Lane Cove News Week in Review 24th to 31st May 2023

Welcome to our week in review.  If you have been shivering in the May mornings there have been some cool ones.  According to www.weatherzone.com.au:

“In Sydney, the average minimum temperature at Observatory Hill up to 9 am on May 30 was a nippy 10.0ºC. This is 1.6ºC below average and the city’s lowest May minimum temperature since 1957.”

Lane Cove In the News

The Sydney Morning Herald has reported on an incident involving the Lane Cove Ferry at St Ignatius College Riverview on 16 February 2023 where two boys ended up in the river after the gangplank collapsed.  The boys were not injured and were looked after by the school. The SMH obtained a copy of the SafeWork NSW investigation report.  The article noted:

“While the Office of Transport Safety Investigations, which is responsible for overseeing safety investigations relating to public transport, was issued a copy of the report, it did not take an active role in the investigation.”

Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen has requested urgent advice on how the incident can be investigated by a third party.

The SMH reports Minister Haylen stated:

“I have therefore asked my Department for urgent advice on getting this awful incident investigated independently of the company. I want recommendations for actions we can take as the government to make sure we never see a repeat of this kind of mishap.”

Read the full article here (it is paywalled).

At one stage, the Lane Cove Ferry was in danger of being cancelled, however after a public campaign, Transport for NSW agreed to extend the contract.  The Ferry is operated by Captian Cook Cruises.  Read more about the ferry here.

Red Flag System Update

Earlier this month, Lane Cove Council posted on their website that a red flag system will be introduced at off-leash dog areas at ovals/reserves/parks where sport is played, or sports teams train. The red flag system will be used on the following grounds:

• Kingsford Smith Oval (this was the first site to trial the system in 2020)
• Blackman Park (probably not the synthetic turf oval as dogs are not permitted on the synthetic turf oval at any time)
• Burns Bay Reserve
• Bob Campbell Oval
• Pottery Green
• Tantallon Oval

Rules

The rules are:

No flag = dogs allowed off-leash on oval

Red flag = dogs not allowed on the oval (leashed or unleashed – so you cannot take your dog on a lead to watch sport if you are on the oval).

Lane Cove Council has noted:

“To help make the transition a smooth one, our Rangers will be out and about at the sports fields to help educate residents about the new process.”

Red Flag System when Council Staff Are working on Off Leash Ovals/Reserves

Lane Cove Council has now noted that the red flag system will also be implemented  “when Council staff and contractors are working on the ovals. For example, when mowing, marking or aerating the lawn.”   This statement was not in the original information published on Lane Cove Council’s website.

Availability When Grounds Have Been Booked

It is also a good idea to check to see if organised sport is being played before you head off to a sporting field for an off-leash session with your dog.

Did you know you can check the availability of the Council’s facilities, including sports fields their website?

Go to this page https://www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/…/Pages/default.aspx

Select sports ground and the date you are checking – see below an example.

Business Alert

Joy Chew Asian Restaurant Has Opened

Joy Chew Asian Restaurant has opened in the old Foogoo restaurant at 94b Longueville Road.  They have changed the Opening Hours on their sign and they will now open from 11.00 am to 9.30 pm.  They told ITC that dumplings will be made fresh every day and their speciality is Crab Meat Dumplings.  It will not be Yum Cha.

Mowbrew Coffee and Kitchen

Mowbrew has opened at 750 Mowbrary Road W Lane Cove North near Mowbray Cellars.

Stage 1 Longueville Road Works Finished

Lane Cove Council has announced that the Longueville Road Stage 1 Streetscape Project has been completed.  There is now new street furniture, plants and sandstone edging.  The parking area can now be turned into outside dining areas during the weekend.  There are now removable bollards on both sides of the road in front of Encasa, Lilah and Four Frogs Creperie.  Works are continuing on the Longueville Hotel side of Longueville Road.

Night works will take place at the following locations and dates:

Dates: Until Friday, 23 June, 9:00 pm – 5:00 am

Eastern side: Little Street intersection to 140 Longueville Road.

