The Village Observer

Proceeds from The Village Observer support residents in need from Lane Cove, Hunters Hill, Ryde, Willoughby and North Sydney areas, through Sydney Community Services.

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Proceeds from The Village Observer supports residents of Lane Cove, Hunters Hill, Ryde, Willoughby and North Sydney, via Sydney Community Services – a local not-for-profit organisation that helps residents to live a quality and independent life in their own home and in their community.

Local Support for Local People

SCS provides services to seniors and people living with a disability including social activities, gardening, home nursing, podiatry, Community Care Advisory, linen, home delivered meals, home modifications and maintenance, flexible respite, carers support, shopping services, community and engagement programs, medical transport and assistance in daily life.

THE VILLAGE OBSERVER: 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove NSW 2066.

PUBLISHER: Gillian Batt

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EDITOR: Nicola Riches

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E: editor@thevillageobserver.com.au

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The Village Observer is published monthly (except January) by Sydney Community Services (trading as Lane Cove Community Aid Foundation) • Distribution is at the beginning of the month.

• Readers are invited to submit articles for consideration. • Articles and items for community events should be emailed to the Editor with any accompanying images by the 15th of each month, for inclusion in the next month’s issue. • Advertising enquiries should be directed to advertising@thevillageobserver.com.au • If mailing material and you would like it returned, please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All care, but no responsibility will be taken for this material. © Copyright 2021. Original advertisements and editorial in this publication are copyright and remain the exclusive property of The Village Observer. No part of this publication may be reproduced and/or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written consent of the Publisher.

DISCLAIMER: The content of editorial and advertisements in The Village Observer has been provided by a number of independent sources. Any opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor and Publisher of The Village Observer, and no responsibility is taken for the accuracy of the information, or any factual errors contained within any items printed. Readers should make their own enquiries directly to any organisations or businesses prior to making any plans or taking any action.

November’s a little bit like the calm before the storm (otherwise known as December).

Things start gearing up for the ‘season to be jolly’ in November and you can tell that in Lane Cove when ‘Food and Wine by the River’ takes place and the ‘Greenwich Art Trail’ gets underway, and when you start seeing adverts for the Lane Cove Theatre panto show (more about that inside), or Chef Bern starts talking canapes or party nibbles, which she’s done in these very pages.

Another marker that lets you know we’re hurtling towards Christmas is the Hunters Hill Art Exhibition and this year’s promises to be excellent. We have the full rundown on that inside.

In fact, as we often tend to do, we’ve gone a little art crazy again this month (it’s embedded in our subconscious and just escapes from us as though we have no free will). Our Q&A this month is with Brenda Colahan – Riverview resident and owner of her own gallery in Putney, plus, local artist Ros Gervay has also started up a new column with us. Please check both out inside.

Please check out p19 too where local Chaplain, Karen Paull, has some news that she would like to share. We send our most warmest of wishes to you, Karen. Have a lovely art-tastic month everyone!

Nicola and Sharon

Thank you to Mertim Gokalp for the Manu Fiedel portrait on our cover. This wonderful artwork will be shown at this month's Hunters Hill Art Exhibition

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As a local, small publication, run by a not-for-profit charity, TVO relies on our advertisers and partners to come to life every month. We’d like to extend a big thank you to this month’s supporters:

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Greenwich Village Arts Trail – back on

St Vinnies charity bins removed from St Michaels Church

The St Vinnies charity bins have been removed from St Michaels Church. If you are looking for bins, there are some at Burns Bay Reserve.

you are looking for a way to recycle clothes, then sign up for RecycleSmart (www.recyclesmart.com). It is a free service supported by Lane Cove Council where Recyclesmart will pick up two shopping bags full of usable clothes once a month, for free.

If you want to recycle more clothes (and other items), you can book a pickup and put out more bags – that costs $5.00 a bag if you live in Lane Cove Council Area and $2.00 a bag if you live in Lane Cove North and you are in the Willoughby Council Area. Thanks to In The Cove for this update.

Lane Cove Diwali Fest

– huge success!

This year’s Lane Cove Diwali Fest, organised by the Lane Cove Indian Community, was a massive success with a fantastic turnout for the multicultural fashion show, the cultural performances and henna art.

As part of the celebration, a beautiful Rangoli was put up in the Lane Cove Council offices foyer for everyone to come and marvel at its beauty. It was on display for two weeks and has now become part of the Council’s event calendar.

Rangoli, which means “an array of colours” in Sanskrit, is a traditional Indian art form dating back thousands of years. It is a multi-coloured floor decoration that symbolises wealth, joy, and prosperity. Local kids too had a go at making their own Rangoli – top work, kids!

Food and Wine by the River Festival – Venue Change

Food and Wine by the River has moved from Tambourine Bay Reserve to Burns Bay Reserve and takes place on November 6.

St Ignatius Fire

Fire and Rescue NSW investigators have determined that a line marking machine left on charge started the St Ignatius maintenance shed fire. The fire caused an estimated $500,000 damage.

Early in the morning on 20 October, the fire broke out in one of the maintenance sheds located on the Senior Campus. It was contained in the shed, which is not located near the teaching buildings or the boarder accommodation, but close to staff houses.

Thanks to In The Cove for this update.

Rotary Fair

Unfortunately the Rotary Fair was cancelled this year on account of the bad weather. However, organisers would like to give a big thanks to supporters of the megaraffle. Here's a photo of the lucky winner with the Nintendo Switch!

The kids' Rangoli

Not a Ro-bot

by Liz Foster

Online ordering is fantastic and convenient, right? Once you’ve entered all your personal details including your inside leg measurement, address, and payment method, that is. And waited for your authentication PIN. And dithered over entering your credit card details before hovering your mouse over the big orange ORDER NOW button and – phew!

You’ve made it! Your stuff magically wings its way to you pronto. All without any human intervention.

Only trouble is, things can go pear shaped pretty quickly when you’ve got a query.

Enter the Chatbot, the pop-up window, saying something cheery like ‘Chat With Us’! But don’t be fooled. The Chatbot is often wholly automated and programmed only to answer questions it knows the answer to. Which, curiously, never seem to be things you need to know.

Whatever you do, don’t try and engage it in conversation. Chatbots are simple creatures at heart and only have so many programmed responses. They often get confused or completely ignore something said previously. Even more infuriating is when they go rogue. If given too much information (too many words) to process, like a real person, they can’t cope and start firing back bizarre answers, such as -

• Bot: How may I help you?

• Customer: Are you able to take refillable water bottles into the venue?

• Bot: We don’t have any events at the moment.

• C: Can you take water bottles in?

• Bot: Sorry we don’t accept take away requests.

• C: Can I bring my reusable water bottle?

• Bot: We don’t allow dogs on the premises. What else can I help you with?

Troll hackers have endless fun masquerading as bots, something Optus should be keenly aware of right now. Like the Customer Support channel for a popular UK High Street jeweller. When a customer posted a rant about his lost

Illustrations by Grace Kopsiaftis

ring, the ‘bot’ replied, OK, calm down Frodo. Then further responded to the customer’s fury with the name’s Gollum, my precious.

On the rare occasion you can liaise with a human, it’s likely to cost more. I’m okay with this because people need to get paid. So, can someone please explain why booking online movie tickets costs more than buying them from a human?

The Cremorne Orpheum charges an up-front ‘admin fee’ with no allocated seating and still requires queueing to collect your tickets on arrival. This is not progress.

Even places you buy stuff from in person aren’t off the hook, such as the new Harris Farm. Yes, yes, it’s wonderful, even if your shopping experience mirrors Ikea (lost for hours on end and you can’t leave for less than a hundred bucks). I buy quails’ eggs there as I’m allergic to chicken egg protein. Hooray! No more driving to Willoughby!

I’ve been to the new store six times. There’ve been no quails eggs each time. The fifth time this happened, I tracked down the manager and politely asked about the eggs. He told me a curious thing, which made sense on one level and none on another. The staff have nothing to do with the ordering, ‘the computer does it all.’ No, it can’t be overridden. It’s a set and forget type of thing.

Back to the Willoughby store I go. It’s much smaller and less fancy than Lane Cove but they always have my eggs. They either do their orders manually or some smart person has programmed their ordering bot just right.

Liz Foster is a local writer and author. You can find more Life’s Rich Pattern features and more at www.lizfosterwriter.com

Brenda Colahan

local business owner



For how long have you been running a local business?

I opened Brenda Colahan Fine Art, my Putney based gallery, six years ago in October 2016. However, I lived in Putney from 2008, and now in Riverview since 2018, so I have run my art consultancy and valuation business from my home office and my gallery here for over 14 years.



Have you always worked in the art world?

Yes, I have worked in fine art since 1989, after I left Sydney University where I studied Fine Art and Archaeology, and started my first gallery assistant role at Holland Fine Art in Double Bay. My career has taken me full circle from running a small gallery, to the International auction world, to valuations and philanthropy and back to a small boutique gallery environment again (BCFA)



What is it that gets you out of bed in the morning?

Usually my artists! I always wake to texts and calls, new images and enquires about the extraordinary artworks which will be exhibited in BCFA’s next exhibition, or which have been created by artists in our stable overnight. It’s not a bad way to start the day. My drive to Putney from Riverview seems to always happen while I’m on a call to an artist or collector.

 Tell us a bit about your home life and what you like to do, outside of work...

My son is in year 9 and leads a very busy life at the college, and this is my home focus. We travel as much as possible and have recently returned from NYC. I visit other galleries and artist studios, as well as remote Indigenous communities and auction salesrooms. Fine art is a lifestyle which is all encompassing - so my work is my life mostly!



Can you tell us what keeps you on the lower north shore/Lane Cove?

I've lived in Sydney's Northern Suburbs and lower North Shore since 2008, leaving Woollahra ( the darkside…) never to return East. My life is here - my home, my son is at Saint Ignatius College, my gallery is here and my partner is a serving member of the RAN based at HMAS Waterhen in Waverton.

 Do you think that this area is special in that it seems to be a hotbed of artists and creativity?

I love this area, where natural beauty and quiet inspire contemplation and artistic pursuit. A haven for creatives and artists. The proximity to nature, the beautiful walks, the riverside and harbour vistas are extraordinary. In some areas like Riverview I feel like I’ve stepped back in time to a safe childhood filled with the sights and sounds of the river and birdsong. The hub and infrastructure of larger centres means I rarely cross the bridge anymore. There is a burgeoning arts scene here too - I represent several extremely talented local artists, and have enjoyed forging connections with our local public galleries - Macquarie University Art Gallery and Gallery Lane Cove+artist studios.

 Without thinking too much - you're out locally for dinner...where do you go?

Little Red Robin in Birdwood Lane is divine. Alessandro and wife Michelle are the consummate hosts, with an extraordinary contemporary Italian menu, and a stunning wine list. We frequent often and this is where I entertain collectors, artists and suppliers to BCFA.

 You've been lucky to promote and show so many wonderful local artists...are you allowed to say you have favourites, and if so, who are they?

