Here’s your roundup of the latest Lane Cove news, council updates, events and other community information.

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Lane Cove News

From one window to 150 years: Greenwich Public School celebrates

Greenwich Public School has marked its 150th anniversary, and the story of how it grew from a single-room beginning into the school it is today is worth your time. It’s the second Lane Cove school to hit the milestone this year, after Lane Cove Public School’s 150th earlier in August. Read the full story here.

Construction starts on Finrose Lane Cove

Ground is being broken this week on Finrose Lane Cove, a development of 48 apartments alongside ministry and community facilities, being delivered by Traders In Purple with Sydney Anglican Property. It’s a significant milestone for the site and we’ll bring you more once we’ve been on the ground.

A 10-year-old, a broken tile, and 100 years of Lane Cove West history

Lucy is 10, lives in Lane Cove West, and spotted something gleaming in the dirt on her walk home from school. Over the following week she collected the rest of the pieces, cleaned them in soapy water, fitted them together on the kitchen table and worked out that what she’d found was a Victorian-era tile — over a century old.

She’s written it up herself as a junior reporter, and her closing argument is better than anything we could add: you don’t need to have studied archaeology, and you don’t need to be somewhere far away. Take a look in your own backyard. Read Lucy’s story in her own words.

Lane Cove West Public School marks 75 years

A third Lane Cove school milestone lands this month, with Lane Cove West Public School celebrating its 75th jubilee. Read the full story here.

Athletics track upgrade running a month late — clubs back in early October

We’ve had a steady stream of reader questions about the works at Chatswood Rotary Athletics Field on Mowbray Road West, Lane Cove North, so we asked Willoughby Council directly. Council’s project page had listed the works as finishing by 21 August; the answer is that the timeline has moved.

Subject to weather, the upgrade is now expected to be finished in late September, with the track reopening to clubs in early October. Line marking and curing time for the new synthetic surface are built into that schedule. One section of the natural turf track will stay closed until mid-November so the newly laid turf can establish in warmer weather. An official opening is planned for November.

The approved project budget, including all external funding, is $1,352,212. The work covers earthworks and subgrade preparation, pavement layers and supporting infrastructure for a six-lane athletics straight, surfacing for the track, javelin runway and long jump and triple jump runways, plus sand pits, drainage, kerbing and track edging. The Rekortan G13 surface is World Athletics certified and line marking is to World Athletics standards.

The contract went to Polytan Asia Pacific Pty Ltd, and the project is funded through a mix of Council funding, NSW ClubGRANTS Category 3 funding, a NSW Government pre-election commitment, and contributions from Northern Suburbs Little Athletics Club and UTS Northern Suburbs Athletics Club. Council says alternative training fields were offered to resident clubs during the closure, and no other works are planned at the site this financial year.

A new chapter for Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios

Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios has announced a new shared leadership model, a notable governance change at one of Lane Cove’s core cultural institutions. They’re also recruiting for a role as part of the change.

So where does the name “Lane Cove” actually come from?

It’s the sort of question you assume has a settled answer until you go looking. The Lane Cove Historical Society has agreed to put its archivists onto it after the question was raised with them, so watch this space — we’ll share what they turn up.

We went exploring at Riverglade Reserve

This time we headed to Riverglade Reserve at Huntleys Cove, and there’s a surprising amount tucked away down there: big open grassy areas, walking paths, bushland, room for the dog to have a run, and plenty to explore along Tarban Creek.

We also found Evanders Secret Garden, a lovely little nature play area hidden amongst the trees. And then there are the flying foxes. Tarban Creek is home to a Grey-headed Flying-fox camp and, once you know they’re there, you’ll definitely know they’re there. The signs on site explain why they’ve chosen this particular patch of bushland, and the job they do pollinating plants and spreading seeds.

It’s really not far from Lane Cove but feels like a completely different little adventure — perfect for a wander with the kids, the dog, or both. Have you explored this one before?

15-storey Burns Bay Road seniors housing proposal knocked off the fast track

A proposed 15-storey development at 92–96 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove has been refused a spot on the NSW Government’s accelerated planning pathway. Vasey Housing Association had put forward 142 homes incorporating seniors housing, communal facilities and retail. The Housing Delivery Authority declined to recommend the project for declaration as State Significant Development, instead directing the developer towards the conventional planning proposal and development application process.

