Here’s your wrap of what’s been happening in and around Lane Cove from Tuesday 20 to Tuesday 27 October: a firearms raid in Lane Cove West, a birthday party for Delvena’s 50th, a national award for the Toy Library and a draft bike plan that would grow Lane Cove’s cycling network to more than 48 km.
Thank you The Diddy for sponsoring this Week in Review
The big stories this week
- Lane Cove’s Draft Bike Plan: What It Means for Riders, Walkers and Drivers
- Insured on Paper: How QBE Left the Sydney Library of Things Without Cover
- Lane Cove Toy Library Wins National Award
- Kindy Cove Turns 50 and Everyone’s Invited to the Party
Use the buttons below to skip to what matters to you:
In the Media
Council
Have Your Say
Business
General Info
Just Over the Border
Upcoming Events
Local Sports
Crime & Incidents
Lane Cove News
Lane Cove Celebrates 50 Years of Delvena Women’s Refuge
On Thursday 22 October a few of the ITC team headed up to the plaza to celebrate Delvena Women’s Refuge turning 50, alongside Lane Cove Council and Women & Children First. We heard some incredible history, from the refuge’s very beginnings through all the policy changes that have shaped and challenged it over the decades. We also met the people who have done such amazing work behind the scenes.
What Delvena does for families goes above and beyond, offering safety, protection and a way back to a sense of normal when it’s needed most. The need hasn’t gone away, and some of that support now relies entirely on donations. That’s why we set up our own In the Cove x Delvena fundraising page, where every dollar is tracked to Delvena. If having Delvena in Lane Cove matters to you, please chip in, even a little. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. Read the full story.
If this item raises anything for you, support is available through 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, 24 hours a day. In an emergency, call 000.
Police Appeal: Can You Help Find David?
North Shore Police Area Command is appealing for help to find David, aged 63, who last contacted his family on Sunday 19 July 2026. He may be travelling in a red Holden Commodore sedan with Victorian registration XPV894, and he is known to frequent North Sydney. If you see him, contact North Shore Police Area Command or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Read the NSW Police appeal.
Hughes Park Playground Reopens After Urgent Softfall Repairs
If you’ve wondered why the Hughes Park playground was fenced off, Lane Cove Council has confirmed it closed for urgent repairs to sections of the rubber softfall. Council’s Manager Communications and Cultural Programs Sarah Corry told In the Cove the work is now finished, the playground was re-tested on Monday and the fencing is due to come down so the park can reopen. The basket swing is still waiting on replacement parts, which have been ordered but haven’t arrived yet.
Similar repairs are scheduled over the next few weeks at Blackman Park, Kimberley, Finlayson Park and Tantallon Park playgrounds, so expect some temporary fencing there too.
Lane Cove Gymnastics Club Puts All Classes on Hold
Lane Cove Gymnastics Club has put all classes on hold, and our inbox has been flooded with messages from families worried about their much-loved club. Thank you to everyone who has reached out.
Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation Ladies Lunch Fills Randwick Again
The sold-out Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation Ladies Lunch filled the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick on Friday 23 October, with 1,120 guests raising over $450,000 for breast cancer research. Lane Cove local and SBCF board director Renae Buckley leads the team behind it. This was ITC’s third year at the lunch, and a big thank you to Well Run Consulting for making the day possible. Meet the local behind the lunch.
Lane Cove West Public School Turns 75
Lane Cove West Public School opened its gates on Saturday 24 October for its 75th anniversary celebrations, and judging by the photos landing in our inbox, it was an absolute blast. Our roving reporters spent the afternoon sending through snaps of performances, music, food trucks and a petting zoo. There were plenty of familiar faces too, with former students wandering back through the original classrooms for a trip down memory lane.
Three-quarters of a century of learning, friendships and community, all wrapped up in one big afternoon on the oval. Congratulations to everyone at Lane Cove West Public School, from the students and staff to the P&C and all the volunteers who made it happen.
Street Paws Festival Takes Over The Canopy
Lane Cove’s four-legged locals took over The Canopy on Saturday 24 October for the Street Paws Festival. Dogs and their humans came out in force to meet the neighbours and enjoy the morning.
