It’s been another busy week in Lane Cove — here’s what you need to know.

Thank you Tier 1 Plumbing for sponsoring this Week in Review

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Lane Cove News

One weekend, $4,230 — Lane Cove rallies to bring Sam Pratt home

Two days. Countless coffees. A lot of sausages. And $4,230.19 raised to help bring Sam Pratt home.

Jack & Co Food Stores hosted the weekend fundraiser at Northwood, donated every single piece of food, gave away two $200 hampers, and put $1 from every coffee and every fuel sale across both stores towards Sam.

Sam is a Greenwich para swimmer and is still at Royal North Shore Hospital — not because she is too unwell to leave, but because her home is not yet accessible. That is changing. A bathroom stripped back to the frame and rebuilt, fixtures and tiles donated, a lift going in downstairs, tradies and businesses working at reduced cost, and a $1,000 Rotary Australia Benevolent Society grant secured by Lane Cove Rotary.

Thank you to Jack & Co, Lane Cove Swim Club, Sam’s friends and family, and every local who turned up for a snag. Both appeals are still open — tax-deductible donations can be made via the Lane Cove Rotary fundraising page.
Read the full story, including Sam’s own message and the full list of businesses who helped.

Big birthdays for our local schools

Lane Cove Public School celebrated its 150th anniversary on Friday 7 August, with students centre stage.

Greenwich Public School marks its own 150th in September, with celebrations including a Spring Fair on Sunday 20 September.

And Lane Cove West Public School’s 75th anniversary is coming up too — it’s all being formally acknowledged in a Mayoral Minute at this Thursday’s Council meeting.

Two locals among the North Shore Volunteer of the Year winners

The 2026 North Shore Volunteer of the Year Awards were announced yesterday at Norths at Cammeray — and two of our own were among the winners.

Gabriel Dickinson of Greenwich took the top gong as North Shore Volunteer of the Year, as well as Young and Emergency Volunteer of the Year. He’s the youngest Deputy Unit Commander at the NSW SES North Sydney Unit, where he’s also a Team Leader, Incident Controller and Trainer, leading emergency response through storms, floods and land searches and mentoring the volunteers coming up behind him. He also volunteers with the UNSW Outdoors Club and coaches at his local soccer club.

Jeff Lewis of Riverview was named Adult Volunteer of the Year. A volunteer boat builder and sailor with the Making Waves Foundation, Jeff helps disengaged young people and people with disabilities get out on the water, and has sailed the Sydney to Hobart as part of the support crew.

Also recognised: Carol Chaitowitz of Wollstonecraft as Senior Volunteer of the Year, for 35 years on the Listening Ear Helpline, and the Gidget Angels of North Sydney as Volunteer Team of the Year who are parents with lived experience of perinatal depression who reached 4,000 other parents in the past year alone.

All four now go on to represent the North Shore at the State Gala later this year. Congratulations, all of you.

From our readers: Lane Cove Public School in the 1950s

With Lane Cove Public School’s 150th freshly celebrated, reader David Wakeley (formerly of Northwood) got in touch with his memories of the school in the early 1950s. He and his brother Peter may be among the few surviving students from those years. He remembers teachers Mr Coles, Mr Bennet and Mr James, and the school choir performing at the Town Hall and he has a wonderful “pull your socks up” story to go with it. “You need to pull your socks up son” – “but they are up Sir” – Whack!!

Got a Lane Cove memory to share? Send it to us and we’ll run it in a future Week in Review.

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In the Media

Spotted on page 9 of the Daily Telegraph

Last week we reported on one of the court cases in relation to the illegal clearing of 287 trees from public bushland at Woodford Bay Reserve. The court-ordered legal notice has now appeared in print.

Gardener Yi Wang pleaded guilty to three offences over the clearing and was fined a total of $187,500, as well as being ordered to pay Lane Cove Council’s legal and investigation costs. The Court also ordered Wang, at his own expense, to publish notices about the offences in the Daily Telegraph, the Sydney Morning Herald and the Village Observer.

Then on Tuesday 18 August on page 9 of the Daily Telegraph the notice appeared. Thanks to the ITC follower who sent it to us. Mayor Merri Southwood has also confirmed that a second matter related to the same incident is still before the court.

We’ve followed this case since the 287 trees were discovered cut down in November 2023. Read what the Court found and the full story here.

A Lane Cove data centre in the national spotlight

The NSW Government has announced a new framework promising to assess data centre applications within 75 days if builders comply with newly set guidelines on energy, water, environmental standards, community consultation and infrastructure contributions. Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said data centre builders would foot the bill for new clean energy rather than taxpayers, and that by 2030 data centres could account for around 11 per cent of the state’s energy needs.