It was one of four seniors housing projects across NSW to be knocked back from the pathway, alongside proposals at Five Dock, Cessnock and Wollongbar. Importantly, the decision doesn’t mean the development is dead — the fast-track pathway is designed to pick out projects capable of delivering housing quickly, and unsuccessful proponents can still pursue their projects through the ordinary planning system. Read The Weekly Source’s report.

Willoughby Council issues penalty notice over Castlecrag construction runoff

Willoughby City Council has issued a penalty notice to the occupier of 100 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag, after a follow-up inspection found required pollution controls had still not been put in place.

The site was given a prevention notice back in April, after sediment-laden runoff entered the stormwater system and flowed towards Sailors Bay Creek. That notice required additional sediment controls, an end to unauthorised dewatering, and a Construction Site Dewatering Plan prepared by an independent environmental consultant. Later inspections found none of those three things had been done.

Mayor Tanya Taylor said sediment in the stormwater system can affect water quality and aquatic life in what she described as a sensitive local environment, adding that “protecting our waterways is a responsibility shared by everyone involved in construction projects.” Council says it will keep monitoring the site and will consider further action if needed.

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In the Media

The law that decides whether newsrooms like ours survive is before Parliament

The News Bargaining Incentive would make platforms like Google, Meta and TikTok either strike deals with news organisations or pay a charge on their Australian ad revenue. In the Cove backs the law — big tech should pay for journalism. The problem is in the detail: a platform only needs eight deals to wipe the charge, and nothing guarantees a single one reaches a small independent outlet. If the charge is paid instead, the money is shared out largely on how many journalists you employ, which rewards the biggest players.

LINA, the association In the Cove belongs to, estimates around 700 public interest publishers could be left in limbo, and is asking Parliament for a guaranteed slice of deals for small publishers, a bigger and better-targeted grant program, and rules that fit lean and volunteer-run newsrooms. The Bills are before Parliament now. Read our full piece here — it’s been updated as the Bills have moved.

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Lane Cove Council

Planning Panel decides three applications tonight – including a phone tower on Northwood Road

The Lane Cove Local Planning Panel meets in the Council Chambers at 5pm tonight, Tuesday 25 August, with three applications to determine.

5 Northwood Road, Longueville — an application by Amplitel for a monopole carrying Telstra, Optus and TPG mobile equipment. Four submissions were received. It’s before the Panel because it seeks to exceed the height standard by more than 10% — in this case by 263%. Council staff are recommending approval.

15 Standish Street, Greenwich — a proposal to subdivide the site into two residential lots and build a three-storey secondary dwelling on the new lot. Two submissions were received, and staff are recommending refusal. Among the issues listed: the proposal has not been granted integrated approval by the RFS under the Rural Fires Act, along with non-compliant building height, setbacks, wall height, excavation and setback from bushland.

1 Library Place and 139 Longueville Road — Council’s own application for works to the World War II Memorial Cenotaph and the Library, including three granite panels bearing military emblems and the Ode of Remembrance, spotlighting angled towards the Cenotaph, and an interpretive plaque on the Library wall. It was notified for 28 days and attracted no submissions. Applications on Council-owned land go to the Panel as a matter of course.

Panel meetings are webcast, and minutes are published on Council’s website after the meeting.

No trial period for Lime bikes, Council confirms

One thing worth clearing up, because it comes up a lot locally: there is no official Lime bike trial running in Lane Cove. In answers prepared for councillors ahead of last week’s meeting, Council confirmed that the rollout of Lime bikes across Sydney LGAs has been incremental, and that Lime has simply been moving share bikes into the Lane Cove LGA over recent months. Council has been in discussions with Lime about their operations, and parking zones and no-go zones remain under constant review.

The NSW Government’s new regulatory framework for shared e-bikes commenced on 14 August.

August Council meeting has been and gone outcomes to come

Lane Cove Council held its August Ordinary Meeting on Thursday 20 August, and it was a significant agenda: two competing Notices of Motion on e-bike and Lime bike management, the draft Climate Emergency Plan 2026–2030 proposed for public exhibition, the draft Affordable Housing Policy back for adoption, and a draft CCTV and surveillance policy. Read our agenda wrap-up here.

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Business

Galuwa Dining edges closer to opening – function bookings now open

The new venue at the Lane Cove golf course is taking end-of-year function bookings ahead of its official opening, following the pre-opening wine tasting earlier in the month. Here’s where things are up to.