Due to RMS requirements, there may be some movement of heavy machinery outside these hours. The works will involve the removal of existing paving, kerb, gutter and road asphalt in parking lanes with machinery and the replacement of new pavers and kerbs, including the installation of steel bollards.

Over cover photo shows the area fenced off on the Longueville Hotel side of Longueville Road and the new street furniture.

Lane Cove Outdoor Pool Winter Opening Times

In May 2023, the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre trialled longer swimming hours in the 50m Outdoor Pool (usually closed between 10.00 am and 3.00 pm from May to beginning of October).  The Trial has now finished. An ITC Lane Cove Chat reader was sent an update which included the following information:

“We have since reviewed the usage of the outdoor pool during the trial and despite promotion by both the Leisure Centre and Council, we found that the visitation rates dropped by 36% compared to March and 10% compared to April. It was also noted during the trial that it became difficult to maintain the water temperature in the outdoor pool due it being uncovered for longer periods of the day. Sadly, this makes a further extension of the summer operating hours unviable.

From June onwards, the outdoor pool will therefore be reverting to winter operating hours. The indoor 25m will continue to have lanes available for lap swimming throughout winter.

Thank you again for your time and interest in this matter. “

NSW Health Urging Residents to Get Vaccinated

Everyone in NSW is being urged to ensure they are up to date with their recommended influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations in the lead up to winter.

The latest NSW respiratory surveillance report, published today, shows community transmission of COVID-19 remains at high levels and influenza activity is increasing rapidly.

Health Minister Ryan Park said as we enter the winter months staying up to date with recommended vaccinations is the best way to protect you, your family and the community from serious illness.

“Influenza is a serious disease in young children, and both COVID-19 and influenza viruses can have serious consequences for older adults, people who have chronic health conditions and those who are immunocompromised,” Mr Park said.

“Vaccination remains the best protection against severe illness and now is the time to make sure you are up to date with the shots recommended for you.”

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said we are anticipating high levels of influenza activity over the coming weeks and months, so it is important people across NSW continue to do the little things that keep us all safe.

“There is plenty of stock of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines available at pharmacies and GPs, so please book in today,” Dr Chant said.

“We know there are high levels of COVID-19 circulating in the community and with a rapid increase of influenza cases this week, it is also important people continue to take simple precautions to protect themselves and each other.

“This includes wearing a mask indoors when you can’t physically distance especially in healthcare and aged care settings, staying at home when you’re unwell and remembering to practise good hand hygiene.”

Those considered to be at higher risk of severe illness from influenza are eligible for a free influenza vaccine and include:

Children aged 6 months to under 5 years

People aged 65 and over

Aboriginal people from 6 months of age

Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy

Those with serious health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity, severe asthma, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease.

Lane Cove Tree Inspection Time

If you have applied for a private tree inspection with Lane Cove Council, you will be waiting a bit longer than usual.  It was reported in the Lane Cove Council April 2023 snapshot that tree inspections were on a three-week turnaround.  However, one Lane Cove Chat by ITC reader posted she received the following email from the Lane Cove Council Tree Preservation Officer (after a six week wait).

Lane Cove Parks and Playgrounds Update

Central Park Longueville

Central Park Longueville (just behind The Diddy) is a beautiful park with a rose garden and a climbing sculpture made from a huge tree that needed to be removed due to safety concerns. Last year the toilets were upgraded (they were very dark and a bit scary before the upgrade). You may have noticed that two of the toilets have been out of action for a while. A Lane Cove Council spokesperson provided the following information:

“Council installed low water usage toilets when they were renovated. Council has undertaken various investigations to determine why the toilets have been blocking. Through the process of elimination, including checking the pipe network, checking water pressure etc, staff have concluded that the toilets are unable to deal with the amount of toilet paper being flushed. To address this, Council will be changing to higher water flow toilet cisterns, which will be installed by the end of June. The accessible toilet has remained open during this time.”

If you want to know more about the history of the climbing sculpture, read our article here.

Best Street Lane Cove

The Best Street Playground is located on the corner of Penrose Street and Best Street Lane Cove (opposite Ludowici Reserve).  The old playground equipment has been replaced with a timber play set, balance logs, some carvings and more.  It looks completely different from the days when there were cricket nets and some play equipment.  There is also a new picnic table.

