Are you an organised, community-minded person who loves keeping things moving?
Sydney Community Services is looking for a Transport Coordinator to help ensure our participants get where they need to go — safely, reliably, and with a smile!
In this rewarding role, you’ll coordinate transport services, manage schedules, support drivers and volunteers, and work closely with partners to keep our community connected and independent.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING:
• Qualifications or experience in Community Services or Transport
• Strong coordination & leadership skills
• A focus on safety and reliability
• A current NSW driver’s licence (Heavy Vehicle and Bus Authority necessary so willingness to obtain)
• Fleet Management: Manage transportation resources, including rostering and maintaining 13 vehicles
• First Aid and Point-to-Point Transport System experience (or willingness to obtain)
If you’re ready to take the wheel and make a real difference every day, we’d love to hear from you!
Apply today: www.sydneycs.org/join-the-sydney-community-services-team P 9427 6425 E support@sydneycs.org
Joyful
POWERING OUR COMMUNITY
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 people 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, 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: BRANKA IVKOVIC
P: 02 9427 6425 E: BIvkovic@sydneycs.org
EDITOR: MELISSA BARKS
P: 0418 265 167
E: editor@thevillageobserver.com.au
DESIGN + ADVERTISING: SHARON CURBY
P: 0450 370 575
E: design@thevillageobserver.com.au
ADVERTISING:
E: advertising@thevillageobserver.com.au
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DISTRIBUTED: MONTHLY
The Village Observer is published monthly (except January) by Sydney Community Services (trading as Lane Cove Community Aid Foundation) • Distribution occurs 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 10th of each month, for inclusion in the next month’s issue.
Thank you... 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:
One of our goals at TVO is to keep you informed about what’s happening in the local area. And there is so much on in December! Whether you’re interested in carols, markets, concerts or community events, there is surely something to interest you. Thanks to community member Eda Utku who has contributed a thoughtful perspective about December’s many celebrations - from Yalda and Chanukah to Christmas. Her piece beautifully captures how our community’s diversity enriches the season.
Hopefully you’ll get some downtime this festive season so with that in mind, we have some extra reading for your enjoyment. Maggie Lawrence presents an inspiring interview with Lane Cove resident Greg Moran, about his life-changing accident as a teenager and the fascinating path he has taken since. And Guy Hallowes returns to the TVO pages with interesting and funny anecdotes from his decades living and working across Africa. We also present two book reviews in case you need gift suggestions (or perhaps a gift to yourself!)
And in Part 2 of my interview with couples counsellor Duda Baldwin, she explores the complex world of blended families - the pressures, the loyalties, and how compassion and communication can help couples stay connected through it all.
On behalf of the TVO team I wish you a happy and safe festive season. We will be taking a break – our next issue will be published in February.
Lane Cove Council appoints Sydney Sports Management Group to operate Galuwa Recreation Centre
Lane Cove Council has announced the appointment of Sydney Sports Management Group (SSMG) as the operator of Galuwa Recreation Centre.
Galuwa Recreation Centre, an $82 million project located on River Road Lane Cove, will feature indoor and outdoor multi-sport courts, multipurpose rooms, a bistro, golf facilities, and vibrant community programs. The name ‘Galuwa’, meaning ‘to climb’ in the Sydney Aboriginal language, reflects the centre's mission to inspire personal growth and community spirit.
Council said its decision to award the contract to SSMG was based on a rigorous evaluation process, and the operator’s strong track record in facility management, comprehensive service delivery model, and their commitment to community engagement. The evaluation panel, overseen by an independent probity advisor, concluded that SSMG's proposal best met the Council's objectives for the centre's operation.
Lane Cove Mayor, Councillor Merri Southwood, stated: ‘Galuwa Recreation Centre represents a significant investment in the health and wellbeing of our community.
Community Recycling Centres
The right place for your problem waste
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We are confident that SSMG's expertise and commitment will ensure the centre becomes a hub for activity, connection, and growth.’
Galuwa Recreation Centre is set to offer a wide range of facilities and programs designed to meet the diverse needs of the Lane Cove community.
Emma Grimes, Michael Fitzgerald & Peter Louridas th year in Lane Cove
Healthy ageing score outperforms frailty in predicting dementia and
mortality
Researchers from UNSW Sydney’s Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) and School of Risk & Actuarial Studies have found that a new approach to measuring health in later life - known as Intrinsic Capacity - is a stronger predictor of dementia and mortality than traditional measures of frailty in older adults.
Intrinsic Capacity, a concept developed by the World Health Organization as part of its Healthy Ageing framework, takes a holistic view of health, emphasising the abilities that support independence and wellbeing, such as cognition, mobility, psychological health, sensory function and vital capacity.
By contrast, most research uses frailty measures which focus on accumulated health deficits and physical decline to predict negative outcomes like dementia, disability and mortality.
The research drew on data from 400 older adults, aged 70 to 90, who participated in the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study. Using comprehensive physical, psychological and cognitive assessments, researchers calculated IC scores across five domains and compared them with two established frailty measures - the Frailty Phenotype and Frailty Index.
Results showed that individuals with higher IC scores had significantly lower risk of both dementia (43% reduced risk) and mortality (35% reduced risk) over 10 years of follow-up, even after controlling for age, sex and education.
Importantly, IC gave researchers extra insight beyond frailty scores – especially when it came to predicting who would go on to develop dementia. While frailty scores focus on counting the number of health problems that people have, Intrinsic Capacity provides an overall score for how well their bodies function and how they think, feel and move as they age.
The researchers say the findings have significant implications for healthy ageing.
‘This is a shift from focusing on deficits to focusing on capacity,’ said senior author and Co-Director of CHeBA Professor Henry Brodaty. ‘Rather than seeing ageing as an inevitable decline, Intrinsic Capacity provides a more holistic and empowering way to monitor health, intervene early, and support older people to maintain independence.’
The study strengthens the case for Intrinsic Capacity as a core marker of healthy ageing, offering clinicians and policymakers a valuable tool to guide more person-centred, preventive approaches to dementia risk reduction and latelife care.
Birdwood Lane in Lane Cove takes third place in NSW’s Favourite Urban Place poll
Urban Design Association NSW has announced the winners of its Favourite Urban Place poll, with Birdwood Lane in Lane Cove taking third place. The poll celebrates the best-loved urban places across the state, and Birdwood Lane continues to shine as a well-used, people-focused space that adds vibrancy and charm to the village centre.
The Association stated it was an incredibly close finish this year, with Birdwood Lane leading for much of the poll before AMP Lane in Albury and Jim Simpson Lane in Blacktown surged ahead in the final days. The result highlights the community’s affection for this beautiful, walkable laneway and its role in everyday life in Lane Cove.
Over 1,200 votes were cast across the state, with participants showing incredible enthusiasm for the places that make their towns and cities special.
I’M HERE TO HELP
As your local Member of Parliament I can assist with:
q access to NSW Government services
q representation in Parliament and to Ministers
q attending local events and supporting local groups
Please contact me and I will be pleased to assist you.
02 9439 4199 0478 164 250
willoughby@parliament.nsw.gov.au
www.timjamesmp.com.au Shop 26, 145-151 Sailors Bay Road, Northbridge NSW 2063
Discover a seniors ’ living community where lifestyle, wellbeing, connection, and effortless living come together in perfect harmony.
At Amara Residences, spacious two- and three-bedroom apartments showcase elegant, contemporary interiors and premium finishes, complemented by world-class amenities, personalised services, and panoramic views across the golf course, harbour, and Lane Cove ’ s leafy district.
Situated in the heart of Sydney ’ s coveted North Shore, Amara offers more than a home — it ' s the lifestyle you deserve. There has never been a better time to embrace the Amara lifestyle.
North Shore Luxury Lifestyle
Amara Residences by Pathways will welcome the first residents to its beautiful new community in April 2026 – providing the perfect blend of lifestyle, leisure and luxury in leafy Lane Cove.
Sydney’s North Shore has long been celebrated for its leafy streets, harbour views and enviable lifestyle. Now, it’s set to welcome Australia’s most premium seniors’ living community – Amara Residences in Lane Cove – a world-class environment where elegance meets lifestyle and wellbeing, designed for the next chapter of life.
HEALTHY LIVING
Within Amara Residences, residents will enjoy exclusive Health Club membership, including Technogym fitness equipment, an indoor pool, spa and sauna. In addition, the amenities include a club lounge, bar, fine-dining restaurant, golf simulator, library, EV share-car, business facilities, wine room and private dining room. Every detail is designed to make life effortless and enjoyable, from coffee catch-ups to rooftop celebrations.
ENJOY THE FREEDOM
TIMELESS DESIGN
Every element of Amara Residences has been designed around the idea that seniors’ living should be about freedom, vitality, and living life to the fullest. Residents will enjoy premium services, including a dedicated clinical and wellbeing concierge and an abundance of world-class amenities that promote health and wellbeing.
Setting foot in the sweeping entrance, you’ll notice the extent to which Amara Residences reflects refined craftsmanship and enduring quality. That includes elegant interiors, premium finishes, designer kitchens and thoughtfully designed bathrooms that evoke the calm of a private retreat.
Just a short walk from Lane Cove, overlooking Lane Cove Golf Course Amara Residences offers the perfect blend of natural serenity and urban convenience.
Surrounded by parks, bushland, and the harbour foreshore, it’s easy to see why Lane Cove was named Australia’s Most Liveable Community in 2025. Here, residents can truly love where they live.
To discover more or book a tour of the display suite, visit amararesidences.com.au or call 1300 266 260.
Boutique Environment. Excellence in Care. Aged Care Reimagined.
Discover Pathways Longueville Book a Tour Today
Pathways Residences Longueville sets a new benchmark in Aged Care with its luxurious boutique residence at 4 Northwood Road, Longueville. Nestled amidst bush, city and harbour views, this thoughtfully designed community offers a warm, welcoming environment where residents and families feel truly at home.
With deluxe, superior, single and couples suites, Pathways Residences Longueville offers a refined blend of comfort, care, and innovation. From the cinema and hydrotherapy pool to the wellness precinct at The Village Longueville, each space is thoughtfully crafted to foster connection, wellbeing, and dignity.
Residents benefit from 4 hour nursing care, restaurant style dining, and smart technology that enhances safety and independence. Grounded in our values of Harmony, Respect and rust, we deliver care that enables residents to live with purpose and quality of life.
Premium Services and Support
Amenities & Lifestyle
Beautiful landscaped gardens
Café
Hair and eauty salon
Fully equipped gym & pool
State-of-the-art cinema
Health and ellness Hu
Exceptional dining experiences
Care & Support
Registered Nurses 24/7
Extensive Lifestyle Program
Respite & Palliative Care
Hope U Care Program
Advanced Integrated Care Technology
Allied Health Practitioners
Rules of Life
by Liz Foster
It’s the final edition of LRP for the year! Time to dust off some sage advice on life’s essential matters as we rev up for 2026.
Car Parks
Are you a shark or a stingray?
Both creatures coexist peacefully most of the year. Sharks are stealthy and predatory, circling patiently before striking the moment a space appears. Stingrays, meanwhile, prefer a more Zen approach, settling in and waiting calmly for someone to vacate a spot, no matter how long it takes. Stingrays are in it for the long game. They’ll wait serenely while a person unloads groceries, straps in a toddler, returns their trolley, and calls their mum, oblivious to the tailback that snakes halfway out of the car park. Sharks, on the other hand, bring rage upon themselves by swooping in, gazumping stingrays, and claiming victory by sheer motion.