Free chicken on Saturday as Chargrill Charlie’s turns 37

The Burns Bay Road store is marking the chain’s 37th birthday with a week of daily app deals and one big Saturday. On Saturday 29 August, the first 50 app members in store get a free Birthday Feast — a whole BBQ chicken, regular chips and a 1.25 litre drink. After those 50 are gone, app members can buy a whole BBQ chicken for $10, capped at 100 per store. Both offers are in-store only, app members only, one per customer.

The daily deals run through the app and don’t carry over: Coogee Bowl for $14 today, chicken and chips for $19.89 on Wednesday (a nod to the year it started), free dessert with a Family Pack on Thursday, and $1 hot chips on Friday. Full details here.

Macquarie Veterinary Hospital moving to a purpose-built home after nearly 50 years

After close to five decades caring for local pets, Macquarie Veterinary Hospital is moving into a brand-new purpose-built facility. Plenty of Lane Cove pet owners have been going to them for years.

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Have Your Say

Burns Bay Reserve Masterplan

Council is seeking feedback on the draft masterplan for Burns Bay Reserve. Submissions close Thursday 10 September. Have your say here.

1–3 Austin Crescent planning proposal

A planning proposal for 1–3 Austin Crescent is on exhibition, with submissions closing Thursday 10 September. Read the proposal and comment.

Draft Data Breach Policy

Council’s draft Data Breach Policy is open for comment until Wednesday 9 September. Share your feedback.

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General Information / Safety Alerts

Stringybark Creek running muddy — and we don’t yet know why

An In the Cove follower sent us these photos on Tuesday 18 August showing Stringybark Creek running thick and brown through the bushland. We’ve been in touch with the Stringybark Creek Residents Association and haven’t heard back yet.

At this stage we don’t know what caused it, and we’re not going to guess. There is construction activity in the surrounding catchment, and the follower who sent the photos told us they had raised concerns about runoff before — but they were also upfront that they can’t say who or what is responsible. Neither can we, so we’re not naming any site until there’s something solid to point to.

Thanks to the follower who sent this in. If you’ve seen discoloured water anywhere along Stringybark Creek, we’d like to hear from you — note the exact location and time, and take photos or video if it’s safe to do so. Please also report it directly to Lane Cove Council and to the NSW EPA’s Environment Line, who are the ones able to actually investigate.

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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.

Lane Cove Bush Kids — Echidna Antics this Thursday, Owl Babies in September

Council’s Bush Kids program has three sessions still to come. Echidna Antics is this Thursday 27 August, 9.45am at Tambourine Bay Park (book here). Owl Babies then runs twice at Stringybark Reserve, 9.45am on Wednesday 9 September (book here) and Tuesday 22 September (book here).

One thing to know before you click: you need to book a child ticket and an adult ticket together. If there are no child tickets showing, the session is effectively full. More about the program on Council’s Bush Kids page, or email [email protected].

Willoughby Emerging Art Prize – entries close Sunday 30 August

The Willoughby Emerging Art Prize has returned after a 19-year break, with a $15,000 pool: a $10,000 acquisitive first prize plus a solo show at Art Space Gallery, 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. Winners are announced on opening night, Thursday 8 October. If you know a local artist, this is their last week to enter. Entry details here.

Film and gaming music at The Concourse – Sunday 30 August

The Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra brings a programme of film and video game music to The Concourse at Chatswood, from 3pm on Sunday 30 August. One for families and for anyone who has ever got a bit emotional over a soundtrack. The Concourse, 409 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood.

Lane Cove Festival launches Friday 4 September

A month of live entertainment across Lane Cove, incorporating Sydney Fringe. The full program is now out, and it includes Lane Cove’s own Craig Scott performing “At Your Request” as part of the Festival. Browse every event.

Strength by Women free Women’s Health Week open morning — Saturday 5 September

A free open morning for local women, with a local doctor and an exercise physiologist talking midlife health, bones and strength. Coffee cart and breakfast table on the day. More information.

Lane Cove Fun Run – Sunday 13 September

The Lane Cove Fun Run returns next month, with local community groups and stallholders getting involved on the day.

Greenwich Public School 150th Spring Fair – Sunday 20 September

The school’s 150th celebrations continue with a Spring Fair. Read about the anniversary here.

