Here’s your weekly wrap of what’s been happening in and around Lane Cove from 25 August to 1 September 2026 — from local news and Council updates to events and community notices.

Thank you Lane Cove Physio Centre for sponsoring this Week in Review

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Lane Cove News

Let The Festival Begin!

Lane Cove Festival begins today and there are some great shows and events in the first few days

First up tonight: The Man, the Australian premiere of a James Graham play (the writer behind Dear England and Ink). It’s a scripted show with a twist — every audience member gets a receipt on arrival, and performer Mike Howlett is called on at random to deliver the monologue attached to it. That means the order (and the story) changes every night. Directed by North Sydney local Jo Bradley, with a strong North Shore creative team behind it.

Then, something completely different: the world premiere of Snow, Moon, and Flowers – 雪月花 from Japanese Dance Sydney. In just 20 minutes, it weaves Japanese classical dance, live music and English narration to tell the stories of three pioneering Japanese immigrants — timed to the 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan.

Details here.

You can see everything happening across Lane Cove during September in our Lane Cove Festival 2026 Full Program Guide.

Lane Cove Festival @ Sydney Fringe Launches This Friday

Whilst the festival kicks off on Tuesday 1 September, including the Australian premiere of James Graham’s The Man at Pottery Lane Performance Space, the month gets its proper opening celebration on Friday 4 September.  The Canopy will host the free Lane Cove Festival @ Sydney Fringe Launch Night . It runs from 5pm to 9pm, it is free and it is family friendly. 

All the details of the event in our article.

You can see everything happening across Lane Cove during September in our Lane Cove Festival 2026 Full Program Guide.

Three new permanent artworks unveiled in Lane Cove

On Saturday 29 August Lane Cove Council officially launched three new public artworks. The public art program has been funded through the sustainability levy. These new works continue the initiative to embed culture in our public spaces.  

The current plan was implemented in 2016 so watch this space to see the review in the coming months.

The works were installed at Mindarie Park, Hughes Park and in Burns Bay Road outside the IGA. Read on to hear what’s at each location.

Mindarie Park — madjam nguna (bats sleeping), a bronze sculpture by Dr Virginia Keft depicting flying foxes, cast using a lost wax technique that leaves the imprint of hand-woven forms permanently held in bronze. You’ll need to look up to see them!

The technique is something Virginia has been experimenting with in recent times, with madjam nguna being her first work featuring it that is on public display. 

Dr Keft spoke of her choice to make the Grey- headed Flying Fox her subject; “ they are native along the east coast of Australia and I love how they connect as a family and communicate down their female line. The installation bears witness to the dual use of Mindarie Park – people visit and play by day as the bats sleep and the bats are busy at night when people rest.” 

Deputy Mayor Clr Rochelle Flood highlighted that the Grey-headed flying foxes are a vulnerable species and are key pollinators in our local bushland.

Readers may recall Dr Keft also worked on a community weaving project last year with 200 locals which resulted in a stunning piece of community art that is now on display at Glauwa Recreation Centre.

At Hughes Park Kookaburra’s Concert is a new stainless steel sculpture by Vivienne Lowe of a Laughing Kookaburra perched on a discarded music stand, placed near the Lane Cove Band’s home at the Waterview Community Centre

Deputy Mayor Clr Rochelle Flood spoke of the sculpture bringing connection between the joyful activities of the playground and band’s rehearsals.  She also spoke of how lucky we are to live where you can see, hear and experience nature so readily. 

Of her work, Vivienne said;“ To me, the Kookaburra’s Concert expresses a joy of life: to be found through – laughter, music and a connection with nature.” She also delighted in the fact that due to the location of the sculpture,  “my Kookaburra has a ready-made audience for his concert.”

The final stop was Burns Bay Road outside the IGA to officially launch Assembled Histories, by James Voller of Collide Public Art, featuring laser-cut steel towers built from the stories of an orchardist, a baker and a local aviator who shaped this part of Lane Cove.

