Here’s your weekly wrap of what’s been happening in and around Lane Cove from 15 to 21 September 2026 — from local news and Council updates to events and community notices.

Thank you Oktoberfest at The Diddy for sponsoring this Week in Review

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

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Lane Cove News

Police Constable Charged With Child Abuse & Weapons Offences

A 22-year-old NSW Police constable has been charged with child abuse material and prohibited weapons offences after an investigation by Professional Standards Command.

Police allege a search of a Sydney address uncovered digital devices, a gel blaster, butterfly knives and ammunition. The officer was arrested in Macquarie Park on 17 September and later refused bail.

His employment status is under review and inquiries are continuing.Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Parent Launches Parliamentary Petition For Bus Stop Safety

A Riverview student was punched in the face at a Hunters Hill bus stop on a Sunday afternoon last month. A month on, police still don’t know who did it. There was no CCTV at the stop, and footage from nearby businesses was too far away to identify anyone.

His father, Jose Herrera Perea, has lodged a petition in NSW Parliament asking for a targeted CCTV program at bus stops. Not cameras everywhere. Stops used heavily by schoolchildren, busy interchanges, poorly lit and isolated stops, and locations with a history of incidents.

The petition is being presented by Anthony Roberts, Member for Lane Cove, who went to Riverview himself.

It currently has 6,770 signatures. To be debated in Parliament the petition needs 20,000 signatures by Monday 5 October 2026.

If you’re a NSW resident and you think it’s worth a debate, you can sign here.

Greenwich Public School Spring Fair Marks 150th Anniversary

On Sunday, ITC headed along to the Greenwich Public School Spring Fair, and it was a fantastic day out for the whole family.

There was live music, rides, a petting zoo, raffles, auctions, plenty of food and even a reptile show, which was definitely one of our highlights. The secondhand book sale was also a winner, and we may have walked away with quite a few!

With beautiful sunshine, lots happening across the school grounds and a great community atmosphere, it was a lovely way to celebrate.

Congratulations to Greenwich Public School on its 150th anniversary!

Friday Night Art: Lane Cove Art Prize Awarded + Public Art Launch And More

The winners of the 2026 Lane Cove Art Award were announced at a busy opening night at Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios on Friday 18 September. There were multiple prizes awarded in addition to the main Lane Cove Art Award.

The Lane Cove Art Award is supported by Lane Cove Council, Lane Cove Art Society and Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios. The Award was inspired by Society founders and outstanding Australian artists and local residents Lloyd Rees and Guy Warren.

The Lane Cove Art Award winner for 2026 is Ross Harvey for Fragonard II.

The Hyecorp Prize was awarded to Scott Owen for Memory Palace.

The Centrehouse Prize was shared between Laurence Kimmel’s Burrow 2 and Belinda Piggott’s Worlds Within. Highly Commended recognition went to Brooke Martchel for Brighter Than a Thousand Suns and Jaymesh Master for Against the Odds.

Also Commended were Louise Knowles for The Skies in the Pilbara, W.A. and Nicola Hart for Afternoon Kept.

ITC was on the ground to capture some of the colour, creativity and community spirit as locals gathered to explore the exhibition and pop-up market stalls. The evening also saw Mayor Merri Southwood officially unveil eight new professional pottery wheels and a beautiful new First Nations mural by Dr Emma Hicks and Merindah Funnell. See a glimpse of the night in our video.

Busy Weekend At The Plaza And The Canopy

Car Boot Sale Helps Bargain Hunters And The Planet
The Lane Cove Rotary Car Boot Sale was back on Sunday 20 September. The beautiful weather saw buyers and sellers enjoying coffee and snags as well as saving pre-loved goods from landfill.

Makers Markets Shine On A Sunny Sunday
Also on Sunday, the Lane Cove Makers Markets. It was a lovely day to stroll through central Lane Cove looking at art, craft, jewellery, produce and more. Only three market dates left this year, so mark your diaries for Christmas shopping and wishlist-making on 18 October, 15 November and 20 December.

Cammeraygal Wind Symphony + Youth Bands Take to The Canopy Stage

On Saturday 19 September local musical talent took to the big stage to showcase their skills.

What Was Going On At Kidstuff Last Wednesday Morning?