Advanced Vet Care Lane Cove was serving up pup cups, which went down a treat with the furry guests and were every bit as adorable as they sound. Blooming Tails was there too, flying the flag for local pets as always. Candice from Blooming Tails took to the stage to help judge the dog competitions, with plenty of wagging tails and proud owners along the way.
Walkers Out in Force for the 7 Bridges Walk
Sunday 25 October was a busy morning in Lane Cove, with walkers out in force for the 7 Bridges Walk. A big thanks to the drivers who took extra care along River Road and River Road West while the 7 Bridges walkers came through.
A Packed Opening Night at Gallery Lane Cove
Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios drew a great crowd for the joint opening of its two October exhibitions. Mac Bryla’s Eighty Five Seasons turns more than 80 years of daily global temperature readings into a series of striking portraits. Stephen Denham’s Avalon Beach Rockpool Series brings the beloved rockpool to life in impressionistic digital paintings. If you missed the opening, there’s still time: both exhibitions run until Saturday 31 October at 164 Longueville Road. Read more about the exhibitions.
Navratri Gala 2026 Brings the Community Together in Lane Cove
The Canopy was buzzing with colour and music on Friday 16 October as Tara Events hosted its Navratri Gala 2026. People of all ages and backgrounds came along to celebrate culture, music and community.
The highlight was the Garba dance workshop. Locals had a go at the traditional steps together, with plenty of laughter and a few new friendships made on the dance floor.
Tara Events thanked Lane Cove Council, the Mayor and councillors, sponsors, performers, volunteers and everyone who came along. The organisers say the gala is all about making culture accessible to everyone and building a more connected and inclusive community.
Missed it? Catch up on our preview of the festival.
Is Your Street Ready for Halloween?
A reader sent us this photo of the Halloween decorations on Kallaroo Road in Riverview, and we can’t stop staring: two giant ghouls glowing purple and a full moon peeking through the gums. It looks like a movie poster.
Halloween is this Saturday 31 October. Our guide has the one rule every trick-or-treater should know, free door signs you can print tonight and a glow party for the kids. Read our Halloween in Lane Cove 2026 guide.
Putting up decorations this week? Read this first: one Aussie council has banned fake spider webs, and here’s why. Why fake spider webs are a problem.
Got a spooky house on your street? Send us a photo on WhatsApp (messages only) to 0470 490 417 and we might share it.
Chatswood 2060: Willoughby Council’s Plan for Sydney’s “Most Liveable City”
Willoughby Council has launched Chatswood 2060, a long-term plan for the suburb’s growth out to 2060, with a launch event at The Concourse drawing more than 450 residents, business owners and community members. Mayor Tanya Taylor says the plan will look at housing choice, jobs, open space and transport, with a draft master plan expected for community consultation in early 2027.
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In the Media
Nothing to report this week.
Lane Cove Council
Weed Spraying Alert: Burns Bay Reserve
Council has advised that herbicide spraying for weed control is taking place at Burns Bay Reserve. Signage is in place on site. Avoid treated areas until the spray has dried, and keep pets away from sprayed vegetation in the meantime.
Have Your Say
Draft Bike Plan: Have Your Say by 9 November
Council’s draft Bicycle Plan is open for feedback. Submissions close on Monday 9 November. Read what it means for riders, walkers and drivers (see the big stories above).
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Lime E-Bike Feedback
Council is seeking feedback on the Lime e-bike share scheme operating in Lane Cove. Have your say. Submissions close 5 November.
Business
Physio Clinic Proposed for Former Greenwich Hair Salon
A development application (DA146/2026) has been lodged to turn the former hairdresser at Tenancies 2 and 3, 123 Greenwich Road, Greenwich (on the corner of Evelyn Street) into a physiotherapy clinic, with signage plans naming the business Limp In Leap Out – Greenwich. The 45 m² space has been vacant since the salon closed in June 2026. The fitout would add two consulting rooms and a gym and Pilates space behind lightweight partitions, with proposed hours of 8 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday and 9 am to 1 pm on Saturday.
The site is zoned R2 Low Density Residential, where business premises are normally prohibited. The applicant is relying on existing use rights that date back to a beautician’s salon approved in 1990 and a hairdresser approved in 2019. The plans also include business signage on the awning fascia and frosted window signs either side of the door.
General Information / Safety Alerts
Why Is Water Still Running Down Epping Road at Parklands Avenue?