Personally, I’m neither shark nor stingray. I just hate being pressured to vacate my spot. No, I’m not ready to pull out yet - I need to search my route, queue my playlist, and find my lip balm.
If you must lurk (Stingrays, I’m looking at you), make friendly eye contact, smile, and wave. Don’t hold up a convoy behind you. Clearly indicate to other drivers that this is your spot. And whatever you do, don’t block an entrance or exit. As for you, Sharks, NEVER drive against the directional arrows just to nip into a space first. That’s not clever. That’s mean.
Disclaimer: All rules are void between December 10 and January 3. I become a shark–stingray–praying mantis hybrid. During this period, it’s perfectly acceptable to lurk, kerb crawl and second-guess which aisle a shopper’s car is in. Driving against the directional arrows? Absolutely fine. Even better if you’re reversing. Mother and baby space? Not a problem. There’s a stroller in the boot even if the baby’s at Grandma’s. If there are two of you, send one ahead to physically stand in the spot as your car approaches.
It’s the festive season. We all lose our grip.
Merging
When lanes are merging in heavy traffic, it’s polite, and frankly civilised, to let a car or two in front of you. Having the right of way doesn’t give you the right to be a twit.
The only time it’s totally acceptable to refuse is when someone barrels up the outside lane to jump the queue. You’ll know them by the fixed, guilty stare straight ahead, hands gripping the wheel, pretending they can’t see you. We see you, mate. We all see you.
Travellators
When they actually function, enough of a rarity to make the news, please wheel your trolley into the left-hand grooves so others without trolleys can pass. It’s not a sightseeing tour, people. Keep it moving.
Cafés
This one’s for my daughters who both have hospo jobs. If a sign says ‘Wait to be seated,’ then - brace yourself - wait to be seated.
It’s not okay to waltz in, plonk yourself wherever you fancy, and then click your fingers when no one brings menus. And when the rightful owner of the table returns from the bathroom, try not to look surprised when she’s furious. She was here first.
Talking in the Library
The image of the stern librarian shushing anyone who so much as breathes too loudly is mostly gone. Libraries are now welcoming, communal spaces where coffee and snacks are encouraged, and a bit of chatter is fine.
But if you’re taking work calls on speaker or shouting through noise-cancelling headphones about your skincare startup’s ‘Q4 activation strategy’, please stop. The rest of us didn’t come here to audit your meeting.
As for private tutors: yes, your job involves talking, but please, take it to a quiet desk at the back, or better still, book a room.
Final Word
As 2025 winds down, remember: parking and road rage might cost your sanity, but good manners cost nothing.
Here’s to a smoother, saner, slightly more polite 2026.
Liz Foster is a local writer. Her debut fiction novel, The Good Woman’s Guide to Making Better Choices, is out now with Affirm Press.
You can reach her by scanning this QR code to join her Readers’ Club or by emailing liz@lizfoster.com.au.
Illustration by Grace Kopsiaftis
Time for a break?
Like me, you might have read recently that workers in The Rocks, Point Piper and Longueville averaged 46.7 hours a week at work. The highest number of hours in NSW according to the last census. I’m not sure about you but I know I work a lot more than this, which raises two questions. Why? And more importantly, what do I recommend for relaxation and holidays to get away from it all?
The answer to why, is that I love my work, and clients who respect my longevity and extensive travel industry keep me happily busy. The second is harder to answer as I’m good at preaching but not so good at practising!
We’re coming up to Christmas, New Year and summer holidays, a perfect time to recharge the batteries. For many of you it will be the annual beach holiday however for an increasing number of Australians, they’re holding out for something more, hopefully something different.
Here in Sydney, we are blessed with multiple daily cruise ship arrivals and departures, promising guests a resort style holiday on the move –unpack once, and enjoy twice daily housekeeping, high quality meals cooked by someone else, activities and shore excursions to meet every need, and places for curling up with a good book or just gazing out to sea. Cruise holidays are fast becoming
Words by Adrienne Witteman
the go-to for multigenerational holidays because they cater so well for each generation’s needs and then foster daily catchups for the whole family around the table at dinner.
I find that intensely busy (and usually younger) couples, with no children and fewer responsibities, gravitate to either a high-activity holiday or one very much focussed on wellness. The former often involves a lot of walking. Think the Nakasendo Way in Japan, the Camino in Spain, Milford Track in New Zealand, Hadrian’s Wall in England and more. The list is long. Walking (or tramping if you come from across the ditch) is not only a good way to burn away the stress but it also burns calories, builds muscles, and clears the mind to return to the coalface reinvigorated. At the other end of the spectrum are those clients who seek a week or two in some sort of spa resort or health retreat, often removed from alcohol, sometimes removed from devices but always with a focus on healthy food, massage treatments, and targeted exercise such as gym workouts, yoga, pilates, tai chi and so on.
I appreciate that not everyone can afford to jet or cruise away for one or two weeks and that is where the city staycation comes in. It’s amazing how one or two nights in a nearby hotel can lift the spirit and
relax the mind … a change of habitat can provide instant relief. I spend a lot of my life in hotels, and so I tend to favour something outside of my normal.
Two years ago, I stayed a night at Taronga Park Zoo, not in the Roar ‘n Snore tents but in the beautiful Wildlife Retreat Hotel with public areas that channels an African safari lodge. Anything African is a hit with me. We enjoyed dusk and dawn ranger walks and a delicious dinner with native Australian ingredients. I returned to my shop mid-morning, refreshed from an 18 hour stay that felt much longer. However, the experience reminded me how a simple change in environment and routine (hopefully with a deep bath and luxe toiletries) can move the stress levels down.
When you decide to take a long or short break from 47.6+ hours (or more) weeks, consider checking the options we can offer. At Trendsetter, we’re expert at helping to channel some calm in your life away from work.
When: 31 Oct 2025 By:
ASPECTS
What: A bush walk on the Gadyan Track Where: Berry Island Reserve, Wollstonecraft
Miki Oka
Christmas Community Connections
CAROLS
IN THE PARK
Get into the festive season at Hunter’s Hill Council’s 2025 Carols in the Park. Enjoy carols, market and gift stalls, live entertainment, savoury delights, sweet treats and a special visit from Santa and his stilt walking elves before the spectacular fireworks finale.
5pm - 9pm Sunday 7 December
Boronia Park Ovals Cnr Park & Ryde Rds Hunters Hill NSW 2110
Give
the Gift of Health
The NORTH Foundation charity is raising vital funds to support local hospitals and medical research.
Our healthcare heroes are saving lives every day of the year - even during the festive season.
Please donate today northfoundation.org.au
Nourishing Your Body
At Body Fusion, we love supporting our community feel their best, especially during the festive season!
Our team of Accredited Practising Dietitians are here to make healthy eating simple, realistic, and delicious.
Donate non-perishable food items and help make Christmas brighter for locals in need. Supporting older people, families, and those doing it tough in our community.
Collections points at Woolies Lane Cove, IGA Greenwich & Hunters Hill, Club Ryde Ex. Donations regularly cleared by Sydney Community Services volunteers.
From nourishing recipes to tips on finding balance over the holidays, we’re all about helping you enjoy food while staying on track with your health goals.
Let’s make this Christmas about feeling good, sharing great food, and starting the new year strong.
Storytime 10:30-11:30 Thursday 11 December Ryde Library
Join us for a special Christmas story time, including a pantomime, songs and takehome craft activities! This event is aimed at children aged 3-5 years.
Don't let scammers steal your Christmas cheer
Australia Post is warning customers to be on high alert as scammers accelerate fake delivery messages and emails in the lead-up to Christmas.
Scammers are taking advantage of the festive rush, targeting groups such as Facebook Marketplace. They often pose as interested buyers and send links or QR codes via Messenger to fake ‘Australia Post courier service’ websites. These sites claim that payment will be processed online and that a courier will collect the item once payment is made when, in reality, these fraudulent sites are designed to steal personal and financial information.
Adam Cartwright, Australia Post Chief Information Security Officer, advised customers to track parcels through the official AusPost app and ignore any message requesting personal or payment information.
‘If you receive a message asking for personal or payment details, you can be confident it’s not from us. In fact, the safest way to track your item is through the official AusPost app,’ said Mr Cartwright.
KEY ADVICE FOR CUSTOMERS
• D ownload the official AusPost app and enable push notifications for parcel tracking. This is the most secure and reliable way to receive genuine delivery updates.
• Australia Post will never ask for personal or financial details via phone, text or email-including passwords, credit card, or bank details.
• D on’t click on suspicious links in text message or emails
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Ashes Family Celebrates Milestones with Fiji Island-Hopping
Fourteen members of the extended Ashes family swapped Sydney’s spring chill for Fiji’s tropical warmth, travelling direct from Sydney to Nadi on an 8:30am Qantas flight. The four-hour journey meant they touched down just after lunchtime, ready to begin a twopart celebration marking two special family birthdays.
Before heading to the islands, they spent one night at The Palms, Port Denarau, staying in one and twobedroom apartments. The property’s pool, restaurant and bar provided a relaxed start to the holiday, while its location offered easy access to the port’s wide range of cafés, shops, restaurants and mini-marts. Staying on the mainland for the first night also allowed the group to stock up on snacks and drinks ahead of their interisland transfers the following morning. All road transfers were equipped to accommodate child and baby seats.
From Port Denarau to Vomo was only a 50-minute private water taxi—it is also accessible by ferry or helicopter.
Vomo Island
The Ashes family stayed at The Reef House, a luxury five-bedroom residence with separate entrances and private ensuites. Stretching across 100 metres of beachfront, the expansive villa features a full kitchen, dining and living area, a media room, an outdoor shower with full bathroom and a 25-metre infinity pool.
The Reef House includes a villa concierge service available from 7am to 11pm. All meals are included, daily wash-and-fold service, non-alcoholic beverages and dedicated “baby butlers” for up to eight hours per day.
All meals can be served poolside at the villa, with a full à la carte menu. Adults
in the group also made time to unwind at The Rocks, Vomo’s adults only precinct complete with its own infinity pool, restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Vomo also offers a family pool surrounded by a family-friendly restaurant and bar. The Kids Village is open 9am to 9pm and is included for children 3yrs and above.
Vomo comprises three-to-five-bedroom residences, two-bedroom bures and individual free-standing bures.
Following seven nights on Vomo, the family boarded a water taxi to their second island home for the next milestone celebration.
Castaway Island
Accommodated in North Beach Bures, each just steps from the sand and close to children’s activities, snorkelling, water sports and Silli’s Beach Bar, Castaway offers two swimming pools—a quiet pool with a swim-up bar, and a family-friendly pool adjacent to a casual dining area.
With four dining options—including wood-fired pizzas at Sundowner, sushi and snacks at Nuku, the main dining restaurant and 1808, an adults-only, feet in the sand, Asian-inspired venue— the family enjoyed a range of culinary experiences.
A highlight of their stay was two Sand Bar boat excursions featuring snorkelling and handline fishing. Courtney reeled in a “sweet lips” fish, which the resort’s talented chefs prepared and baked for lunch. The holiday concluded with a lobster-inspired, beachside dinner under the stars to celebrate Rob’s special birthday.
Castaway offers both meal and beverage packages, as well as an
excellent kids club, nannies and babysitting services. South Sea Cruises provides easy transfers to and from the island, with travel time around one hour from the port. Helicopter and private speedboat transfers are also available to and from Castaway.
Both Courtney and Debbi are well-seasoned Fiji visitors, having experienced multiple islands and mainland resorts over the years. They say each destination offers something unique—some tailored to families, others designed for adults seeking tranquillity—making Fiji a standout choice for travellers of all ages.