Lane Cove Council has noted fencing still needs to be installed around the perimeter of the park.

Lane Cove Fundraising

Every year in May, the Cancer Council encourages Australians to raise money for cancer research and to raise awareness of the different types of cancers.  Well done to all those locals who have been involved in a May cancer fundraiser.   Below are some of the fundraisers, ITC has been involved with or has been sent information (if you’ve held an event, send us some information and photos via email to [email protected]).

Team Lopez Foundation – Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Fundraiser

On 21 May 2023, Team Lopez Foundation with the support of Bloomingtails Dog Grooming, raised $10 000 at their dog-friendly picnic in the park at Tambourine Bay Reserve.

It was a brilliant day filled with raffle prizes, family and dog activities, exciting stalls (including In the Cove’s famous tea towel – the Riverview ones sold like hot cakes), and a popular sausage sizzle.

This event showed it does take a village to make a great community event.  Local families, businesses, and dog lovers came together to show their unwavering support for the cause.  The 1st Tambourine Bay Scouts Group Venturers and Leaders provided the BBQ and helped out at the BBQ station.  The Lane Cove Community Band provided a battery pack for the microphone.  Local businesses such as The Spotted Orchid, Encasa, Four Frogs Creperie, The Beautician, Be.U Natural, Jack & Co Food Stores and of course, major sponsor Bloomintails Dog Grooming and Farmstays provided raffle prizes.

Team Lopez Foundation posted the following on their Facebook page:

“Although the event has passed, you can still contribute and make a significant impact. We encourage you to continue supporting our mission by making a donation. Every contribution counts, and together we can fight against pancreatic cancer.

Click the link below to donate and be a part of making a difference.

https://www.teamlopezfoundation.org.au/donate

Let’s unite against pancreatic cancer and show our collective strength!”

Read more about Team Lopez Foundation here.

Bern the Chef and The Boujee Boards and The Bojuee Birthday – MorningTeaNight

On Thursday, 26 May 2023, around 50 women (and two brave men) came together to raise awareness about the different types of cancer and raise funds for the Cancer Council.  The event, hosted by, Bern from Bern the Chef and Lily from The Boujee Boards, raised nearly $2 000.  The nibbles and grazing board delights were devoured quickly (that’s what happens when two local foodies provide the food).

The funniest moment of the night was when Lily asked Bern the Chef to describe her favourite date.

Bern quickly told the audience it was Medjool Dates (baked with goat’s cheese).

Thank you to The Spotted Orchid, The Beautician, Infinity Hair and Iris & Lin for providing raffle prizes.

Lane Cove Community Band Morning Tea and Other Events

The Lane Cove Community Band raised $1813 by hosting a band supper and a morning tea with a cookie baking competition, trivia quiz and lecture on the history of music notation.

The Lane Cove Community Band posted on their Facebook page the following:

Hunters Hill High School – Shining the Light on Mental Health Issues

This June Hunters Hill High School is participating in the Push Up Challenge to help shine the spotlight on the number of lives lost to suicide in 2021 and raise awareness of mental health. Below is a video that co vice captains Nelson and Tony put together encouraging students to get involved. https://fb.watch/kPY5Y9lXkA/

In the Cove has been contacted by one of HHH’s Vice Captains, Nelson. He has asked us to raise awareness of the challenge. Lane Cove locals can help in the following ways:

• Donate via this link https://bit.ly/45CTmWA (you can choose how much to donate)
• If you know a Hunters Hill High Student who is participating in the challenge – speak to them about the challenge and support them.
• They are after some corporate sponsorship to reach their fundraising goal so if you run a business that can assist, please contact Hunters Hill High School to discuss.

Good luck to everyone who is participating.

Lane Cove Sport

Congratulations to Lane Cove Local Alex Strassberg, who made his VFL debut as a Goal Umpire in April 2023 when Alex umpired GWS Giants vs Brisbane Lions at Blacktown International Sports Complex. Last weekend he made his debut at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Well done, Alex. Being a goal umpire involves a high level of dedication and training.