If you’ve driven down Epping Road at Parklands Avenue in the past month, you’ll have seen the water running along the road, and plenty of you have messaged us about it. We put your questions to Sydney Water. They told us the water is leaking from an isolation valve on a 750 mm water main. The valve can’t be fixed until crews finish repairing the main that burst nearby on 25 September, and the works are being staged to protect the local water supply.
Sydney Water says there’s currently no risk to water supply, the road surface or road users, and technicians are checking the site every day. So it hasn’t been forgotten; it’s just waiting on the bigger repair to finish first. Expect crews and some traffic disruption around the corner in the coming weeks. We’ll keep you posted when we hear more.
In the Cove Supports Delvena
We smashed our goal. Now let’s give Delvena’s kids a Christmas to remember.
When we launched our fundraiser for Delvena earlier this month, marking the refuge’s 50th year, you pushed us well past our original goal. Thank you. So we thought, why stop there? With Christmas coming, we’re keeping the campaign going, this time to help make sure the kids in Delvena’s care wake up to some brand new presents of their own this year. Every dollar goes to Women & Children First, who have run Delvena for half a century.
Just Over the Border
Angelo Rozos Re-elected Willoughby Deputy Mayor
Councillor Angelo Rozos was re-elected Deputy Mayor of Willoughby for a two-year term at the Council meeting on Monday 26 October. It is his fourth stint in the role, having previously served as Deputy Mayor in 2021, 2024 and 2025.
A Middle Harbour Ward councillor who grew up in Willoughby and is now raising his family in the area, Cr Rozos has championed upgrades to local parks, playgrounds and sporting facilities, including Willoughby Park and its surrounding ovals, along with support for local businesses and sporting groups. Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor congratulated him on the result, saying his past experience in the role would be valuable as Council continues to respond to local priorities for a growing community.
Jacaranda Season: McDougall Street Closes to Cars on Weekends
Kirribilli is turning purple and the crowds are on their way. From this Saturday 31 October, North Sydney Council will close McDougall Street to traffic on weekends for jacaranda season. If you’re planning to grab that dreamy purple photo, here’s what you need to know before you go.
Where: McDougall Street between Clark Road and Willoughby Street, plus the first 50 metres of Hipwood Street
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 7 am to 7 pm
How long: About six weeks
Who can drive in: Only residents of the closure area, with photo ID showing their address. Taxis and rideshares can’t drop visitors off unless a resident is in the car. Visitor parking permits and Airbnb guests don’t get access either. Mobility permit holders can enter if the permit is displayed and the holder is in the car.
Residents driving through the area should slow to 10 km/h and give way to pedestrians, because half of Sydney will be looking up at the trees, not at your car. Our tip is to leave the car at home: Milsons Point station and Kirribilli wharf are both a short walk away.
Upcoming Events
KPop Demon Hunters vs The Besties: Halloween Glow Party
The Canopy is throwing a Halloween party for the whole family, pairing a K-pop dance show from KPop Demon Hunters with a dance-along to pop hits from The Besties. Expect confetti, glow and plenty of dancing, so dress up and bring your best moves. The event is weather dependent.
When: Friday 30 October
Time: 6.15 pm to 8.30 pm
Where: The Canopy, Lane Cove
How: $15 + $1.30 booking fee. Book tickets.
Lane Cove Diwali Fest 2026: Festival of Lights
Lane Cove is celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with a free morning at The Canopy presented in partnership with the Lane Cove Indian Community. Expect a multicultural fashion show, music from around the world and cultural dance performances from Indian, Russian, Greek, Japanese and Bulgarian groups, among others. The celebrations continue on Sunday 8 November, the main day of Diwali, when the community will gather around sunset to light 100 tea lights at The Canopy. Diya Lighting details.
When: Saturday 31 October
Time: 10 am to 1 pm
Where: The Canopy, 2 Rosenthal Avenue, Lane Cove
How: Free, just come along. View on the In the Cove Events Calendar.
Repair Cafe Sydney North
Before you toss that broken lamp, torn jacket or wobbly toy, bring it along to Repair Cafe Sydney North. Volunteer fixers will help repair clothing and textiles, toys, shoes, bags, jewellery, gadgets and small electronics, and they’ll sharpen your tools too. Repairs are free (donations welcome), and it’s a great way to save things from landfill and pick up a new skill while you’re at it.