Way too hard to pick favourites - I love all the artists I work with in the BCFA stable. Perhaps worth a particular mention is my Indigenous stock room, which is very extensive. I have artists represented from most communities including young second and third generation artists like Christy Young and Debbie Brown, through mid career artists such as Jorna Newberry - to acclaimed Internationally recognised painters, Tommy Watson and Naata Nungurrayi.

 In the whole world of art, who are your favourites?

Vermeer, Picasso, Bill Henson, Del Kathryn Barton, Tommy Watson, Jorna Newberry, Naata Nungaurrayi.



Do you have any end of year shows planned, and what can we look forward to next year?

The stunning contemporary landscapes of Belinda Wilson in The Joy Effect is up next, opening on the November 10, followed by a fabulous Christmas Stockroom Sale. My recent trip to NYC was enlightening, as I visited galleries showcasing the latest emerging painters. I’m really interested in the “very new” at the moment and together with my Exhibitions Manager, Greg Uzelac, who has recently joined the BCFA team from NYC, we have some terrific directions planned for the gallery and the Sydney art scene in 2023. Watch this space!

Emma Grimes, Michael Fitzgerald & Peter Louridas

A family business, now in our 48th year in Lane Cove

Winter warmth by Belinda Wislons from forthcoming show The Joy Effect

Art at home in Hunters Hill

Ifyou live in Hunters Hill, you would be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t know about the works by Australia-renowned artist, local Ian Hansen.

Hansen’s been looking forward to the return of the Hunters Hill Art Exhibition; in part because of the show’s calibre of works to be seen, and also for the opportunity to enter his own work in it again.

Well-known for his maritime-themed works, he won the Hunters Hill Art Prize in 2015 for his oil painting: ‘Bass Strait’.

Hansen began painting in his childhood, and has lived in the Hunters Hill area since 1981.

As a local community member and professional artist, he has witnessed the rise of the Hunters Hill Art Exhibition firsthand.

“It used to be that the only premier art event in Sydney was the Mosman Art Prize,” Hansen said.

“But it wasn’t many years at all after the [Hunters Hill Art] exhibition’s establishment that the Hunters Hill Art Prize began rivalling the Mosman Art Prize.”

“After that, Hunters Hill Art Exhibition overtook Mosman to become the art prize to win in the Sydney basin.”

Now well-established in the Sydney art scene, the Hunters Hill Art Exhibition came from humble beginnings.

The exhibition started several decades ago and was one of Hunter’s Hill Council’s first forays into combining art appreciation with community, through bringing together works by both new and well-known artists.

Over the years, the show established a reputation in the art world as a well-known and critically acclaimed art prize. The contemporary exhibition boasts careful curation of a wide range of styles and mediums, including paintings, sculptures, watercolour, printmaking, photography, pottery, craft and mixed media.

The exhibition attracts hundreds of artist entries, with thousands of visitors coming to view and buy works in a range of mediums.

Many works have become talking points outside the walls of Hunters Hill Town Hall. In 2018, the show and one of its entries made front-page news, with artist Mertim Gokalp’s ‘photo-realistic’ portrait painting of celebrity chef Manu Feildel.

The cheekily titled work – ‘Bon Appetit’ – depicted Feildel nude and in a cooking pot, encapsulating the playful nature of the piece’s subject.

The painting also earned Gokalp the exhibition’s top prize that year, and followed on from his success as the winning artist the previous year with his 2017 work ‘Stigmata’.

He also won the regional art prize category in 2012 with a work titled ‘Fish does not Think. Fish Knows Everything!’ Due to COVID-19, the exhibition was postponed in 2021, and in 2020, a collection of works by local artists, ‘CommunARTy’, was staged.

Now, for the first time in two years, the Hunters Hill Art Exhibition is back in Town Hall.

Staging the exhibition takes a concerted community effort.

The Hunters Hill Art Exhibition came from humble beginnings

Hunters Hill has a long history of supporting the arts. Hunter’s Hill Council’s major annual show Hunters Hill Art Exhibition returns to Town Hall this month.

2015 winner Hansen in his studio

Opening night 2019 - winning artwork pictured with volunteer

Hunter’s Hill Council is supported in delivering the event by its community-led Arts Advisory Committee, a group made up of volunteer members and Councillors.

Other local volunteers also help bring the exhibition to life.

It’s a huge undertaking, with volunteers getting involved in a range of tasks including the hanging of hundreds of artworks, staging of sculptures and assisting visitors during the exhibition.

Community support through sponsorship, artwork purchases and ticket entry sales is also central to the staging of the event.

Special events including a Buyer’s Night (10 November) and Opening Night (11 November) and are also a great opportunity for the community to get together while enjoying the fine art on show.

One such person was the late Ross McBride, who was formally recognised by Hunter’s Hill Council at its September meeting for his long-standing involvement in the arts community.

McBride was an artist, potter, and teacher.

He had a huge impact on many art communities in his time. After moving to Hunters Hill with his family in 1968, McBride began working at Hunters Hill High School as the art teacher.

The Hunters Hill Art Exhibition is built on a foundation of artistic talent and community spirit

The exhibition is open in Hunters Hill Town Hall to the general public from Saturday 12 November to Sunday 20 November, from 10am to 4pm.

Tickets for the special events and general entry are available via the Hunter’s Hill Council website: huntershill. nsw.gov.au/art.

Vale, Ross McBride

The Hunters Hill Art Exhibition is built on a foundation of artistic talent and community spirit.

Many people have made valuable contributions over many years.

That same year, he was invited to join the body responsible for overseeing the Hunters Hill Art Exhibition – the Council’s Arts Advisory Committee.

On top of spending more than 55 years in the teaching profession, creating thousands of pieces of pottery and other art in his free time, McBride went on to work with the Arts Advisory Committee for 40 years. During that time, he spent 12 of those years as the Chair of the Committee. His keenness and enthusiasm for the world of art manifested as a ‘hands-on’ approach as chairman, with contributions to the event’s organisation including everything from hanging the works to entertaining the Art Judges.

Whether he was educating young artists, creating his own works, or helping run the Hunters Hill Art Exhibition, McBride made his mark on the arts community in Hunters Hill.

McBride passed away in August 2022 at age 85, and is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.

2019 exhibition piece

Crowd at opening night 2019

Bass Strait By Ian Hansen

Young in Art

The Hunters Hill Art Exhibition has showcased great talent over many years, and potential future entrants are already honing their skills.

Their collective works were on show ahead of the main event in a school-based exhibition, Young in Art. Young in Art began as an offshoot of the Hunters Hill Art Exhibition.

Due to its growing popularity, Young in Art became a standalone show.

The free exhibit ran last month at Town Hall from 20 - 23 October, with extraordinary talent displayed by the creative youth in Hunters Hill.

Each year, the Young in Art exhibition is made up of works submitted by local schools in the Hunters Hill area. It’s an opportunity for local students and teachers to show off the imagination and hard work that would normally remain within the confines of the classroom.

On top of exhibiting their art with the Hunters Hill community, students relish the chance to share their creations with their friends and family; as well as have an experience similar to the artists of the Hunters Hill Art Exhibition.

As it does with the Hunters Hill Art Exhibition, the Town Hall transforms into a gallery, and is open to visitors to enjoy an insight into the young local talent. Prizes go to winners of each section, in addition to overall first-prizes for the primary and high school divisions. In 2022, the works ranged from depictions of favourite animals, to intricately sketched portraits of professionals at work, landscapes, collages and more.

Nora Heysen Award

The late Nora Heysen, an incredibly successful artist local to Hunters Hill, continues to live on through the Hunters Hill Art Exhibition’s Nora Heysen Award.

The prize is given to the best artwork by a female artist residing in Hunters Hill.

Past winners have included local talent Sue MacleodBeere, who won the award in 2016 for her oil painting titled ‘Head Study’, after also winning the award in 2012.

In 2020, Macleod-Beere also went on to win first prize overall at Hunter’s Hill Council’s art event ‘CommunARTy’. The award isn’t the only tribute in Heysen’s honour in Hunters Hill; a sculpture that celebrated the Centenary of Nora Heysen in 2011 was moved to Hunters Hill Town Hall Forecourt from Garibaldi Village in August this year.

Sculpted by Susan Muranty, the piece was donated by the Swain family for its original installation. It was created as a project for the Sesquicentenary of Hunter’s Hill Council with the Hunters Hill Historical Society.

In her time, Heysen completed more than 170 artworks, and lays claim to being the first female artist to win the Archibald Prize in 1938, as well as the first female war artist with the rank of Captain for depicting women’s role in the war effort.

Though now privately owned, Heysen’s old residence ‘The Chalet’ remains a heritage-listed property through Heysen’s contributions to the cultural history of New South Wales history in addition to the rarity of its historical architecture.

Seed

Bank

Sally Kidall

2021

Photo

Brian Rapsey

Head Study By Macleod-Beere

Young in Art

Young in Art

Ahoy me hearties

You know you’re getting your cruise lingo together when you correctly refer to the gangway instead of the gangplank, and your vessel as either a boat (on a river) or a ship (on an ocean). The simple rule of thumb is that a boat will fit on a ship but a ship will not fit on a boat – which is why tender vessels are lifeboats, not “lifeships”. By Adrienne Witteman.

This is my fourth cruise in as many months. Our nearly four-month sojourn started with a Tauck river cruise in France, followed by a Silversea Baltic and North Atlantic cruise. Then it was over to America for a paddle wheeler cruise New Orleans to Memphis, and finally a Seabourn cruise from Barcelona to the Canary Islands.

Have we left the best to last? I’m here to tell you that there is no one best solution however, if I could take the best of every cruise line, I’d have the perfect cruise to suit me. Though not necessarily you.

Cruise sales are increasing at a greater rate than they were pre-Covid. Not only is there pent-up demand for a holiday at sea but most have realised that ships are not germ factories. And you’re probably safer onboard a ship than you are on a plane or a bus, in a store or at a friend’s party.

So, what have I learnt in the last three months? The best ships/ boats are transparent about Covid onboard, providing a daily update as to any infections (in our case, these ranged from 0 – 10 among crew and passengers) and the degree of infection (usually mild now due to vaccination).

The best ships/boats are very particular about cleaning, with particular emphasis on handrails, lift buttons, public bathrooms and anywhere that is a high traffic zone. They have hand sanitisers located liberally on each floor and prior to entering a restaurant you are asked to use.

While all cruise lines will still feature buffets, predominantly at breakfast but sometimes also at lunch, the best operations will have staff serving at the stations to minimise utensil contamination.

The previously crowded lifeboat drill/ muster station gathering has gone the way of a dodo. Now you watch the safety demonstration from the sanctity of your room, press ok to register that you have watched and acknowledge where you must go in the unlikely event of an emergency. Hallelujah. It was always so tiresome waiting for the last stragglers to arrive and certify by their presence that they knew where to gather in an emergency.

