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 The Beautician Lane Cove for sponsoring this Week in Review

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Lane Cove News

Two residential towers declared State Significant in Lane Cove North

A proposal for two residential towers of 20 and nine storeys creating around 222 dwellings on Longueville Road and Kara Street has been declared a State Significant Development by the NSW Government, following a recommendation from the NSW Housing Delivery Authority. The proposed 64-metre height is nearly three times the site’s current 22-metre limit. This doesn’t mean the development is approved: it now moves through detailed assessment and public exhibition. But the declaration means Lane Cove Council won’t determine the application and can only make a submission, like any other member of the public.

Here’s what is proposed and what happens next.

Data centre cluster update draws a crowd at Blackman Park

On Friday night, Lane Cove Responsible Planning packed out the Scout Hall at Blackman Park for a community update on the growing cluster of data centre proposals in the Lane Cove West Business Park — Goodman’s Project Mars and AirTrunk’s second Lane Cove West data centre, now moving through the planning process. In the Cove was there.

The group says its position is unchanged: “Lane Cove West Business Park should not become a hyperscale data centre hub,” pointing to nearby homes, a school, childcare centres, Lane Cove National Park and community sporting fields. “This isn’t opposition to data centres. It’s about appropriate planning, appropriate locations and putting communities at the centre of decisions that will affect them for decades.”

Organisers say Goodman Group was invited to attend and answer residents’ questions but declined. Councillor Rochelle Flood, who was there, called that “disappointing”, saying residents “deserve better”.

More at lc-responsibleplanning.org. In the Cove has been following this story since March — read the full Cluster Boom series here.

Local remembers his mum, 25 years on from September 11

Last Friday marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. For Lane Cove local Simon Kennedy, it’s also the anniversary of his mother Yvonne’s death, she was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 77, which crashed into the Pentagon.

Simon travelled to the US for the memorial service and shared this reflection with us: “It was important for me to come here to the Pentagon and remember mum in the place where we lost her. It is hard to imagine that it has been 25 years since she’s been gone, which is close to half of my life now. The Pentagon memorial is a very beautiful place to reflect and remember mum. I was quite touched when I got there today to see that someone from the Red Cross had left a flower in her honour.”

In the Cove spoke with Simon in 2021 about his journey through grief, including his book 9/11 and the Art of Happiness: An Australian Story. Thank you, Simon, for sharing this with us again.

You can read the 2021 article including where to find the book here.

Festival Favourite Delivers Again

Last Friday’s At Your Request concert at the Lane Cove Civic Centre was, by all accounts, a very special evening. Double bassist Craig Scott, who has performed at every edition of the concert since its inception, reflects on a night that clearly meant a great deal to everyone involved.

“The At Your Request Concert held last Friday 11th September to honour Judy Bailey’s amazing musical legacy was a blast!” Craig says. “Everybody in the band — all of whom are long-time friends and musical colleagues of Judy Bailey — were delighted to be able to perform in such a great space at the Civic Centre once again to such a fantastic audience.”

The audience more than held their own when it came to the requests. “The songs requested were marvellous — what a knowledgeable audience they are! — and even included some of Judy’s own compositions.” A particularly moving moment came when Judy’s son Chris and members of his family joined the audience. “This is very special indeed,” Craig says.

The response from the crowd afterwards left a strong impression on the band. “People loved being there, loved the concept of it, and there were plenty of first timers to this one which is always great to see.”

Craig was quick to acknowledge the support that makes it all possible. “A big shout out to Colin Ho of Lane Cove Council and to the Festival Committee and to the Council itself. We are always so honoured to be asked to perform for the Festival and to keep Judy Bailey’s spirit right out there.”

And for those who missed it? “We are looking forward to next year already. If you missed this one then hopefully we will see you at the next concert!”

Lane Cove shines over huge Festival weekend

Last week was jam-packed. The Lane Cove Festival hit full stride over the weekend of 11–13 September, and by Sunday afternoon it felt like half the suburb had been out in the sunshine at one thing or another. If you missed it, our weekend preview gives you a sense of just how much was packed into three days.