Helloworld Travel Lane Cove specialise in multi-generational travel and have first-hand experience in this for not only Fiji, but many other domestic and international destinations
Vinaka vakalevu!
lanecove@helloworld.com.au 02 9418 6866
So much to celebrate in December - and beyond!
BY EDA UTKU, WITH COMMUNITY LISTINGS COMPILED BY TVO
The end of the year is around the corner - and December truly is a month made for celebration. Before New Year’s Eve fills the Sydney skyline with colour, our communities are already lighting up with festivals, carols, and gatherings that reflect the many cultures, faiths, and friendships that make our region special.
Celebrations of light and hope
Sydney is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, which means there’s always more than one reason to celebrate. Across homes and community centres, December brings ancient traditions and modern gatherings that all share one message: light triumphs over darkness.
Yalda Night, celebrated on 20 December 2025, is an ancient Persian festival marking the winter solstice - the longest night of the year. Families gather to share pomegranates, watermelon, and nuts, read poetry, and perform the fãl-e Hafez, a fortune-telling ritual using the poetry of Hafez.
Yalda reminds participants that even in the darkest moments, the promise of light remains constant.
Just days later comes Christmas, on 25 December, celebrated by millions around the world. For Christians
it marks the birth of Jesus, but it’s also embraced more broadly as a time of generosity, reflection, and togetherness. From carols and midnight Mass to backyard barbecues and seafood feasts, Christmas is a season of warmth - and a reminder of the joy we create by caring for one another.
Overlapping the same season is Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, which runs from 14 to 22 December 2025. Families light candles on the menorah each night, adding brightness day by day, and share foods like latkes and sufganiyot. Though not the most religiously significant Jewish holiday, Chanukah’s message of resilience and enduring hope is deeply meaningful - especially in times of uncertainty.
What unites Yalda, Christmas, and Chanukah - beyond their shared place on the calendar - is their symbolism. Each festival celebrates the victory of light over darkness, whether literal, emotional, or spiritual. Each encourages us to gather, reflect, and renew our sense of hope.
And this December, there’s even more reason to come together locally.
A Yalda altar
Community spirit on show
From multicultural fairs to twilight carols and festive markets, our local suburbs are alive with music, laughter, and connection. Here’s what’s happening in our local area across December.
FRI 5 DEC : 3.30-8pm
A Very Merry Lane Cove Christmas
Lane Cove Plaza
The traditional Lighting of the Christmas Tree at Lane Cove Plaza. With music, dance, craft and more!
FRI 5 DEC : 4,5 & 6pm
Bluey Live Christmas Experience
The Canopy, Lane Cove Wackadoo! Bluey and her little sister Bingo are heading to Lane Cove – for real life! Get ready to play Verandah Santa, Keepy Uppy and more.
SAT 6 DEC : 10:30am–2:30pm
Multicultural Belonging Day
Lane Cove Public School
Hosted by Sydney Multicultural Community Services. Free food, music, traditional dances, info stalls & kids’ activities.
SAT 6 DEC : 4-7pm
West Ryde Christmas Carols
Anzac Park, West Ryde
Talented local performers will fill the air with beautiful Christmas carols. There will also be a free petting zoo and free facepainting.
SAT 6 DEC : Gates open at 6pm
Cinema in the Park
Fontenoy Park, Macquarie Park
Christmas comedy classic The Santa Clause (G). Gates open at 6.00pm with
the movie starting at sundown. There will also be kids’ inflatables, live entertainment, food trucks, limited free popcorn and a free Christmas photo booth.
SUN 7 DEC : 5–9pm
Carols in the Park
Boronia Park, Hunters Hill
Family carols, food and market stalls, Santa visit and fireworks.
THU 11 DEC : 10.30-11am
Kids’ Christmas singalong
Ryde Library
A sing-along of special Christmas songs and stories with an added pantomime of the classic seasonal story 'Twas the Week Before Christmas No bookings required.
THU 11 DEC : 6.30-7.30pm
LaVoce Community
Choir Carols
Lane Cove Library
Free festive performance from a local choir.
Bookings essential.
THU 11 – SAT 20 DEC
Chatswood Festive Market
Chatswood Mall
Over 40 stalls, live music and carolers, handmade gifts and food vendors.
SAT 13 DEC : 10am-1pm
Meet Santa & Elf Face Painting
The Canopy, Lane Cove
Meet Santa for a selfie or have your face painted. Free event, first come first served.
SUN 14 DEC : 5-9.30pm
Carols on the Common
North Ryde Commons
Cnr Wicks and Twin Rd, North Ryde
O ne of Sydney’s largest local carols events with rides, food trucks & fireworks finale.
SUN 14 DEC : 6-8pm
Carols at The Canopy
The Canopy, Lane Cove
Presented by LCM and C3 combined churches. A beautiful evening filled with music, joy, and community spirit under the stars.
SUN 14 DEC : 9am-3pm
Ryde Wharf Markets
Christmas Special
Anderson Park and Ryde Wharf
Cnr Belmore St and Rothsay Ave, Meadowbank
A great opportunity to hunt for presents, with a focus on fresh food and specialty gifting stalls
THROUGHOUT DEC & JAN LOCAL CHILDREN'S FLAG ARTWORK WILL BRIGHTEN THE STREETS OF CHATSWOOD CBD.
Finding Joy in Every Corner
Whether it’s the joyful chaos of a carols night, the quiet reflection of a faith service, or the lively energy of a multicultural fair, our local gatherings remind us how lucky we are to live in communities that celebrate diversity and connection.
So mark your calendars, pack a picnic rug, and make the most of these long summer evenings. Whatever you celebrate, may your December - and the start of 2026 - be filled with warmth, laughter, and light.
A glass half full: Greg Moran’s story of strength, healing and storytelling
Maggie Lawrence chats with Lane Cove
resident Greg Moran about the accident that changed his life - and how this led to a ten-year career as a therapist and a passion for creating authentic stories in film.
On 30 July 1983 Greg Moran was a boarder at Saint Ignatius College in Riverview when he experienced an unexpected and life-changing accident while playing rugby. He was only fifteen years old.
‘The game only went for a few minutes for me,’ Greg told me.
‘I was in the middle of the maul and was ripping the ball when it collapsed towards me. I landed on my back and the momentum of the rest of the players in the maul landed on me taking my legs with them. This put an enormous pressure on my neck and I passed out. When I woke up, I couldn’t move anything below my shoulders,’ he said.
Greg spent the next five months in hospital. His injury was a C3 and C4 dislocation. He was paralysed from the shoulders down.
‘Even though I did not technically break my neck, there was a lot of damage to the spinal cord which affects the signals going from your brain to the rest of your body. I had a little flicker of bicep in my arms which I worked on myself to get it stronger.’
For the first few years Greg had a chin control wheelchair, but eventually his right arm was strong enough to use the joystick. After his accident, he could no longer board at Saint Ignatius as the school didn’t have the facilities he needed.
‘I moved to a group home in Maroubra called Ashton House, where you had 24-hour care. I learned a lot by living there from people with similar injuries who were all active and getting on with their lives. One of the prerequisites to living there was you had to be working or studying or doing something unless you were of retirement age. So, as rehab was not really offering me much, I decided to go back to school for Year 11.
‘This was a great decision because the College was very supportive with fundraising and other activities and my peer group and my family were a wonderful support. This made the acceptance and adaptation to life in a wheelchair easier,’ Greg told me.
‘It helps to have a glass half full approach to life, and I’ve always been an optimistic person. I always aim to see the best in everyone,’ he added.
An Arts Degree at the University of Sydney
One of Greg’s art teachers was aware of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists organisation and had purchased several paintings. During Year 11 he asked Greg if he was interested in trying painting.
‘I did a couple of paintings with him with a brush in my mouth. As they didn’t turn out too badly, I decided to take up Art the following year in order to have another subject at school.’
Greg did a self-portrait as a major work for his HSC. He graduated from Riverview in 1986 and was accepted into an Arts Degree at the University of Sydney.
‘I just did a couple of subjects a year and spread the degree out over five years. It was a lot more difficult to study back then with a disability without the internet and iPads. I later decided to study English.’
After Greg finished university, he was keen to join the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA).
‘It took me a few years to accumulate enough paintings to reach the standard they required. It was around 1994 when I was accepted to join them as an associate member,’ Greg told me.
Greg’s father had a pathology practice in Canberra, and he sold it to buy a winery at Murrumbateman called Doonkuna Estate (now called Eden Road). His father returned to work to help finance the new business and Greg and his fiancée Lynda managed the winery, living in a house that was on the property.
‘I did an Advanced Diploma in Wine Growing at Charles Sturt University in Wagga by correspondence, and periodically I’d go in for two or three-week intensives to stay on campus and do lab work.’
Greg Moran with his partner Lisa Catty
Lynda and Greg were married at the winery in 1999 but divorced in 2003. They remained good friends.
‘After Lynda and I separated, I moved back to Sydney and Mum and Dad continued to run the winery along with my younger brother Michael. My other siblings helped occasionally as well. The winery was sold fifteen years ago after dad passed away.’
Helping people see the world through a different lens
After Greg separated from Lynda, he did a lot of individual and group therapy and became qualified as a therapist and group facilitator.
‘I trained in various therapy modalities including Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting, and became a trainer’s trainer in Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP). I then worked as a therapist for about ten years, seeing clients and running group workshops with other psychologists and psychotherapists.
‘As a therapist, you’re working one on one helping to facilitate someone’s journey; enabling them to work through trauma by giving them the tools, resources and the potential to see the world through hopefully a different lens. What inspired me about film making was that I could do a similar thing and reach a greater audience by creating films that both educate and entertain,’ he said.
‘I love the collaborative nature of filmmaking. It’s also multifaceted and combines lots of areas that I am interested in: fine arts; story; mythology; psychology and philosophy. It’s a medium where I can collectively utilise different aspects of my knowledge and experience in my journey so far,’ he added.
Greg had long held an interest in filmmaking, and in 1988 he’d co-written and directed his first short film: a comedy titled Begging For It.
‘The film was based around some of my experiences when I was waiting for a taxi on the footpath and people would mistakenly think I was collecting money and would
randomly give me donations,’ he said.
Since then Greg has written, co-written, produced and directed several short films and a short documentary; he has helped to develop television productions and many other film projects including features. He has also picked up awards for comedy.
‘My intention with some of my short films was to hopefully make people laugh, break down some stereotypes and get them to see disability through a different lens. I hoped to humanise people with disability through humour,’ he told me.
‘I prefer directing my own projects simply because it enables me to get the closest representation of my original idea on screen, although nothing ever ends up exactly as you would have liked it,’ he said.
A documentary for the Human Rights Commission
Greg is passionate about authentic representation in films, particularly when it comes to people with disabilities. The third short film he made was a five-minute documentary for the Human Rights Commission as part of their 20-Year Stories anniversary. It was called Driving Change and was completed in 2012.
‘It was about Greg Killeane who took the taxi companies to court to ensure that they adopted a universal specification so that all wheelchair accessible taxis could actually fit wheelchairs in them.’
‘I currently have a 15-minute short film called Friendly Fire that I wrote and will be directing. It’s about an Islamophobic paraplegic man and his reactions when a Muslim family move next door to him. It’s a ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ redemption story,’ he said.
Greg has completed several courses at the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS), including an Advanced Diploma in Screenwriting and Script Editing, and in 2023 a Masters in Producing. He graduated early this year.
For over 15 years Greg’s been in a relationship with his partner Lisa Catty.