Unfortunately James was unable to be there for the launch however Deputy Mayor Clr Rochelle Flood thanked James for his work on the piece. She noted how it brought some of the local area’s history to life. One of the panels shows a building housing a bakery which is now home to Zapperelli’s Pizza, an apt continuation of the site history!

Interested in learning more about public art in the area? Check out Council’s interactive map.

Project Mars moves to Response to Submissions stage

The proposed Project Mars Data Centre at 12 Mars Road, Lane Cove West, has moved to the Response to Submissions stage on the NSW Planning Portal. The proposed 24-hour data centre has an overall power consumption of approximately 90MW, and the Planning Portal currently lists 374 submissions on the proposal. View the Project Mars application and submissions.

Cameraygal Wind Symphony named NSW champions

Cameraygal Wind Symphony, part of Lane Cove Community Bands, has taken out first place in the Open B Grade Concert Band section at the 2026 NSW State Band Championships. Led by Music Director Gavin Staines OAM, the win follows the band’s Gold result at the Australian National Eisteddfod in Canberra earlier this year. Quite a 2026 for the local musicians.

More than 500 Guides sleep under the stars at Taronga Zoo

More than 500 Guides took part in the 2026 Great Guide Sleepover at Taronga Zoo Sydney, with ITC told the event raised more than $26,000. The overnight event included a dance party, a screening of Rio, animal enrichment activities, keeper talks and sleeping under the stars — with a little rain thrown in too.

Our local Guides were the top fundraising team contributing over $7,000 to the cause, including from their plaza bake sale on 9 August.

This year’s Great Guide Sleepover was held on 22–23 August and raised funds to support Regent Honeyeater conservation through the Taronga Conservation Society. Read more about the Great Guide Sleepover.

Lane Cove marks Wear It Purple Day

North Shore Police joined Lane Cove Council in Lane Cove Mall for Wear It Purple Day, supporting the annual campaign promoting diversity, inclusion and communities where LGBTQIA+ young people feel safe and supported.

Update: Woman injured in Lane Cove Plaza lift incident recovering at home

ITC has received an update on the woman injured while carrying out work in a lift shaft at Lane Cove Plaza on 19 August. A person who knows the woman has told ITC she has since been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home. She described the incident as involving a crush injury while routine work was being carried out in the lift shaft. The woman has chosen to remain anonymous but has passed on her thanks to everyone who helped following the incident.

Construction begins on Finrose, the old St Andrews Church site

Construction is officially underway at Finrose, the redevelopment of the former 1924 St Andrews Church site on the corner of Finlayson and Rosenthal Streets. Demolition of existing structures is complete. The project will bring 48 residences together with a new 400-seat auditorium, opposite The Canopy and close to Lane Cove’s cafés, schools and the local pool.

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In the Media

Lane Cove data centre proposal features in Guardian Australia report

The proposed Project Mars Data Centre in Lane Cove West featured in a national Guardian Australia report last week examining concerns that some data centre projects could obtain approval before proposed new national rules covering electricity, water use and where data centres should be located come into effect. Read the Guardian Australia report.

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Lane Cove Council

Lane Cove Library System Upgrade

Lane Cove Library is upgrading to a new, simpler and more personalised catalogue across its Lane Cove, Greenwich and St Leonards branches, making it easier to discover, borrow and manage loans and access eResources. The new system launches Tuesday 29 September.

Important: The upgrade takes the library system offline for two weeks from Monday 15 September to Wednesday 30 September. During this time the current catalogue, app, self-check machines and some account services will be unavailable. All three libraries remain open for borrowing on-shelf books at service desks — just bring your library card. Loan periods have been extended, with nothing due until Thursday 15 October.

Food & Wine by the River will not return

Lane Cove Council has confirmed to In the Cove that Food & Wine by the River will not return this year. A Council spokesperson told ITC;

“Food and Wine by the River will not be returning this year. Following a review of our events program, Council made the decision that the festival no longer aligned with the goals of our Community Strategic Plan. While it was a much-loved event, we’ve seen declining attendance over recent years, and we’ve chosen to redirect our focus and investment towards events with broader community appeal – ones that foster a sense of belonging and create spaces where everyone can thrive, regardless of age, background or ability.