More than 60 data centres are already operating or under construction across NSW, with another 19 in the planning pipeline. Some community groups have opposed the move. And the photo the ABC chose to illustrate the story? A data centre right here in Lane Cove. Read the ABC’s report here.

If you like following the planning pipeline, Urban Digest’s weekly State Significant Development briefing tracks new applications, exhibitions and determinations across NSW.

Lane Cove National Park makes the cycling scavenger hunt list

Sydney-based YouTuber Josh Kwan has turned the city into a giant bike adventure, with a scavenger hunt covering 15 destinations, 15 stamps and a specially designed passport. The locations are split into Parks, Cycleways and Destinations — and Lane Cove National Park is on the Parks list, alongside Centennial Park, Sydney Olympic Park, Parramatta Park and Western Sydney Parklands.

There’s no time limit, no set route and no need for a road bike or lycra. Ride to each location, find the stamp, add it to your passport. Read more here.

Speaking up for small local newsrooms

The Federal Government’s News Bargaining Incentive was in the news this week, and In the Cove had a few things to say about what it needs to deliver for communities like ours.
A fairer deal for local news organisations, if Canberra gets it right
A welcome step forward, but the News Bargaining Incentive must deliver for all communities

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Lane Cove Council

Council meets this Thursday — e-bikes, climate and affordable housing on the agenda

Lane Cove Council’s August meeting is 7pm this Thursday 20 August, and it’s a big agenda. Read our full agenda wrap-up here.

• E-bikes and Lime bikes: two competing Notices of Motion. One proposes more marked parking zones and rider education; the other seeks to defer new Lime agreements and charge operators commercial rates for footpath use.
• Draft Climate Emergency Plan 2026–2030: proposed for 42 days of public exhibition, built around community, environment, built infrastructure and governance themes, with net-zero targets included.
• Draft Affordable Housing Policy: back for adoption after three community submissions, setting an “at least 10% where feasible” contribution target for affordable rental housing. Adoption unlocks work on Council’s Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme.
• Draft CCTV and surveillance policy: heading to public exhibition, covering privacy protections and emerging technologies like automatic number plate recognition.
  Also on the agenda: waste infrastructure advocacy, temporary stalls in Wadanggari Park, the Kindy Cove governance policy, and a closed session on the General Manager’s performance review.

Funding locked in for the Wardrop Street pedestrian crossing

The long-awaited Wardrop Street pedestrian crossing in Greenwich near the Greenwich Public School Junior campus has been approved for funding under the NSW Government’s Get Active Scheme. The Mayor has said she is seeking clarification on the final location and the timing, so watch this space.

Weed spraying in our parks – late August into early September

Council will be spraying for broadleaf weeds and bindii across more than 30 parks and reserves from late August into early September, including Burns Bay Reserve, Greenwich Park, Central Park and Blackman Park.

Notification signs go up at major park entrances and spray times are updated before application. Parks stay closed until they’re reopened later the same day — please follow the on-site signage and keep off the grass (and keep the dog off it too) until re-entry is permitted. Full list of affected parks on Council’s website.

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Business

Panini & coffee spot coming to Lane Cove

We’ve been watching the former Four Frogs site at 115–119 Longueville Road and now we can confirm what’s moving in.

A new panini and coffee spot is on the way, with owner Shan telling ITC they’ll be making their focaccia in-house, using quality deli ingredients and putting a big focus on great coffee.

The team is still getting everything together, so the name and opening date are under wraps for now, but they’re excited to become part of the Lane Cove community.

We’ll update you with more information as it becomes available.

Cosmostyle coming to Pacific Highway Greenwich

A Development Application (DA) has been lodged for one of the ground floor retail spaces in the newly completed The Bellevue development at 180 Pacific Highway Greenwich. The DA has been lodged by Cosmostyle to fit out the space for a blinds and awnings business. They already have a store in Hunters Hill opposite the Hunters Hill Hotel.

According to their website, Cosmostyle “started in Hunters Hill in 2009, creating custom solutions with curtains, blinds, shutters and awnings to make spaces perfect for any lifestyle” and was founded by mother daughter duo Adele and Shari Westlake.

Inside Galuwa Dining’s pre-opening wine tasting

Galuwa Dining is putting the finishing touches on the venue ahead of its official opening — and last Wednesday a small group of locals, ITC included, was invited in to help choose the wines.

The team is finalising the lists for both the main dining room and their event packages, so the afternoon was spent tasting, scoring and arguing pleasantly about sparkling, whites and reds, with a very generous grazing board to keep everyone honest.