‘Lisa’s not a filmmaker by trade. For over 30 years she’s worked as a firefighter. She works on most of my productions as an Associate Producer,’ he told me.
Despite his life-changing injury Greg is definitely making the most of his life and achieving great things - helping people with their own problems and making films that create a better understanding of disability. I asked him what his goals were now for his future.
‘Besides doing filmmaking I like travelling when possible and have been fortunate enough to do this a bit over the years, even though it’s a lot harder nowadays and expensive, particularly when taking carers with us. All things considered my health is okay. I still like rugby union and watch a fair bit on TV and the occasional live test match. We’ll be going to Europe next year which should be fun,’ he concluded.
Maggie Lawrence is a local author and screenwriter. You can visit her at www.maggielawrence.com
Greg has been making films since 1988
The best gift you can give this Christmas? A brighter future for sick kids.
When you think of Christmas, you probably picture gifts wrapped in ribbons, twinkling lights and families gathered around the tree. But for many families across New South Wales, Christmas looks very different. For them, the best gift of all isn’t found under the tree, it’s knowing their child has the chance to see another Christmas.
Unfortunately, thousands of kids are too sick or injured to be where they want to be - at home surrounded by their family. Instead, Christmas is spent in a hospital ward, treatment room or outreach centre.
That’s why this Christmas, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF) is asking the community to give the most meaningful gift of all, the gift of a brighter future. Every donation can help fund cutting-edge research, vital equipment, and the world-class care that sick kids need, not just at Christmas, but every single day of the year.
Kids like Abigail are living proof of the difference your generosity makes. Little Abigail spent her first weeks of life in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) before coming home just in time for Christmas. Just when her parents thought the worst was behind them, a terrifying turn saw her rushed to Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, fighting for her life.
Diagnosed with a rare, lifelong condition called hypopituitarism, Abigail now thrives thanks to expert care,
daily medication and ongoing research made possible by the community.
But there are many more children still waiting for answers. That’s why SCHF is calling on the community to come together and make this Christmas count.
This Christmas, you have the power to give the most precious gift of all: hope. Hope for children like Abigail. Hope for families spending the holidays in hospital. Hope for a brighter, healthier future for sick kids.
Donate today at schf.org.au and change the future for sick kids.
Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation
What’s on in Lane Cove December 2025
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Merri Southwood, Mayor of Lane Cove E: msouthwood@ lanecove.nsw.gov.au
We are delighted to present our Christmas program and to be bringing back the iconic Christmas beetles theme throughout the month of December!
I am very excited to kick off all things Christmas on Friday 5 December with the Bluey Live Christmas Experience at The Canopy and the traditional Lighting of the Christmas Tree at Lane Cove Plaza. It’s always a fabulous evening for our community to gather, celebrate and enjoy entertainment from the Ra Ra Lion Dance, Lane Cove Dance Academy, Sydney Youth Jazz Orchestra and the awesome DJ Nacho Pop spinning festive cheer!
AT THE PLAZA DJ and performances craft LIGHTING OF THE TREE AND LOTS MORE !
Can you “Catch” A Christmas Beetle in Lane Cove?
Beetle mania is back in Lane Cove! This year 15 dazzling Christmas Beetle sculptures are here to bring festive cheer and shine a light on the much-loved native beetle. Created by talented artists and Council teams, these vibrant works add sparkle to the season while reminding us to protect these iconic creatures. Our Christmas Program has more information.
Council Meeting
Our next Council meeting is the final one of the year, taking place Thursday 11 December at 7:00pm.
Christmas Closures
• Council is closed from 12:00pm Wednesday 24 December - 9:00am Monday 5 January.
• The Customer Service Desk will also close from 12:00pm - 5:00pm Friday 19 December.
• Council’s booking system will be closed from 5:00pm 10 December until 9:00am Monday 5 January
BLUEY LIVE CHRISTMAS
XPERIENCE AT THE ANOPY
SHOWS AT: 4:00PM, 5:00PM & 6:00PM
Spot the 15 beetles of christmas sculptures!
lanecove.nsw.gov.au/christmas
What’s on in Lane Cove December 2025
Lane Cove Gift Card
It’s the perfect gift for the Lane Cove Local in your life! Valid at over 60 stores in Lane Cove from food to fashion to entertainment.
There will be a special stall at The Canopy selling gift cards with a free bonus gift for every purchase of $100 gift card or more! Available Friday 5 December from 2:00pm – 6:00pm and the two weekends before Christmas (13, 14, 20 & 21 December) from 10:00am – 2:00pm while stocks last!
Summer Weed of the Season
This summer’s featured weed is Creeping Ruellia, a sprawling perennial herb native to Mexico and emerging in Lane Cove. It thrives along waterways, disturbed sites, and bushland edges, spreading rapidly through underground rhizomes. Its soft, hairy leaves grow on square stems and produce delicate tubular mauve flowers with five petals. Because it often grows near creeks, removal should be done carefully. Council recommends professional bush regenerators for infestations near watercourses to avoid erosion or herbicide contamination. In other areas, it can be hand-weeded or treated using the scrape-and-paint method with glyphosate.
Free, independent energy advice for Lane Cove Council residents and small businesses!
Lane Cove Council has partnered with ZapCat, a certified social enterprise, to help our community electrify their homes and businesses, reduce emissions and save on energy bills!
Through this free program, residents and businesses can access expert, independent advice on switching to clean electric appliances - such as solar panels, batteries, hot water heat pumps, EV chargers, induction cooktops, reverse-cycle air conditioners, and more.
Get an instant online cost, savings and rebates estimate or book a free virtual consultation here: https://www.zapcat.com.au/lanecove/
All landowners have a General Biosecurity Duty to control weeds on their property. For help with identification, management advice, or free native plants, join Council’s Backyard Habitat program.
A native look-alike, Pastel Flower (Pseuderanthemum variabile), has smaller, unevenly lobed petals, contact Council if unsure which species you’ve found.
What’s on in Lane Cove December 2025
COMING UP AT
Bluey Live Christmas Experience
Friday 5 December, 3 shows at 4:00pm, 5:00pm & 6:00pm, The Canopy | Free Wackadoo! Don’t miss Bluey and Bingo at The Canopy - For real life! Get ready to play Verandah Santa, Keepy Uppy and more. No booking required but be sure to get in early to grab a spot on the grass.
Saturday 13 December
10:00am – 1:00pm
First come, first served. Come have your face painted by the Elf or get a selfie with Santa. Free event, no booking required.
Church Carols
Sunday 14 December
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Enjoy an evening of festive carols. Free event, no booking required.
AUSTRALIA DAY
LONG WEEKEND
Kylie Minogue Tribute Concert
Saturday 24 January
7:00pm – 9:00pm
Celebrate an Australian Icon with our Kylie Minogue tribute concert coming to The Canopy.
First Nations Music Celebration
Sunday 25 January
Plastic Soul NYE
Wednesday 31 December 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Celebrate the new year with a fourpiece band! Free event, no booking required. Meet Santa & Elf Face Painting
A Food Waste Service is Coming!
2:00pm - 6:00pm
Experience an afternoon of powerful performances by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists at The Canopy!
Check our website for more info.
Save the date for Australia Day!
Monday 26 January
8:00am - 12:00pm
We will welcome the newest Australian citizens to Lane Cove in a special citizenship ceremony at The Canopy on Monday January 26.
Starts March 2026
Your new maroon lid food waste bin will allow us to turn your food waste into a nutrient rich soil conditioner and renewable energy, which means less emissions, less landfill and a greener future for all.
The service will start for stand-alone houses in March 2026, with townhouses, units and apartments able to join from February 2027.
The new food waste bin will be collected weekly on your normal bin day.
ALL OTHER WASTE SERVICES STAY THE SAME.
For more details, visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/foodwaste
What’s on in Lane Cove December 2025
Mystery Christmas Craft Bags
From Monday 1 December
Lane Cove Library, St Leonards Library, Greenwich Library, and The Yarn, Hunters Hill
Collect festive Christmas Craft Bags for Adults, Teens, and Children this December. Pick up your take-away Mystery Christmas Craft Bag from any participating library branch. Maximum of one craft bag per person per day. Available while stocks last. Happy crafting!
Summer Reading Challenge
Monday 1 December 2025 – Saturday 31 January 2026
Break the boredom and keep up your reading skills these holidays with the Summer Reading Challenge!
Library members aged 3 to 17 can log time spent reading books on special bookmarks or the Beanstack App.
For every 2 hours of reading logged, collect a lucky dip prize (maximum one per day) from any Lane Cove Library branch and receive an entry into our end-of-summer prize draw!
International Day of People with Disability
Wednesday 3 December, 10:00am – 11:30am Lane Cove Aquatic Leisure Centre
Enjoy free pool entry with a valid concession card and an information session by Council on accessibility and community services. Free morning tea provided plus a guided tour of Lane Cove Aquatic Leisure Centre’s accessible and inclusive features. Booking essential.
Help Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers – Online Workshop
Wednesday 3 December, 6:00pm – 7:30pm. Online
This free workshop will help you supervise your learner driver and support them to navigate roads with confidence. Bookings essential.
Crafters Corner – Christmas Beetle Craft
Thursday 4 December, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Lane Cove Library
Enjoy morning tea while you help decorate a mini Christmas Beetle sculpture, which will be on display in the Library as a festive decoration for the Christmas season! Alternatively, you’re welcome to work on your own craft project.
For Ages 16+. No bookings required.
Powerful Owl 2025 Season Update
Thursday 4 December, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Online zoom presentation
Join us for an end-of-year owly update and see what our Sydney Basin Powerful Owls have been up to throughout 2025. Birdlife Australia will share the results of the latest breeding season and discuss ongoing conservation work for this magnificent but threatened species. Bookings essential.
In Conversation with Dr Martina Zangger Lane Cove Library
Monday 8 December 6:15pm to 7:30pm
Join us for the UN 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence as Dr Martina Zangger discusses her powerful memoir Not My Shame: A Memoir of Trauma, Taboos and the Path to Healing. Martina shares her journey from silence to self-reclamation, exploring
trauma, power, and resilience. Books will be available for purchase on the night. Bookings essential.
Book online at www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/library
Trigger warning: discussion of child and sexual abuse, and religious trauma.
Military History Talk – 1942 Sydney Submarine Attack Tuesday 9 December, 6:15pm – 7:45pm Lane Cove Library
Discover the story of the 1942 Japanese midget submarine attack on Sydney Harbour with Ray Rees CMDR, RAN (Rtd). Hear about the planning, attack and aftermath of this daring event.
Bookings essential. Book online at www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/library
LaVoce Community Choir Carols
Thursday 11 December, 6:30pm – 7:30pm Lane Cove Library
Enjoy a free Christmas performance from LaVoce – a community choir who sing for fun and good health. Bookings essential. Book online at www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/library
Child Car Seat Checking Clinic Saturday 13 December, 9:00am – 1:00pm Council Chambers Car Park, 48 Longueville Road, Lane Cove
Ensure your child’s car seat is correctly installed and meets safety standards. Free checks by authorised fitters.
Bookings essential.
www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events
Travel health advice
Dr Carl Wong is a Lane Cove-based GP and sits on the board of Sydney Community Services.
Irecently travelled to Bangkok to be the best man for a friend’s wedding (I even managed to successfully give my speech in Thai!) It was an amazing wedding and I had a wonderful time, especially not having visited the city for some twenty years.
I was lucky though that I had no ill-health during the trip. In hindsight I was complacent about my pre-travel preparations, including considering vaccine-preventable infectious risks, bite prevention and malaria-prevention, traveller’s diarrhoea, other country-specific risks, and always getting appropriate travel insurance. Bottom line: I need to practice myself what I am about to preach!!!