Crowds do still happen (just like at the railway station). Go to the after-dinner show and you won’t find any 1.5M spacing, and indeed no evidence that queuing closely together may even be an issue. How quickly we forget. The show is finished, let’s get out of here to bed or the bar!

Outside of Covid-related issues, I have discovered some new “bests”. I’ve been so long on the road now that laundry has become a real issue and when I strike a vessel with inefficient or broken washing machines/dryers I am very cross. Please don’t tell me that you’re waiting for a part!

Fast, reliable wi-fi is another essential. So many of us now work and travel that we can’t do without it. I recall, in the past, buying an internet package whereas it is now almost always free

– this has its downside in that demand is now so great, you may need to buy a premium package to guarantee connectivity. Or else wake at 4.00 a.m. like I do, when everyone else is asleep, to work at the speed of lightning. Relatively speaking!

And then there is coffee. Forget the dishwater served on the Mississippi and opt for the coffee bar at Seabourn Square, where the barista knows the difference between a latte and a flat white. Heaven.

The one essential I’ve yet to discover, sadly on no ship or boat, is zero-calorie food. Of course, I could stick to salads, and the foods marked healthy choice, but where’s the fun in that? Instead, I must practise temperance – balance fried with grilled or raw, stick to icecream on the weekends only, wine at dinner only … need I go on.

Choosing a cruise is a very personal task. I know. When you want to cruise, my vast knowledge can be of use to you. I just can’t guarantee that you’ll come back skinnier than you boarded. Sorry!!!

3 Northwood Rd, Longueville

www.trendsettertravel.com.au

Global warming puts Arabica coffee at risk, and we’re barrelling towards a crucial threshold

Coffee may be a major casualty of a hotter planet. Even if currently declared commitments to reduce emissions are met, our new research suggests coffee production will still rapidly decline in countries accounting for 75% of the world’s Arabica coffee supply.

Arabica

coffee (Coffea arabica) is one of two main plant species we harvest coffee beans from. The plant evolved in the high-altitude tropics of Ethiopia, and is hypersensitive to changes in the climate.

Our research shows there are global warming thresholds beyond which Arabica coffee production plummets. This isn’t just bad news for coffee lovers – coffee is a multi-billion dollar industry supporting millions of farmers, most in developing countries.

Millions of farmers, mostly in the developing world, depend on productive Arabica for their livelihood. If coffee productivity declines, the economic consequences for farmers, some of which do not earn a living income as it is, are dire.

Millions of farmers, mostly in the developing world, depend on productive Arabica for their livelihood.

If we manage to keep global warming below 20C this century, then producers responsible for most global Arabica supply will have more time to adapt. If we don’t, we could see crashes in Arabica productivity, interruptions to supply, and price hikes on our daily cup.

Where our coffee comes from

Most of our Arabica is grown in the tropics, throughout Latin America, Central and East Africa and parts of Asia. Brazil, Colombia and Ethiopia are the world’s top three producers of Arabica, and the crop has crucial social and economic importance elsewhere, too.

Arabica coffee is typically most productive in cool high elevation tropical areas with a local annual temperature of 18-230C. Higher temperatures and drier conditions invariably lead to declines in yield.

Last year, for example, one of the worst droughts in Brazil’s history saw coffee production there drop by around one-third, with global coffee prices spiking as a result.

What we found

Previous research has focused on how changes in temperature and rainfall affect coffee yields. While important, temperature and rainfall aren’t the best indicators of global Arabica coffee productivity. Instead, we found that it’s more effective to measure how dry and hot the air is, which we can do using “Vapour Pressure Deficit”.

WORDS: Scott Power (Director, Centre for Applied Climate Sciences, University of Southern Queensland) Jarrod Kath (Senior Lecturer in Ecology and Conservation, University of Southern Queensland)

Vapour pressure deficit tells us how much water gets sucked out of a plant. Think of when you walk outside on a hot, dry day and your lips dry and crack – the moisture is being sucked out of you because outside, the vapour pressure deficit is high. It’s the same for plants.

We built scientific models based on climate data that was linked to decades of coffee productivity data across the most important Arabica producing countries. We found once vapour pressure deficit gets to a critical point, then Arabica coffee yields fall sharply.

This critical point, we found, is 0.82 kilopascals (a unit of pressure, calculated from temperature and humidity). After this point, Arabica yields start falling fast – a loss of around 400 kilograms per hectare, which is 50% lower than the long-term global average.

Vapour pressure deficit thresholds have already been exceeded in Kenya, Mexico and Tanzania.

Unabated global warming will see the world’s coffee producing powerhouses at risk. If global warming temperatures increase from 20C to 30C, then Peru, Honduras, Venezuela, Ethiopia, Nicaragua, Colombia and Brazil - together accounting for 81% of global supply - are much more likely to pass the vapour pressure deficit threshold.

What can we do about it?

While there are ways farmers and the coffee industry can adapt, the viability of applying these on a global scale is highly uncertain.

For example, irrigating coffee crops could be an option, but this costs money – money many coffee farmers in developing countries don’t have. What’s more, it may not always be effective as high vapour pressure deficits can still inflict damage, even in well-watered conditions.

Another option could be switching to other coffee species. But again, this is fraught. For example, robusta coffee (Coffea canephora) – the other main species of production coffee – is also sensitive to temperature rises. Others, such as Coffea stenophylla and Coffea liberica could be tested, but their production viability at large scales under climate change is unknown.

There is only so much adapting we can do. Our research provides further impetus, if we needed any, to cut net global greenhouse gas emissions.

Limiting global warming in accordance with the Paris Agreement is our best option to ensure we can all keep enjoying coffee. More importantly, keeping global warming below 20C is the best way to ensure the millions of vulnerable farmers who grow coffee globally have a livelihood that supports them and their families well into the future.

TRANSITIONS

Amidst much anticipation and excitement, my husband and myself left our Adelaide home for Sydney 8 ½ years ago. Having always lived in Adelaide and raising our children there, it was a big step saying ‘goodbye’ to our family, friends, home and our many roles there. People around us were saddened by our choice. We knew very few people in Sydney. It was such a risk! Yet we were ‘called’ here and the timing was right for us, so we went with hope. Both the two-day relocation drive, and the packing and unpacking process, helped ground the transition in reality. There was so much we enjoyed about our new life in Sydney – yet some transitioning aspects were hard. Transitions tend to be mixed blessings.

It is nearly time for us to move again. This time, we will drive south for 5 hours to the ‘Sapphire Coast’, where I will begin a Uniting Church placement as a Community Chaplain for disaster-affected people. Again, there are mixed emotions for us – excitement, challenge and loss, all rolled into one. We will embrace the changes as best we can, regarding life as a journey of change, where we are called to make a positive difference wherever we can. We feel secure, knowing our God travels with us.

We are so thankful for our time in Lane Cove! We have appreciated the people – and many organisations - that contribute to building a strong community here. We love the beautiful, natural environment and those who selflessly fight to protect it. We have found welcome and kindness – so we say ‘thank you’ to those who have embraced, included and helped us.

The opportunity to serve in Lane Cove as a Community Chaplain is unique. This is due to the extraordinary generosity of Lane Cove Uniting Church, who, in true Lane Cove style, experimented with a brand-new approach to being the Church, embedded outside of the building in many different ways. Other churches have observed the unfolding of this initiative and some have been inspired to begin their own, in contextualised ways.

We will be here for another month or so. We would love to say ‘goodbye’ to our many friends here over that time – so please contact me via the links below. Lane Cove Uniting Church will continue to support the role and current groups while they identify my successor.

I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination - JIMMY DEAN

Lane Cove Community Chaplaincy

Rev Karen Paull 0400

lanecovechaplain@gmail.com

Supported by Lane Cove Uniting

Ramon stirred in his cage, grunting and nibbling on honeydew melons and squash. At over four feet tall and one hundred and eighty pounds, he was a sight to behold. His only company was Ophelia, a giant snake in the adjacent cage and some humanoid creatures, preserved in Formalin filled jars. Billed as the world’s largest rat at the Coney Island Freak Show, the peculiar rodent became the star attraction, but after the show, as darkness descended, he crawled under his blanket and dreamed of galloping along the banks of the Amazon River, home again, reunited with the other capybaras.

Perihan Bozkurt, Lane Cove

Take three pieces of timber from the old open tip, one long, and two short. Sharpen ends with pocketknife. Push on old pram wheels; ball bearing wheels, if you’re lucky. Put bolt and nut through each end of long piece, and one through the short piece. Tie a length of rope onto front piece to steer your billy cart. Now find the steepest hill in your area, get your mates to give you a running push, fly down the hill. Once at the bottom, pull hard on one side of rope. Your cart will spin around then totally stop.

Jim Strickland, Lane Cove

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Lane Cove’s Women Action and Information Group – November events

14 November

The Australian bush food industry is exploding and provides a powerful opportunity for empowerment and self-determination of First Nations people. Native millet, Panicum decompositum, is a native grain that grows widely across Australia and was a staple of diet before colonisation. Working together with Gomeroi elders, knowledge holders and community in northern NSW, our speaker Kim Bell-Anderson and her team are co-designing research to investigate the nutritional value of native millet and impact on gut health and cardiometabolic risk.

28 November

Frances de Jong will share experiences from her recent trip to Iran.

• All WAIG sessions are held at the Lane Cove Library, Longueville Rd, Lane Cove unless otherwise stated.

• Cost of Monday sessions: $10 members / $12 non-members per session.

• For further information: email waigwomen@gmail.com

 Women’s Circle at the Meeting House, Lane Cove North

Monthly Circle for women to share and connect in a safe space. Based on the work of the School of Shamanic Womancraft (www.schoolofshamanicwomancraft.com )

• October Circle is on 28th October at 7-9pm. November Circle 25th November 7-9pm.

• Led by Katherine Howard (for more info see www.katherinecounselling.com ).

• $30 per Circle.

For more information and booking details call Katherine on 0410 561 032.

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Personal Development Group – Psychodrama at the Meeting House, Lane Cove North

Psychodrama is an action method used for exploring and developing relationships, self esteem and identity.

• Led by Katherine Howard (for more information on Katherine and psychodrama see www.katherinecounselling.com )

• «A monthly group: 11th November and 9th December 7-10pm.

For more information and booking call Katherine on 0410 561 032.

Meeting House Hub

23a Strokes Street, Lane Cove North

I was one of hundreds of councillors and council staff from around NSW who attended the Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Annual Conference in October. It provided an opportunity to share ideas, seek inspiration, and examined policy. Councils submitted motions that were debated and resolved to set our priorities. It was great to meet with my counterparts and inspiring to hear initiatives and innovations. I look forward to bringing some of this energy back to Lane Cove. On another topic, thanks to everyone who attended the Business Breakfast as part of Small Business Month. It was a great turnout, with marketing guru Carolyn Miller sharing some tips and insights on effective marketing for small business. It's one of the many initiatives to support economic development in Lane Cove.

Central Park and Blackman Park

We’ve started to upgrade the amenities block at Central Park, Longueville pictured right.