When: Sunday 1 November and Sunday 8 November
Time: 2 pm to 4 pm
Where: Living and Learning Centre, 180 Longueville Road, Lane Cove
How: Drop in with your item. See the In the Cove Events Calendar.
Pizza and Movie Night in Longueville
Grab a slice and settle in for a relaxed night at the movies at St Andrew’s Uniting Church Hall in Longueville. Pizza is served first, followed by the film.
When: Tuesday 3 November
Time: Pizza from 6.30 pm, movie at 7.15 pm
Where: St Andrew’s Uniting Church Hall, 47a Kenneth Street, Longueville
How: $10. Bookings are needed for catering: call 9427 4740 or 9428 4287. See the In the Cove Events Calendar.
Small Business Networking Breakfast: Think Like Bowie
Lane Cove Council’s next Small Business Networking Breakfast looks at how creative thinkers like David Bowie and Salvador Dalí used deliberate methods to come up with new ideas. You’ll learn how to apply the same techniques to your own business. The interactive session is led by Nicole Velik of Ideas Bodega, a creativity expert who has worked with the United Nations, Google, Nike and LEGO.
When: Wednesday 4 November
Time: 8 am to 9.45 am
Where: Pottery Lane Performance Space, 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove
How: Free, but registration is required. Register here.
Free Outdoor Film Screening: The Plastic Country
Bring a picnic rug and settle in at The Canopy for a free screening of The Plastic Country. The 70-minute documentary follows Kal Glanznig across Australia to see how plastic is affecting our beaches, wildlife, communities and health. After the film, experts from AUSMAP, Total Environment Centre and End Plastic Soup will hold a panel discussion and Q&A. Come early to visit stalls from Taronga Zoo, The Sustainability Collective and Synergy Youth Centre. The screening is presented by Lane Cove Council with The Sustainability Collective and The Sustainability Hive.
When: Thursday 5 November
Time: Stalls from 4 pm, film at 6.10 pm, panel at 7.20 pm, finishing at 7.55 pm
Where: The Canopy, Lane Cove (moves to Pottery Lane Performance Space in bad weather)
How: Free, but registration is required. Bring a picnic rug or small camping chair and plastic-free snacks. View on the In the Cove Events Calendar or register via Council.
Country Music and Line Dancing at The Canopy
Dust off your boots for a free night of country music with Shara Rose & The TailGators, with beginner-friendly line dancing so everyone can join in. It’s part of The Canopy’s Sounds of The Canopy concert series, which continues with Bon Jovi tribute band Born Jovi on Friday 20 November and the Bluey Live Christmas Experience on Friday 4 December. See the full Sounds of The Canopy line-up.
When: Saturday 7 November
Time: 6 pm to 8 pm
Where: The Canopy, Lane Cove
How: Free. View on the In the Cove Events Calendar.
Flicks by the River at Burns Bay Reserve
Pack a picnic and head down to Burns Bay Reserve for a free family movie night by the river. Lane Cove Council is screening Toy Story 5 and Mamma Mia, with food trucks on site, so there’s something for every age. Parking is limited, so walk or take public transport if you can.
When: Saturday 14 November
Time: 4 pm to 8 pm
Where: Burns Bay Reserve, 71 Kooyong Road, Riverview
How: Free, but registration is required. Register here.
Free Try Skiff Sailing Day on the Lane Cove River
Ever wanted to try sailing on the Lane Cove River? The Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Skiff Club is opening its doors for a free Try Skiff Sailing Day as part of the Lane Cove Festival by the River. There’s a boat for everyone: Sabots for juniors aged 8 and over, Flying 11s for teens, Pacers for first-timers and families, and Cherubs and 12ft skiffs for the brave (15 and over). Or you can relax on a powerboat and soak up the river.
When: Sunday 15 November
Time: 11 am to 2 pm
Where: Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Skiff Club, Stuart Street, next to Longueville Wharf
How: Free, but places on the water are limited. Register now.
For the full list of what’s on, visit the In the Cove Events Calendar.
Local Sports
Round 2 of LCJRU’s Summer 7s Brings Out the Crowds (and the Pizza Oven)
Lane Cove Junior Rugby Union held Round 2 of its Summer 7s competition at Tantallon Oval, with junior and senior sides out in force for an afternoon of fast-paced touch and tag rugby. A wood-fired pizza stall and a Chargrill Charlie’s barbecue kept everyone going between games, and from the photos, it’s safe to say the smell was doing some heavy lifting. See the images on the club’s page.