Millions of Australians travel overseas every year, whether that be for leisure, business or visiting family/friends. From a health and wellbeing viewpoint, ‘travelling safely’ can be a complicated process, where many things need to be considered including a thorough risk assessment.
I would always recommend seeing your GP or a travel health clinic, for up-to-date advice. Travel consultations should ideally be done no later than 6-8 weeks prior to your departure date. Your regular GP is ideally placed to give you personally-tailored travel advice, given their knowledge of your past medical history, vaccination status, allergies and your fitness to travel, in general.
To help assess your own travel-health risk, my three travel tips cover the three Ps: Person, Place, Prescription. Person (or People)
• Is it just yourself travelling, or are you travelling with others?
• Are you at ‘higher-risk’? Examples include pregnancy, children, the elderly, those with chronic disease (like heart, lung disease or diabetes), immunosuppressed
travellers, expatriates/longer-term travellers, and those visiting friends and relatives (migrants returning to their country of origin are at higher risk due to potential remote area travel, having prolonged visits, and exposure to unsanitary food and water).
• How healthy are you? Are you fit and physically-able enough to undertake your planned activities? Always ask your GP for a health summary copy in case you need to visit local health services. A medication list is often needed to take medications on the airplane and to get through customs.
• What is your risk tolerance? Some people are willing to accept certain risks whereas others prefer to take every possible precaution.
Place (location/destination)
• When are you leaving and for how long? This will determine whether you have time to have vaccinations done prior, and how much of your usual medications you need to bring. Some vaccines require multiple doses over weeks or months. However, even last-minute travellers can benefit. For example, a single Hepatitis A dose is effective even on the day of departure; yellow fever certificates are valid 10 days after vaccination.
• Which countries are you travelling to? Are you going to city areas or rural areas?
• Are there areas where malaria is prevalent?
• Are you travelling to places where sanitation and hygiene are an issue? Are you staying at five-star accommodation or ‘roughing it’?
• What’s the local season of travel? Seasonal diseases are often in the wetter months.
• What time of day will you be travelling? This will affect
medications that require regular dosing times e.g. oral contraceptive pill, insulin for diabetics.
• What’s the reason for your travel? E.g. holidaying, for business, moving overseas, visiting family/friends, occupational/volunteering/missionary work, adventure trip, medical tourism.
• Any special activities? Shopping holidays have different risks compared to extreme sport, disaster relief and wild animal-attractions travelling!
Prescription (vaccinations/medications)
Vaccine recommendations are individualised and there is no set ‘correct’ list for any destination. It involves evaluating the likelihood of catching a vaccine-preventable disease, the seriousness of the impact of the disease if contracted whilst unvaccinated, vaccine adverse effects, duration and level of protection from the vaccine, and cost.
Travel vaccinations can be very expensive. Some are only effective for 2-3 years, whilst others like Hepatitis A/B, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and rabies offer longer term protection and can be viewed as longterm investments for the frequent traveller. Yellow fever vaccination is especially important as it is a legal entry requirement for certain countries.
On the other hand, communicable diseases such as sexual transmitted infections (STIs) and schistosomiasis (from contaminated water), have no vaccination protection.
Other travel risks include: deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on long-haul plane flights, motion sickness, flying phobias,
altitude sickness from mountain trekking, local weather exposures, and accident/injury risks.
Bring a basic medical kit to deal with simple issues. Paracetamol, sunscreen, insect repellent, wound dressings/‘band-aids’ are a must. Also consider: antinausea and anti-diarrhoea medicines (traveller’s diarrhoea is common), anti-reflux medications from eating exotic foods, antihistamines for hayfever and rashes. In today’s post-COVID world, also don’t forget face masks and handsanitisers.
Finally, once you arrive home it is important to be on the lookout for symptoms that might indicate that you have brought something home with you other than your luggage. Fevers, rash, vomiting, diarrhoea, breathlessness and coughing are just some symptoms that you must see your doctor about to investigate further.
Australians love to travel, especially at this time of year, but only a minority of people seek proper health advice before departing. Having the right information will help you have a happier and healthier overseas trip (sadly no guarantees on cancelled flights and lost luggage!)
Wishing all TVO readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. See you in 2026!
•
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Broadway meets Hollywood with the
KYO
The Kuringai Youth Orchestra (KYO) invites you to an unforgettable afternoon where the magic of Broadway meets the glamour of Hollywood. Join them on Sunday 7th December for a spectacular concert celebrating iconic film and musical theatre scores, performed by some of Sydney’s most talented young musicians.
From the stirring themes of Les Misérables and West Side Story to the cinematic brilliance of Superman, Star Wars and Jurassic Park, this concert promises a thrilling journey through the soundtracks that have defined generations. With such a vibrant and accessible selection of music - and free entry for children under 12 - this is a perfect opportunity to introduce young audiences to the excitement and beauty of orchestral music.
Conductor and Artistic Director Brad Lucas leads the orchestra through a program that showcases the versatility and passion of KYO’s performers. In keeping with KYO’s commitment to nurturing young talent, guest conductor Lyndon Coward, a former KYO bassoonist and student of performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, will lead the orchestra in a powerful performance of John Williams’ Raiders March from Raiders of the Lost Ark.
• Sunday 7th December, 3pm – Peter Duly Concert Hall, Abbotsleigh. Undercover parking is available via Gate 1A on Ada Avenue
• Tickets at the door: Adults: $25 Concession/ Students: $15 Children under 12: FREE.
Afternoon tea provided after the performance Book online for a 20% discount at https://kyo.org.au (booking fees apply).
Livestream tickets are available for $10 at https:// www.moment.co/kyo, including replay access for up to one week after the concert.
Here’s what Eli Beverley-Schak from Sydney Arts Guide had to say about KYO’s last performance:
“It’s rare for a consummate concert goer to be totally bowled over by a sublime performance that exceeds expectation. So it was at a 90 minute afternoon performance by the effervescent Kuringai Youth Orchestra, who totally nailed it, to the delight of the audience.”
The Kuringai Youth Orchestra (KYO) is a vibrant community youth orchestra based in Sydney's upper North Shore. Welcoming high school students and above from schools and universities across Sydney, it offers a dynamic musical environment allowing talented musicians to thrive. KYO stages four performances every year with music ranging from Tchaikovsky and Dvořák to John Williams. It also supports emerging composers, commissioning and premiering new works from students of Composition at the Conservatorium.
L’Art de la Terre en plein air
Clarke’s Point Reserve was the muse for many artists on Sunday 2 November as they gathered for the inaugural Hunters Hill community art day.
L’Art de la Terre en plein air encouraged artists to spend the day painting or drawing the beautiful landscapes and views at Clarkes Point Reserve at Woolwich. The event is part of Council’s Art Lives Here season.
Visitors to the park enjoyed watching local artists and other artists from across Sydney in action, as their blank canvases and drawing boards were soon filled with colour and vibrancy, inspired by the surrounding landscape.
Mayor Zac Miles joined the community and enjoyed strolling through the park to see some of the magnificent artworks come to life.
‘We have a large community of talented artists here in Hunters Hill and it’s a great way to display their creativity for everyone to see and be inspired.’
The event also included food stalls, live music and an artist talk by Julie Peadon.
Almost 40 local artists competed in the prize award on the day, where the winner received a direct place in the coveted Hunters Hill Art Exhibition, to be held in May 2026. The winner was judged by the Hunters Hill Council Arts Advisory committee members – Karen Presland, Hilary Dixon and Cr Ross Williams.
The winner was Amy Pang from Hunters Hill who said she used Chinese art as her medium, with a contemporary style.
‘The brief was to draw something characteristic of Clarke’s Point Reserve. When I came to the park, I saw a lot of trees, the iconic Harbour Bridge and cityscape, and then I heard a lot of birds singing so I included the birds in my artwork,’ Amy said.
‘My friend told me about the event and I thought I’ll have a day of sketching. I really enjoyed it and there was a lot of good artwork. It’s great to see Council put on an event where all the artists in the area can come together.’
Almost 40 artists competed for a place in the coveted Hunters Hill Art Exhibition
Winner Amy Pang used Chinese art as her medium, with a contemporary style
LANE COVE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Frances Christie History Prize
The Lane Cove Historical Society first launched its History Prize in 2016. This year it was named in memory of Lane Cove resident and past president of LCHS, the late Dr Frances Christie.
The aim of the prize is to encourage original research into the history of our community, extending our knowledge of the Lane Cove area and its people.
Valued at $1,500, this year the prize was awarded to Tina Faulk for her essay titled The Tribulations of Mr Digby and Dr Campbell, Superintendents, Tarban Creek Mental Hospital. Tina’s winning essay looked at the beginning of the psychiatric care industry in colonial-era New South Wales.
The Highly Commended award, valued at $300, went to Barbara Palmer for her essay titled Aminya Place: Its History and its Community Spirit. Barbara’s highly commended work was set in more recent times but captured a precious part of the social history of our rapidly changing society.
The range of topics chosen by entrants this year was fascinating. Both these winning writers achieved a high standard with which the late Dr Frances Christie would surely have been delighted.
Apart from organising the annual History Prize, LCHS also hosts monthly talks at Lane Cove Library on topics of historical interest.
But LCHS is better known for curating Carisbrook Historic House.
Carisbrook Historic House was purchased in 1969 by Lane Cove Council as a gift to the Lane Cove community. A permanent conservation order was placed on the house by the Heritage Council of NSW in 1981. The House is open on the third weekend of every month (except in December) while bookings can be made for group tours at other times.
When the house is open, visitors can enjoy Devonshire Tea in the courtyard and explore the beautiful grounds of the house. The surrounding gardens run all the way down to the Lane Cove River.
For more information about LCHS, email LCHS@carisbrookhouse.com.
Pam Palmer, President Lane Cove Historical Society Inc www.carisbrookhouse.com/lchs
FREE PUBLIC CONCERTS
Christmas at Home Concert
When people sing together, their heartbeats become in sync. Thus combined, we make a unique kind of music through the sheer love of singing as one. It’s never too early (or too late) to join a choir, improve your health, your brain and your memory, and make new friends and have fun!
LaVoce Community Choir rehearses every Tuesday during school terms from 6.15 to 8.00pm at the Living and Learning Centre, 180 Longueville Road, Lane Cove. We sing popular songs selected by the choir members for the joy of it. There is no audition or requirement to read music. These two concerts are the last of our free public concerts provided for everyone’s enjoyment in 2025. Bookings on the Lane Cove Library website are essential for the Christmas Concert in the Library on 11 December.
If you are planning to attend the At Home Concert at The Living and Learning Centre on 2 December, please let us know by emailing us at: enquiries@lavocelanecove.com
Come and sing with us in our home so you can see how wonderful it can be.
Tuesday, 2 December, 6:30pm Living and Learning Centre, 180 Longueville Road, Lane Cove
Christmas Concert
Thursday, 11 December, 6:30pm Lane Cove Library Library Walk, Lane Cove
LaVoce begins rehearsals again on Tuesday January 27, 2026. Please contact us if you would like to come and sing.
Tina Faulk (left), winner of the $1,500 Frances Christie History Prize, with LCHS President Pam Palmer and Barbara Palmer (right), winner of the $300 Highly Commended award.
In praise of the wonderful team at Royal North Shore Hospital
After Clinical Psychotherapist and TVO contributor Barbara Jones had an unplanned visit to RNSH’s Emergency Department, she wanted to share her gratitude for the care she received.