A few people contacted In the Cove after spotting a queue forming at Kidstuff in Lane Cove from early morning last Wednesday 16 September. Adding to the curiosity was the somewhat unusual fact there were quite a few grown men in the line. At a toy store. Midweek. We knew something interesting had to be going on.

Kidstuff confirmed the cause of the queue was a very special Pokémon drop.

The Pokémon Trading Card Game 30th Celebration range launched in Australia on Wednesday 16 September as part of a worldwide release, and collectors were out in force trying to get their hands on the new stock.

Some Australian retailers had already exhausted their first allocations before release day.

Mystery solved. Congratulations to those who managed to get their hands on a piece of Pokémon history!

Lane Cove Youth Orchestra Sells Out Symphony in the Sails

For the first time, Lane Cove Youth Orchestra sold out a performance. Its Lane Cove Festival concert, Symphony in the Sails, on Sunday 20 September at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music featured the world premiere of Adrian Hallam’s Windsong, inspired by the orchestra’s June music camp aboard the tall ship James Craig, plus a program of nautical tunes and shanties.

Congratulations to all involved.

Best of Fringe Shows Coming to Pottery Lane Performance Space

Four award-winning shows, four nights, and free parking. Lane Cove’s Sydney Fringe season goes out on a high at Pottery Lane Performance Space from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 September.

• ODIE reimagines Homer’s Odyssey as a 1 am scramble across Sydney, with a Queensland rugby hooligan trying to reach his girlfriend. It won Adelaide Fringe’s Weekly Best of Theatre and picked up five stars from TheatreNow.
• That’s Me In The Corner skewers the archetypal Aussie pub musician, singalongs and a meat raffle after every show included. Nominated for Best Comedy at Sydney Fringe 2026.
• An Augmentation of Sitar by Ravi turns Taylor Swift and One Direction into sitar covers, with a different live collaborator each night. The pick of the four if you are bringing the family.
• Gia Ophelia is a one-woman satirical drama about an ageing actress running up against the industry’s views on infertility, ambition and age. Winner of Best Emerging Artist at Sydney Fringe 2025.

Two shows nightly at 6.30 pm and 8 pm. Tickets $40 per show through the Sydney Fringe website. Pottery Lane Performance Space, 1 Pottery Lane, opposite the Aquatic Centre.

Read more about the productions here.

Community Meeting On Data Centre Draws A Crowd But Not The Developer

More than 200 people packed the Scout Hall at Blackman Park for a community meeting on Friday 11 September 2026 about the growing number of data centres in Lane Cove West. At the centre of the discussion was Goodman’s proposed 90MW Project Mars data centre at 12 Mars Road, but the conversation went much wider.

Residents raised questions about noise, water use, proximity to homes, diesel generators, fire risk, electricity demand and, importantly, the cumulative impact of multiple data centres operating or proposed within the same area.

Read our article for Goodman’s responses and a much deeper look at the issues raised at the meeting.

Sounds of The Canopy: Your Next Concert in Lane Cove

The Canopy is about to be full of music and there’s something for everyone over the next few months. Whether you’re into a cappella, tribute bands, family fun with a K-Pop Halloween flavour, a touch of Country or a Bluey fix — it’s all coming right here to Lane Cove.

We love a Canopy concert; they’re outdoors, you can bring takeaway or BYO food from home, you’ll always see someone you know and of course they are heaps of fun.

There are some fan favourites and some exciting newcomers to see. Full lineup with dates, times and ticket links here.

New Report Reinforces Local Stance On Gas Appliances

A new national health report has renewed concerns about what burning gas inside our homes can mean for our health, particularly for children.

One of the headline figures? Gas cooking may account for around 1 in 8 childhood asthma cases in Australia.

Lane Cove Council actually acted on many of these concerns back in 2023, banning gas appliances in new developments. Almost three years later, we look at what the new report says and why Lane Cove made the switch. Read more here.

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In the Media

Local real estate in the AFR

An interesting story on local real estate this week, from the Australian Financial Review: Refreshing vendor doesn’t sweat the loss in $2.4m sale. (paywalled)

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Lane Cove Council

Council Meeting This Thursday

Lane Cove Council’s September Ordinary Meeting is on Thursday 24 September at 7 pm at the Civic Centre, 48 Longueville Road, and is webcast live.