Our focus is also to align with our Cultural Plan, which Council is renewing this financial year – the community will have the opportunity to contribute to our vision for culture in the area. And there’s plenty still to look forward to locally, with a new event planned for Burns Bay Reserve in November.”

Annual weed spraying underway

Council’s annual weed spraying program is running from late August through to early September. If you notice contractors out with spray equipment on nature strips and reserves this week, that’s what’s going on. Details here.

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Business

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Have Your Say

Lane Cove Council 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey

Over the next two weeks some local residents will receive a call from Lane Cove Council’s survey partner Micromex Research. These friendly calls are part of Council’s annual Community Satisfaction Survey.

Feedback is designed to help;

• Identify which services matter most to you
• Measure satisfaction with Council’s performance
• Pinpoint areas for improvement and set future priorities
  Even if you don’t receive a call you can always share feedback by contacting Council via:
  Email or
  Post: Attn: The General Manager, Lane Cove Council, PO Box 20, Lane Cove NSW 1595

Would you use a Lane Cove community e-shuttle?

Lane Cove Council is asking residents whether they would use a community e-shuttle service after a feasibility review identified two potential public transport gaps: Greenwich and Riverview to Lane Cove Village outside peak times, and Lane Cove West Business Park to Chatswood during peak periods.

Council’s earlier feasibility work also noted the estimated operating costs and the current lack of partnership or sponsorship opportunities for a shuttle service. Community feedback is open until 13 October 2026. Read the background and complete the survey.

Have your say on proposed changes to NDIS access

The Australian Government has opened consultation on proposed changes to how people access the NDIS. The proposed reforms include changes to how a person’s functional capacity is assessed, what evidence is required when applying to the scheme and how future access decisions are made.

NDIS participants, people with disability, families, carers, providers, advocates and other community members are invited to provide feedback. Consultation closes at 11.59pm AEDT on Friday 2 October 2026. Find out more.

Burns Bay Reserve Masterplan

Council wants your feedback on the draft masterplan for Burns Bay Reserve. Submissions close 10 September. Have your say.

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General Information / Safety Alerts

Backyard bird owners urged to step up biosecurity

NSW authorities are asking people with backyard chickens, aviary birds and other pet birds to take extra precautions as H5 bird flu continues to be detected in wildlife.

Bird owners are being encouraged to keep cages and equipment clean, protect food and water from wild birds, keep birds away from natural water sources and isolate new birds before introducing them to an existing flock.
If you find a sick or dead bird or marine mammal that may be affected, avoid touching it and report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. More information.

Fallen sign blocks part of Coxs Lane footpath

A fallen street sign on Coxs Lane was blocking a significant section of the footpath over the weekend. Pedestrians are being asked to take care, particularly those using prams, wheelchairs or mobility aids.

Road closures in Longueville for the Lane Cove Fun Run – Sunday 13 September

Heads up if you’re in Longueville: roads will close between 6am and 10am on Sunday 13 September for the Lane Cove Fun Run’s 10th anniversary. Streets shown in aqua on the traffic plan will be fully closed, while streets in pink will be open to residents and event vendors only.

The 261 bus won’t run through Longueville during this window — check Transport for NSW for updates. The full traffic management plan is available at lanecovefunrun.com.au.

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Upcoming Events

Beyond the Stretch — Gentle Hatha Yoga

A slow, inclusive Hatha yoga class for every body, led by Dee Reddy at Galuwa Recreation Centre. No experience needed — just bring a mat and a blanket or towel. Drop in when you can or book for the term, no commitment required. Term 3 spots run through to Wednesday 23 September. Term 4 bookings open.

When: Wednesdays
Time: 10.15 am – 11.45 am
Where: Galuwa Recreation Centre, Lane Cove
How: Full details and booking here.