Friday opened with the Judy Bailey Band taking requests at the Lane Cove Civic Centre, a twilight Spring Spotlight Walk through Tambourine Bay Park looking for nocturnal locals, and opening night of Lane Cove Theatre Company’s Sydney Fringe production All Things Must Pass: A Play About The Beatles at Pottery Lane, which went on to play to audiences right through to its final Sunday matinee.

Saturday was the big one. The Big Day Out at The Canopy ran 10am to 4pm with six hours of free activities, live performances and workshops, alongside 21 stallholders at the Made in Lane Cove markets.

See what’s still to come at Lane Cove Festival @ Sydney Fringe.

Down the hill, the annual Jesuit Mission Bazaar drew a huge crowd to Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview for carnival rides, international food, stalls and live music, with Jesuit Mission thanking hosts Riverview and the St Aloysius’ College community afterwards. If you missed the team on the day, raffle tickets are still available online.

There was plenty more besides: Saturday Sounds with Josie Grayden in the Plaza, Come and Try Orienteering at Penrose Street, the Match Percussion Trio at the Civic Centre, Lego Club at St Leonards Library, and the Northbridge Family Picnic and Planting Day.

Sunday started early and loud. The Lane Cove Fun Run was bigger than ever, with Kingsford Smith Oval buzzing from before dawn — thousands of feet on the pavement for the 7.30am 5km and the 8.30am 2km family dash, a packed oval, stalls, coffee and sausage sizzles, and volunteers everywhere you looked. We’re working on a full wrap-up with photos and results, and we’ll have it for you in the next week or so.

The rest of the day kept going: the Hughes Park Community Garden threw open its gates for a Spring Festival and Open Day in Lane Cove West, with kids’ planting, crafts, a garden scavenger hunt and the Garden History Gallery; there was a guided tour of Gore Hill Memorial Cemetery uncovering Lane Cove’s pioneers; and Lee Benari played acoustic sets at The Canopy through the middle of the day.

A huge thank you to every organiser, volunteer and community group who made it happen. It was Lane Cove at its best.

Algorithm of Us Opens At Pottery Lane Performance Space

Office rivals turned reluctant teammates?

Produced by local Kersherka Sivakumaran and her company BCD Theatre, this world premiere romcom follows data-obsessed analyst Laari and charming consultant Veeraj as an AI mix-up lands them on the same project team neither of them wanted. Think office satire meets messy, human love story, plus one seriously opinionated Muppet-style paperclip.

Catch it as part of Sydney Fringe, 16–19 September, at Pottery Lane Performance Space, 2 Little Street. There’s 3 hrs free parking underneath, or it’s a short walk from the Lane Cove Bus Interchange and The Canopy

Learn more and get tickets.

Big Night For Local Art This Friday

This Friday 18 September four working studios throw open their doors for a free Open Studios evening, a pop-up art shop with original pieces from $20 the 2026 Lane Cove Art Award Finalists’ Exhibition opens with winners announced.

The Lane Cove Art Prize is one of the area’s longest-running art prizes, running since 1963, with a $15,000 first prize from Lane Cove Council and a $2,000 local prize from Hyecorp. The exhibition will run until 3 October.

Read our article for all the details.

Greenwich Public Celebrates Its 150th Anniversary

As we reported earlier in the year, Greenwich Public School is celebrating their 150th Anniversary this year. As part of the celebrations they are marking the occasion with a Spring Fair this Sunday 20 September.

Read about the school’s history and everything that’s happening at the fair.

Congratulations to all past and present members of the Greenwich Public School Community!

Huge commercial building for sale in Lane Cove

One of Lane Cove Village’s largest commercial properties, Lane Cove Central — including

the Harris Farm building, almost 3,000 sqm of retail space and 103 onsite car spaces — is up for sale. Before the rumours start: Harris Farm is a tenant, not the owner, and there’s nothing in the sales campaign to suggest the store is closing. The property underwent an approximately $10 million refurbishment before Harris Farm opened in 2022. Expressions of interest closed today, Wednesday 16 September.

Read the full story.

Lane Cove libraries: system upgrade this month

Lane Cove, Greenwich, St Leonards and The Yarn (Hunters Hill) libraries are staying open throughout a major system upgrade this month, but a few things are working differently in the meantime. Self-checkout and automatic returns are offline, so borrowing means a trip to the service desk with your physical card (or add it to your phone wallet to speed things up); returns and reservations are paused too, so there’s no rush to bring anything back just yet. Staff are on hand at the desk for anything you need, and the new catalogue is set to go live Tuesday 29 September. Full story here.

