Here’s your weekly wrap of what’s been happening in and around Lane Cove — from local news and council updates to events and community notices.
Thank you Jack & Co for sponsoring this Week in Review
Use the buttons below to skip to what matters to you:
Lane Cove News
Fire At Northwood
Emergency services were called to Northwood Road on Tuesday 7 July after reports that a gas pipe may have been damaged during roadworks near Jack and Co.
Crews arrived on scene just before 9 pm with multiple fire crews responding to the incident.
Northwood Road was blocked while emergency services worked to manage the situation, and residents in the area were advised to avoid the road and allow extra travel time.
Police arrived shortly after, joining the response by 9.20 pm.
By 10 pm, the fire had been extinguished, though Northwood Road remained blocked as crews continued to manage the site.
Car Crashes Into House On Mowbray Road West
On Friday 10 July emergency services responded to a motor vehicle incident on the corner of Mowbray Road West and Cumberland Avenue Lane Cove North. NSW Ambulance confirmed crews attended to two patients at the scene.
Police later confirmed further details of the incident, stating that officers attached to North Shore Police Area Command were called to the scene about 6 pm following reports of a crash.
Officers were told a Mercedes station wagon had mounted the kerb before driving into a house.
The driver, a 62-year-old man, was uninjured and underwent mandatory testing, which returned a negative result. He was issued a Traffic Infringement Notice for negligent driving.
Wadanggari Park Playground Fully Closed Following Ongoing Vandalism
On Friday, Lane Cove Council confirmed the entire playground structure at Wadanggari Park has been temporarily closed following continued vandalism. Previous attempts to keep the playground partially open by fencing off only the fire-damaged sections proved unworkable, with equipment continuing to be targeted.
Further background on the repeated vandalism in an earlier ITC article.
The toddler swing and slide are still available for use as is green space and seating areas.
Signage has been installed on the fencing, including a QR code linking to Council’s website for updates. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, Chatswood Police on (02) 9414 8433 or 000 in an emergency.
Council is working with NSW Police and the playground’s manufacturer on a permanent solution and says reopening the space is a priority.
Our cover photo shows part of the beautiful mural Birrong + Bagi (Stars + Sky) at Wadanggari Park.
Have you Visited The New Charlish Park Playground?
Earlier this year the playground upgrade at Charlish Park was completed. ITC popped by this week to check it out.
The park is behind Lane Cove Bowling Club and bordered by a fence with pedestrian access to Centennial Avenue.
The revamped playground now features a new play unit with double slides and climbing elements, new bench seating surrounded by gardens, a drinking fountain, improved footpath access for prams and scooters and a bigger grassed area for kids who just want to run around.
The open grass area is great to kick a ball around and the kids loved collecting fallen sticks from the beautiful mature trees to construct their own fort.
If you’re not within walking distance there is parking behind the bowling club and on Burns Bay Road. It’s a short walk from IGA Local Grocer Lane Cove so you can even grab a coffee and food before or after your visit to the park.
Check out the playground here.
Term 3 Is Almost Here – We’ve Got Your Local Guides
Term 3 is just around the corner so we’ve got a couple of guides to help parents.
Our activity guide covers a host of extracurricular activities from sports to the stage and everything in between. Find their old or new favourite thing here.
Our tutoring and support guide has a range of services that can give your child educational support or help them thrive in their special interest areas. They cover those just starting their school journey right up to those in the final push towards their HSC. Check it out here.
Lane Cove Public School’s Campaign To Bring Nicole Kidman Home
Lane Cove Public School is turning 150, and the students would love nothing more than to welcome one of its most famous former students back through the gates.
The school has launched a light-hearted community campaign inviting Nicole Kidman, once an LCPS student herself, to the school’s 150th anniversary celebrations on Friday 7 August 2026. Students made a video invitation, and the whole community is being encouraged to help share it in the hope of getting it in front of Nicole.
Read more and see the students’ video invitation here.