Cove Connect — Monthly Coffee Catch-Up

A casual drop-in coffee catch-up for Lane Cove locals. No set programme, no need to stay the whole time — just grab a coffee and meet your neighbours.

When: Thursday 3 September 2026
Time: 7.30 am – 9.30 am
Where: The Canopy, 2 Rosenthal Avenue, Lane Cove
How: Free. Just turn up. More details here.

Dream and Reason opens at Gallery Lane Cove

A new printmaking exhibition, Dream and Reason, now open at Gallery Lane Cove. It features work by Wendy Sharpe AM alongside five other leading artists and entry is free.

Councillor in the Plaza

Lane Cove Council’s ward councillors will be at Lane Cove Plaza for an informal drop-in session — no appointment needed. A great chance to raise a local issue or share feedback directly with your representatives.

When: Saturday 5 September 2026
Time: 9 am – 11 am
Where: Lane Cove Plaza, Lane Cove
How: Free. Just turn up. More details here.

Strength by Women — Women’s Health Week Open Morning

A free open morning for local women featuring a talk on hormones and midlife health from Dr Jo Mackson of Sydney Women’s Wellness, alongside the accredited exercise physiologists at Strength by Women. Dr Mackson will cover what actually changes from 40 onwards, what your GP can do and where movement fits in, followed by an open Q&A. Coffee cart and breakfast table on the day. All women welcome. Places are limited.

When: Saturday 5 September 2026
Time: 9.45 am – 10.30 am
Where: Strength by Women, 2 Kenneth Street, Longueville
How: Free. Register by emailing or via strengthbywomen.com. More details here.

Free Child Car Seat Safety Checking Clinic

Two in three car seats are not used correctly — Lane Cove Council is running a free safety checking clinic with a Transport for NSW authorised restraint fitter. Get your seat checked, adjusted or correctly installed on the day. Fitters can also advise when it’s time to turn, adjust or replace a seat. Old seats can be donated for recycling or reuse. Lane Cove LGA residents only. Bookings essential.

When: Saturday 5 September 2026
Time: 9 am – 1 pm
Where: Lane Cove Council Car Park, 48 Longueville Road (enter via Little Street or Phoenix Street)
How: Free. Bookings essential. Details and booking here.

Lane Cove Fun Run

Sunday 13 September, Kingsford Smith Oval. 5km and 2km walk-or-run options plus a Family Dash at 7.30am, with the main run at 8.30am. Ten per cent of net proceeds go to Sydney Community Services. Enter or find out more.

Oktoberfest at The Diddy — Longueville Sporting Club

Longueville Sporting Club is going big for Oktoberfest, transforming The Diddy’s grounds into a full-scale German beer festival on the first Saturday of the Labour Day long weekend. Expect 10 beer tents featuring independent Australian brewers including Slow Lane Brewing, Young Henrys, Mountain Culture, The Grifter, Philter and BentSpoke — plus 3 live bands, DJs, German food and a stein with every ticket. A heads-up for parents: this is a strictly 18+ event falling during school holidays, so plan ahead. Tickets start from $59.25 and increase as each allocation sells out.

When: Saturday 3 October 2026
Where: The Diddy — Longueville Sporting Club, River Road West, Longueville
How: From $59.25. 18+ only. More details and tickets here.

For the full list of what’s on, visit the In the Cove Events Calendar.

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Around the Area

Petition launched to keep Love’n Deuce tennis at Talus Street

A petition has been launched calling for Love’n Deuce to remain at the Talus Street tennis centre in Naremburn. The petition says the long-running tennis operation has been told it must leave the site by 30 September and is calling for those involved to work towards a solution that allows community tennis to continue at the site. View the petition.

The Talus Street Reserve was transferred to the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council following a successful Aboriginal land claim. Read the Crown Lands background. Earlier this year a proposal for 303 apartments on the site was considered by the NSW Housing Delivery Authority. It was not recommended for the fast-track State Significant Development pathway, although other planning pathways remain available. View the HDA briefing record.