On the agenda, Council will consider taking a motion to the 2026 Local Government NSW Annual Conference urging the NSW Government to let councils keep notifying neighbours about development applications. Under the State’s new statewide Community Participation Plan, many “low impact” applications that comply with planning controls, including some residential flat buildings and shop-top housing, would not be notified or exhibited at all. Read Council’s explanation or view the business papers.

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Have Your Say

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.

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Business

Change to operations: Stuart Leal Gallery now online only

If you’ve noticed things looking a little different at the former Stuart Leal Gallery at 1/161 Burns Bay Road, there has been a change. After more than a decade running a physical business in Lane Cove, Stuart Leal has closed the Burns Bay Road gallery and is now operating Stuart Leal Gallery online (we will share the website once it’s live).

Stuart is still local and the business is continuing, just without a physical shopfront gallery. He has also told ITC there may be art fairs and even the occasional pop-up in his future.

We first wrote about Stuart a couple of years ago and his backstory is certainly not your average local business story. Before the art gallery there were vintage Cadillacs, celebrity passengers, wedding photography, a brush with Elton John and even an unexpected appearance in a Christine Anu music video.

We’ve updated our original article with Stuart’s latest chapter.

Opening: Christmas Warehouse Macquarie Park

We spotted this sign outside the former Eden Gardens premises at 307 Lane Cove Road, Macquarie Park. Even though we’ve just hit Spring, it seems we’re also getting into the festive spirit.

Christmas Warehouse have confirmed on socials that they will open this Thursday 24 September.

The site has been largely vacant since Eden Gardens ended its daily retail trade in January 2025, although the gardens have continued to be used for occasional open days and other activities.

Three Lane Cove businesses win Northern Districts Local Business Awards

Congratulations to Seven Spices Modern Indian Restaurant (Outstanding Restaurant), Fremder Automotive (Outstanding Automotive Services) and Blind Inspiration (Outstanding Specialised Retail Business), all recognised at this year’s Northern Districts Local Business Awards.

Save the date: Think Like Bowie business breakfast

Council’s next Small Business Networking Breakfast features Nicole Velik from Ideas Bodega on the deliberate creative techniques used by the likes of David Bowie and Salvador Dalí.
When: Wednesday 4 November 2026
Where: Pottery Lane Performance Space
How: Free, breakfast and coffee included. More details here.

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General Information / Safety Alerts

Greenwich Baths Opens for the 2026/27 Season This Saturday

One of Sydney’s most beloved harbourside spots is back. Greenwich Baths opens for the 2026/27 season this Saturday 26 September, with the first full day of swimming on offer.

Nestled on the tip of Greenwich Point with views across to Cockatoo Island, Iron Cove and the CBD skyline, the 30-metre shark-netted baths cater for everyone from toddlers to lap swimmers. The waterfront café is back alongside sun loungers, picnic tables and sand toys.

September hours are 7 am – 5 pm daily, extending through the warmer months. The popular Beach Safety Program for children also returns for the new season.

Full details including entry fees and the Beach Safety Program here.

What’s That Black Box On Longueville Road?

You may have seen a mysterious-looking black box and camera mounted at the Birdwood Avenue/Longueville Road traffic lights. It is a Transport for NSW Road Safety Incident Investigation Camera (ROSIICAM).

The camera can:
• Record crashes, near misses, vehicle speeds, traffic volumes and vehicle types
• Use AI to automatically flag near misses and capture short clips of each incident
• Automatically blur faces and number plates

The monitoring is for research, not law enforcement. No fines will be issued from this camera. The findings will feed into how Transport for NSW and councils design road safety measures at intersections like ours.

It’s expected the camera will be operational for up to four weeks, finishing by 17 October 2026.

If you have more questions about the camera and its purpose you can contact Transport for NSW here. Thanks to ITC reader Daniel for the photos and the tip-off. View Council’s notice here.

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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 Events Calendar.

School Holidays Are Here

Check out our guide for the Spring school holidays — it’s jam-packed with activities to keep the kids and family happy. Read here.

