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 Lane Cove Orthodontics for sponsoring this Week in Review

Feature image credit to Tania Mace.

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Lane Cove News

Lane Cove Festival 2026 kicks off at The Canopy

The Lane Cove Festival launched on Friday 4 September with a free opening night at The Canopy featuring live music, theatre and circus acts and roving performers under this year’s “Made in Lane Cove” theme. Run in partnership with Sydney Fringe, the festival continues right through September with more than 50 events on the program. See what’s on.

Big Day Out At The Canopy + Made In Lane Cove Markets

Saturday 12 September is shaping up to be a huge day at The Canopy, with a free community event and markets running 10 am – 4 pm. Expect a jam-packed program of live performances, workshops and family-friendly activities, alongside the Made in Lane Cove Markets showcasing local makers.

The markets bring together 21 stalls from local businesses selling art, handmade trinkets, a braille artist, dog portraiture, pipe cleaner flowers and plants, crochet plush toys, ceramics, and wine and artisanal liquors. Currambena will be running face painting and arts and crafts, and Council’s Food Waste and Bushland teams will also have stalls on the day.

 

There’s live entertainment on stage all day too:

• 10 am — Stringybark Jazz Band (jazz)
• 10.40 am — Gaspard, Lane Cove Youth Orchestra (flute and keyboard, classical)
• 10.55 am — Reverse Revolution (local punk rock trio, covers and originals)
• 11.30 am — Kersh Sivakumaran, local award-winning theatre producer (dance workshop)
• 12.30 pm — Jazz Workshop Australia (jazz)
• 2 pm — Four Leaf Clover Band (local pop rock)
• 2.45 pm — Noise Factory (student performances)
• 3.30 pm — Creative Sounds Studio and School (student performances)

See the full festival program.

Altercation In Lane Cove Plaza Leads To Two Arrests

Emergency services were called to the Plaza on Burns Bay Road at about 11.50 am on Wednesday 3 September following reports of a brawl involving approximately seven people. Officers from North Shore Police Area Command arrested a 43-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy, both of whom were taken to Chatswood Police Station pending further inquiries. Police say investigations are continuing.

Reader vision sent to In the Cove shows a crowd gathering on Rosenthal Avenue near the pedestrian crossing before officers arrived and moved people back. Photographs taken around the same time show police responding across multiple locations, including Longueville Road and inside the Plaza.

Lane Cove Theatre Company Takes on The Beatles — A Different Kind of Story

Lane Cove Theatre Company returns to Pottery Lane Performance Space this month as part of Sydney Fringe Festival with All Things Must Pass: A Play About the Beatles — and it’s not the story you’d expect.

Rather than recreating the band or retelling the familiar tale of their rise to fame, the play by David Potter imagines Ringo, George and Paul grappling with John Lennon’s death. Moving between memories and reality, it blends grief, friendship and surreal humour in what director Luke Derrick says will have audiences laughing and crying in equal measure.

Notably, this is the first time the play has been staged by a non-student theatre company anywhere — with a local volunteer cast and crew bringing it to life right here in Lane Cove.

Recommended for adult audiences. Read more and book tickets here.

When: 10 – 13 September 2026
Where: Pottery Lane Performance Space, 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove

Pottery Lane Performance Space is on the lower ground floor at 1 Pottery Lane, directly opposite Lane Cove Aquatic Centre.

There is parking within the building, including three hours free and free parking after 6 pm.

It’s also a short walk from The Canopy and the bus interchange. Check out our walking guide here.

New Planning Rules Mean Your Neighbour Could Demolish and Rebuild Without You Knowing

From 1 September 2026, a new statewide Community Participation Plan replaced individual council notification policies across NSW including Lane Cove Council. The result is that many common developments, including new houses, renovations, dual occupancies and small unit blocks, no longer require neighbours to be formally notified. An old house could be demolished and a duplex built next door without a letter landing in your letterbox. Find out what’s changed, what still requires notification, and how to keep track of DAs in your area.

Council working on repairs to smashed Longueville Road bus shelter

Readers have been asking why the bus shelter on Longueville Road which was smashed in a car accident on 8 August — hasn’t been fixed yet. Council says an insurance claim has been lodged and it’s in active discussions with its bus shelter provider about a replacement. No exact timeframe has been confirmed, but Council expects the process to take several months. The remaining structure isn’t considered a safety risk to pedestrians or motorists in the meantime.

One of Lane Cove Public School’s Most Beloved Teachers Is Living With Stage 4 Bowel Cancer — and Still Running Marathons

Many locals will know Nathan Griffith as a fixture of Lane Cove Public School; the teacher with the wild hair, the infectious laugh and the knack for making kids love learning. What many may not know is that for the past year, Nathan has been living with stage 4 bowel cancer, still showing up for his Grade 5 class every week, running his eighth marathon since diagnosis just last weekend, and raising over $11,000 for Cancer Council along the way.

