GOVERNMENT
A Message from the Mayor of Lane Cove
Councillor Deborah Hutchens
Welcome to a New Year in Lane Cove. Another busy year where facilities will continue to improve, infrastructure will be built, major projects will commence and the local character of our bushland, parks and waterways will continue to be preserved. One of the most substantial projects of the year is the Rosenthal Avenue Car Park Redevelopment project. Construction will commence on the car park area mid-year ahead of its transformation into a 500-space underground car park with park and open space on top. This will be one of the most significant projects in Lane Cove’s history – arguably only matched by the conversion of Lane Cove Plaza from a road to a pedestrian Plaza. It is therefore fitting that this year we celebrate the 40 Year Ruby Anniversary of the Plaza’s official opening in 1976. I look forward to sharing in the exciting future of Lane Cove throughout 2017.
Lane Cove Community Hub opens I am pleased that at the end of last year we officially opened the Lane Cove Community Hub – a brand new community facility above the 200–space, Little Street Car Park. The new Terrace Function Room is capable of holding a function for over 150 people, with access to the adjacent commercial kitchen. There is also a purpose-built space for Lane Cove & North Side Community Services which incorporates the Park View Room (a 70 person community space) and studios for the Lane Cove Music and Cultural Centre. Pedestrian safety in and around the Little Street precinct has been greatly improved with the opening of the pedestrian footbridge over to the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre. This not only makes it safer but more convenient to park within the underground car park and cross over to the Aquatic Centre and gymnasium.
joined us on the day to deliver the key-note address. This was a wonderful addition to the day.
Summer Reading Challenge It was my pleasure to present Awards to children who participated in Lane Cove Library’s Summer Reading Challenge. It is great to see Lane Cove locals invest in their reading from such a young age, particularly over the summer period. Congratulations to all involved.
Lunar New Year One of the most popular events of the year is on in Lane Cove Plaza this month – our Lunar New Year celebrations. I encourage you to drop by on Friday 3 February from 4:00pm for an afternoon of insight and celebrations relating to the Year of the Rooster. The highlight of the afternoon will be the Chinese lion dance at around 6:00pm.
Successful Australia Day Congratulations to the 100 conferees who became Australian Citizens on Australia Day. It is always a pleasure to be part of these ceremonies throughout the year, however Australia Day is always an extra special day. Thank you also to Jude Bolton, Australia Day Ambassador and Lane Cove local who
It’s time to Walk Around the World
M: 0422 174 730 E: dhutchens@lanecove.nsw.gov.au
your health – it is also an opportunity to support a locally-born initiative. The program is flexible so you can register as an individual or a team – whatever will help motivate you to track your steps every day throughout the month of March. Keep an eye out for volunteers in the Plaza on weekends this February or head directly to the website to register today www. walkaroundtheworld.org.au.
Citizenship Awards reminder Time is running out to nominate someone in the community for the annual Lane Cove Citizenship Awards. For more information or to complete an online nomination form, visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/ lovewhereyoulive. Nominations close Monday 6 March 2017.
Council Merger update Just days before the Christmas break, the Supreme Court-Court of Appeal delivered its long-awaited decision on Woollahra Council’s appeal. Given the dismissal, Council is receiving legal advice on its appeal prospects and will determine via an Extraordinary Meeting on 13 February whether to continue with its appeal (currently scheduled for a Directions Hearing on 22 February). The latest information will be available on Council’s website.
1 Million Stars exhibition The time has finally come to celebrate and reflect on the truly amazing effort of Lane Cove locals who have together woven over 10,000 stars as part of the global 1 Million Stars project. The stars will be on display as part of an Exhibition at Gallery Lane Cove this month before they then head on to form part of a 1 millionstar installation at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
I would like to encourage everyone in the Lane Cove community to register for this year’s Walk Around the World program. This fantastic initiative is not only a great opportunity to improve THE VILLAGE OBSERVER I NO. 259 I FEBRUARY 2017 I 31