Well done, Lane Cove — Harris Farm’s snags for Colombia

The crew at Harris Farm Lane Cove spent the day sizzling to raise money for communities affected by the devastating earthquake in Colombia, with 100% of proceeds going to the Colombian Red Cross.

By early afternoon they were down to their last 20 sausages and Lane Cove finished the job. A huge effort from the team, who volunteered their time, and a brilliant response from everyone who stopped by and bought a snag.

Free pet dental checks in the Plaza

It’s Pet Dental Health Month, and on Saturday the team from Advanced Vet Care Lane Cove set up in Lane Cove Plaza to talk teeth with local pet owners and offered free five-minute consults, microchip checks and a few goodies to take home. Missed them? You can still book a free dental assessment online any time.

Lifeline Lane Cove wants your good quality homewares

Lifeline Lane Cove is after good quality homewares, bric-a-brac, selected furniture and children’s clothing. Every item sold helps fund crisis support and suicide prevention services.

If you’ve got something to donate, pop into the shop or get in touch first for a chat about what you’ve got — a few photos help too. That way they can let you know if it’s the right fit before you make the trip.

40 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove | Mon–Sat 9.30 am – 4.30 pm, Sun 10 am – 4 pm More about the Lane Cove shop, including contact details

Battery discounts for local businesses and apartment buildings from 1 September

From 1 September, eligible NSW businesses can get an upfront discount of roughly 20–40% on battery installation through government-accredited suppliers. For a small business like a grocery store that could be around $37,000 off, and a 20–50 kWh battery suits restaurants, takeaways and convenience stores.

There’s good news for strata too — apartment buildings with four or more units can claim for shared-space batteries between 20 kWh and 200 kWh, which is very relevant to a lot of Lane Cove blocks. It can also be stacked with the federal discounted commercial rooftop solar scheme.
Business batteries information | Apartment batteries information

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Have Your Say

Planning proposal, 1–3 Austin Crescent — closes 10 September

A planning proposal for 1–3 Austin Crescent is on exhibition. Have your say here.

Draft Data Breach Policy — closes 9 September

Council’s draft Data Breach Policy is open for comment. Have your say here.

Coming soon: Climate Emergency Plan and CCTV Policy

If Council endorses them on Thursday, the draft Climate Emergency Plan 2026–2030 goes on public exhibition for 42 days, and the draft CCTV and surveillance policy goes out for comment too. We’ll let you know when they open.
Written submissions on any Council matter can be emailed to [email protected].

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General Information / Safety Alerts

New e-bike laws are now in force

Sick of dodging shared e-bikes on the footpath? From Friday 14 August, Australian-first laws mean operators need both Transport for NSW approval and council authorisation before they can deploy bikes on our streets. Previously they could drop bikes almost anywhere.

Penalties run up to $55,000, plus $5,500 a day, including for failing to remove badly parked bikes. Councils can now issue penalties, set no-go and go-slow zones, and create dedicated parking bays. A per-trip levy funds a $6.6 million grant program, with councils able to apply for up to $200,000 for e-bike parking.

There’s more in the package too: police powers to seize illegal e-bikes, the power limit cut to 250W, a minimum riding age coming, and converted e-bikes banned from trains and the Metro.

Timely, given Council is debating two e-bike motions this Thursday.

Missing teenager — please keep an eye out

Police are appealing for help to find Izaeah Bennett-Ainuu, aged 14, last seen in Crows Nest about 8.20 pm on Tuesday 4 August 2026. Police were notified on 10 August and hold concerns for his welfare because of his age.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall, with dark hair. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, dark trousers, dark shoes with white soles, and carrying a black Nike backpack. He is known to use the Sydney rail network to travel.

The case is being run by North Shore Police Area Command. Anyone who sees him or has information is urged to contact Chatswood Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. More information and his photo are on the NSW Police website.

Time to start thinking about bushfire season

With El Niño established and a hot, dry summer forecast, NSW agencies have hazard-reduced more than 124,000 hectares since 1 July 2025 which is 20% up on last year. The progress so far is said to be protecting over 174,000 properties.

The official bushfire danger period for most of NSW starts 1 October. If you back onto bushland around Lane Cove National Park, Riverview or the river corridor, now is the time to get your property ready.

Calling local artists — Willoughby Emerging Art Prize is back

After a 19-year hiatus, the Willoughby Art Prize has returned as the Willoughby Emerging Art Prize, with a $15,000 prize pool. That’s a $10,000 acquisitive first prize plus a solo show at Art Space Gallery at The Concourse and mentoring, a $5,000 second prize, and a Highly Commended award from the Civic Place Trust.