Young writers’ competition opens Tuesday 1 September

Willoughby Council is running an emerging writers’ competition for 8 to 13 year olds, with entries open from Tuesday 1 September through to Friday 9 October. A good one for budding authors in the family.

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Local Sports

Two Lane Cove grand finals this Saturday – get to Eric Tweedle

Lane Cove Old Ignatians have two sides playing for a premiership this Saturday 29 August at Eric Tweedle Stadium, and the club wants the whole of Lane Cove there.

The Colts kick off first at 11.40am against Beecroft, having edged Knox 11–10 in a nail-biter of a semi. Then at 3pm, 1st Grade take on Knox in the Clark Cup Grand Final after a statement 77–19 win over Hornsby in their semi — 13 tries to three, with blindside flanker Oscar Brady alone finishing with four tries and a conversion, and fly half Henry Madigan landing four conversions.

It wasn’t a perfect finals weekend across the board: 2nds went down 27–12 to Hornsby and 3rds lost 31–7 to Colleagues. But four teams made the finals and two are now playing off for silverware. Club coach John Morrison said “two premierships for LCOIRFC is now the prize ahead of us.”

Clear your Saturday and bring the family. More at Lane Cove Rugby.

Lane Cove Old Ignatians launching a women’s side for 2027

The club is starting a Ladies 10s competition for the 2027 season — the Joy Johnson Cup — and it’s being built as a fully integrated part of the club from day one, with most games played at Tantallon alongside Grade and Colts. It’s a fast, social, ten-a-side format, and they’re after players, coaches, managers and supporters. You don’t need to have played before. Register your interest here, or email [email protected].

Lane Cove’s Chris Andry takes the win at Beat the Blue

Local racing driver Chris Andry has come away with a win at Beat the Blue, the annual charity event where members of the public go head to head with NSW Police Force Highway Patrol officers to test their driving skills, with everything raised going to NSW Police Legacy.

“Photos and all will come soon, but super happy and proud to say we’ve won — couldn’t disappoint Lane Cove,” Chris told In the Cove.

The Lane Cove connection runs deep. Chris went to Lane Cove Public School, and Lane Cove was the first place his parents lived when they moved to Australia in 2007. “I’ve been racing competitively since 2024,” he said.

This year’s event ran from 3pm on Saturday 22 August at Sydney Motorsport Park, Eastern Creek, with a Show and Shine, trade stands, food trucks and a kids zone alongside the driving. You can find out more about the event at Beat the Blue, and follow Chris at chrisandryracing.com or on Instagram.

Congratulations Chris.

Summer netball comes to Galuwa – expressions of interest now open

Lane Cove Netball is bringing a summer competition for NetSetGO ages to the new outdoor courts at Galuwa, and it’s built to actually teach the game while the kids play it: 35 minutes of skills followed by a 35-minute match, every Tuesday for 10 weeks across Term 4.

It runs Tuesdays from 13 October to 15 December, with 6–7 year olds playing 4.30–5.40pm and 8–9 year olds 5.45–6.55pm. It’s a round robin ladder with prizes at the end, it’s open to boys and girls, and you don’t need to belong to a club — all clubs are welcome and no membership is required. Coaches, equipment and fixtures are all provided; you just need to put forward a team of 8 to 10 players. There’s a court-side cafe to watch from and plenty of undercover parking.

Expressions of interest close Sunday 13 September, with no payment required at this stage. Once teams are finalised, the cost is $320 per player, paid individually. Express your interest here, or email [email protected] for more information. Galuwa Sports & Recreation Centre, 180 River Road.

Lane Cove Cricket Club wants more girls on the field

Lane Cove Cricket Club is keen to bring more girls aged 4 to 7 into its Saturday morning Cricket Blast program. If you’ve got a daughter who fancies a swing, this is the entry point. More about the club here.

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Crime, Accidents & Incidents

Police attendance at Lane Cove Market Square was a workplace incident

A number of readers contacted us after seeing police vehicles at the entrance to Lane Cove Market Square around 1pm on Wednesday 19 August. We asked NSW Police, and the Police Media Unit has confirmed the matter was a workplace incident. It was not fatal. SafeWork NSW is investigating and there is no further NSW Police involvement.

Thank you to everyone who got in touch — this is exactly the sort of thing worth asking about rather than speculating on.

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