His story is one of extraordinary courage, community and perspective and his simple philosophy says it all: one foot in front of the other. Read our full story here, including important information about free bowel cancer screening for Australians aged 45 to 74.

Free HSC Study Sessions At Lane Cove Library

Lane Cove Library is offering extended study sessions for HSC students every Friday and Sunday from September through to late October, with free study packs, snacks, practice exams, mindful activities and visits from Paws Pet Therapy. No bookings required.

Friday general study sessions: 5 pm – 8 pm
4, 11, 18, 25 September & 2, 9, 16, 23 October

Sunday general study sessions: 2 pm – 5 pm
6, 13, 20, 27 September & 4, 11, 18, 25 October

HSC Practice Exams (drop-in, 2 pm – 5 pm):
English Paper 1 — Friday 2 October
English Paper 2 — Friday 9 October

Mindful activities also run during study sessions:
Mindful Mandala Designs — Fridays, 5.30 pm – 7 pm
Mindful LEGO Building — Sundays, 2.30 pm – 4 pm

All sessions are free and at Lane Cove Library. Full details here.

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Lane Cove Council

$579,000 in community grants awarded

Council presented $579,000 in grants and in-kind support to 16 local community organisations at its annual Community Assistance Grants evening last month, held during Local Government Week. Funding spanned music, sport, arts, youth programs, sustainability and social services, through the Community Assistance Grants, Cultural Venue Hire Subsidy Grants and other Council programs.

Pool hours extended for September

Lane Cove Aquatic Centre’s outdoor 50m pool’s hours extend from this month as the weather starts to heat up. Hours from 1 September are 5.30 am – 9 pm on weekdays and 6 am – 8 pm on weekends.

Waste to Art competition open for entries

Council is inviting artists of all ages to turn household waste such as bottle caps, buttons, CDs and the like into a unique artwork for a chance to win $100. Entries will go on display at the Sustainability Lane ‘Gallery’ at the Lane Cove Rotary Fair on 11 October, where the public votes for their favourite. Submit your artwork to Council Chambers between now and 8 October. Register and find out more.

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Have Your Say

Burns Bay Reserve Masterplan — closes Thursday

 

Feedback on the draft masterplan for Burns Bay Reserve closes Thursday 10 September.

Read our article here.

Draft Data Breach Response Policy — closes Wednesday

Council is consulting on its draft Data Breach Response Policy, with submissions closing Wednesday 9 September. Have your say.

1–3 Austin Crescent planning proposal — closes Thursday

The planning proposal for 1 and 3 Austin Crescent, Lane Cove, closes for comment Thursday 10 September. Have your say.

Draft Climate Emergency Plan — closes 4 October

Council has been working to cut emissions and respond to a changing climate since declaring a climate emergency in 2019. A draft Climate Emergency Plan, transitioning from the earlier Climate Resilience Plan, is now on public exhibition, with submissions closing Sunday 4 October. Have your say.

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Business

Temporary Closure For Gelatissimo

Don’t panic, Gelatissimo Lane Cove is NOT closing up shop!

The store is temporarily closed while it undergoes a refurbishment and will reopen on Wednesday 23 September. You may have noticed Gelatissimo stores around Sydney receiving a fresh new look. Now it’s Lane Cove’s turn!

Last Drinks: The Stoned Crow to Close After 4 October

After years as a Crows Nest staple, The Stoned Crow has announced it will close its doors on Sunday 4 October 2026. The venue says its lease is coming to an end and in a rare bittersweet twist, stresses that the business itself is still thriving.

The Stoned Crow has been the backdrop to countless birthdays, catch-ups, trivia nights, dinners, long lunches and probably a few evenings people remember fondly but not entirely clearly. There’s one month left to get back in and the team is making the most of it, with food and drink specials, Wednesday trivia and plenty of opportunities for regulars past and present to raise a final glass.

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General Information / Safety Alerts

Lane Cove Fun Run is this Sunday, volunteers still wanted

The Lane Cove Fun Run runs Sunday 13 September, 7 am – 11 am, at Kingsford Smith Oval, Longueville.

Race bibs can be collected from Lane Cove Public School (COLA) on Thursday 10 and Friday 11 September, 2.30 – 4 pm, or from Kingsford Smith Oval from 8 am on Saturday 12 September.

Bibs can also be collected on race morning at the oval, though organisers don’t recommend leaving it that late in case of queues.

Volunteers are still wanted for race day — get in touch via the Fun Run website.