New Green Space

The delivery of the St Leonards New Green Space is edging closer. Landscaping begins this month, so we’ll finally begin to see the park take shape. It will be a much-needed green space for the community, with an adventure playground, links to Council’s new library, a carpark, and access to new retail and restaurants. Sign up to our e-updates and visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/ stleonardsnewgreenspace for details.

An inclusive community

We’re always thinking about ways to be more inclusive. The disability inclusion action plan is where we bring together those ideas into one document to make concrete, practical plans. This four-year plan is now in draft form and ready for you to give us your feedback. View the plan and fill in the survey at our website.

It includes an accessible toilet and two ambulant toilets. We expect works to finish by December 2022 and a temporary portaloo will be provided in the meantime. At Blackman Park, you’ll soon be enjoying energy efficient LED lights. The fields, basketball area and cricket nets will get new poles and LED lights, thanks to funding from the state and federal governments. Works will finish in December (weather permitting) and we'll begin to refurbish the dog park, which will also include new lighting.

Lane Cove and St Leonards parking

We’ve taken a close look at parking in the Lane Cove village and St Leonards to make sure we’re maximising opportunities, it’s fair and we’re providing space for electric vehicles, seniors and disabled spaces. We’ve had the parking expert run a study and we’d now like to hear from you about the findings and recommendations. See council’s website and send us your comments before 29 November.

Did you know?

You can own a piece of Longueville Road. We're replacing the pavers as part of streetscape upgrades, so you can take home the old pavers for free. They’re in good condition and would be perfect for an outdoor entertaining area or any other projects around your home or business.

They’re 230mm x 110mm x 40mm in earthy tones.

Email us ( service@lanecove. nsw.gov.au ) with the subject heading “pavers –Longueville Rd”, including the below details

address in Lane Cove

square meters

Whether you want to pick up from Blackman Park or your delivery address

The new park is being built over the rail corridor in St Leonards, beside the Pacific Highway.]

What’s on Lane Cove November 2022

For more information and to book, please visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

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Festival by the River: Ebbs and Flows – Poetry and Photographic Exhibition

Tuesday 1 November to Sunday 13 November

Stunning photography complements original stirring poetry, written by Lane Cove Poets in Residence. No bookings required.

 Harbourcare Kayak x National Recycling Week

Friday 11 November, 9:00am –12:30pm, location provided upon booking

Pool Safety and Drowning Prevention Workshop

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Wednesday 2 November, 12:45pm – 2:15pm, Lane Cove Aquatic Leisure Centre

This workshop includes a presentation by Lane Cove Council's Compliance Team, a presentation by Royal Life Saving NSW and a hands on CPR Awareness Training by ReVIVA First Aid.

Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

 Meet Eda Utku – Live the Gift

Wednesday 2 November, 6:15pm –7:30pm, Lane Cove Library

Join Lane Cove memoir writer Eda Utku as she discusses her latest book Live the Gift.

Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

First Fridays

– Waterways Fun

Friday 4 November, 3:30pm – 5:00pm, Lane Cove Plaza

Drop by the Plaza and hear from Lane Cove local Kelly Winning who will help you learn about the power of the Australian waterways.

Discover native plant properties and splash around in water as she educates you on the Australian environment.

No bookings required.

 In Conversation with Rachael Johns – The Work Wives

Friday 4 November, 10:30am – 11:30am, Lane Cove Library

Join us for morning tea while Rachael Johns discusses her latest novel The Work Wives.

Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

 Food and Wine by the River Sunday 6 November, 11:00am – 5:00pm, Burns Bay Reserve, Riverview

Close to 20 popular regional wine and food stallholders will be serving up the best of the Mudgee region. Free entry but wine tasting tickets available to purchase.

This family-friendly event includes live entertainment, free face painting and games for the kids. There will be a free shuttle bus from Lane Cove Library to the event so you can leave the car at home. Food and Wine by the River is a licensed event with no BYO or glass. Find out more: www.lanecove.nsw. gov.au/foodandwine

Join Council's Harbourcare team for a kayak along the Lane Cove River, collecting litter along the foreshore as we explore and protect this beautiful ecosystem. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

 Remembrance Day Service in collaboration with the Lane Cove RSL sub-branch

Friday 11 November, 10:45am – 11:15am, Lane Cove Plaza

Join Council and the Lane Cove RSL Sub-branch as we remember all those who have fought for our country. No bookings required.

 Saturday Sounds: Forty Degrees South Saturday 12 November, 10:00am – 12:00pm, Lane Cove Plaza

Sit back, relax and let these acapella group take you to the banks of the Lane Cove River. No bookings required.

 Screen on the Green: Surf's Up (G)

Thursday 10 November, 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Burns Bay Reserve, Riverview Bring your picnic rug and snacks and join us at Burns Bay Reserve for the fun family movie Surf's Up (G). No bookings required.

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Tech Savvy Seniors: Introduction to Tablets: iPad Tuesday 15 November, 2:30pm –4:30pm, Lane Cove Library

This workshop is an introduction to iPads. Hands-on free workshop! Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

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Ben's Book Club: Craig Silvey – Runt Tuesday 22 November, 7:00pm – 8:00pm, online

Join us for an online event presented by Overdrive (Libby). Acclaimed author Craig Silvey brings us Runt, his first foray into children's books. A Shorelink Libraries event. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

What’s on Lane Cove November 2022

For more information and to book, please visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

 Community Concert Series: Lane Cove Concert Band

Saturday 26 November, 10:00am – 12:00pm, Lane Cove Plaza

 Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers Workshop

Thursday 24 November, 6:00pm – 7:30pm, online

The session will offer practical advice about current driving rules and requirements for L and P platers, how learners benefit from supervised on-road driving and how you can help make learning to drive a safe and positive experience.

Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

 Writers in Residence Group

Thursday 24 November, 6:00pm –7:30pm, Lane Cove Library

Join our Lane Cove Writers in Residence group who meet monthly to share stories, discuss creative writing ideas and writing methods. No bookings required.

Join us for this quarterly music performance in the Plaza as the Lane Cove Concert Band show off their skills. Bring your breakfast and enjoy these talented local musicians.

 Poets in Residence Group

Monday 28 November, 6:00pm –7:30pm, Lane Cove Library

Interested in writing poetry? Join our Lane Cove Poets in Residence group to discuss your writing and share poetry. No bookings required.

 Moments in Music – The Story of Modern Popular Music

Wednesday 30 November, 10:00am –12:00pm, Lane Cove Library

The development of popular music across the second half of the 20th century is presented by local musician Graham Ball.

Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

 RumoursFleetwood Mac Tribute Show

Saturday 10 December, 6:30pm - 8:30pm, The Canopy

Sydney’s best Fleetwood Mac tribute show features a talented seven-piece band. They capture the sound from the legendary Rumours album plus songs from the early blues period to Fleetwood Mac's contemporary hits. Bring your own picnic or purchase delicious takeaway from local businesses and enjoy a summer evening in Lane Cove. Please bring a picnic rug or low chair (no spikes permitted).

Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events Proceeds from this event will go to Delvena Women and Children's Refuge.

 Lane Cove Bush Kids

– Animal Homes

Tuesday 15 November, 9:45am –11:15am, Blackman Park, far end of Lloyd Rees Dr, Lane Cove West

 Lane Cove Bush Kids – Marvellous Mangroves

Wednesday 9 November, 9:45am –11:15am, Blackman Park, far end of Lloyd Rees Dr, Lane Cove West

Mangroves are important trees contributing to the ecology of rivers and bays. Join us to explore the mangroves of Lane Cove River and learn about some of the features that keep these trees alive. We'll also look for animals that live amongst them. Ages 2-5.

Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

There are animal homes all around us and the bush is especially full of places for insects, spiders, birds, possums and much more to live. Come along on a bush walk to look for animal homes, read a story and make an animal home of your own. For ages 2-5.

Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

 Lane Cove Bush Kids

– Beetle Mania

Thursday 17 November, 9:45am –11:15am, Gore Creek Reserve, St Vincents Rd, Greenwich (meet at far end of oval)

There are 300,000 species of beetles in the world – whirligig, click, water and lots more. We'll be learning, exploring, and looking for beetles on our bush walk and decorating one of our own to take home. Ages 2-5. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

Lane Cove Bush Kids – Croak! Friday 25 November, 9:45am –11:15am, Stringybark Reserve, Murray St, Lane Cove North Australia is home to over 230 species of frogs! They live in many different and sometimes unusual places. And they don't all say "croak"! Come along to learn about their life cycle, explore on a bush walk and decorate your own frog to take home. Ages 2-5. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

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Love where you live

Proudly bought to you by Lane Cove Council

Ho Ho Ho Christmas in Lane Cove

The Christmas calendar is jam-packed this December. Here’s a taste of what’s coming up!

The Tree of Joy highlights our community’s generosity. You’re invited to bring an unwrapped toy and leave it under the Christmas tree at the Civic Centre, 48 Longueville Rd or at the Lane Cove Library. We’ll pass along these toys to charities who are supporting families doing it tough.

Toddler tamer Bluey will bring his mesmerising magic to The Canopy on December 2. In three free concerts, we’re inviting young children and their adults to dance, sing and laugh with this beloved character. Shows are 3pm, 3.40pm and 4pm. No tickets, just turn up.

Also on December 2, The Plaza will come to life with market stalls and children’s entertainment. It starts at 3.30pm and finishes with the Christmas tree lighting by the Mayor at 8pm

Download

Talking Dentistry

See who combines passion, artistic flare and extensive knowledge of dentistry to

Dr See says: I get asked about this all the time and I wish I had the whole Village Observer to write about this one! Tooth wear is becoming endemic in nature, that is, we are seeing that it is becoming the new ‘normal’ in Sydney.

The biggest reason for tooth wear is from grinding or clenching of teeth and this can be whilst we sleep or while we are awake. Stress and anxiety is the number one reason that causes pathological grinding and clenching.

Let’s be real here, every household in Sydney over the last few years is experiencing stress and anxiety, whether it is forced lockdowns, working from home, rising cost of living, rising interest rates or traffic. Stress is probably here to stay.

However, when teeth become worn down it often results in a smile that shows very little teeth. This can be difficult to fix as all the teeth are usually worn down and that means all the teeth need to be restored back to the normal shape and size.

Let’s look at a case that we completed to treat short looking front teeth. Rob wanted to improve the size of his front teeth and make them look longer. We used specalised instruments to analyse precisely the proportions of his teeth and to help us decide which treatment was appropriate for him.

To achieve the ideal result that was harmonious with his facial aesthetics, we recontoured the gum and built up all his worn teeth back to normal size.

HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT?

Dr Andrew See has dedicated the last 19 years to Aesthetic Dentistry and has unique qualifications in cosmetic dentistry and rehabilitation.

This includes a three year Masters in Aesthetic Dentistry from the prestigious King’s College London and a Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Implantology.

Dr See completed his Fellowship by primary and secondary examinations for The Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (FRACDS).

