It’s been another busy week in Lane Cove — here’s what you need to know.
Thank you Lane Cove Orthodontics for sponsoring this Week in Review
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Lane Cove News
Conviction & Fine For Longueville Tree Vandalism
The gardener at the centre of Longueville’s mass tree vandalism has been fined $187,500. The Land and Environment Court convicted Yi Wang over the clearing of 287 native trees from the Woodford Bay foreshore in November 2023, in what Council called the worst act of environmental vandalism in Lane Cove’s history.
The court also ordered him to pay the Council’s costs and to publish notices about the case in the Sydney Morning Herald, the Daily Telegraph and our own Village Observer.
Full details plus a recap on our coverage since 2023.
Lane Cove Bus Stop Crash — Woman Charged, Police Appeal for Footage
A 29-year-old woman has been charged with 11 offences after she crashed into a busy bus shelter on Longueville Road on Saturday 8 August, injuring an 18-year-old man. Police allege the driver fled the scene, assaulted a bystander, attempted to enter two other vehicles, resisted arrest and attempted to assault police. Her licence had been disqualified in May 2026 for five years. She was refused bail. Read the full story at In the Cove here.
Police are appealing for dashcam or other footage related to the incident. If you have information or vision, you can submit it directly via the NSW Police Evidence Portal (reference E104508244): Submit evidence here. Note: a name and contact details are required when uploading. To report confidentially, contact Crime Stoppers NSW via nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Lane Cove Public School Turns 150
On Friday 7 August the community gathered to celebrate 150 years of Lane Cove Public School. Current students and staff mixed with alumni from multiple generations, all united in their love of LCPS.
Former Lane Cove Public School student and 9 News Sydney presenter Peter Overton returned to his old primary school today as LCPS celebrated an incredible 150 years.
Peter shared some hilarious memories from his school days, including school milk, walking from Longueville and a tuba almost as big as he was, but also had an important message for today’s students: “Do not live your parents’ dreams. Live your dreams.”
And another famous former student joined the celebrations from afar, with Nicole Kidman recording a special message for the school.
From 13 students in 1876 to more than 680 today, it was a very special celebration of 150 years of Lane Cove history. More on the celebrations here.
Oh Deer!
Lane Cove had an unexpected visitor last week, with a series of deer sightings reported across the area over several days. Readers spotted a large antlered deer on River Road in Greenwich on Saturday night, on Mowbray Road behind the Lane Cove North estate early Sunday morning, and in the bush on Avian Crescent on Tuesday. Further sightings were also reported near Chatswood Golf Club and the edges of Mowbray Park.
The story came to a head on Wednesday 5 August when the deer was cornered by police on Kimberley Avenue, tranquilised and taken away by Taronga Zoo. The deer did not survive. Taronga Zoo vets assessed the animal and made the decision to humanely euthanise it. It had likely been struck by a vehicle.
Local Girl Guides Raise Vital Funds For Endangered Bird
Well done to Lane Cove Girl Guides who raised over $1000 at their bake sale on Sunday 9 August. The team offered delicious treats, a lolly jar guessing competition and facepainting to raise much needed funds for the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater.
You can read more about their cause and ways you can still help here.
Greenwich Community Association Seeks Tertiary Student for Work Experience
The Greenwich Community Association (GCA) is offering a tertiary student living in Greenwich the chance to gain work experience that counts towards their studies.
The role involves seeing how a community association runs day-to-day — general and executive meetings, governance, council liaison, member communication, and website and mailing list management. Support is provided by the committee, and the commitment is manageable alongside study.
The GCA’s current secretary, a Sydney University student, is already being credited for their involvement after the university requested documentation from the GCA confirming their participation.
Interested students can contact Mr Jon Tindall for details.
In the Media
Lane Cove Public School’s 150th Makes National News
The school’s milestone reached a national audience, with the ABC covering the celebrations. Read the ABC News story here.
Lane Cove Council
Community Assistance Grants Awarded
On Wednesday 5 August Lane Cove Council celebrated the local community organisations receiving funding through the 2026/27 Community Assistance Grants Program.
These grants help not-for-profit organisations deliver projects that strengthen our community, supporting everything from health and wellbeing to inclusion, culture, education, sustainability and social connection.
Have Your Say
Willoughby Council Floats Parking Restrictions At Leisure Centre • Just Over the Border
Willoughby Council wants to bring in members-only zones and time limits across the Leisure Centre precinct, and Northern Suburbs Netball Association is not happy. With 24 clubs and more than 6,000 members based at the courts, Norths says the precinct is already at capacity and the answer is more parking, not less.