We all hear plenty of complaints about the health system, but I’d like to share a good news story for a change — one that left me deeply grateful for the people who work in our hospitals every day.
Just a couple of weeks ago, I was at home making a sandwich when I suddenly blacked out. No warning, no symptoms — one moment I was at the kitchen bench, the next I was on the floor, surrounded by broken crockery and a fair amount of confusion!
My neighbour came running when I called for help, and the paramedics were at my door within minutes. They were professional, kind, and reassuring, with just the right sense of humour to lighten a scary situation.
At Royal North Shore Hospital’s Emergency Department, the care I received was simply extraordinary. From the moment I arrived, nurses and doctors seemed to appear from every direction — calm, capable, and so kind. I can still picture the lovely face of a young nurse, Annie, who smiled as she got me settled and gave me confidence that I was in safe hands.
In what felt like no time, I’d had more scans, X-rays, and blood tests than I could count. Every staff member was
efficient, but also incredibly kind and respectful. Even the admin people worked quietly behind the scenes — my daughter tells me they sorted all my health insurance details quickly while I was barely aware of it.
One small but touching memory is of the volunteer who came around offering tea to waiting families. That simple act of care made such a difference to the long evening.
The night in Emergency was long and sleepless, but the nurses made it bearable. Sheila, who checked on me through the night, stopped for a chat each time — we both needed a bit of human company, I think.
When it was time to go home, the staff took their time to be sure they’d ruled out any serious underlying causes. I never once felt rushed or like just another patient. There was always a smile, a joke, a word of reassurance.
Now, as I recover, I’m reminded how much we take for granted — dressing, cooking, even driving. Frustration sometimes sets in, but gratitude always wins out.
A friend said to me, ‘If this had happened in the US, you’d probably have to sell your house to pay for it!’ It made me stop and think just how fortunate we are to have this level of care in Australia.
So, to everyone at Royal North Shore Hospital — the paramedics, nurses, doctors, volunteers, and support staff — thank you. You made what could have been a traumatic experience one of kindness, dignity, and care. You truly are angels in scrubs.
Giving the gift of health this Christmas
For many, Christmas means joy, rest, and connection. But for patients and families in hospital, it can be a time of uncertainty and mixed emotions. While most of us are celebrating with family and friends, patient care and medical research across the Northern Sydney Local Health District continues every day of the year –even during the festive season.
At Royal North Shore Hospital, this dedication is felt deeply in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where fragile and critically ill newborns and their families receive compassionate care. For mum Melissa, Christmas time will always remind her of the extraordinary care that saved her daughter, Mariah, who was born 13 weeks premature.
‘Mariah weighed just 1.2 kilograms - less than half the average weight of a newborn - and needed specialist care and respiratory support,’ Melissa recalls. ‘It was terrifying, but the NICU team were a pillar of support, especially during those first overwhelming hours.’
Every year, the dedicated NICU team at Royal North Shore Hospital cares for around 750 of the most vulnerable newborn babies, with up to 31 infants in care at any one time during the busy December and January months.
The NICU is equipped with world-class technology –but behind every monitor and incubator is a team that brings compassion and warmth to families facing the unimaginable.
Dr Eveline Staub, Head of Department and Senior Staff Specialist Neonatology at Royal North Shore Hospital, said the atmosphere in the unit during Christmas is both emotional and heartwarming.
‘No one expects to be in hospital at Christmas, but it can be especially hard for new parents,’ Dr Staub said. ‘But we do everything we can to bring a sense of joy. The unit is decorated; nurses dress the babies in Christmas outfits and make a Christmas card for parents with their baby’s tiny footprints. We also celebrate every small milestone - a first cuddle, a first feed, or even reducing respiratory support. Those moments mean everything.’
Gilbert Lorquet, CEO of the NORTH Foundation, said the Christmas Appeal is a reminder that healthcare doesn’t take a holiday.
‘While we gather with loved ones, thousands of patients are navigating medical emergencies, complex treatments or lengthy recoveries. Behind the scenes, healthcare professionals continue to show up every day - providing expert care and compassion when it’s needed most. The NORTH Foundation’s Christmas Appeal helps fund vital healthcare services and innovative medical research –bringing hope and the highest level of care to patients and their families,’ Mr Lorquet said.
‘When Mariah finally came home after 5 weeks in the NICU, we knew she’d been given the best start to life,’ Melissa said. This Christmas, my home will be filled with joy, laughter and the sound of Mariah’s giggles. The NICU team saved Mariah’s life, and I will be forever grateful for everyone that looked after her – they’re the reason we get to celebrate Christmas with her every year.’
To donate to the NORTH Foundation’s Christmas Appeal, visit www.northfoundation.org.au/Christmas-appeal/
Mariah celebrates her first birthday
Melissa enjoys kangaroo cuddles with Mariah
Melissa bonds with Mariah in the NICU
The Heir Apparent
By Rebecca Armitage
I was lucky enough to spend a recent weekend devouring
The Heir Apparent. I just could not put it down. I feel this would be a wonderful novel for anyone interested in the royal family, yes, but it’s so much more than that. I was completely swept up in it! At first, I thought it would be a fun read; is Vikki meant to be Carole Middleton etc..but I so quickly just became mesmerised in this story; it is so compulsive.
The Heir Apparent tells the story of 29 year old Lexi; just living her best medical residency life in Hobart; tired and happy. She also is third in line to the British throne; behind her father and twin brother, until she is suddenly the heir apparent, and given a year to decide whether she will stay or go. OMG, I did not know what she was going to do!!! It reads so well; there is jealous family, political power plays, backstabbing, and strategic media leaks, all while tiaras are being stitched into hair and falcons are released to scare the birds away from the palace.
The Heir Apparent is the debut novel of Rebecca Armitage; she is an ABC journalist, who has reported extensively on the royals and became fascinated by Harry and Meghan when they chose to step away from the royal family. That genuine interest really shines through in this novel; I truly felt I was watching a real person decide whether to accept the throne, which sounds ridiculous! This debut is just so masterful; well-drawn characters, completely captivating storyline and such evocative details, I was as immersed in sitting in the opulent but draughty drawing room at The Highlands sipping champagne and getting ready to shoot clay pigeons as I was ‘on a long bushwalk, trudging across weatherbeaten plateaus.’ This is such a great novel; and asks questions I never would have thought to be interested in; divine right to rule and inherited wealth is just the tip of the iceberg.
There have been some fabulous books out this year and it has been an honour to highlight some for you! Happy December reading friends
January Books I Can’t Wait to Read
The Last Encore by Rebecca Heath
The Bookshop Below by Georgia Summers
In Your Dreams by Sarah Adams
The Power of Moving On by John Purkiss
Review by: Anna Loder. Anna is the founder of www.readabook.com.au where you can find so many more reviews. She has a podcast of the same name and is a bookclub devotee. She is the store manager of Dymocks Eastgate and will die under a towering pile of books she wanted to read.
Quentin Bryce: The Authorised Biography
by Juliet Rieden
REVIEWED BY MELISSA BARKS
“You can’t be what you can’t see.” – Quentin Bryce
Juliet Rieden’s Quentin Bryce: The Authorised Biography paints a vivid and affectionate portrait of one of Australia’s most respected public figures. From her early years in a small bush town in western Queensland to her historic appointment as Australia’s first female GovernorGeneral, Bryce’s story is one of grit, grace and purpose.
Rieden takes us back to Bryce’s childhood in Ilfracombe, then through university, marriage, motherhood and a series of trailblazing roles - law lecturer, Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Governor of Queensland and finally Governor-General. Through it all, she emerges as someone deeply motivated by fairness, opportunity and compassion.
TVO readers may enjoy the local connection: for a time, Bryce shared a home in Longueville with her close friend and fellow trailblazer Wendy McCarthy. The two women weren’t just housemates - they were allies in a shared mission, spending long evenings talking about education, leadership and how to make change possible. Their enduring friendship is one of many strong female bonds that have shaped Bryce’s life and work, a reminder of the solidarity that underpins Australia’s women’s movement.
While Rieden clearly admires her subject, she also captures moments of doubt, exhaustion and the delicate balance between family and public duty. Readers will be impressed by Bryce’s remarkable career and moved by the glimpses into her personal world - raising five children with husband Michael Bryce, nurturing friendships, and finding time for the causes closest to her heart.
Because this is an authorised biography, the tone remains respectful rather than investigative. Rieden sidesteps controversy and focuses instead on character, contribution and legacy - a fitting approach for someone whose strength has always been composure and diplomacy.
Any minor quibbles I felt in the early chapters (the praise is occasionally overdone and Bryce’s privilege perhaps underplayed) were swept away by admiration for the sheer scale of her achievement at a time when women in public life were still fighting to be taken seriously. Against that backdrop, her steady rise through academia, public service and ultimately to the vice-regal residence feels nothing short of extraordinary.
In the end, this is an inspiring and highly readable account of a woman who helped redefine what leadership looks like in Australia.
Take City of Ryde Libraries on holidays with you!
Are you travelling over the holiday period?
Got an eReader, phone or tablet you want to load up with your favourite content?
Bush Babies
Worried about running out of reading material when the library is closed?
What’s for Lunch
With thousands of free digital books, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, movies, TV series, comics and even music streaming, our Online Library offers endless entertainment at your fingertips!
With items for children, youth and adults, there’s something for everyone.
Shapes & Colours
Caterpillar Critters
Term Activity 2 to 5 years
On Christmas Eve, my family observed the holiday in the usual way. We’d order pizza and antipasto from Aldo’s, while my grandmother watched the Pope’s Midnight Mass at the Vatican on TV. My sister and I begged her to go to sleep, fearing Santa wouldn’t visit, but somehow he always made his delivery.
My most memorable presents were, a replica of the robot from Lost in Space, complete with a bubble head with flashing lights. The other, was a pair of leather moccasins with a Native American chief imprinted on each one.
Now I stay up and watch the Pope.
Perihan Bozkurt, Lane Cove
For more information or assistance accessing our Online Library, visit www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Library/Online-Library or drop into any of our library branches. Locations and opening hours can be found at https://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Library/Visit-Us.
Bay Rd, Riverview
Bookings & going on an activity:
Furry, smooth, stinky and colourful, caterpillars are a curious critter. We’ll learn about different species, how they protect themselves, what they eat and what they become. We’ll even make a caterpillar of our own to take home!
Thursday 27 March 9:45am – 11:15am Stringybark Reserve, Murray St, Lane Cove North
Bookings and tickets for both adults and children are essential for all activities book at www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/bushkids or on Eventbrite.
Activities are for 2 to 5 years term time and 3 to 12 years school holidays, unless otherwise specified. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Adults are responsible for their own children. Most activities are not stroller friendly. Wear closed in shoes (runners or hiking shoes).
Lane Cove Council reserves the right to alter or cancel activities. Wet or inclement weather – if cancelled, participants will receive a text message the morning of the activity Safety on all our activities is always considered, however participants attend activities at their own risk Further information – www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/bushkids or www.facebook.com/lanecovebushkids Adult & child
January - February - March
BUSH CHRISTMAS
TERM ACTIVITY 2 TO 12 YEARS
What better place to celebrate the season than being in nature! We’ll read some Christmas stories, play a Yuletide quiz during our bushwalk and get creative with Christmas nature craft. It’s sure to be a jolly, good time!