FRACDS is the mark of professional achievement in dentistry and demonstrates attainment of an advanced level and skill in Dentistry.

DR ANDREW SEE BDS Hons (Syd), FRACDS, MSc(Lond), PGDipDentImplantology, FCGDENT(UK), FICOI, MFDS RCSEng

Endometriosis

WORDS: DR CARL WONG

DR CARL WONG IS A LANE COVE-BASED GP AND SITS ON THE BOARD OF SYDNEY COMMUNITY SERVICES

Endometriosis is a complex, often misunderstood, medical condition that affects women (or those who identify as female at birth).

By 40-44 years of age, 1 in 9 women in Australia develop endometriosis, affecting all ethnic and social groups. It is a chronic condition with no real cure, that can cause ongoing pain, fatigue, infertility, and lead to reduced participation in school, work and sporting activities. In 2018, the National Action plan for Endometriosis was launched by the Australian government, with the goal of ‘a tangible improvement in the quality of life for individuals living with endometriosis, including a reduction in the impact and burden of disease at individual and population levels’. $58 million was allocated in this year’s Federal Budget to fight the disease.

So what actually is endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when the endometrium, the tissue lining of a woman’s uterus, is unnaturally found in other parts of the body, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder and rectum. Patch/growth areas of endometriosis tissue still

Currambena News

Currambena teachers were delighted to attend a conference during the recent holidays.

ADEC is the Australasian Democratic Education Community and this year we held our first in-person conference since COVID. The host school was Peregrine School, nestled in the beautiful Huon Valley south of Hobart. It is a small community school, similar to Currambena in its small classes, valuing of relationships and student involvement in decision-making.

Conference attendees were inspired by sessions delivered by educators from around Australia and were treated to fabulous meals prepared by the Peregrine community. One Peregrine parent is caring for a baby wombat who made several appearances over the three days! Our teachers have returned to school with a treasure trove of new ideas and inspirations.

• Information Mornings 19th October and 9th November.

• Please call the school to book on 9427 0644.

respond to a woman’s natural hormones, therefore causing vaginal bleeding, and over time, leads to inflammation and scarring. This can cause debilitating pelvic-area pains due to adhesions, caused by the body’s organs sticking to each other.

Frustratingly, the causes of endometriosis are still unclear. Risk factors include: a family history of endometriosis (30% risk if there is one affected first-degree relative, 50% risk if there are two relatives), a longer ‘exposure’ to oestrogen (ie a younger age of one’s first period or a late menopause start age, non-child bearing, shorter menstrual cycles and heavy menstrual period bleeding.

Symptoms are numerous including localised pelvic pain (most common), heavy and/or severely painful periods, irregular periods, pre-menstrual spotting, ovulation pains, pain on urinating/passing bowel motions/sexual intercourse, back pains, abdominal bloating, and a history of infertility (up to 35% of women with infertility have endometriosis). Unfortunately, symptoms of endometriosis are often mistaken for symptoms for other conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and simply typical period pains, making a correct diagnosis of endometriosis a challenge. To make

New local Pub Choir

Louise McDonald is a singing teacher and choir and concert master. After Covid, Louise approached the Greenwood Hotel in North Sydney to start a Pub Choir.

So, if you enjoy singing, whether a budding professional or beginner, all are invited to join.

Louise says the Choir will perform songs from all contemporary genres: toe tapping soul, rock, pop, pop/classical crossover and some heartfelt ballads.

The Greenwood Hotel will host the Choir in a private indoor space, and its own private bar.

The Choir runs every Monday night from 7:309:30pm. It’s $10 and free parking is also provided to Greenwood Hotel patrons.

• For more details or to register, please contact Louise - 0452 006 693.

matters worse, a correct diagnosis is also often delayed, with an average of seven years between onset of symptoms and diagnosis.

The encouraging news though is that deaths from heart disease have been decreasing over the last 10 years. This is due to a number of factors including identification (and modification) of heart disease risk factors and ongoing advancements in cardiac treatments and care.

Amy (name changed) understands this battle firsthand. "I struggled with debilitating symptoms since I was 14 years old and was only diagnosed with endometriosis 20 years later," she says "I was incorrectly diagnosed with other conditions in between (this), and I developed depression from all of my symptoms."

‘It is an under-recognised condition with not enough public awareness about it’ says Dr Jason Chow, a dual gynaecologist/obstetrician and chronic pain specialist, ‘symptoms of endometriosis are often mistakenly attributed to normal typical period pain’.

Non-modifiable risk factors include: a family history of coronary artery disease (especially if you have affected firstdegree relatives less than age 60 years), being male, being a post-menopausal woman, and of certain racial ethnicities, including South-East Asians, and Middle Eastern. Heartrelated events and death in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders occur on average about 10 to 20 years earlier compared to non-indigenous Australians. I advise these patients there is nothing we can do about these risk factors, but we need to be extra careful. But what is more important is concentrating on the modifiable risk factors.

The best way (gold standard) of diagnosis and treatment is a laparoscopy procedure, a type of keyhole surgery. Prior to this, a deep pelvic infiltrative ultrasound (or second-line option MRI scan) should be performed, best done at a specialised centre who has experience with these types of scan. These tests are best likely to pick up tricky areas such as those affecting the bowel and bladder, can help determine the severity and help plan for surgery. During the procedure, the level/severity of disease is further determined, and the offending areas removed (preferably by excision).

The Heart Foundation of Australia succinctly explains this in 5 simple steps that reduces your risk of heart disease:

1. Having a healthy diet: by eating more fruit and vegetables, wholegrain cereals and less saturated fats. Using herbs and spices as a salt-substitute (salt increases your blood pressure). Eating less processed foods (up to 35 percent of the current Australian diet is made up of highly-processed foods – cakes, biscuits, lollies, potato chips, sugary drinks). Watch portion sizes and food group proportions – the average meal size has increased significantly compared to back in the day of our grandparents!

2. Doing more exercise. Current evidence indicates that two thirds of the Australian population are obese and

But it is important to consider laparoscopy for the right reasons, with the primary aim being to improve the women’s outlook, and not necessarily to make a diagnosis just for the sake of it. This is because the stage or grade of endometriosis does not necessarily correlate with the amount of pain experienced. Many women experience severe pain with low amounts of endometriosis. Conversely

those women with high-grade endometriosis may have minimal symptoms.

The best reasons for laparoscopy are for inadequatelymanaged pain and to improve fertility chances. If performed, the aim should be also to minimise repeat surgeries.

that 80 percent don’t do enough exercise. Aim for 30-60 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (eg brisk walking) at least 5 days a week. Choose activities that you enjoy. Find an exercise partner or enrol in a gym membership/ hire a personal trainer to keep yourself motivated and accountable. Sit less – doing so throughout the day has a lower risk of early death, particularly from heart disease. Being active will help you feel energetic, mentally healthy and reduce depression.

Dr Chow agrees. ‘If an endometriosis diagnosis is made, how will management of this make a difference in the woman’s pain? 70% of women will have improvement in their pain, but not necessarily resolution. It is ideal to do just the one surgery to minimise the need for future surgeries. Repeat surgeries increase the risk of sensitising your body to pain and therefore increasing the risk of developing chronic pain. They also run the risk of disempowering the person to effectively self-manage their own pain (by relying on surgeries to fix all of their problems). Also even if a women does not have a diagnosis of endometriosis (or no endometriosis is found) doesn’t mean that there is nothing that can’t be done about their pain’.

3. Quit smoking. There are immediate benefits of reducing your risk of once you’ve quit. One has to be personally motivated to quit and to stay quitted. Whether you’ve already had a ‘heart attack scare’, wishing to keep up physically with the children or even from a cost savings –whatever it takes to make you make that change to quit, do it! See your GP for help if needed.

4. (and 5.) Understand and control cholesterol and blood pressure. I put these two together as they share many characteristics – both have no symptoms when elevated, are major risk factors for heart disease, are controlled by the above-mentioned steps, are assessed by your doctor and are well-managed with medications if needed.

For the treatment of pain, non-surgical management options are crucial in addition to surgery. Pain-controlling medications are essential as are treatments to suppress menstruation. A personalised treatment regime should be made, starting with paracetamol and anti-inflammatories, followed by hormonal treatments, and then more complex regimes (beyond the scope of this article).

Finally, see your GP and ask for an annual comprehensive ‘Healthy Heart Check’ especially if you are age 45 years and above. They will be able to properly calculate and explain your personal risk of heart disease and importantly ongoing prevention and management.

Endometriosis is a complex disease. Greater awareness is key, including a clear understanding of all the intricacies of its diagnosis and management, which will then allow a customised treatment plan to get the best possible outcomes.

Happy New Year to all our TVO readers and wishing you all a healthy heart!

Are you living with, or worried about, someone suffering with BACK PAIN?’

If that is you or a loved one, it’s time to request our FREE report. We have detailed what could be the real solution to your pain that you have been looking for - a solution that could help you or a loved one keep active, maintain independence and avoid having to take painkillers. In this report we detail:

• Discover the secret to being able to walk further for longer with much less backache!

• The single biggest back pain mistake everyone makes each and every day and how to avoid it

• The changes you can make in the bedroom to get a better night’s sleep

• A simple remedy for easing back pain which will cost you nothing - perfect to stay active and mobile

• Discover how to move more freely and improve posture with some tips you can do in the comfort of your home

• If you are currently held back and restricted from things like:

• Getting a good night’s sleep, being able to work, walking with friends, playing golf or enjoying time with the grandkids then this easy reading report

“How to end Back pain and Stiffness” will help you.

Request your FREE copy of “How to end Back Pain and Stiffness” by calling 9427 8333 or emailing lanecove@weareswitch.com.au

Harrison BrownJames Becerra

LANE COVE THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS:

Hercules: The Pantomime

After three years of Covid shutdowns, Lane Cove Theatre Company is back with its annual children’s musical, Hercules!

Bestowed with super human strength, a young mortal named Hercules sets out to prove himself a hero in the eyes of his father, the great god Zeus. Hercules is tricked by the hot-headed villain Hades, who’s plotting to take over Mount Olympus. Hercules must now choose between his legendary strength and his true love. Only by learning the valuable lesson…that it’s not the size of your strength that counts but the strength of your heart… will Hercules save Mount Olympus and be proclaimed a hero?

He’s strong, he's mighty, he’s a hero, he’s all singing and dancing…and he is coming to Lane Cove! Let Lane Cove Theatre transport you to Athens, to the theatre of Dionysus, in a pantomime that promises to have you clutching your stomach, rolled over in balls of laughter, tapping your toes along to a catchy catalogue of multigenerational hits, and dancing away in your seats. Greek heroes, panto magic and an outrageous dame! There's enough magic and action to keep the children mesmerised, and enough satire to keep the adults wanting more. The cast includes Holly Raynor as

Hercules, Naira Beasley as Megara, Ricki Hudson as Zeus and Hades, Alex Yak as Mama Pandora, Belle Maree Robertson as Athena, Kieva Higgins as Hera and Calliope, Daniel (Danny) Rees as Iolaus, Hugo Allen as Amphitryon, Justin Kup-Ferroth as Atlas and Glaukos, Maksim Belchenko as Apple Schoolboy, Andre Molchanoff as Charon, Kira Molchanoff as Hebe, Tara Choo as Oracle, Isobel Dias as Thalia, Cassandra Perez as Euterpe, Gaspard Lal-Montigny as Achilles and Annika Mehta, Holly McGarry, Anika Dayman, Hayley Huynh, Swecha Baluri, Anna Hunt, Matilda Craig, Rosaleen Cullinan and Rebecca (Becky) Thomas as ensemble members.