Feedback opens on Chatswood to St Leonards Active Way

Willoughby City Council is seeking feedback on plans for the Chatswood to St Leonards Active Way, which includes a new separated cycleway, streetscape improvements and traffic-calming measures along the corridor.

Feedback is open from 27 August to 8 October 2026, with community drop-in sessions planned in St Leonards and Artarmon during September and a webinar on 17 September. View the plans and have your say.

Heritage consultation for Chatswood Federation home closes this week

Feedback closes on 3 September on a proposal to list 28 Beaconsfield Road, Chatswood, as a local heritage item. Willoughby City Council placed an Interim Heritage Order over the property earlier this year after a complying development certificate had been issued allowing demolition of the existing building.

The proposal has since received Gateway approval and is on public exhibition. Have your say.

Gladesville Library could become a community business hub

City of Ryde is considering the future development of Gladesville Library as a community business and innovation hub. A motion at Council’s 25 August meeting called for an investigation into the feasibility of creating a space that could support local businesses, entrepreneurs and community connections.

View the City of Ryde meeting papers.

Interim Heritage Order placed on TG Millner Fields

The City of Ryde has placed a six-month Interim Heritage Order over the 6.2-hectare TG Millner Fields in Marsfield after new plans were submitted for a 106-dwelling residential development. The order came into effect on 26 August and will allow Council to further assess the site’s potential heritage significance.

Read the City of Ryde update.

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Local Sports

Grand Final Appearances For Two Local Rugby Teams

On Saturday Lane Cove Old Ignatians Rugby Club’s 1st Grade and Colts teams played their respective Grand Finals at Eric Tweedale Stadium at Merrylands.

The 1st Grade side are the 2026 Clark Cup Premiers! The side capped off an amazing season with a 34-24 win against Knox. The two teams were close rivals all season and the grand final match was no exception. 

Congratulations to Rory Egan who was awarded the Clark Cup Medal in Division 3.

The Colts team also contested the 2026 Nicholson Cup grand final at the same ground but couldn’t make the most of their opportunities, with handling errors ultimately costing them as they went down 22-19 to Beecroft.

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Crime, Accidents & Incidents

Police appeal after three cars damaged in Lane Cove

The owners of three vehicles damaged on Rothwell Crescent, Lane Cove, are asking anyone with dashcam or home security footage to contact police. The incident happened at around 1.50pm on Thursday 27 August and involved a distinctive purple ute towing a boat trailer. Anyone with relevant footage can contact Chatswood Police Station on 9414 8499 and quote police event number 89731369.

Can You Identify This Person?

North Shore Police Area Command are seeking assistance from the public to identify a male who may be able to assist with their enquiries into an assault which occurred on Fullers Road in Chatswood at approximately 6.05 pm on the 5th of June.

Police are appealing for anyone who has knowledge of the identity of the person depicted to come forward.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages. Reference C104208046

Driver dies following crash in Artarmon

A 45-year-old man has died following a crash on Reserve Road, Artarmon, shortly after midnight on Sunday 30 August. NSW Police said the vehicle crashed into a parked car. NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the driver, however he died at the scene. A report will be prepared for the Coroner. Read the NSW Police statement.

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This Week is sponsored by Lane Cove Physio Centre

Muscle, ligament or joint giving you grief? Lane Cove Physio Centre provides comprehensive physiotherapy for everything from sports injuries and back pain to post-surgery rehabilitation and those everyday aches and injuries that stop you doing what you want to do.

The Lane Cove team takes a personalised approach, combining thorough assessment, hands-on treatment and exercise rehabilitation to identify the cause of the problem, help you recover and reduce the chance of it coming back.
Lane Cove Physio Centre also offers a fully equipped rehabilitation gym, hydrotherapy, exercise physiology, women’s health physiotherapy, dry needling and other services.
Find out more about Lane Cove Physio Centre →