• Friday 12 & Tuesday 16 December
www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/bushkids
• 9:45am - 11:30am
• Blackman Park (far end of Lloyd Rees Dr -past the playground), Lane Cove West
• Cost: $10 per child (plus booking fee)
No charge for adults but adult tickets required. www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/bushkids
"Out of the Blue" - that is how it hit me. It was a casual job; there had been a few pre-meetups to discuss practicalities. The dominating observation was the thoughts and feelings that bombarded my heart and mind while in their presence, like a bad phone connection with harsh, piercing noise. A projection of judgements and insecurities - that is what this was, and a barrage of both was coming at me. As a result, I began acting out the ‘rubbish’ that had been dumped on me. Beyond this physical world lies a realm that is very real and is worth paying close attention to.
Josephine Trimboli
Jacques and Pierre scaled the cherry picker, to the top floor of the Louvre, after a tip off from Brigitte, the cleaning lady. Smashing glass cases and grabbing priceless jewelled treasures, they scrambled for the exit.
When the alarm system activated, Jacques the more agile one, made a hasty getaway, with the security guard in hot pursuit of Pierre.
Breathless, Pierre suddenly stopped, mesmerised by the painting before him. Then a delicate arm reached out, drawing him into the Tuscan scenery. Before fading into the background like a Renaissance movie extra, he acknowledged his beautiful rescuer, “Thank you, Mona Lisa”.
Perihan
Bozkurt, Lane Cove
Do you have a 100 word story?
Email: editor@thevillageobserver.com.au
Inspiring Young in Art 2025 winners
Hunters Hill celebrated the artistic talent of its young artists with its annual Young in Art Exhibition.
This year’s exhibition was made up of over 330 locally produced solo and group works created by kindergarten to Year 12 students from seven schools in the Hunters Hill area, including Marist Sisters College, Hunters Hill Public School, Hunters Hill High School, St Joseph's College, Boronia Park Public School, Gladesville Public School and Villa Maria Catholic Primary School.
The exhibition also featured a wall dedicated to the “Need a Lift” Youth Photography Competition as part of Mental Health Month.
Mayor Zac Miles visited the exhibition to present the winners with their certificates and gifts.
“It’s wonderful to see the talent and creativity of our young artists showcased at this Exhibition. Their work reflects their skills but also the dedication of their teachers," said Cr Miles.
DATE: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7TH, 2025 9:00AM - 1:00PM
Sunday 7 December 9:00am - 1:00pm
Navigating the complex world of blended families
BY MELISSA BARKS, IN CONVERSATION WITH COUPLES COUNSELLOR DUDA BALDWIN
In July, The Village Observer spoke with couples counsellor Duda Baldwin about the changing face of relationships and how modern couples therapy is helping people reconnect in a fast-paced world. In this follow-up, Baldwin shares insights into one of the most emotionally complex relationship challenges of all - blended families and step-parenting.
‘Arguing over parenting is one of the most common stress points in relationships,’ Baldwin says. ‘When you add step-parents, children from previous relationships and expartners into the mix, it takes those challenges to a whole new level.’
The festive season often brings these tensions to the surface. Families are negotiating time, loyalty, and competing expectations - sometimes across multiple households. ‘Differences aren’t the problem,’ Baldwin explains. ‘Your attitude to differences is the problem.’
As a counsellor, Baldwin describes herself as ‘an advocate for the relationship’. That stance sometimes places her in a tricky position. ‘My advice is always based on what’s best for the relationship – not just what one person wants,’ she says. ‘Often people come to therapy because they feel unheard or unsupported. In blended families, those feelings are magnified when partners are torn between their children and their new relationship.’
Christmas can be complicated for blended families. But when partners support each other with kindness, it becomes less about perfection and more about connection.
— DUDA BALDWIN, COUPLES COUNSELLOR
The challenges of step-parenting
Step-parenting can be emotionally taxing and, Baldwin says, can have a significant impact on mental health. ‘Step-parents face stigma and expectations but very little support. A biological parent can express frustration with their child, but a step-parent often doesn’t have the same social permission.’
Uneven time arrangements add another layer of complexity. The non-resident parent may struggle to balance bonding and discipline, while the resident parent carries the heavier load of everyday responsibilities. ‘That’s when conflict arises,’ Baldwin says. ‘Step-parents can get drawn into discipline roles, which can create resentment or confusion about boundaries.’
The dynamics can also differ by gender. ‘Step-dads are often seen as friends or mentors, while step-mums are expected to nurture – and that can create more friction,’ Baldwin notes. ‘Statistically, mental health outcomes are poorer for step-mothers, and second marriages have higher divorce rates. The emotional tone of the household can even shift depending on whether the children are present or not.’
Building communication and compassion
When couples in second or subsequent marriages seek therapy, Baldwin says it’s almost always about the children. ‘Step-parents often feel like outsiders. They can’t love the children too much or too little without being criticised. They have limited say in decisions about schooling or household rules, yet they’re deeply affected by them.’
The cornerstone of healthy blended families, Baldwin says, is communication. ‘Partners need to feel seen, heard, and supported by each other. When I work with couples, I help them gain tools to navigate a relationship that involves multiple emotional stakeholders – including influences from a third or even fourth adult.’
Her approach to therapy for blended families is compassion-based. ‘It’s about helping each partner put themselves in the other’s shoes - to understand the stressors, expectations, and emotions unique to each role,’ she says. ‘If you can support each other with empathy, you stand a much better chance of becoming a team.’
Working as a team
Becoming that team takes effort and patience. ‘Blended families are messy, raw, and emotionally charged,’ Baldwin acknowledges. ‘But when partners can be open about their needs and give each other space to express feelings - even conflicting ones - they create an environment where communication can thrive.’
For step-parents without their own children, there’s often an assumption that they ‘knew what they were signing up for’. But Baldwin says that’s unfair. ‘Parenting can’t really be understood until you live it. Even if you’ve read every book, the emotional reality can be a shock.’
Ultimately, Baldwin reminds couples that children are sensitive to conflict, even when it’s not spoken aloud. ‘If the relationship breaks down, the children feel that too,’ she says. ‘Supporting each other as partners isn’t just good for you - it’s good for them.’
Duda Baldwin is a registered counsellor and couples therapist based in Lane Cove, offering face to face and online sessions in couples therapy, relationship counselling and coaching programs.
www. kickassmuse.com
Glimpses of Another World: Anecdotes from a Life in Africa
BY GUY HALLOWES
Born on a farm in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, Guy Hallowes spent over forty years living and working across Africa. His true stories capture the rhythms, challenges and character of African societies as he experienced them - from a boyhood spent riding horses and helping farm labourers, to years of study in England and a lifetime shaped by the land and people of Africa. These anecdotes offer a personal window into a remarkable era of change and discovery. Guy is generously allowing TVO to publish extracts from his book Glimpses of Another World.
KENYA
PART I: Early Days
Mum and Dad bought the farm in 1946, in what was known as ‘the white highlands’ near the small village of Ol’Kalou, in the Great Rift Valley, about 100 miles northwest of Nairobi. The British authorities had allocated ‘reserve areas’ for all the forty odd African tribes living in what became Kenya - much of the highland area was sparsely populated and was therefore reserved for white farmers hence the term ‘white highlands’.
The purchase of the farm was part of their dream of personal independence. The purchase was partly funded by Mum’s father who was a successful sugar farmer in Zululand, South Africa - there had been some discussion about farming in Zululand, but I think Dad wanted real independence.
Mum, the eldest of five children, had been brought up in a well ordered and well to do household in Zululand, so the transformation for her to a leaky stone cottage in the middle of nowhere with no electricity, no phone and initially no running water would have been difficult. Did I ever hear a word of complaint? Never. She just dealt with her circumstances as they happened, and she was very much part of the management of the farm and the dream.
PART 2: School (1947)
“You will go to school at Mrs Platt’s. We went for tea there the other day,” Mum announced.
“What is school?”
“It’s where you learn things, like how to read and write properly.”
“I can already read and write and I can do sums.”
“Kinyore will take you on Lulu early on Mondays. You will stay at Mrs Clarke’s, who will then take you and some others to Mrs Platt’s each day and Kinyore and Lulu will fetch you on Friday afternoon to come back here.”
For a year, Kinyore, with his KAR (Kings African Rifles) hat, army surplus greatcoat and car tyre sandals, leading Lulu with me on her back and carrying my small suitcase took me to Mrs Clarke’s early every Monday morning.
I enjoyed the ride which from memory took about an hour and a half. During the ride through the farm we usually put up a steinbuck and sometimes a reedbuck - when the latter happened Kinyore would make a shrill whistle and the animal would stop briefly to look back at us, before rushing off again. There were Wydah birds (Jackson’s Dancing Birds) with their long tails and their circular patch of flattened grass. We often saw a pair of elegant crested Kavirondo Cranes. Part of the journey was down the main (dirt)road - we occasionally saw a vehicle.
“Kinyore.”
“Ndiyo.” (Yes).
“Wapi Chui.?” (Where is the Leopard.)
“Sijui. Na fikiri Chui na torroka.” (Don’t know. I think he may have run away.)
“Torroka wapi?” (Run away where?)
Shrug. “Mutoni.” (Forest.)
Nervously. “Mutoni hapa?” (This forest?)
Laughter. “Hapana. Mutoni mbale.” (No. Forest a long way away.)
“Bwana na piga risasi penye Chui (The bwana shot at the leopard.)
“Hapana kupiga?” (He didn’t hit it?)
Laughter. “Hapana. Chui na kimbia upesi.” (No. The leopard ran away quickly.)
Years later three elephants crossed the farm, presumably to escape the bombing in the Aberdare Mountains, where the Mau-Mau were hiding out. The elephants had to negotiate a couple of fences doing this. They did no damage; from the footprints we could see that they placed one foot on the top of a fencepost and just hopped over.
The short cut to the Clarke’s was across a rickety wooden bridge, over a small stream and through a patch of pristine native bush. The bridge completely spooked Lulu. She eventually got used to it but to start with I had to dismount and sit on the suitcase, out of the way, while Kinyore gently coaxed her across the bridge.
Sometimes there was a group of Colobus Monkeys in the trees overlooking the bridge. Pretty, elegant animalsharmless.
“Angalia, Nyani.” (Look monkeys) Kinyore would point. “Chakula mzuri sana.” (very nice to eat).
“Mimi hapana wesa kula Nyani.” (I couldn’t eat monkeys.)
Every morning Mrs Clarke took a number of us to Mrs Platt’s junior school which was a few miles further up the road. Mrs Platt was well trained as an early learning teacher.
Much to everyone’s disappointment Kinyore unexpectedly left us. Maybe he knew something about what was coming down the road and either joined the Mau-Mau or didn’t want to have anything to do with it as far as we were concerned. So the second year I boarded at the Platts’ school with a few others.
Steinbuck
Elephant
Kavirondo Cranes
Colobus Monkeys
A MESSAGE FROM BRANKA IVKOVIC, CEO
Being prepared for a summer with above-average temperatures is important, especially when we know that these conditions can pose significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. Here at Sydney Community Services (SCS) we are encouraging everyone to plan for hot days and make use of the resources available through our Hubs, local Councils and Libraries.
In collaboration with Lane Cove Council, to help residents stay cool at home, we are offering Cool Kits that include:
• Reusable cooling towels that are easy to activate with water.
• Cooling gel pillow inserts designed to help regulate body temperature during sleep.
• Educational materials, including flyers from the Red Cross and NSW Health's 'Beat the Heat' campaign, providing practical advice on staying safe during periods of extreme heat.
These kits are available at our Lane Cove Hub and can be collected during our opening hours. If you know someone who might benefit from a kit but can't get to us, please let us know; we will do our best to assist.