“But to look beyond the glory is the hardest part. For a hero's strength is measured by his heart“

Hercules: The Pantomime

• Written by Sarah Jamari-Edwards

• Directed by Cameron Farnham

• Dates 11-27 November Friday nights 7.30pm, Saturday afternoons 5pm, Sunday afternoons 2pm

• The Performance Space @ St Aidan’s. Christina Street Longueville

• Tickets are available online www.trybooking.com/BURZU www.lanecovetheatrecompany.com

The Lane Cove Theatre Company is now a ACNC registered not-for-profit charity. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Artist Q&A:

Jessika Steine

Can you describe to us the type of artist you are, and the medium you work in?

I am an abstract landscape artist and I mainly work in large scale acrylic and mixed media on canvas or linen. I like to experiment with new mediums and make my own pigments from elements I find in the environment like pumice stone and charcoal. Although I tend to create mostly rectangular and square works, I have recently started explor ing the circular canvas. It’s quite amaz ing how the shape of a surface can direct and almost dictate the outcome of a painting!

What motivates you to ‘create’?

I’m mainly inspired by water but I also get inspired by the little intricacies of the natural world. My first home was a yacht build by my father who sailed it singlehandedly from Switzerland to Australia. I was born in New Caledonia and we later moved to Berowra Waters on the Hawkesbury River north of Sydney so as a young child I was liter ally surrounded by water. I remember being rocked to sleep by the soothing motion of the waves and so I think my obsession with water was developed by this early experience. I think there’s something quite poetic about that and I really try to evoke the same feeling in my paintings.

Where did you learn your craft, or is it something you were blessed with?

I come from a long line of makers so I have been creating since the begin ning. However, I can attribute my early inspiration to my father (sculptor, Ulric Steiner) Some of my earliest memories involve following my Dad around metal scrap yards and watching him work on his anvil, fashioning amazingly intricate sculptures from repurposed stainless steel he had sourced from factories and industrial kitchens. I also studied at UNSW college of fine art where I learnt a lot from the inspiring lecturers I had there.

Do you find Lane Cove and surrounds a supportive place for artists and creators?

Lane Cove and Ryde have a hidden network of makers and artists doing their thing. When I first moved here I was worried I wouldn’t be able to find ‘my people’ but the longer I do, the more I realise there are many of us

masquerading as ‘normal folk’. I think you’ve got to stop and have con versations with people more to find them. The local councils have really started to support artists and makers.

I think with the arrival of COVID in 2020 people started missing creative opportunities and collaborations so a lot more effort was put into building connections within the arts community. This was one positive side effect of this strange time.

Do you believe there should be more support for the arts, and if so, how would that manifest?

I guess I would like to see a more obvi ous support for the arts in an aesthetic sense in the Lane Cove and Ryde areas. Unlike the Inner West and parts of Melbourne for example, you don’t necessarily see many public art works, installations, and murals around here. Public art is so important in creating

a positive energy, atmosphere, and sense of place for the community. It encourages harmony and reflects the values of that community. I have seen a few small glimpses of this, and I really hope it’s a sign that things are changing in the ‘burbs.

Which artists/creators inspire you?

I’m inspired by abstract landscape artists like Fred Williams but I also love the colour and energy of Frida Kahlo. There are also so many contemporary Australian artists who I admire. Being an art teacher I’m also inspired by my students and their interesting take on art and life.

How would we go about seeing your works?

You can check out my work on my In stagram @jessika.steiner, Facebook @ jessikasteinerart and my website www. jessikasteinerart.com

Disney Cruise Line is coming Down Under!

The happiest place on earth, at sea,

those who want to enjoy a Transpacific crossing on board the Disney Wonder, there is a 13-night sailing from Honolulu to Sydney departing 13 October 2023. Ports of call include American Samoa, Fiji and New Caledonia as well as 10 days at sea. Alternatively, you can sail from Sydney to Honolulu departing 16 February 2024 on a 15-night cruise, which includes stops at the abovementioned ports as well as Maui.

If you prefer to keep your holiday closer to home, there is a selection of Australian and New Zealand based cruise itineraries for you to enjoy. One way and return cruises are available from various ports. Departing from Sydney there is a range of options; from an overnight cruise to a 6-night New Caledonia sailing, departing either 28 December 2023 or 14 January 2024.

No matter your choice of cruise, the Disney Wonder cruise ship is a destination unto itself. You can expect onboard Broadway quality shows, Character Experiences, movie screenings, water slides, splash zones and wading pools along with Kids Club options from 3 to 17 years old. Adults can escape to the privacy of exclusive places throughout the ship—from exciting nightclubs and an adults-only pool area to intimate restaurants and a luxurious spa.

For more information on cruise itineraries, cabin availability and Disney Cruise Line in general please contact our knowledgeable team at Helloworld Lane Cove today.

1 November at 6.30pm

in a

Emperor's

Starring

6 December at 6.30pm - It's a Wonderful Life

drama, loosely based on

starring James Stewart and

filling

What I watched on TV…

There’s been some good telly around, from Old People’s Home for Teenagers on ABC iView to House of the Dragon, the prequel to Game of Thrones on Binge; TV critic Stephen Miller has been digging around the streamers for what else is also worth a watch.

Four Lives (SBS OnDemand)

A powerful and moving true crime drama that’s hard to take your eyes off. It follows the aftermath of four murders of young men by the serial killer and rapist Stephen Port between 2014 and 2015. Stephen Merchant, better known for comedy, is haunting as Stephen Port and portrays this killer’s slow but cunning mind exceptionally well—something the police failed to comprehend.

★★★★

Why you should watch it: Gripping, intense UK true crime drama.

Ku’damm 56 (SBS OnDemand)

Berlin 1956, Frau Schöllack, owner of a dance school, wants only the best for her three daughters—to marry well and become obedient little hausfraus. The sisters do their best to live up to their mother’s high expectations, but it’s not easy in such changing times. Despite subtitles and episodes being 90 minutes long, I guarantee you’ll also very quickly slide into Ku’damm 59 and Ku’damm 63, which continues this postwar German tale.

★★★★½

Why you should watch it: Superb, highly engrossing, beautifully written, and wonderfully acted.

The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe (Binge)

Based on the extraordinary true story of how prison officer John Darwin faked his death in 2007 to claim life insurance and avoid bankruptcy, this offbeat four-part series is as captivating as it is entertaining. With stellar performances from the cast, led by Eddie Marsan and Monica Dolan, The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe proves truth really is stranger than fiction—you just couldn’t make this stuff up.

★★★★

Why you should watch it: The sheer bonkers nature of the crime makes for an even more gripping, highly watchable drama.

The Bear (Apple TV+)

A talented young chef from the world of fine dining comes home to run his family sandwich shop in Chicago following the death of his brother. He struggles to balance the realities of small business ownership, recalcitrant kitchen staff and strained family relationships. The Bear is a mix of understated creative genius, brotherhood and internal conflict, served up with some great food.

★★★★★

Why you should watch it: Often stressful and frenetic, this is must-see television.

The Serpent Queen (Stan)

The Serpent Queen dramatises one of history’s most infamous monarchs with a deft, sardonic touch. It’s riveting, raunchy, raucous and a breath of fresh air. Catherine de’ Medici, the great Medici-born queen and regent of France, was unquestionably a brilliant and strong woman. Samantha Morton does an excellent job of portraying this extremely complex Queen without overplaying it.

★★★★★

Why you should watch it: Great acting, authentic costumes and an exciting storyline.

undressed (Paramount+)

This first-of-its-kind social experiment sets out to discover whether we can change our lives just by changing our clothes. The show’s host, entertainment journalist Kathryn Eisman quickly reveals her unique ability to read what’s going on in someone’s life simply by looking at what they are wearing. Kathryn releases all the issues holding back an eclectic group of Australians simply by changing their clothes.

Why you should watch it: undressed takes a fun, fascinating dive into the language and psychology of our clothing choices.

Todecide what to take, thinking about time and place helps. A drinks night catch-up suits a platter of savoury nibbles - easy to put together, easily transported in the car and ready to plonk on the table. Think salmon pate with pickled cucumbers and pumpernickel, or pre-made quiche/ falafel/pies on an oven tray and sauces ready to add to a platter.

Canapes work well if they are recognizable, easy to pick up and eat and contain no scary parts. Bite-sized means one bite - perfect to pop in the gob, crunchy, creamy and with plenty of flavour. I like canapes that keep me looking neat as I eat, and still able to listen during the discussion, and not thinking, “oh, was that coriander? I hate coriander”.

I love a chicken sandwich for a drinks party. My rules include finely chopped roasted chicken (which means there

are no bones or chewy skin or bits of cartilage) and the best mayonnaise. Avoid the vinegary sugary brands, a thick whole egg mayo gives a creaminess and full flavour. Include three elements to bring personality. Fresh Herb, chives, tarragon, mint, parsley or chervil. Some crunch, finely diced celery or toasted nuts - pistachio, almonds, macadamia. Add brightness with lemon or lime zest, diced dried mango, apricot or fresh apple. This gives you room for your very own custom version. Mint, Macadamia & Apple, or Tarragon, Celery & Lemon, Chive, Almond & Apricot. You could make a different version every week ‘til Christmas!

Weekend lunch, offer your favourite salad. Pack the dressing and any crunchy

separately to drizzle over just before serving. A pile of roasted

Potatoes, Sour Cream and Mint, with the main ingredient accessorised with the creamy dressing and perked up with bright mint. Fresh asparagus, with lemon hollandaise and crunchy croutons. Tomatoes, Bocconcini and Basil, Pumpkin, Pecans and Red Cabbage. Sugar Snap Peas, Mint

Crumbled Feta. Grilled Eggplant drizzled with Tahini, Dukka and Pomegranate

in season will be bursting with flavour. Keeping them at room temperature, gives you the maximum flavour. Sliced and layered with thin slices of white onion, seasoned with white pepper, sea salt and malt vinegar, the simplicity of this salad is the

match

a

review

TOP 4 BOOKS TO READ THIS MONTH

A BOOK LOVER’S REVIEW BY JACQUI SERAFIM

The Winners by Fredrik Backman

The third, and final, book in the ‘Beartown’ trilogy This is a small story about big questions. It's a story about family, community, life. It starts with a storm - and a death. But how does it end?