Baseball families and nearby residents are weighing in too. You do not need to live in Willoughby to have your say.
Consultation is open now until 25 August 2026. Full story and how to make a submission here.
Draft Burns Bay Reserve Masterplan
Following two previous rounds of public consultation in 2023 and 2026, the Draft Burns Bay Reserve Masterplan is now on public exhibition.
Read our story from March 2026 with background on the proposed masterplan and consultation process.
The draft plan reflects the consultation findings that “Option 3 was the most preferred activation option overall, selected by 44.6% of respondents, compared with 30.8% for Option 1 and 24.6% for Option 2.”
Option 3 offered the most upgrades and additions to the area across a number of factors including amenities, sporting facilities, access to the water and surrounding nature.
There are three ways to have your say: complete the online survey, attend a pop-up in the Reserve (dates TBC), or submit written feedback by email with the subject line: SU9543 Draft Burns Bay Reserve Masterplan. Consultation closes Thursday 10 September 2026.
Complete the online survey here. Full draft masterplan and more information here.
DA For Fit Out Of Cafe At Pathways Development
It looks like popular Lane Cove West business Fink Cafe is expanding to Longueville.
The development application (DA) for the fit-out of cafe premises at Pathways has been lodged and names Fink Cafe Pty Ltd as the applicant.
The development application submitted to Council seeks permission to carry out use and tenancy fit-out of an existing commercial premises — Shop 5 — as a food and drinks premises (café). The proposed hours of operation are 7 am – 6 pm Monday to Friday, and 8 am – 7 pm on weekends. The cafe would allow a maximum capacity of 28 patrons at the site.
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.
Makerspace Night
Makers of all experience levels are invited to bring their projects to life at St Leonards Library’s monthly Makerspace Night, using creative technologies including 3D printing, laser cutting and Cricut. Ages 16+. Bookings essential.
When: Thursday 13 August 2026 (second Thursday of each month)
Time: 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm
Where: St Leonards Library, LG Level, 88 Christie Street, St Leonards
How: $5.00 + booking fee. Book and more details here.
DIAM Music Academy Live at The Canopy
Young performers from the Diego Idarraga Academy of Music (DIAM) take to The Canopy Big Stage this Saturday. DIAM is a local Lane Cove music school offering lessons and band programs for students of all ages.
When: Saturday 15 August 2026
Time: 2 pm – 4 pm
Where: The Canopy, 2 Rosenthal Avenue, Lane Cove
How: Free. Just turn up. More details here.
Lane Cove Makers Market
The Makers Market means Lane Cove Plaza and The Canopy will be buzzing this Sunday. Shop an array of handmade Australian products you won’t find anywhere else. Live buskers add to the atmosphere, making it a great outing for the whole family.
When: Sunday 16 August 2026
Time: 9 am – 3.30 pm
Where: Lane Cove Plaza and The Canopy
How: Free. Just turn up. More details here.
Daffodil Day Sip & Swap 2026
Olympian Dr Rachael “Raygun” Gunn is MC for this year’s Daffodil Day Sip & Swap, joining personal stylist Caroline Jones, colour expert Kim Crowley and intuitive card reader Rae Summers for a fun night in support of Cancer Council. Run by five Lane Cove mums, the event raised more than $25,000 in its debut year. Guests enjoy a styled pop-up clothing swap, wine, nibbles, a signature cocktail and live and silent auctions. Clothing donations of quality pre-loved items are accepted until Friday 14 August.
When: Friday 21 August 2026
Time: 6.30 pm – 9.30 pm
Where: The Cove Room, 48 Longueville Road, Lane Cove
How: More information and tickets in our article here.
Crime, Accidents & Incidents
Load Spill Closes Lanes on Epping Road
Around 11.30 am on Thursday 6 August a vehicle lost its load, creating a hazard on Epping Road at Moore Street. Emergency services and a heavy vehicle tow truck attended the scene. One westbound and one eastbound lane were closed and there was no access to Moore Street from Epping Road.
This Week is sponsored by Lane Cove Orthodontics
This week’s Week in Review is proudly sponsored by Lane Cove Orthodontics.
Thinking about braces or Invisalign for yourself or your child? Lane Cove Orthodontics is right here in the village, offering specialist orthodontic care for kids, teens and adults.
Whether you are looking into traditional braces, clear braces, Invisalign or retainers, their experienced team can talk you through the options and help you find the right fit for your smile.
Find them at Level 1, 138 Longueville Road, Lane Cove, or book a consultation via the Lane Cove Orthodontics website.
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