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Lane Cove Council

Mayor and Deputy Mayor re-elected

Lane Cove Council has confirmed its leadership team for the next two years. At an Extraordinary Meeting on Monday 14 September, Councillors re-elected Merri Southwood as Mayor and Rochelle Flood as Deputy Mayor.

Cr Southwood, first elected Mayor in October 2024, will serve a second term through to September 2028: “Council is on an exciting path, and the work we’ve done together over the past two years has set a strong direction for where we’re heading.” Cr Flood, first elected Deputy Mayor in September 2025, will serve a second term until September 2027: “It’s a privilege to keep serving this community, and I’m looking forward to continuing that work alongside Mayor Southwood and the rest of the team.”

The Mayor and Deputy Mayor are elected by fellow Councillors under the Local Government Act 1993.

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Have Your Say

Climate Emergency Plan survey

Council wants your input on the draft Climate Emergency Plan, which will guide its response to climate change over the next four years. The public exhibition survey closes Sunday 4 October. Have your say.

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Business

New business alert: Corner Shop Organics

There’s a brand new weekend coffee spot in Greenwich. Corner Shop Organics has opened on the corner of Innes Road and Crowther Avenue, with young locals Milly and Liam behind the counter, serving coffee alongside organic sourdough and pastries from Organic Bread Bar in Paddington. For now it’s weekends only, Saturdays and Sundays, 7 am – 12 pm. If you’re out for a weekend walk, pop in and say hello.

New business alert: It’s Always Sunny

There are new owners at the former 11:11 Sweet site at the top of Lane Cove Plaza, with a new name and a whole new direction. The new branding has started appearing inside (exterior signage still to come), and the menu has had a makeover — fresh bread, focaccia, pastries, pies, sausage rolls, coffee and bottled juices, with smoothies expected in the next few weeks.

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General Information / Safety Alerts

Vote for Women & Children First CEO Michelle Povah

Women & Children First (W&CF) CEO Michelle Povah has been named a finalist in the 2026 Westfield Local Heroes Awards. W&CF operates the Delvena refuge here in Lane Cove, supporting women and children fleeing family violence. If Michelle receives the most votes, the organisation will receive a $20,000 grant towards specialist childcare for children staying in its refuges — allowing their mothers to attend appointments, counselling, and court or police matters. Voting closes Sunday 20 September. Voting closes this Sunday 20 September. Cast yours here.

NSW Renters Can Now Transfer Their Bond When Moving Home

NSW renters no longer need to find thousands of dollars for a new bond before their old one is returned. A portable bond scheme called Smart Rental Bonds launched statewide on 16 September, allowing renters to transfer their existing bond directly to a new property rather than paying a fresh one upfront. The scheme is expected to save renters up to $4,000 each time they move.

Here’s how it works: once a landlord or agent lodges a bond request online, the renter logs into Rental Bonds Online and chooses either to pay the new bond upfront or transfer the existing one. A $25 fee applies. If the new bond is higher than the old one, the renter pays the difference; if it’s lower, they get a refund. If a claim is made on the original bond by the outgoing landlord, the NSW Government pays the landlord and the renter repays the Government.

Full details at NSW Government here.

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Upcoming Events

Free Live Music at The Canopy This Weekend

Saturday 19 September: Cammeraygal Wind Symphony

The Cammeraygal Wind Symphony takes the Canopy stage fresh off winning the NSW State Band Championships. Don’t miss this stellar local ensemble.

When: Saturday 19 September 2026
Time: 10 am – 12 pm
Where: The Canopy, Lane Cove
How: Free. Just turn up.

Sunday 20 September: Four Leaf Clover and Reverse Revolution

Two local youth bands hit the Canopy stage on Sunday. Pop rock act Four Leaf Clover — together just 18 months — placed third at the NSW YouthRock competition in April and took home the People’s Choice Award at Northern Composure. Punk rock trio Reverse Revolution rounds out the afternoon, already a well-known fixture at community events across the area.

When: Sunday 20 September 2026
Time: 2 pm – 4 pm
Where: The Canopy, Lane Cove
How: Free. Just turn up. More details here.