Emergency Ready Week

Emergency Ready Week runs 14–20 September and encourages residents to download the Australian Red Cross “Get Prepared” app ahead of Emergency Ready Week. Need assistance getting it set up? Drop by Lane Cove Library next Thursday 17 September, 10 am – 12 pm, if you’d like a hand setting it up.

Fines double for noisy vehicles

The NSW EPA has doubled on-the-spot fines for vehicles that fail a roadside noise test. Fines are now up to $1,200 for the worst offenders. Details from the EPA.

NSW Vehicle Registration Discount Now in Effect — Up to $100 Off

A new NSW Government registration discount took effect on 1 September, with eligible privately registered light vehicles receiving up to $100 off and motorcycles up to $80 off. More than 4.4 million NSW vehicles are expected to benefit.

No application is required — the discount automatically appears at the time of renewal. The scheme covers registrations due between 1 September 2026 and 31 August 2027. Business-registered vehicles, trailers and caravans are excluded, as are vehicles already receiving certain rego concessions or rebates. Six-month registrations receive a pro-rata discount. If your rego was due in July or August, the discount will be applied at your 2027 renewal. Full details and eligibility at Service NSW here.

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Upcoming Events

Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios: Current Exhibition

Catch Gallery Lane Cove’s print exhibition Dream and Reason: Paradoxes of the Sublime before it closes this Friday 11 September. The exhibition features works by Archibald and Sulman Prize winner Wendy Sharpe AM alongside five other artists.

North Sydney–Lane Cove Dads Group

A free monthly group for fathers and father figures including dads, grandfathers, uncles and carers of children from infancy through to the teenage years. Facilitated by The Fathering Project, each session includes a 20-minute presentation on a parenting topic — covering things like building emotional intelligence, raising resilient children and reducing stress — followed by open discussion. A practical, low-key space to share experiences and connect with other dads in the area. Registrations essential.

When: Thursday 10 September 2026 (monthly)
Time: 5 pm – 6 pm
Where: St Leonards Library, 88 Christie Street, St Leonards
How: Free. Register here.

At Your Request

The Judy Bailey Band returns for another intimate evening of jazz at the Lane Cove Civic Centre Foyer, where the audience writes the set list. Five musicians who played with the late Dr Judy Bailey OAM across her remarkable career take the stage for an evening of music, anecdotes and memories. Part of the Lane Cove Festival in partnership with Sydney Fringe Festival.

When: Friday 11 September 2026
Time: 6 pm – 7.30 pm
Where: Lane Cove Civic Centre Foyer, 48 Longueville Road, Lane Cove
How: $20 + booking fee. Details and ticket link in our article here.

Spring Spotlight Walk

Friday 11 September, 5.45–7.30pm, Tambourine Bay Reserve. A guided evening walk to spot local wildlife. Details and bookings.

At Your Request Jazz Night

A Lane Cove Festival favourite returns for a very special evening. At Your Request was originally formed by the dearly departed jazz luminary and Lane Cove local Judy Bailey, and the At Your Request Quintet is back for an intimate night of music and remembrance in her honour. The format is part of the fun; when you arrive, you request your favourite piece, and the band might just play it.

When: Friday 11 September 2026
Time: 6 pm – 7.30 pm
Where: Lane Cove Civic Centre Foyer, 48 Longueville Road, Lane Cove
How: $20 + booking fee. Buy tickets here.

Come and Try Orienteering

Come and Try Orienteering — Lane Cove Festival

A navigation sport for all ages and fitness levels, orienteering combines the great outdoors with the challenge of finding your way using a map and compass. Courses range from one to six kilometres to suit everyone from young children and casual walkers to experienced athletes. Never read a map before? No problem — experienced orienteers will be on hand to help. You can start anytime between 9.30 am and 11 am and most participants finish within an hour. A great family outing where the kids can lead the way.

When: Saturday 12 September 2026
Time: 9.30 am – 12 pm
Where: Penrose Street Playground, Penrose Street, Lane Cove West
How: Adults $18, school students $15 + $4 timing card hire. Book here.

She Who Remembers — Megan Dalla-Camina and Jacinta Tynan in Conversation

Lane Cove Library hosts an intimate evening with bestselling author and founder of Women Rising, Megan Dalla-Camina, in conversation with journalist, television presenter and host of The Spiritual Book Club podcast, Jacinta Tynan. Together they explore Megan’s latest book She Who Remembers — a thoughtful and deeply engaging look at what happens when women begin reconnecting with their own wisdom. Books will be available to purchase on the night. Bookings essential.

When: Monday 14 September 2026
Time: 6.15 pm
Where: Lane Cove Library, Library Place, Lane Cove
How: Free. Register on Eventbrite here.