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Inspired by the unflinching truth-telling of David Copperfield, Kingsolver enlists Dickens' anger and compassion, and above all, his faith in the transformative powers of a good story.

RecipeTin Eats: Dinner

150 dinner recipes. Fail-proof. Delicious. Addictive. The food you want to cook, eat and share, night after night. Australia's best-loved food tester, this is a kitchen-shelf must-have for the novice cook, the expert seeking to perfect technique (straight to the Beef Wellington!), and everyone in between.

Runt by Craig Silvey

Runt is a heartwarming and hilarious tale of kindness, friendship, hurdles, hoops, tunnels, seesaws, being yourself and bringing out the best in others. For readers of all ages from the bestselling author of Jasper Jones and Honeybee.

Small Things Like

These by Claire Keegan

This small, exquisite novel takes place in 1985 in the pretty coastal town of New Ross outside Dublin, which is suffering from the economic crisis in Ireland of the time. Unemployment is high, peoples’ livelihood is constantly under threat and those who can have fled to England or America. At the opening of the novel the protagonist, Bill Furlong, and his wife and five daughters are preparing for Christmas. Furlong, now in his forties, is working hard as a coal and timber merchant to make ends meet but enjoys enough financial security to feel that he can keep his family safe and with enough extra to enjoy Christmas together – gifts for the girls and special treats. Rather than contentment, however, this brings on the beginnings of an existential crisis as he begins to wonder if there is more to life than working hard and paying the bills.

It is just before Christmas when Bill delivers a load of coal to the local convent. The Good Shepherd Convent is well-known in the local area; providing a “training school” for girls, and a high quality laundry service to the local area. The convent is an important customer for Bill and for many of the townspeople. The convent is also affiliated with the only good local high school for girls, St Margaret’s Catholic School, which Bill’s daughters attend. It is dangerous to his own livelihood and his family’s security to disturb the “status quo”. But the coal delivery reveals some frightening truths to Bill about the convent’s practices and the labour force of its laundry.

Keegan’s novel is alluding to the infamous “Magdalene Laundries” run by the Catholic Church for over 200 years with the free labour of the thousands of young women with no power against a society and a church that deemed them to be “fallen”. The girls were routinely subjected to forced labour, physical abuse, their babies taken from them and many died in childbirth or from the living conditions.

Bill is a man with a conscience, and a strong awareness that as the son of an unwed teenage mother himself, his circumstances could have been very different. Bill’s mother could have easily ended up in a place like the laundry and Bill may never have lived through infancy if not for the kindness of his mother’s employer, a wealthy Protestant woman. When he becomes aware of the brutal circumstances suffered by the girls imprisoned in the convent, his conscience will not rest as he questions “Was there any point in being alive without helping one another?”

Small Things Like These paints a perfect picture of a time, place and circumstance and a compelling insight into one man’s introspective struggle. The gritty, economic realities of life in the town are starkly contrasted with the beautifully drawn merriness of the Christmas celebrations. While depicting the dark reality of the “Magdalene Laundries”, the story is focussed not on the convent’s corruption and cruelty in the name of the church but on one man’s decision: whether to risk his own family’s security to help other, less fortunate girls.

Small Things Like These is shortlisted or the 2022 Booker Prize.

Feeling a little crafty this Christmas?

These beautiful spoons can be made with just a few tools and can be used as a decoration, place settings or straight into your garden and pots as plant markers. Old spoons can be purchased for very little from most charity stores. You can also use knives and forks!

What you need

• Spoons (silver plated or stainless steel)

• Mallet or hammer

• Metal stamping letters (available from your hardware store or online)

• Old tea towel or rag

• Black marker

• Masking tape

STEP 1: Flattening the spoon- Wrap your spoon in rag and place curved side downwards. Hammer the spoon until flat. Turn, repeat and rotate until all bumps have been flattened out.

STEP 2: Tape the flattened spoon to a hard sturdy surface such as metal workbench (to prevent the spoon from moving when hammering). Place a piece of masking tape (as a guide)

under where your first row of letters is to be stamped.

Start with the middle letters first and work outwards. Hold stamp in position above masking tape securely with one hand. With to other hand hammer stamp 2-3 times (stainless steel spoons will need a little more force than silver,

which is a softer metal). Once you have completed the letters, colour over them with the marker pen, making sure you get right into the indentations. Leave this to sit for a couple of minutes and then clean off excess ink. Last step, give your spoons a polish and presto you are done!

A 35-strong male voice choir in the Welsh Tradition, Cantorion Sydney Choir will present a delightful repertoire of familiar, uplifting and often moving songs ranging from Classical to Traditional to Opera Choruses to Sacred and Christmas Music with supporting soloists.

• DATE - Tuesday 29th November 2022 at 7.30pm.

• VENUE - LCM Anglican Church, 19 Rosenthal Avenue, Lane Cove, behind the Post Office.

• Please visit our website www.lanecovemusic.org.au where bookings open on Tuesday 8th November at 9.00a.m. Limited admission at the door on the night, online bookings preferred.

• Adults $25, Students $10. • Enquiries are welcome at 9428 4287.

Tuesday 29th November 2022 at 7.30pm. venue LCM Anglican Church, 19 Rosenthal Avenue, Lane Cove

~ CONCERT ~ Cantorion Sydney Choir with David Watson, Music Director. Mavis Wang, Accompanist. Alexander Young, Tenor Soloist.

Five ways to support emerging Australian Artists

WORDS: LOCAL ARTIST ROS GERVAY www.rosgervayart.com

Right now, artists are doing it especially tough. Changes by the social media gods have meant their art is not being seen; post-lockdown life has changed art buyers’ habits and the increasing cost of living just serves as a kick in the teeth.

You want to help. You want to do your part to support the creative arts because, after all, the arts are essential to humanity. I get it. But walking into a gallery can be intimidating; sending a message to an artist who you’ve never met in-person can bring on those stalker vibes and let’s face it, we can’t buy an original artwork from each and every artist we adore. But what CAN you do? Let me help!

1. Follow them on your socials. Finding their art account and hitting that follow, like, save or share button is an easy but impactful gesture. Australian artist Bree Morrison shares that “simply engaging in our social media content by leaving a comment helps our reach and helps us to get seen.”

2. Check out the gift store. Investing in an artist’s work for your own walls or as a gift both motivates an artist and

makes their creative dream more financially viable. But if wall space or finances are a factor for you, keep an eye out for artists who offer products like mugs or scarves featuring their art.

3. Spread the word. Tell a friend, family member or colleague about an artist or two who you adore. Share the artists’ social media links and their next art release dates, so they too can support the artist and create a ripple effect.

4. Join their mailing list. Not all artists have a mailing list, but if they do, get on it quicksmart! This is the best way to stay truly in the loop on what they are up to. Many artists will give their email subscribers first access to art releases and some even run quarterly giveaways exclusively for those on their email list.

5. Leave a 5 star review. Let’s face it, we all love a seal of approval before buying. If you know, like and trust an artist, whether you have invested in their work or not, leave them a review on Google or send them a testimonial as an email.

If you remember nothing else from this article, this is the one thing I want you to do: follow three new artists on your socials and hit that like button. It means more than you know.

Northwood resident Bill McLaughlin publishes new book

Bill McLaughlin is locally known as an accomplished art photographer, twice past President of The Lane Cove Historical Society, and a member of Greenwich Flying Squadron for over 40 years.

He has now added ‘author’ to his list of accomplishments. Bill will celebrate his 85th birthday on Guy Fawkes’ Day (5 November). He lives in Northwood, in the home he and his late wife Elaine McLaughlin designed and built in 1975.

Bill has just self-published a two-volume book, Stories from the Black Dog Inn, a critique of the troubled relationships between Great Britain and Australia between 1820 and 1890, inspired by the stories of his convict ancestors.

A pleasant surprise is the high-quality publication, demonstrating that you can make nice books, designed and printed in New South Wales at a small printery in Lithgow.

Stories from the Black Dog Inn was officially launched on 9 October. Bill decided to make the launch event a fundraiser for the Brain Cancer Group, whose members provided invaluable support during Elaine’s illness with the disease.

The launch, held at his home in Northwood, was a great success, attracting an enthusiastic audience of around 65 friends, family members and associates. A break in Sydney’s wet weather allowed everyone to enjoy the celebrations, where Bill’s grandsons and other family members worked behind the scenes (and behind the bar!) to make it an enjoyable day.

At the launch, Bill spoke about writing the book, a journey

that began 20 years ago when he and Elaine became fascinated by their convict ancestors. Visiting the UK, they unearthed historical records about court trials that sentenced boys and young men to prison in the colonies of Australia. Bill thanked his Associate Author Carol Young and designer Peter Beeby – old friends who were happy to help him fulfil his dream of completing and publishing the book. The MC was Bill’s daughter, Leigh McLaughlin. She introduced Dr Helen Wheeler, a medical oncologist specialising in brain cancer, who cared for Elaine. Dr Wheeler gave an engaging address reflecting on 32 years of dedication and care for patients with Brain Cancer, explaining the challenges posed by this rare and difficult disease for patients and their families. Unlike some other cancers where breakthroughs are occurring in cure and treatment, specialists have yet to find the answer to Brain Cancer, although there has been some progress in slowing progress of the disease. Due to its symptoms, Brain Cancer is an extremely difficult diagnosis for patients and those who support them.

Participants at the launch raised a significant donation of more than $3,500 to The Brian Cancer Group (BCG), based at Royal North Shore Hospital.

• For more information about the Brain Cancer Group: braincancergroup.com.au

• For information on Bill’s book, contact Leigh McLaughlin leigh@powellmac.com

Transporting you from here to there ...

Defibrillators in Lane Cove

Lane Cove Mens Shed

Tantallon Oval

LANE COVE WEST

LANE COVE NORTH

Lane Cove Plaza Living and Learning Centre

• Blackman

Blackman Park Hughes Park

LINLEY POINT

LANE COVE RIVERVIEW NORTHWOOD LONGUEVILLE

Pottery Green Oval Lane Cove Council Civic Centre Lane Cove Library The Canopy Sydney Community Services Lane Cove Aquatic Centre Woolworths Lane Cove

GREENWICH

Burns Bay Reserve

Kingsford Smith

The Diddy River Road,

Longueville

Bob Campbell Oval (Gore Creek)

Greenwich Baths

Almost4.9 million people in NSW volunteer, contributing more than 1.5 billion hours which is valued at approximately $127 billion.

Volunteers provide an irreplaceable service. Volunteering benefits communities, the economy, and increases social cohesion.

Research reveals that volunteering also benefits volunteers themselves. It reduces symptoms of depression, improves selfreported health and lowers mortality. Volunteering expands people’s social networks, provides opportunities to gain valuable experience, and enables people to develop new skills which can lead to employment.

also

female volunteers compared to 32.9% of males). The rate of formal volunteering is declining for both men and women. However, the decline is most evident for women, whose rate decreased from 38.1% in 2010 to 28.1% in 2019. Female volunteers were more likely to have stopped volunteering during the early stages of COVID-19 compared to male volunteers (68.2 % of women stopped volunteering, compared to 62.9% of men).