End of Term Gelatissimo Plaza Party

Gelatissimo Lane Cove is back after its stylish revamp, and it’s celebrating in style with a free Plaza Party as part of Lane Cove Festival. Head down on Friday afternoon for $5 scoops until 6 pm, a spin-the-wheel activation at the Plaza Bandstand with prizes, First Fridays arts and crafts, a performance from local favourites Rara Lions at 4 pm and a live set from the Gelatissimo band at 5 pm. It’s also the last day of school for the term — reason enough.
When: Friday 25 September 2026
Time: 3 pm – 6 pm
Where: Lane Cove Plaza, Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove
How: Free — apart from the gelato. Just turn up. More details here.

Songs from Our Backyard — Soulfood A Cappella

Award-winning vocal ensemble Soulfood A Cappella brings 50 voices to The Canopy for a joyful evening of original arrangements drawn from 50 years of Australian pop. Expect Cold Chisel, Tina Arena, The Easybeats, Gotye, Megan Washington, Sia, Lior and more. Fair warning — you probably won’t be able to stop yourself singing along. Part of Lane Cove Festival in partnership with Sydney Fringe Festival.
When: Friday 25 September 2026
Time: 6 pm – 7.30 pm
Where: The Canopy, 2 Rosenthal Avenue, Lane Cove
How: Free. Just turn up. More details here.

Spring Flower Craft

A drop-in school holiday craft session for kids aged 6–12 at Greenwich Library. Celebrate the change of seasons by creating your own colourful spring flowers. No bookings required — just turn up.
When: Monday 28 September 2026
Time: 11 am – 12 pm
Where: Greenwich Library, 48 Greenwich Road, Greenwich
How: Free. Drop in. More details here.

50th Anniversary Spring Fashion Parade — St Andrews Uniting Church Longueville

A Lane Cove community institution marks a milestone this year, with St Andrews Uniting Church Longueville celebrating 50 years of its Spring Fashion Parade. The format is a beloved one: morning tea followed by a fashion parade in the War Memorial Hall, with garments and jewellery available to purchase afterwards.

Proceeds this year go to the Rev Bill Crews Foundation and its work supporting people experiencing homelessness. Given the anniversary and the event’s enduring popularity, bookings are strongly recommended. Contact the church office on 9427 4740 for tickets.
When: Wednesday 30 September 2026
Time: 10.15 am – 12.30 pm
Where: St Andrews Uniting Church Hall, 47A Kenneth Street, Longueville
How: $15. More details here.

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

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Local Sports

A Big Weekend for Lane Cove Netball Club

Lane Cove Netball Club had a standout grand final weekend, with 8 of their 13 teams taking home premiership wins. Head coach Julie Ring capped off the season by being named Club Coach of the Year.

In a post celebrating the results, the club was quick to acknowledge that success runs deeper than the scoreboard. “A club isn’t made up of wins alone,” they noted, with player, coach and umpire development remaining central to everything they do.

The club also extended its thanks to the army of volunteers who kept the season running; coaches, umpires, scorers, team managers, the parents driving kids to games and washing mountains of bibs, and everyone who cheered from the sideline.

Congratulations to all involved.

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Crime, Accidents & Incidents

Have You Seen Melissa?

Melissa, aged 71, was last seen at the Neutral Bay Bus Interchange on Military Road, about 4.30 pm on Thursday 17 September 2026. Police hold concerns for her welfare as she lives with cognitive challenges.

Melissa is described as being of Mediterranean appearance, about 150cm tall with medium build and black curly hair. She was last seen wearing a pink jacket, a white shirt with horizontal black stripes, a white skirt with flowers, and white shoes.

She is known to use public transport and frequents Five Dock, Leichhardt, Strathfield, Sydney CBD, and Inner West areas.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to contact North Shore Police Area Command or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. More info.

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This Week is sponsored by Oktoberfest at The Diddy

Ten beer tents. Three live bands. One very big Saturday at the bottom of Longueville Road. The Diddy is going all in on Oktoberfest this year, and thankfully you won’t need to trek halfway across Sydney to get there.

Oktoberfest at The Diddy kicks off at midday on Saturday 3 October, with the grounds of Longueville Sporting Club taken over by ten beer tents, live music all day and plenty of German food to go with your stein.