Business
Destination Roll Officially Open
Destination Roll has officially opened in Lane Cove, bringing its popular Vietnamese rolls, pho, rice paper rolls, rice dishes and more to the plaza dining precinct.
Owner Thi and her team are now serving customers seven days a week, with trading hours from 7.30 am to 4.30 pm.
To celebrate the opening on Saturday they gave away free rolls – there was a long queue but the feedback was that the wait was well worth it.
Pie July At Jack & Co
Check out this awesome deal at Jack & Co Foodstores.
We grabbed a few today at Jack & Co Northwood. There’s two and half more weeks to try all the flavours…maybe more than once each!
Longueville Chemist Official Opening Celebration
Longueville Chemist has been trading for a couple of months now. This coming Tuesday 21 July they are having a special opening celebration afternoon.
Come along from 3 – 5 pm. You can expect:
free icecream, free giveaways, free gifts and free health checks (blood pressure and blood glucose testing).
Day to day you can access all your pharmacy needs including prescriptions, webster packs, over the counter medicines, first aid, toiletries and of course friendly advice.
They are located at 4 Northwood Rd Lane Cove in the retail section of the Pathways development. Parking available onsite.
Trading hours are 9 am – 6 pm Monday to Friday.
Head in and say hi to Micky and the team. Ph: 9878 0806
The Practice Expanding Into Lane Cove
Psychology and dietetics provider The Practice Healthcare, currently based at Crows Nest, is expanding into Lane Cove, taking new rooms at the old Belle Property site on Longueville Road from late July.
The move will expand the team’s availability across psychology and dietetics services for local clients.
General Information / Safety Alerts
Aqualuna Singers Ready To Welcome New Members
The next term for the Aqualuna Singers starts on 22 July at 7.30 pm.
Rehearsals are at St Aidan’s Church Hall Longueville. Find out more on the website or contact them via email.
Reusable Cup Bins Are Not Recycling Bins
A quick reminder if you’ve spotted the new reusable cup bins around Lane Cove: they are not recycling bins. They are part of the Cercle Co reusable cup system.
That means only Cercle cups should go in the return bins, so they can be collected, washed and used again. Paper coffee cups, lids, rubbish and other recycling should not go in these bins, even if you’re trying to do the right thing.
The idea is simple: drink it, drop it, do it again. Read more about Plastic Free July in Lane Cove here.
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. You can nominate someone you admire, an organisation doing important work, or even yourself.
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.
FIFA World Cup 2026 — Quarter-Final Screenings at The Canopy
Two massive quarter-finals on the big screen at The Canopy this week — sound on from 5 am, so grab a coffee and settle in.
Wednesday 15 July: France vs Spain — 5 am
Thursday 16 July: England vs Argentina — 5 am
Where: The Canopy
How: Free. Just turn up.
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.
The Rusted Live at The Canopy
Sydney five-piece rock band The Rusted are heading back to Lane Cove for a free outdoor performance on the Canopy Stage. Drawing on diverse influences, the band brings the classic rhythms of 80s and 90s rock in a nostalgic fusion — a great Sunday afternoon out.
When: Sunday 19 July 2026
Time: 2 pm – 4 pm
Where: The Canopy, Lane Cove
How: Free. Just turn up. Note, weather dependent.
Heart of the Nation — Free CPR and Defibrillator Training
The Heart Foundation’s Heart of the Nation program is coming to Lane Cove in partnership with Lane Cove Council. The free sessions aim to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and teach participants how to perform CPR and use an AED (defibrillator) in an emergency.
Wednesday 22 July 2026 | 10.30am – 12pm Cove Room, Civic Centre, 48 Longueville Rd
Wednesday 26 August 2026 | 6pm – 7.30pm Lane Cove Library, Library Place
Friday 18 September 2026 | 1pm – 2.30pm – St Leonards Library, Mall 88
How: Free. Register here.