Alex is following in the footsteps of a former Lane Cove local, Alex Chisholm – who ITC interviewed in 2018 – read our story here

ITC regularly sees Alex Chisholm umpiring AFL Swans games at the SCG, and we hope to see Alex Strassberg at Swans games soon.

Lane Cove Cats Junior AFL Club

Articles Published by ITC This Week

When is a florist a Lane Cove Florist?

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has commenced legal proceedings against ‘Meg’s Flowers’, an online florist allegedly using deceptive advertising to pose as a local florist. In particular, they represented they were based in seven different suburbs/towns, including Lane Cove.

Read our article here.

The Gai-mariagal Festival 2023

The Gai-mariagal Festival was founded in 2001 and aims to raise awareness of First Nations People living in the Northern Sydney region. Festival events include workshops, art exhibitions, performances, films, talks and more.

The Gai-mariagal Festival takes place around the following significant dates:

• Sorry Day 26th May;
• National Reconciliation Week 27 May- 3 June; and
• NAIDOC Week 3-10 July.

Festival Events include the Children’s Voices for Reconciliation an event which started in 1997!!

Find out more about what’s happening here.

Lane Cove Bushland & Conservation Society Push for Extra Funding

Almost every part of Lane Cove is within 500 metres of bushland and the efforts of the Lane Cove Bushland & Conservation Society have helped to preserve this urban bushland. Recent events such as the pandemic lockdowns and the threat of climate change have helped locals recognise the value of this land for both human and environmental sustainability.

Lane Cove Bushland & Conservation Society have started a campaign calling on Lane Cove Council to increase funding for bushland restoration in their 2023/2024 Council Budget papers. They are requesting an increase in funding for all bushland reserves to enable professional restoration of bush tracks and improved vegetation management. Read more here.

July School Holidays

It’s that time again! School Holiday programs are LIVE and it is best to get in quick to make sure your little ones don’t miss out!

Lane Cove has a huge amount of activities on this winter school holidays. Don’t forget that if you book and pay before 30 June, you can redeem any outstanding creative & active vouchers with registered providers before they EXPIRE!

Check out our full list of activities here.

Lane Cove Events

Greenhouse by Joost Documentary – Last Chance to Book

Imagine a house that grows its own food. That’s the vision of environmental campaigner Joost Bakker, who was once dubbed the ‘Poster Boy of Zero Waste Living’ by The New York Times.

Lane Cove Council is showing the inspiring documentary film Greenhouse by Joost at The Alcott Lane Cove on 1 June 2023 – BOOKING DETAILS HERE https://bit.ly/41wFl9H

This inspiring feature documentary follows Bakker as he builds a self-sustaining home, an ecosystem that provides its occupants with water, energy, shelter and nourishment. Joined in his work by internationally acclaimed chefs Matt Stone and Jo Barrett, Bakker faces his fair share of challenges to finish the home. Delays, COVID shutdowns and blackouts all threaten the build. But ultimately, GREENHOUSE BY JOOST is an uplifting look at the teamwork and ingenuity behind a paradigm-shifting project that bursts with life. GREENHOUSE BY JOOST is the winner of the Audience Award at the Melbourne International Film Festival and comes from the award-winning producers of 2040, The Australian Dream and That Sugar Film.

5:00pm – Meet your Neighbours (for both business and residents)

6:00pm – Official Welcome

6:15pm – Movie Starts

7:45pm – Panel Session

9:00 pm – Event Concludes

MC Jo Taranto, founder Good for the Hood, will guide our panel. Speakers include Laura Hamilton O-Hara from the Living Futures Institute, Adam Byrne from Bush to Bowl and John Austin, a Lane Cove local recently featured on Sustainable House Day.

This is a hybrid event. Make sure you select the correct ticket type to attend in-person or online.

In-person ticket includes grazing plates and catering. Proceeds from your ticket will be donated to Australian Conservation Foundation.

Online ticket includes link to the watch party and panel session via zoom.

This event is co-hosted by Lane Cove Council, Ku-ring-gai Council and Willoughby Council. The Lane Cove Chamber of Commerce supports the event.

Heartbeats for Xav – 4 June 2023

Week in Review Sponsor – Apple Dental