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
Greenpeace Hold Sold Out Data Centre Information Session
On Monday 6 July around 100 locals attended a sold out community information session at Lane Cove Library. Greenpeace representatives spoke about the impact data centres are having on communities across the country and around the world.
Representatives from Trillion Trees and Bibbul Ngarm shared their experiences and success with grassroots community led campaigns stopping AI data centres elsewhere in Australia. Their insights were welcomed by the newly formed Lane Cove Responsible Planning Group.
The local focus was on the approved and proposed data centres in Lane Cove West and concerns around the lack of control local government has in their establishment. Deputy Mayor Councillor Rochelle Flood was in attendance. She continued to call for a moratorium on data centre approvals to give communities and governments a chance to properly assess the environmental and community impacts of data centres.
Golf Course Vandals Caught On Camera
North Shore Police Area Command and Lane Cove Golf Club are asking for the community’s help after another vandalism incident; the sixth in just over a month.
The latest happened just after 7.30 pm on Thursday 2 July, with three youths (believed to be around 15–17 years old) caught on CCTV from the Galuwa Sport and Recreation Centre causing damage to the greens.
If you live near the course police are asking you to check any CCTV, driveway camera or dashcam footage from that night.
Recognise anyone in the footage, or have information that could help? Contact Crime Stoppers or report online, quoting reference E88370557. Information is treated with strict confidence.
Lane Cove Public School’s Big Ask: Come Home, Nicole
Lane Cove Public School is turning 150 this year, and the students have launched a community campaign inviting one of its most famous former students — Nicole Kidman — back through the gates for the celebrations.
The whole community is invited to mark the milestone on Friday 7 August 2026, and locals are being encouraged to help spread the word in the hope of getting the invitation in front of Nicole.
You can see the students’ own video invitation and read more about the 150th anniversary celebrations here.
Plastic Free July On Now
Plastic Free July is underway and Lane Cove Council has put together events, resources and small, practical ways to reduce single-use plastic.
The big one you’ll notice around the Plaza is the Reusable Container Trial with Cercle. Participating cafes include Birdwood Cafe, The Cake Man, Fourth Fish Cafe, Old Quarter Cafe, One Seed Patisserie and Sarnie & Panini.
You can borrow a reusable takeaway container, enjoy your coffee or food, then return it by the next day to one of the Cercle drop pods in the Plaza or at The Canopy.
Also happening this month:
- 7 July: Choosing and Using Reusable Menstrual Products webinar
- 24 July: Plastic Free July stall in Lane Cove Plaza
- All month: Reusable Container Trial
Residents can also share their own tips or make a Plastic Free July pledge. Full details here.
Fox Spotted in Lane Cove
Lane Cove has had plenty of fox sightings over the years, but this one came with a very real backyard warning.
A local resident contacted ITC after losing four chickens to a fox. The fox then returned the following night, when she managed to capture a photo.
She told us: “I’ve never seen a fox in the 30 years I’ve been living in Lane Cove.”
Fox sightings have previously been reported around Blackman Park, Gamma Road, Dorritt Street, Banksia Close, Elizabeth Parade, Longueville Road and other parts of Lane Cove.
If you have backyard chickens, rabbits or other small pets, it may be worth taking extra precautions, especially around dusk and overnight.
We’ve put together more information on Lane Cove fox sightings, what Council is doing about fox control and how residents can report sightings. Read more here.
Does This Handwriting Look Familiar?
Australian Federal Police and NSW Police Force are appealing for public assistance to identify the author behind more than 100 letters sent to MPs, religious groups and community leaders since 2015.
He signs off as “Scorpio” or “Bullit” and is believed to be a Caucasian man in his 60s. Some letters contain racist, threatening or Nazi-related content.
If you recognise the handwriting or symbols, contact Crime Stoppers or the National Security Hotline.
In the Media
Sydney Daycare Worker Jailed
The Sydney Morning Herald reports a Sydney daycare worker has been jailed following convictions relating to abuse at multiple childcare centres. It’s a confronting read but an important one. Read the SMH report here (paywalled).
ITC reported on this case in July 2025. Read here for background.
Business
Vinnies Lane Cove Reopens After Renovation
Lane Cove Vinnies NSW officially reopened last week after its renovations, and it’s looking bright, clean and so much easier to browse.
The colour coordination of the space really caught our eye. From the books to the clothing racks, everything feels beautifully organised, making it even easier to discover your next pre-loved treasure.
Whether you’re hunting for a bargain, looking for something unique or simply supporting a great local cause, it’s well worth popping in.
Who knows? Your next favourite find might just be waiting for its second chance.
General Information / Safety Alerts
Are You Hitting The Road This School Holidays?
If you’re travelling these holidays there’s a change to roadwork speed limit rules that could result in a smoother and potentially faster trip.
Under new NSW road rules that took effect on 1 July 2026 temporary speed limit reductions in road work zones must now be lifted outside of work hours, where it is safe to do so.
Previously, reduced speed limits often remained in place around the clock, including when no workers were on site. Under the updated Traffic Control at Work Sites Standard, published by Transport for NSW, speed limits in construction zones must return to normal when workers are not present and conditions allow it safely.
All road users are still required to comply with whatever speed limit is posted, including any reductions that remain in place due to changed road conditions.