Fundraiser BBQ For Sam Pratt At Jack & Co Northwood
A community fundraiser is being held to support Greenwich para swimmer Sam Pratt, who is working towards getting home from hospital and making accessibility modifications after a recent diagnosis left her unable to stand or walk.
Jack & Co and the Lane Cove Swim Club are running a sausage sizzle and BBQ across the weekend, with proceeds from the BBQ plus $1 from every coffee and fuel sale going to the fundraiser, up to $5,000.
When: Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 July 2026
Time: 10 am – 1 pm
Where: Jack & Co, Northwood
How: Just turn up. Read Sam’s story and how to help here.
Willoughby Literary Festival (Just Over the Border)
Willoughby City Library presents the return of the Willoughby Literary Festival, with author talks, panels and events across the long weekend.
When: Friday 17 – Sunday 19 July 2026
Where: Willoughby City Library and venues across Willoughby
How: Details and program via Willoughby City Council.
Local Sports
LC12ftSSC Dinghy Instructors Graduate
Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Skiff Club hosted an Assistant Dinghy Instructor program at its Longueville Wharf Clubhouse at the start of the school holidays. The program allows young sailors to build their mentoring, sailing and power boating skills, and once qualified, assist with the Club’s popular holiday Learn to Sail programs. Six candidates successfully completed the course.
The Club has been busy despite the off-season, with regular weekend Sabot training, while Wednesday’s RUST group (the Club’s support and maintenance team) has been servicing the Response boats and undertaking slipway repairs in readiness for the new season. New members and volunteers are always welcome.
The new sailing season commences 12 September, and the next Learn to Sail holiday camp is scheduled for 6 October. Details and bookings on the website.
Crime, Accidents & Incidents
More Damage At Lane Cove Golf Course — Police Appeal For Footage
Just a few weeks after we reported ongoing vandalism to the greens caused by people riding e-bikes and e-scooters across the course, there has been another incident. This time, CCTV appears to show younger children riding a bike and scooter across one of the greens, causing further damage.
The Golf Club has reported the matter to North Shore Police Area Command and says it intends to pursue the costs of repairs where those responsible can be identified.
North Shore Police Area Command and the Golf Club are asking for the community’s help, describing this as the sixth vandalism incident in just over a month. The latest happened just after 7.30 pm on Thursday 2 July, with three youths caught on CCTV from the Galuwa Sport and Recreation Centre. Anyone who lives near the course is asked 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 on 1800 333 000 or report online, quoting reference E88370557. Information is treated in strict confidence.
This is a timely reminder for parents to have a conversation with their children if they use the golf course as a shortcut. While there are paths that can be used to pass through the course, the greens and fairways are not for riding or playing. It’s not just about the damage — golf courses can be dangerous places, with golf balls travelling at high speed. Staying on the designated paths helps protect both the course and everyone’s safety.
We’ve deliberately blurred the children’s faces. As a community news publication, we don’t identify minors who appear in incidents like this unless police have officially released identifying images or there is a compelling public interest to do so. Our aim is to inform the community, not publicly identify children.
Read our original story for more background on the ongoing damage to the course.
This Week is Sponsored by Jack & Co
Help Sam Get Home
Next weekend, Jack & Co is throwing its full support behind Greenwich para swimmer and Australian squad representative Sam Pratt, who is working towards getting home safely after a recent neurological diagnosis left her facing significant mobility challenges.
Here’s how the fundraiser works across Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July:
🔥 All BBQ proceeds donated — Northwood Store, 10 am – 1 pm each day.
☕ $1 from every coffee and ⛽ $1 from every fuel sale donated — Lane Cove and Northwood stores, up to $5,000.
🎁 Spend $15 or more at Jack & Co Lane Cove or Northwood and go in the draw to win a $200 Jack & Co hamper (one winner from each of the 2 locations).
Every coffee, every snag, every fill-up on the 25th & 26th helps get Sam home. Read Sam’s story here.
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