a local favourite.

    Opening hours:
    Monday to Friday: 7:00am – 3:00pm
    Saturday and Sunday: 7:30am – 3:00pm

    Find out more:
    Website: https://www.kinlanecove.com.au/
    Menu: https://www.kinlanecove.com.au/menu

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