Lane Cove Bowling Club’s Big Weekend in the Region Mixed Pairs
Lane Cove bowlers had a cracking weekend in the Region Mixed Pairs, playing nine matches for seven wins, a draw and just one loss. Two teams now head to the Knockout Stage at Belrose this Sunday from 9 am: Sarah Hobson and John Lloyd, and Maria Brouggy and Simon Kinsman. Get down and cheer them on if you can.
Lane Cove Cricket Club Juniors Serve Up a Weekend of Nail-Biters
It was a big weekend for LCCC’s junior sides. The U12 Finch team chased down 130 to win off the very last ball. Hugo Warnock brought up an impressive half-century for U12 Renshaw. On the girls’ side, Lane Cove Haynes took out a final-over thriller against Abbotsleigh at Pottery Green and Lane Cove Molineaux picked up their first big win in just their fourth game, while Mooney and Gardner kept their unbeaten runs going. The U14/15 Maxwell team stayed undefeated too. Lane Cove Litchfield had their first loss of the season, but the post-match ice creams were still a winner. Congratulations to the week’s Players of the Match: Phoebe, Layla, Kashika, Cecelia and Sadie. Club images here.
Lane Cove Netball Club Wins Big (Again) in the Hyundai Community Raffle
Lane Cove Netball Club has taken out the Hyundai Community Netball Raffle’s Metro Club Fundraising Bonus Award for the second year running, raising $5,112 for the club. The Felton family also took home the raffle’s major prize after buying their ticket in support of the club. A huge thank you to everyone who bought a ticket and backed grassroots netball.
Northern Suburbs Little Athletics Kicks Off the Season on a Brand New Track
Northern Suburbs Little Athletics Centre opened its 2026/27 season with its first carnival at the newly upgraded Chatswood Rotary War Memorial Athletics Field, debuting a new synthetic track, long jump pits and javelin runway. Plenty of personal bests, familiar faces back for another season and new athletes joining the NSLAC family made for a strong start.
Gladesville Gymnastics Club’s Junior Acro Squad Qualifies for States
Big news for Gladesville Gymnastics Club’s junior acrobatic squad, who’ve all qualified for the State Championships after smashing their Trial 1 and 2 competitions. The tiny champions are now training hard to finish the competition season strong. Check out the smiling faces here.
Willoughby Squash Club’s Fight for a New Home Continues
Willoughby Squash & Racquets Club lost its longtime home on Small Street last year when the Land and Environment Court approved its demolition for a childcare centre, and the nearly 50-year-old club has been playing as a “virtual club” at courts around the area ever since. This week they put out a call for support, with donations of $2 or more tax deductible and going toward building the strongest possible case for a permanent home, as the club keeps working with Willoughby Council on a long-term venue. Donate or become a member.
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Crime, Accidents & Incidents
Reported Attempted Carjacking on Centennial Avenue
A resident has reported an attempted carjacking on Centennial Avenue at about 1 am on Saturday 24th October, posted in the Lane Cove Chat by ITC group. According to the post, two men wearing black hoodies tried to stop a young driver who was on his way home from work. The car was still moving at the time. The driver swerved onto the other side of the road to get away and called police, who arrived soon after.
Residents are being urged to keep car doors locked while driving and to secure garages overnight. If you saw anything in the area, or have dashcam or doorbell camera footage, contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Airgun, Drugs and Steroids: Lane Cove West Home Raided in National Firearms Crackdown
Australian Border Force and NSW Police searched a Lane Cove West home at about 5.15 am on Friday 23 October as part of a national crackdown on illegal firearms. Police allege they found a privately made airgun, ammunition, knives, drugs and steroids. A man has been charged, granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Hornsby Local Court on 25 November. The charges have not been tested in court.
This Week Is Sponsored by The Diddy
Get set for Melbourne Cup day at The Diddy (Longueville Sporting Club) on Tuesday 3 November: an $85 three-course menu, complimentary bubbles on arrival, live music and a live MC for the day, with Geoff Yule Smith back after last year’s standout turn. There are competitions for best dressed lady, best dressed gentleman and best hat, plus a lucky door prize. Book now.