Here at Sydney Community Services we depend on our volunteers to help us support local seniors in Lane Cove Hunters Hill and Ryde.

In a recent study Volunteering Australia found that women are more likely than men to have volunteered for more than 10 years (43.0% of

Some of our volunteers deliver meals for our Meals on Wheels Service, they get to know the clients they see regularly and are vital in ensuring they are well and safe.

Other volunteers change bedlinen for people no longer strong enough to do their own sheets and towels. Volunteers work in gardens making them tidy and safe whilst others drive buses or help with the social activities and bus trips.

Over Covid a vital service was where volunteers telephoned aged care residents when they were in lock down and unable to have visitors. Those volunteers are now able to resume their visits and meet their contacts face to face.

If you have a few hours to spare and would like to help your local community please contact Yvonne on 9427 6425 or email yhughes@sydneycs.org.

Volunteering makes a difference.

are you waiting for?

WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER

Table Tennis

Fridays 12.00-4.00pm. $5

Lane Cove Hub Activities

HEAD OFFICE

1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove

P: 9427 6425

Book Club

Monday: 21 November 1.30-2.30pm. $5

Includes afternoon tea and loan of book.

Social Bridge/Solo/ Rummikub

Thursdays 12.30-3.30pm $5

Includes afternoon tea

Hunters Hill Seniors Hub

Hunters Hill-Ryde Hub Activities

46 Gladesville Road, Hunters Hill

P: 8598 7051

All-day tailored program for seniors, from Monday to Friday. The program includes excursions, picnics, and wellness activities. Door-to-door transport and nutritious meals and snacks catering for all dietary requirements are included.

Cost: $35.00

Contact us for a monthly program.

E: rliu@sydneycs.org

Scrabble

Thursdays: 3 + 17 November 10.00-12.00 noon. $5 Includes morning tea.

Mah Jong

Wednesdays 1.00-3.45pm. $5 Includes afternoon tea NEW PLAYERS: please call prior for registration

Movement Matters

Tuesdays + Wednesdays Term 4 limited spots still available

Meeting House Hub Activities

23a Strokes Street Lane Cove North

P: 9003 1399

Senior Services

Seniors Social Bus Outings Mondays and Wednesdays

Monthly Trivia and lunch at the Meeting House Hub Cost: $30

E: jvenn@sydneycs.org

Seniors Social Support:

For Afghan, Chinese, Iranian, Italian, and Spanish seniors

Each group is supported by bilingual staff and volunteers to meet and share their cultural heritage and interests. Social inclusion activities such as excursions, cultural celebrations, English language conversation classes, wellness activities and information sessions are offered at: City of Ryde, Hunters Hill, and Parramatta LGA venues. E: tliu@sydneycs.org

Day Trips for Seniors

Tuesdays and Fridays

Weekly, full and half-day trips, including door-todoor transport. Visiting places of interest and beauty, around Sydney and its surrounds. Contact us for a monthly program.

E: hheggie@ sydneycs.org

Contact

Seniors Shopping Bus Tuesdays and Thursdays

Return trip from your home to Lane Cove shops. Cost: $12 E: jvenn@sydneycs.org

Seniors Hub every Friday

Centre Based Service for over 65 year olds.

Providing a safe, warm and engaging environment for people who would like to spend more time with other seniors. The hub offers a tailored program providing a break for family carers. For more details contact Rosemary

E: rliu@sydneycs.org

BOOMers Mens Group

BOOMers is for senior

to

When:

hheggie@ sydneycs.org

who

Older Women

Exercise Class

Tuesdays

Strength and balance exercise every Tuesday

Time: 10.00 am – 11.00 am

Cost: $12.00

E: ccampion@ sydneycs.org

Disability Supports

Group community access activities from Monday – Friday in centres and community. The activities include drama ensemble, creative movement, full and half-day excursions, Sailablity, art groups and virtual meetups.

Cost: based on the NDIS pricing schedule.

Individual support, including transport, daily living activities and community access available on request.

E: gstarkey@sydneycs.org or ccampion@sydneycs.org

Children’s Services - Playgroups

Cost: $10 casual visit, or $60 one session per

or $100 per term for multiple sessions.

Tuesday Playgroups

Ages 0-5 with arts, craft, music and storytime.

Session: 9.30-11.30am

Thursday Possiblities Playgroup

All inclusive, ages 0-5, with arts, craft, music and storytime.

free play with educational equipment.

Session: 9.30-11.30am

E: jvenn@sydneycs.org

and

at the

House

OF

Play for all

Particularly as we head into summer, play is a way for kids in our community to explore and facilitate a sense of discovery, mystery and adventure; and here in Hunters Hill, our Council’s commitment to inclusivity has meant we are upgrading our local playspaces.

Our playgrounds provide great recreational areas for kids, but it’s making these facilities inclusive to all that has meant more children can enjoy more of our area.

In Figtree Park, proposed plans to update facilities feature an inclusive playground, and this is part of our Council’s ongoing work in prioritising accessibility whilst maintaining and enhancing our green spaces.

We have already seen much success in other upgrades to our playgrounds around the Municipality.

November marks the one and two-year anniversaries of two projects: Evander's Secret Garden and Livvi’s Place at Riverglade Reserve, and Play For All Australia’s inclusive swing seats, spanning across playgrounds in Hunters Hill. It’s a great time to reflect on the positive impacts play and inclusivity has on children of all abilities.

Livvi’s Place is a national network of inclusive playspaces created by charity Touched by Olivia. Livvi’s Place at Riverglade Reserve’s mixture of materials, play equipment and location has made for an excellent addition for inclusive play in our area since opening in November 2021. The space was designed working with the intended audience: our young local community members.

The positive community response to Livvi’s Place came off the back of another successful initiative for inclusive play equipment, starting at Buffalo Creek Reserve. Our Council partnered with social enterprise Play For All Australia, the local business chamber, and other generous sponsors to get the swings in our parks and promote awareness of social inclusion.

Coinciding with World Children’s Day on 20 November, 2020, Play For All Australia began its roll-out of a techenabled inclusive swing seats, first at Buffalo Creek Reserve.

A ‘Play it Forward’ campaign invited young community members to use the inclusive swing seat with a mechanism live-tracking the swing count.

After reaching 25,000 swings, the challenge was completed and resulted in upgrades to other playgrounds to receive Play For All Australia inclusive swing seats.

The challenge showed how play goes beyond growth and development in children; it is a way of encouraging thoughtful community engagement.

Our community has, and will continue to, benefit greatly from the creation of these inclusive playspaces in order to ensure that our public spaces are providing opportunities for all our residents and of all abilities.

Earlier last month at my Electorate office in Gladesville I hosted a number a of greyhounds and their trainers for the day to share, educate and encourage the adoption of these lovely animals.

I had a number of my local constituent’s pop in and meet these stocky couch potatoes.

The trainers from the Greyhounds As Pets Program, have such fantastic and interesting knowledge about how these doggies behave.

Each dog has their own specific training program catered to their personality traits.

Some greyhounds can hang out by themselves for extended periods while other can’t, they all need their daily zoomies but once that’s taken care of, they’re happy to chill out on your couch and cuddle.

The aim of this program is to encourage more Lane Cove residents to adopt these beautiful dogs.

I’d like to Thank the GAP team for bringing their greyhounds in for the day. And, to my constituents who took time out of their Friday to visit both at the Electorate office and also the Aussie Bites Café for providing some puppy chinos.

Late October we had the 7 Bridges walk.

I was posted along the course greeting and encouraging the roughly 9000 participants that walked on by. This fantastic community event to raise money for Cancer Council and the work they have been doing and continue to do is truly a sceptical of human behaviour and love. After years of COVID Lockdowns it’s a breath of relief to see our loving and supportive community participating in these vitally important fun fundraisers. If you sponsored a participant or walked across each of the 7 bridges, I’d like to thank you. For those who didn’t, I encourage you to get involved in anyway that you can, sponsor a participant or participate yourself.

If you’re a member of the In The Cove Chat on Facebook you may have seen many posts and comments involving to the Vinnies Charity Bins outside the St Michael’s Parish hall. They were recently removed due to copious amounts of essentially rubbish being dumped around the bins once they were full.

I would like to convey as the local member the disappointment I feel when I see photos of this behaviour continuing. To dump in a location where a charity will have to pay out of their own fundraising efforts to have the rubbish removed is utterly revolting.

My Electorate officers saw a recent post and decided to take on the rubbish pile and transport it to the local tip. Just for some context, if you saw my post on Facebook, the pile of rubbish cost over $400 to have removed, not including labour and fuel. It is truly a burden on the St Vincent de Paul Society to deal with this extent of ill-compassion and selfishness. It is my hope that this does not continue at other Charity Bins around the electorate.

If you have clothing and other useful items to donate, please drop them off to the back of the Vinnies store in Lane Cove Plaza area during their working hours.

Recent media reports saw our Prime Minister confirm that it “made sense” to him to relocate SBS from its home of 30 years in Artarmon, to an unidentified location in Western Sydney.

These reports disappointed many of us as, while the Labor Party had announced during the election campaign that they would undertake a feasibility study into this move if elected, the coverage seemed to indicate the relocation was a foregone conclusion.

Like many of you, I took heart from the fact that as our new PM assumed his role one of his first commitments was to “do politics differently”. At the time I took that to mean decisions like this would be made fairly and transparently and would include an open process of consultation.

If that opportunity was to be realized then surely, following a transparent and open feasibility study, the ultimate decision to relocate would rightly rest with the SBS Board and Management?

SBS provides an invaluable and high-quality service for all Australians and, in the absence of a compelling business case, it makes no sense to relocate the service just for the sake of it.

Having recently toured the SBS studios, I was able to see firsthand the state-of-the-art facilities they have created for themselves, in a building that they own, and are happily occupying.

Meanwhile, in the community that surround them, 50%

of people living in our North Sydney electorate were born overseas and 30% of us speak a language other than English at home. We are a vibrant and diverse community and the SBS is an important local employer.

On the basis then that the existing facilities already meet their needs, and the community that surrounds them is representative of the multicultural nation, surely the millions of dollars that would be required to unnecessarily relocate them would be better invested in the production of local content: something the SBS and many other companies, broadcasters and communities are calling out for.

I was lucky, I grew up in an era where Australian content quotas were mandated across all broadcasters. My favourite programs were all made here in Australia. The characters looked like people I knew, and the places felt like home. These days, in the absence of these quotas, it is not unusual to now seen young children mimicking an American drawl when they role play and I find this heartbreaking.,

Ultimately our community will need to pull together to keep the SBS in Artarmon and I look forward to working with our local Mayors and State Members to make a strong case for it to remain exactly where it is and for the federal funding to be used more appropriately to the benefit of all Australians and the broadcaster itself.

Our priority should be local content production – not needless bricks and mortar projects.

AUCTION: SATURDAY 19TH NOVEMBER

9.00AM