Stringybark Creek Bushcare’s Big Day Out

Help care for local bushland at Stringybark Creek with planting and nature care activities, including morning tea, guided site tours and a talk from Bushcare Coordinator Jim Casimir. Organised jointly by Lane Cove Council and the Stringybark Creek Residents Association.

 

For the full list of what’s on in Lane Cove and surrounds, visit the In the Cove Events Calendar.

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Local Sports

Lane Cove Swim Club — Pizza Night

Friday 11 September, 6.30pm, Indoor Pool. RSVP to [email protected] and bring $5 for pizza.

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Crime, Accidents & Incidents

Drug Detection — St Leonards, 17 August 2026

A 53-year-old Wollstonecraft man has been charged with multiple drug offences after police patrolling St Leonards in the early hours of 17 August allegedly observed him riding a bicycle without a helmet and attempting to avoid police by hiding behind plants. A search of the man allegedly uncovered 5 Xanax tablets, 24ml of heroin and 6 grams of cannabis. Police allege he disclosed the Xanax was obtained without a prescription. He was charged with possessing a prescribed restricted substance and two counts of possessing a prohibited drug, and is due before Hornsby Local Court on 7 October.

Break and Enter — Artarmon, 11 August 2026

Two Victorian men, aged 39 and 29, have been charged after allegedly stealing items worth more than $60,000 from a storage facility in Artarmon and attempting to flee Sydney by air. Police allege the 39-year-old hired a storage locker using false documents on 11 August before both men returned to remove items belonging to other customers. On 20 August, with assistance from the Australian Federal Police, police intercepted both men at Sydney’s domestic airport departure terminal before they could leave. Searches allegedly uncovered fraudulent drivers’ licences and credit cards belonging to others on both men, as well as methylamphetamine on the 29-year-old. Both were refused bail. The 39-year-old is due before Downing Centre Local Court on 15 October; the 29-year-old on 20 October.

Malicious Damage/Trespass — Chatswood, 7 August 2026

A 22-year-old man has been charged with four offences after allegedly entering a Chatswood shopping centre after hours and starting a fire in a stairwell. Police allege the man was discovered by a security guard in the early hours of 7 August amid burnt debris, and that when police arrived he resisted arrest and attempted to ignite paper using lighter fluid and a lighter. A damaged stairwell light was also attributed to him. He was charged with entering enclosed land without lawful excuse, destroying or damaging property, hindering or resisting police and breaching bail. He is due before Hornsby Local Court on 7 October.

Break and Enter — Chatswood, 20 August 2026

A 33-year-old Chatswood man has been refused bail after allegedly breaking into a card collectables store in the North Shore area in the early hours of 18 August and stealing Pokémon and Riftbound booster boxes. Police allege he was recognised on CCTV by a store employee, and that he returned to the same store the following day attempting to sell the stolen items back. A search warrant executed at his home on 20 August resulted in the recovery of trading card packets. He was charged with break and enter and possessing suspected stolen goods, and is due before Hornsby Local Court on 26 August.

Fraud — Mosman, 3 August 2026

North Shore Police are investigating a sophisticated investment scam in which a victim lost $800,000. Police allege the victim was contacted via a social media messaging app and manipulated into investing in shares through what is believed to be a “pump and dump” scheme — where scammers artificially inflate a stock’s price, then sell their own shares at the peak, leaving investors with devastating losses when the price collapses. Police are reminding the community to deal only with licensed financial professionals, independently verify investment opportunities and be wary of unsolicited stock tips, guaranteed returns or high-pressure tactics via social media.

Drug Detection/Traffic Offences — Mosman, 5 August 2026

A 19-year-old Mosman man has been fined $1,500 after pleading guilty to traffic offences at Manly Local Court on 20 August. Police allege that on the night of 5 August the man was observed driving along Military Road despite being disqualified from holding a NSW licence until January 2027, having accumulated 136 demerit points since December 2025. A search of his vehicle also allegedly uncovered a small amount of cannabis, for which he was issued a cannabis caution.

Drug Detection/Breach of Bail — Cremorne, 9 August 2026

A 16-year-old Wollstonecraft boy has been charged with breaching bail and drug possession after police allegedly observed him inside a fast-food outlet in Cremorne at 12.30 am on 9 August — in breach of a court-imposed night curfew requiring him to be home between 7 pm and 7 am. A search of the boy allegedly uncovered 7 grams of cannabis. He was charged with breach of bail, entering enclosed land without lawful excuse and possessing a prohibited drug, and is due before Surry Hills Children’s Court on 21 September.

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This Week is sponsored by Lane Cove Orthodontics

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.