Here’s your wrap of what’s been happening in and around Lane Cove from Tuesday 6 to Wednesday 14 October: a plaza packed with 24,000 people, a new restaurant, a new butcher and plenty coming up.

Thank you Galuwa Dining for sponsoring this Week in Review

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The big stories this week

Illegal Dumping in Lane Cove: What the Numbers Say and How to Report It

Halloween in Lane Cove 2026: Your Guide to Trick or Treating, Costumes and What’s On

Black Cockatoo Conundrum: A Man’s Mission to Save a Species

More Than Groceries: Organic Buyers Group Hub Comes to Lane Cove

Don’t Touch That Bat: Lyssavirus Warning as Hungry Flying Foxes Turn Up in Lane Cove Backyards

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Use the buttons below to skip to what matters to you:

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Lane Cove News

Rotary Fair Delivers Again

Around 24,000 people filled Lane Cove Plaza on Sunday for the Lane Cove Rotary Fair, with more than 150 stalls, a Mega Raffle boasting over $15,000 in donated prizes, and Sustainability Lane adding something extra to the mix. “What an incredible day for Lane Cove,” the Fair committee told ITC. “For Lane Cove Rotary, the Fair is about so much more than a great day out – it’s about bringing our community together and raising funds that allow us to continue making a difference throughout the year.” The final fundraising tally is still being counted, with proceeds supporting Rotary’s community projects including Delvena Women’s Refuge, Lane Cove Youth Orchestra, The Lane Cove Toy Library and Heartland Academy Nepal. A big thank you to the Rotary members and volunteers who put in months of planning to make it happen. Lane Cove Rotary Fair.

Berrys Creek: Three Storms, One Lesson

Saturday 3 October’s heavy rain was the third severe weather test for sediment controls in the St Leonards South precinct since mid-August, and local resident Dr Stephen Harris says the precinct failed it again. In his latest update to developers, Council and the EPA, he reports that bush streams feeding the gully ran clear while the main channel fed by the building sites ran as a muddy torrent the length of the valley. He has asked each of the eight projects to nominate an environmental contact, reinforce every sediment control before the next forecast rain and stop washing sediment down drains during clean-ups. He has also asked Lane Cove Council to inspect the precinct before and after severe weather and use its compliance powers where DA conditions aren’t being met.

Local Author’s Book Celebrates the Odd Ones Out

Lane Cove local Gemma Jones noticed that “imperfect” fruit and vegetables were always singled out at the supermarket, and turned the observation into her first children’s book, The Odd Bunch, a story about celebrating difference. Read the full story.

Lane Cove Writer Published in HEAT

Lane Cove writer Emma Sorensen’s essay on the late novelist Gillian Mears has been published in HEAT 26, the literary journal from Giramondo Publishing. We caught up with Emma about the essay and the lost art of letter writing. Read the interview.

 

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Lane Cove Council

Meet Your Neighbours Grants Now Open

Do you know your neighbours’ names? If not, Council can help. It will contribute up to $250 towards getting your street or apartment block together, whether that’s a BBQ, a breakfast or a treasure hunt. Applications are open now. Find out how to apply.

A Welcome to Country for Every Event

Council has commissioned a Welcome to Country film featuring Cameraygal Elder Aunty Jeanie Moran, so community events can still open with a Welcome when a Traditional Custodian can’t attend in person. Read more on Council’s website.

Council Meets Thursday 22 October

Lane Cove Council’s October meeting is on Thursday 22 October at 7 pm in the Council Chambers. Meeting details.

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Have Your Say

Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2027–2030

Council is renewing its Disability Inclusion Action Plan and wants to hear from people with disability, their families and carers, and anyone else with ideas on making Lane Cove more inclusive. Have your say.

Calling Apartment Buildings: Social Cohesion Project

Live in an apartment block? Council is looking for buildings to take part in the next round of its Apartment Social Cohesion Project. Find out more and register interest.

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Business

Galuwa Dining Is Open

Galuwa Dining opened its doors at Galuwa Recreation Centre, 180 River Road, on Monday 12 October, and ITC joined the celebrations. Congratulations to Malek and Michelle of Lusso Kitchen and The Diddy on their latest venture. They’re two of the warmest people you’ll meet, and we think this one is going to be huge. The outlook over Lane Cove Golf Course and the bushland beyond is easily one of the most stunning of any restaurant in Lane Cove and surrounds, with function spaces just along from the dining room for events and catering. Kids at sports training, then dinner together? Easy. Melbourne Cup on Tuesday 3 November is already taking bookings (12.30 pm to 6 pm), and ITC is rounding up a group, so come and join us. Read more or book at Galuwa Dining.

Now Open: Sofala Hill Butchery, Riverview

The new butcher we flagged a fortnight ago is open. Sofala Hill Butchery celebrated its grand opening in Riverview on Friday 9 October, and the freshly refurbished shop is looking fabulous. It’s always exciting to see a new business open in our area, so pop in to 55 Tambourine Bay Road, show them some support and let us know what you think. Follow Sofala Hill Butchery on Instagram.

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General Information / Safety Alerts

Parklands Avenue Leak: Still Running After 16 Months

Several followers have been in touch about water spurting from a grate on Parklands Avenue and running across Epping Road near the pedestrian bridge. One report says it has been flowing since at least Friday 2 October, and photos sent in on Wednesday 7 October show the grate fenced off with danger tape and a hose running from it, with the road surface still wet. This isn’t a new problem. ITC first heard about water pouring from Parklands Avenue onto Epping Road in June 2025, after a supply outage in the area, and a follower who reported it to Sydney Water at the time was told others had already logged it. We’ve asked Sydney Water for an update on what’s causing the leak and when a permanent fix is expected, and we’ll report back. If you spot a leak or burst, you can report it to Sydney Water at sydneywater.com.au.