It’s open to Australian-resident emerging artists aged 18 and over who are five to 15 years into their practice including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, printmaking and more. Judges are Consuelo Cavaniglia and Monica Rani Rudhar.

Entries close Sunday 30 August, with winners announced at opening night on Thursday 8 October. Enter 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 Event Calendar.

After Dinner Opens This Friday

Party like it’s 1989! Lane Cove Theatre Company brings Andrew Bovell’s riotous comedy After Dinner to Pottery Lane Performance Space this month. Five lonely hearts collide across one memorable Friday night in an 80s pub bistro — think big hair, bad dance moves and plenty of laughs. A sharp, funny and thoroughly entertaining night out. Contains strong sexual references.

When: Thursday 21 – Sunday 30 August 2026
Where: Pottery Lane Performance Space, 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove
How: More information, show times and ticket link here.

Come and Try Bushcare Day — Tambourine Bay

A perfect introduction to bushcare for first-timers and anyone curious about getting hands-on with nature. Join Lane Cove Council’s friendly Bushcare team at Tambourine Bay Park to discover local native and exotic plants, tackle a few weeds and make a real difference to the local bushland. No experience needed — all tools and equipment provided. Light refreshments included. Bookings essential, spaces limited.

When: Sunday 23 August 2026
Time: 9 am – 12 pm
Where: Tambourine Bay Park, 106 Tambourine Bay Road, Riverview
How: Free. Register on Eventbrite here.

An Evening with Author Catherine DeVrye

Bestselling Australian author and keynote speaker Catherine DeVrye shares stories from her travels through more than 150 countries, drawn from her book Beyond Timbuktu: Journeys of Hope and Humanity. A joint event of the Rotary Clubs of Lane Cove, Crows Nest, North Sydney Sunrise and Chatswood Roseville — family and friends welcome. RSVPs have been extended to Wednesday 19 August, so if you’re keen, be quick.

When: Tuesday 25 August 2026
Time: 6.30 pm – 9.30 pm
Where: Club Willoughby, 26 Crabbes Avenue, North Willoughby
How: $40 per person. Book here.

Opening Event — Dream and Reason: Paradoxes of the Sublime

Gallery Lane Cove opens its next exhibition with a celebratory evening showcasing Dream and Reason: Paradoxes of the Sublime — a striking contemporary printmaking exhibition featuring six artists exploring nature, awe and the limits of human reason. Archibald and Sulman Prize winner Wendy Sharpe AM headlines alongside printmakers Andrew Totman, Salvatore Gerardi, Juanita McLauchlan, Annika Romeyn and Bridget Hillebrand. The exhibition also marks the 60th year of the Australian Print Council and the 65th of the Sydney Printmakers. The exhibition is on now and runs until 11 September 2026.

When: Wednesday 26 August 2026
Time: 6 pm – 8 pm
Where: Gallery Lane Cove, 164 Longueville Road, Lane Cove
How: Free. RSVP here.

Beyond the Stretch — Gentle Hatha Yoga

A slow, inclusive Hatha yoga class for every body, led by Dee Reddy at Galuwa Recreation Centre. No experience needed, just bring a mat and a blanket or towel. We popped in last week and can report the room, with its lovely bushland view, is rather special.

When: Every Wednesday
Time: 10.15 am – 11.45 am
Where: Galuwa Recreation Centre, Lane Cove
How: $39 for drop in session. Contact Gallery Lane Cove to book your drop in or term spot.

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Local Sports

Longueville’s 147-year-old rowing club needs coxswains — and students can get paid

North Shore Rowing Club, established in 1879 and based at Aquatic Park in Longueville since 1933, is looking for coxswains for the season starting at the end of August and they’re especially keen to hear from students after paid work.

Coxswains steer, set the rhythm, call the race and keep everyone safe. Facing backwards, they’re the only person in the boat who can see where it’s going, which makes them highly prized and always in demand. No experience needed, all coaching provided, and unlike rowing membership there’s no minimum age. It’s a chance to earn a bit of money before the school day has even started — out on the water at sunrise, which as the photo shows is not a bad way to start a morning. Interested? Email [email protected]. Learn to Row courses run Sundays 8.30am to 10.30am. Read the full story here.

Did you know: Osborne Park Tennis Club

Tucked into the leafy surrounds of Osborne Park Recreation Area off Richardson Street East, right next to the picnic tables and play equipment, is a community tennis court run entirely by volunteers through the Osborne Park Progress Association.

It’s a single astroturf court, open 8am to 6pm (no lights), with a PIN-operated smart lock on the gate. Casual court hire is available at great value with self-service online bookings and no login needed, and nearby residents can enquire about membership.