LaVoce Community Choir

Thursday 17 September, 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm, Lane Cove Library. Lane Cove’s own community choir performs for the Festival. Come to listen, sing along, or find out about joining (no audition or ability to read music required). Free, bookings essential. Register and more details here.

Artarmon Public School Multicultural Fair

Saturday 19 September, 10 am – 3 pm, Artarmon Public School, 1 Abbott Road. Cultural performances, traditional food stalls, arts and crafts, music, dance and activities for all ages. Free, just turn up. More details here.

Devonshire Tea and Open House at Carisbrook

Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, 10 am – 4 pm, Carisbrook Historic House, 334 Burns Bay Road. Self-guided audio tour through the 1880s house, or settle into the courtyard for home-made scones and Devonshire Tea. Free, just turn up; free parking via Waterview Drive. Read more about what you’ll discover at Carisbrook House here.

Lane Cove Rotary Car Boot Sale

Lane Cove Rotary’s popular car boot sale returns Sunday 20 September, 9 am – 1 pm, Civic Centre Car Park (between Phoenix & Little Streets). Around 40 sellers with pre-loved toys, clothing, small furniture, art and more, plus a sausage sizzle. Free entry for browsers and buyers.

Symphony in the Sails — Lane Cove Youth Orchestra

Sunday 20 September, 4 pm – 5.20 pm, Sydney Conservatorium of Music. LCYO’s Festival concert has a maritime theme, including the world premiere of Windsong by composer Adrian Hallam, with guest ensemble Artists’ Evolution joining for the finale. Adult $35, Concession $20, Family of 4 $90 — some tickets available at the door. More details and tickets here.

At the Podium: Patricia Skehan on the Elgin Marbles

Tuesday 22 September, 7 pm – 9 pm, Lane Cove Library. Lane Cove Historical Society next talk, unpacking the story of the Elgin Marbles. Free, just turn up. More details here.

Open Mic Night at The Canopy

Thursday 24 September, 6 pm – 8 pm, The Canopy. Music, jokes, poetry, whatever you’ve got — performer spots limited, text or call Russell on 0411 827 571 to book one. Audience free to just turn up.

Free HSC Study Sessions — Lane Cove Library

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

Friday sessions | 5 pm – 8 pm
18, 25 September | 2, 9, 16, 23 October

Sunday sessions | 2 pm – 5 pm
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 (during study sessions)
Mindful Mandala Designs — Fridays, 5.30 pm – 7 pm
Mindful LEGO Building — Sundays, 2.30 pm – 4 pm

Where: Lane Cove Library, Library Place, Lane Cove
How: Free. No bookings required. Full details here.

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Crime, Accidents & Incidents

Man dies after being struck by vehicle in Chatswood

Emergency services were called to Alleyne Street, Chatswood, at around 7.50 am on Tuesday 15 September, following reports a pedestrian had been hit by a vehicle. NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man at the scene but he could not be saved. He is yet to be formally identified. North Shore Police Area Command is investigating and a report will be prepared for the Coroner. Anyone who witnessed the incident, or with information that may assist police, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Can you identify this person?

Police are seeking help identifying a man who may be able to assist with enquiries into a theft outside the Orchard Hotel, Chatswood, at approximately 9.30 am on Thursday 30 July 2026. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers by phone 1800 333 000 or online quoting reference number C104949856.

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Thank you to this week’s sponsor – The Beautician

This week’s Week in Review is brought to you by The Beautician Lane Cove, a local favourite for skin and beauty treatments right here in the village.

If your skin is ready for spring but your shoulders are still carrying winter, their new Spring Light Reset with LED is 90 minutes designed to sort both out. It combines a 45-minute express Sothys Hydra Facial, a Dermalux LED treatment tailored to your skin, a relaxing back and shoulder massage, and a lash and brow tint. The Sothys hydrating protocol is designed to quench, hydrate and plump the skin so it feels softer and looks more radiant — add the LED, the loosened shoulders and freshly defined eyes, and you have a very good reason to take 90 minutes for yourself.

Spring Light Reset with LED — $199. Reserve your appointment here.

Supporting local businesses like The Beautician Lane Cove is what keeps In the Cove free to read for everyone in our community.