Lower Toll Cap: Check If You Can Claim

If the Lane Cove Tunnel, M2 or Harbour crossings are part of your week, this one’s worth a look. Claims are now open for the first quarter under the NSW Government’s lower $50 weekly toll cap, with up to 200,000 additional drivers and riders expected to be eligible. Details from the NSW Government.

Dyslexia Awareness Month

Dyslexia is estimated to affect around one in ten Australians, and October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. Local charity Posability Australia is running free online sessions for parents and educators on early intervention, including Dyslexia – Intensive and Targeted Intervention on Thursday 15 October at 6.30 pm. Read the full story or register for Thursday’s session.

Halloween Is on a Saturday This Year

Saturday 31 October is the first Saturday Halloween since 2020, so expect more trick or treaters on the footpaths. A friendly reminder from previous years: Council and BirdLife Australia ask that you skip the fake spider webs, which can trap birds and other wildlife. Our Halloween in Lane Cove guide.

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Upcoming Events

Possum’s Pink Pony Club: This Saturday

Dig out something pink, round up your favourite women and get ready to dance. Lane Cove local Possum Ballard and her friend Mandy are throwing a girls-only night of music, dancing and friendship for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, a celebration and a tribute. Can’t make it? You can still buy raffle tickets or donate, with some seriously good prizes up for grabs.

When: Saturday 17 October
Time: 7 pm
Where: Shark Bar, The New Brighton Hotel, Manly
How: Book tickets. Read the full story.

Delvena Turns 50: Cake and Community

Delvena Refuge has spent 50 years supporting women and children experiencing domestic and family violence. Lane Cove Council is hosting a community celebration to mark the milestone. It’s an open event, with no need to RSVP.

When: Thursday 22 October
Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Where: Lane Cove Plaza
How: Free. Just turn up. More details here.

Lane Cove West Public School 75th Jubilee Celebration

Lane Cove West Public School is turning 75, and everyone’s invited to celebrate. Expect a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting and live music, plus Bar Coco ice cream, Pizza Buddy pizzas, Jinny Burgers and a coffee cart. There’s also a Jubilee History Trail and commemorative pavers to mark the milestone. It’s an alcohol-free event and all are welcome.

When: Saturday 24 October
Time: 2 pm to 6 pm
Where: Lane Cove West Public School, Avalon Avenue
How: Free. Read more.

Artarmon Repair Cafe Opens

Before you chuck it, fix it! Got a blunt knife, a torn hem or a laptop that’s having a moment? Artarmon’s new Repair Cafe opens with volunteers on hand to help you get it working again. No booking needed.

When: Saturday 31 October (and again Saturday 28 November)
Time: 2 pm to 4 pm
Where: Barry Thompson Community Hall, Artarmon
How: Free, no booking needed. Meet the people behind it.

Mental Health Month: Positive Pitstops Trail

October is Mental Health Month, and this year’s theme is “A Little Connection Goes a Long Way”. Follow the blue clouds to Positive Pitstops around Lane Cove and tick them off on your passport, with a bonus stamp at select spots. Snap one photo at an activity (a wave, high five or fist bump; no faces needed), then submit it with your passport for a chance to win one of three $50 Lane Cove gift cards. Pick up a passport at Lane Cove Library, the Civic Centre or Sydney Community Services, or download it here.

When: Until Saturday 31 October
Where: Across the Lane Cove LGA
How: Free, all ages and abilities. Find out more.

More Highlights

• Sat 17 Oct: Tannery Creek Habitat Walk, Burns Bay Reserve, 9.30 am
• Sat 17 Oct: Devonshire Tea & Open House at Carisbrook, 10 am (also Sunday)
• Sun 18 Oct: Lane Cove Makers Market, Lane Cove Plaza, 9 am
• Sun 18 Oct: Let’s Ride Together: Family Cycling Day, Blackman Park, 10 am
• Mon 19 Oct: Lane Cove History Prize Awards Night, Lane Cove Library, 7 pm
• Sat 24 Oct: Doggy Day Out, The Canopy, 9.30 am
• Sun 25 Oct: Synergy Youth Centre Open Day, 9 am
• Sun 25 Oct: Mary’s House Walk, St Leonards Park North Sydney, 8 am
• Wed 28 Oct: Halloween Storytime, Lane Cove Library, 5.30 pm
• Until 31 Oct: Eighty Five Seasons and Avalon Beach Rockpool Series, Gallery Lane Cove

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

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Local Sports

Lane Cove FC Women Into a State Final

Lane Cove FC’s record 90th season still isn’t over. The title-winning Women’s O30 Div 1 Yellow team has won through its semi final of the Football NSW Champion of Champions and plays this weekend for the title of best team in the state. Go girls! Follow Lane Cove FC for updates.

Stay tuned for the full season wrap next week.

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This Week is sponsored by Galuwa Dining

Galuwa Dining is gearing up for its first Melbourne Cup lunch on Tuesday 3 November, with sittings from 12.30 pm to 6 pm overlooking Lane Cove Golf Course and the bushland beyond. Bookings are open now, so get your group together early. Book your Melbourne Cup table.