Book at oppa.tennisbcs2.com.au or contact the Court Manager at [email protected].
Looking for a local club? Our Lane Cove sporting directory has the lot.

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Crime, Accidents & Incidents

Have You Seen Marcus Gell?

North Shore Police Area Command are seeking assistance from the public to locate Marcus Gell (pictured). A warrant has been issued for the 34-year-old’s arrest for breach of a community corrections order. He is known to frequent Mona Vale as well as Chatswood and Artarmon.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged not to approach him, but to call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Break-in warning — Longueville

We were contacted by a Longueville resident whose home was broken into and ransacked overnight on Saturday, in the Dettmann Avenue and Stuart Street area. The home’s CCTV hard drive was smashed during the break-in. Police have been notified and the property has been examined for fingerprints.

If you live in or around Dettmann Avenue or Stuart Street, please check your CCTV, doorbell cameras or dashcam footage from that night. If you captured anything unusual — people, vehicles or suspicious activity — please preserve the footage and contact police. Even something that seems insignificant could assist the investigation.

Please also be extra vigilant and make sure doors, windows, garages and vehicles are secured. Do share this with anyone you know in the Longueville area.

Graffiti incident — Lane Cove North

We were contacted following a graffiti incident at the top of Taylors Drive, Lane Cove North, at around 3.20am over the weekend. CCTV captured a person in the area around the time of the incident, and the footage has now been provided to police.
There are very few residences immediately around this section of Taylors Drive, so we’re putting the call out a little wider. If you were driving through the area around 3.20am, or have CCTV or dashcam footage that may have captured anything unusual, please check your footage and contact police.

You can report to NSW Police via the Police Assistance Line on 131 444, or report information confidentially to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online. NSW Police also accepts intentional damage and graffiti reports through its Community Portal.

Traffic Incidents

At around 9.20 am on Friday 14 August a car crashed near the bus stop on Burns Bay Road opposite Bridge Street and partially blocked the road.

A roving reporter told us there were a number of people at the scene and the driver was looked after.

Truck wedged in the Birralee car park

Around midday on Friday there was a bit of a situation in the car park servicing Birralee, Harris Farm, Chemist Warehouse and the surrounding businesses.

A large truck appeared to run into trouble coming down the hill and attempting the turn through the car park, making contact with a parked car and becoming wedged. Another vehicle was on site trying to assist, and through access was impacted for a while.

Thanks to our Roving Reporter for the heads-up and the photos.

Lane Cove Water Quality Questioned

A Roving Reporter sent us photos taken at around 9.30 am on Friday 14 August, showing an unusual substance/sheen floating on the surface of the Lane Cove River near the Epping Road bridge.

Our Roving Reporter confirmed they would report what they saw to the relevant authorities. After contacting Council they were advised to also report the incident to the NSW EPA Environment Line on 131 555.

Did anyone else notice this along the river? If you did, let us know where you saw it and send us any photos or video.

A reminder for our Roving Reporters: if you spot something like this, please keep sending us photos, videos and information — but also report it directly to the relevant authority. Note the exact location and time, and take photos or video if it’s safe to do so.

Smoke near Chatswood Golf Course

An In the Cove follower sent us video on Monday showing a significant amount of smoke around the Chatswood Golf Course area. We’ve been checking with Fire and Rescue NSW to find out what happened.

More than 730 charged in statewide domestic violence crackdown

NSW Police charged 732 people with 1,589 offences over three days from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August as part of Operation Amarok 14, an intelligence-led domestic violence crackdown run in every police region including ours. Police executed 228 arrest warrants, conducted 12,054 ADVO compliance checks and 1,497 bail checks, identified 546 breaches and seized 118 firearms.

In the Metropolitan Region, which covers the North Shore, 340 people were charged with 695 offences. Deputy Commissioner Paul Pisanos said police receive a domestic violence related call every three minutes.

If you or someone you know needs support, 1800RESPECT is available 24/7 on 1800 737 732. In an emergency, always call 000.

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This Week is sponsored by Tier 1 Plumbing

Tier 1 Plumbing is a Lane Cove based, family owned and operated business that has been keeping the Lower and Upper North Shore flowing since 2016. Founded by licensed plumber, gas fitter and roofer Ryan Spooner, the team brings more than 16 years of experience across residential, strata and commercial work. Whether it is a burst pipe at an awful hour, a blocked drain, a hot water emergency or a bathroom reno you have been putting off, they turn up friendly, tidy and honest about pricing. Available 24/7 Monday to Friday on 0450 223 156.

Thanks to Tier 1 Plumbing for backing independent local journalism in Lane Cove.