Toll Prices Rise on Lane Cove Tunnel from 1 July
A heads-up for anyone using the Lane Cove Tunnel: tolls increased from 1 July 2026 as part of the regular quarterly adjustment on a number of Sydney’s privately-owned toll roads, including the Hills M2, NorthConnex, Westlink M7, M5 South-West, Military Road E-Ramp, Cross City Tunnel and Eastern Distributor.
Motorists can check updated prices via Transport for NSW’s toll costs page.
Reminder: National Test For AusAlert Monday 27 July 2026
A national test of AusAlert will take place at 2 pm AEST on Monday 27 July 2026 to check the full capabilities of the new system before the complete roll out which is expected in October 2026.
AusAlert is a new national messaging tool that State and Federal governments will be able to use to send geo-targeted messages during emergencies such as natural hazards (bushfires, floods, cyclones and tsunamis), public safety and security threats, biosecurity incidents and health emergencies.
During the national test, everyone with a compatible mobile device that is powered and turned on will receive an alert regardless of whether your phone is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’. A word of warning: it’s loud! Go here for more information on the test and to listen to an audio sample of the alert.
Nominations Open for 2026 Australian Human Rights Awards
Do you know someone making Australia fairer, kinder or more inclusive? Nominations are now open for the 2026 Australian Human Rights Awards, which recognise people, organisations and community groups doing meaningful work to promote and protect human rights across Australia.
Categories include the Human Rights Medal, Young People, Law, Community, and Media and Creative Industries. Nominations close Monday 3 August 2026 — it would be wonderful to see some local Lane Cove names in the mix.
More info and nominations here.
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.
Daffodil Day Sip & Swap 2026
After raising more than $25,000 for Cancer Council in its first year, the local committee behind this very clever fundraiser is back for round two.
The idea is simple: donate quality pre-loved clothing, shoes and accessories ahead of time, then enjoy a night of sipping, swapping, auctions, guest speakers and a few hours out of the house. Tickets are on sale now and clothing donations are being accepted until Friday 14 August.
When: Friday 21 August 2026
Time: 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm
Where: The Cove Room, 48 Longueville Road, Lane Cove
How: Read more and grab the ticket link here.
Evolution: Founders of the Indigenous Art Movement Opening Event
Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios’ newest exhibition will officially open on Wednesday 8 July. This exhibition showcases works by some of the most significant names in Indigenous art. Find out more about the exhibition here. See our feature image for a sample of what’s in store.
When: Wednesday 8 July 2026
Time: 6 pm – 8 pm
Where: Gallery Lane Cove, 164 Longueville Road, Lane Cove
How: Free. RSVP to the opening event here.
Upcoming World Cup Screenings
Sunday 12 July
7 am Norway vs England
11 am — fixture TBC
Sunday 19 July
7 am — fixture TBC
Pop Up Pickleball
Ever wondered what all the pickleball hype is about? Now’s your chance to find out!
From 4 – 14 July, head to The Canopy between 10am and 4pm to try one of the world’s fastest-growing sports for free. It’s easy to learn, fun to play and suitable for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re feeling competitive or just looking for something different to do during the school holidays, grab a paddle and give it a go!
When: 4 – 14 July
Time: Daily, 10 am – 4 pm
Where: The Canopy, Lane Cove
How: Full details here. Sessions are weather dependent.
Celebrate Bastille Day At The Canopy
Head to The Canopy and celebrate Bastille Day with a spectacular can-can show and French music performance.
Make it a full sensory experience by indulging in delicious French cuisine at Garçon.
When: Thursday 16 July 2026
Time: 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm
Where: The Canopy
How: Just turn up for the show and music. Dinner bookings recommended.
Lane Cove Cinema Club: In My Blood It Runs
As part of NAIDOC Week, Lane Cove Council presents a free screening of the critically acclaimed documentary In My Blood It Runs. The film follows ten-year-old Dujuan; a child-healer, hunter and speaker of three languages, as his family fights to give him a strong Arrernte education alongside his western schooling, while he navigates the pressures of welfare, policing and a system that is failing him. Powerful, moving and essential viewing.
When: Thursday 16 July 2026
Time: 7 pm – 8.30 pm
Where: Pottery Lane Performance Space, 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove
How: Free. Details and booking link.
Lane Cove Sports
Cats’ Auskickers On The Big Stage
What a night for some Lane Cove Hunters Hill Cats AFL players who had the incredible opportunity to run out onto the SCG during the halftime break of the Sydney Swans vs Western Bulldogs clash on Friday night.
See the video from the club here.
Mid-season registrations for the club are now open and Auskick is currently FREE!
If you’re looking for a fun, active sport where your child can make friends, build confidence and enjoy opportunities like this, now is the perfect time to join a group at Buffalo Creek or Blackman Park Auskick. Register here.
Crime, Accidents & Incidents
Accident Near Mowbray Public School
On the night of Wednesday 1 July a van crashed into a parked car on Mowbray Road opposite Mowbray Public School. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles.
Thankfully, the young driver of the van was uninjured, and no one was inside the parked car at the time. Several nearby residents and passing motorists quickly came to check that everyone was okay after hearing the crash.
Thanks to a Roving Reporter for sharing these photos with In the Cove.
Accident Howorth Road
At approximately 12.40 pm on Thursday 2 July there was an accident on
Howorth Road near Shore Apartments.
Howorth Road is the small road running parallel to the Pacific Highway that fac
ilitates a turnaround onto the Pacific Highway.
There was a significant response from emergency services with onsite reports suggesting a driver may have experienced a medical emergency.
This Week is sponsored by NAME
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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