Our local libraries and SCS Hubs in Hunters Hill, Lane Cove and Lane Cove North are great places to escape the heat. Residents are welcome to drop in to read a book, use a computer, or enjoy the air-conditioned space. Keep an eye on social media, library newsletters, and noticeboards for upcoming events and activities designed to bring people together and offer a cool, safe environment. Whether it is a morning tea, a movie screening, or a craft session, these events are a great way to stay socially connected while avoiding the heat. It is common for people to stay indoors during heatwaves, especially if their home is somewhat cool. However, this can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection. If you or someone you know is feeling cut off during hot weather, please reach out to Sydney Community Services. We can connect you with programs such as home visiting, transport assistance or accompanied activities with a support worker, to name just a few. Our services are designed to help residents stay safe, supported, and socially engaged even when the weather makes it harder to get out and about.
Did you know that the Red Cross TeleCross program is a free daily phone call service? A trained volunteer calls each morning to check in on the person's well-being, plans for the day, and any concerns they may have. This year-round service is a valuable support for anyone
T 02 9427 6425 E support@sydneycs.org
LANE COVE HUB: Head Office: 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove
MEETING HOUSE HUB: 23a Stokes Street, Lane Cove North
HUNTERS HILL-RYDE HUB: 46 Gladesville Road, Hunters Hill
who would benefit from regular social contact and reassurance. If you or someone you know would like to register, we can help guide you through the process. We understand that many residents are hesitant to use air conditioning due to rising electricity costs. If you are on a low income or experiencing temporary financial dificulties, you may be eligible for the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) Scheme. This NSW Government initiative provides financial support to help cover energy bills, ensuring you don't have to choose between comfort and cost.
SCS is a registered EAPA provider, and our staff can help you determine if you are eligible and assist in accessing the scheme.
If you have a health condition that could be worsened by heat, such as heart disease, respiratory issues, or diabetes, it is important to speak with your GP about how to manage your health during hot weather. They may offer advice on medication adjustments, hydration strategies, or recognising important warning signs.
Small actions can make a big difference, whether it is checking on a neighbour, sharing a cool space, or passing on information about available support.
For more information or to access any of the services mentioned, please get in touch with Sydney Community Services on 9427 6425 or visit www.sydneycs.org and social media pages.
Love the outdoors and want to give back?
Become a Gardening Volunteer and help make home gardens safe, accessible, and enjoyable for our aged clients.
Enjoy fresh air, teamwork, and the satisfaction of supporting someone’s independence and wellbeing.
Begin the end of year festivities at our annual Christmas lunch, including a festive performance from Birrahlee Preschool.
Date: Tuesday 16 December
Time: 12noon - 2pm
Venue: Park View Room, 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove
Cost: $30 includes a glass of bubbles on arrival.
Over 55s Yoga
Stretch, breathe and unwind in a gentle yoga class designed especially for over 55s. Blends mindful movement, breathwork and relaxation to leave you feeling refreshed and recharged.
When: Every Wednesday — Final session on 17 December 2025. Resumes 14 Jan 2026.
Lane Cove 9.30–10.30am. Park View Room, 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove
Looking for a friendly, welcoming space to connect? Enjoy a cuppa and a chat in a relaxed and supportive place for carers and people living with dementia.
Date: Wednesday 17 December 2025
Resumes 19 Jan 2026
Time: 10am – 12noon
Location: The Meeting House Hub, 23a Stokes St, Lane Cove North
Cost: FREE
reACTIVATE – Move Well and Live Well for Men & Women
Stay strong, improve balance, and enjoy good company in our new seniors fitness class. Build strength in a relaxed, supportive setting.
Date: Every Wednesday Final class 17 Dec 2025. Resumes 14 Jan 2026.
Time: 11.00am– 12noon
Location: Sydney Community Services, 44 Gladesville Rd, Hunters Hill
• Cost: $5 including morning/afternoon New players please contact us.
Scrabble
• Thursdays, 10am - 12noon
Final class 18 Dec 2025. Resumes 8 Jan 2026.
• Cost: $5 includes morning tea
Social Bridge
Are you interested in joining social bridge, play casually with the view to possibly becoming permanent. Join us for a fun, relaxed afternoon.
• Thursdays, 12.30pm - 3.30pm
Final 18 Dec 2025. Resumes 8 Jan 2026
• Cost: $5 includes afternoon tea Contact us to register and for more information.
Social Tennis Group
• Every Thursday 9-11am
Final session 18 Dec 2025. Resume TBC 2026
• Cost $5
Lane Cove Tennis Club, Central Park, Kenneth St, Longueville. Players must register prior to playing.
HOURS OF OPERATION:
• 8.30am - 4.00pm
• Monday -Friday www.sydneycs.org
MEETING HOUSE HUB
23a Stokes Street, Lane Cove North
Seniors Shopping Bus
Tuesdays and Thursdays. Return trip from your home to Lane Cove shops. We can also assist and carry your shopping into your home.
• Cost: $15
• Final trip Tues 23 Dec 2025. Resume Tues 6 Jan 2026.
Chess Club Every Monday
The group is friendly and sociable, and all abilities are welcome.
• Mondays, 1pm - 2.30pm
• Cost: $5pp, includes afternoon tea.
Christmas Lights Outing
Join us for an early dinner at Forestville RSL, then a trip down Borgnis Street, Davidson to view the Christmas Light display.
Book early: it's sure to fill quickly.
• Wednesday 10 December
• 5pm – 10pm
• Cost: $27 (plus cost of your meal)
reACTIVATE Fitness Solutions for Seniors
Join us for a series of functional fitness classes.
• Monday, 10.45am - 11.45am.
Final 15 Dec 2025. Resumes 12 Jan 2026.
• Friday, 11am - 12pm.
Final 19 Dec 2025. Resumes 16 Jan 2026.
• Cost: First class free, then pay by term: 10 week term $120 ($12 per class)
9427 6425 support@sydneycs.org
HUNTERS HILL-RYDE HUB
46 Gladesville Road, Hunters Hill
Seniors Hub
Join one of our weekday programs—designed for seniors and dementia friendly groups. Enjoy excursions, wellness sessions, and social activities, with door-to-door transport and tasty, nutritious meals included.
• Final Group 24 Dec 2025. Resumes 5 Jan 2026. Get in touch for the monthly program!
Seniors Social Support
We support Afghan, Chinese, Iranian, Italian, and Spanish seniors groups with bilingual staff and volunteers who celebrate culture and connection. CALD communities enjoy social outings, cultural events, English classes, wellness sessions, and more! Contact us for the monthly program.
Social Bus Outings
Join us every Tuesday when we venture to new destinations and meet other local seniors. These trips are weekly and either half or full-day outings.
• 9.00am - 4.00pm
Final outing 23 Dec 2025. Resumes 6 Jan 2026. Contact us for the monthly program and cost.
The Velveteens
Join us for morning tea before heading off to a different venue each month. If you are over 65, registered with My Aged Care, have a referral code for Social Support Group and are totally independent then contact us for more information.
• 2nd Monday each month
Final outing 1 Dec 2025. Resumes 2 Feb 2026
• 10am - 4pm
Women's Wellness Class - Tuesdays
A weekly session designed especially for women over 60, focusing on both physical health and social wellbeing
.
• 9.45am - 10.45am
Final class 9 Dec 2025. Resumes Jan 2026
Contact us for more information about cost and term times.
YOU'RE INVITED...
BOOMers Mens Group
For senior independently mobile men who enjoy socialising and visiting interesting places in the company of other men.
• Fridays.
Final outing 19 Dec 2025. Resumes 9 Jan 2026.
• Departs: 10.00am from Lane Cove Hub.
• Returns: 2.00pm
Contact us for the monthly program and cost.
Meeting House Playgroups
Meet local parents and children. FREE to attend.
Arts, Craft, Music & Stories Playgroups for 0-5 years Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9.30am - 11.30am.
Friday Group at the Seniors Hub
Each Friday enjoy fun outings and day trips designed for older adults to connect, share, and feel supported! With inclusive activities, dementia-friendly support, and tasty meals provided, carers can relax knowing loved ones are safe and having a great time. Contact us for more information.
Supported by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
Costs indicated are for Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) participants only. Contact us and speak with one of our Coordinators to learn more about other funding options.
ANTHONY ROBERTS MP
P: 9817 4757
E: lanecove@parliament.nsw.gov.au
A Merry, Mindful and Meaningful December
As the year draws to a close, I want to thank everyone across our community for making Lane Cove such a remarkable place in 2025. With Christmas lights beginning to sparkle, school holidays approaching and families preparing to gather, there is a wonderful sense of anticipation and connection in the air. The final weeks of the year are always special, a chance to celebrate what we have achieved, spend time with those we love, and look forward to a new year full of possibility.
Christmas is more than a date on the calendar; it is a season of generosity, gratitude and togetherness. I encourage everyone to support our local businesses in the lead up to Christmas. Choosing local helps sustain the shops, cafés, restaurants and markets that give our village its unique character. Whether you are picking up gifts, enjoying a meal or simply catching up with friends, every purchase helps local families and keeps our community thriving.
As summer arrives, it is important that we all stay safe while enjoying the outdoors. Our pools, rivers and harbour bring great joy, but they also require care and vigilance. Please make sure pool gates and latches are secure, keep a close eye on children near water, and avoid swimming after drinking. Take a few moments to check safety equipment and refresh your CPR knowledge. These simple actions can prevent tragedy and ensure everyone enjoys a happy and safe summer holiday.
Parliament has now concluded its sittings for the year, providing an opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved and to look ahead. Throughout 2025, I have continued to advocate for better local infrastructure, safer roads and transport links, and stronger support for families, schools and community organisations. I remain committed to ensuring that Lane Cove continues to thrive as a place of opportunity, inclusion and quality of life.
December is also a time to recognise those who serve our community so faithfully. To our emergency service workers, volunteers, teachers, carers, healthcare staff and small business owners, thank you for your dedication and generosity throughout the year. Your efforts often go unseen, but they make an enormous difference to the lives of others.
Whether you are travelling, celebrating locally or simply taking time to rest, I wish you and your loved ones a very safe and joyful Christmas. May the New Year bring good health, happiness and renewed optimism for all.
P: 9952 8222
E: TMayor@ryde.nsw.gov.au
Christmas cheer
After what has been a very busy and productive year, December is all about taking some well-earned time off to spend with family and friends as the wonderful Christmas holiday spirit puts a smile on all our faces.
The season kicks off nice and early with the annual West Ryde Christmas Carols event on Saturday 6 December at Anzac Park West Ryde from 4.007.00pm.
This promises to be a magical evening of festive fun featuring a fantastic lineup of talented local performers who will fill the air with beautiful Christmas carols. There will also be a free petting zoo and free facepainting to ensure a great evening of family enjoyment.
Bring your picnic blankets, chairs, and a sense of community as we come together to celebrate this joyous occasion.
Also on 6 December is Council’s specially themed Cinema in the Park at Fontenoy Park, Macquarie Park.
This year we’re screening the Christmas comedy classic The Santa Clause (G). Gates open at 6.00pm with the movie starting at sundown.
There will also be kids’ inflatables, live entertainment, food trucks, limited free popcorn and a free Christmas photo booth.
On Thursday 11 December, take the kids to Ryde Library for a sing-along of special Christmas songs and stories with an added pantomime of the classic seasonal story 'Twas the Week Before Christmas This event, which takes place from 10.30-11.00am, is suitable for children of all ages and bookings are not required.
And on Sunday 14 December, there’s even more singing with Carols on the Common returning to North Ryde Commons from 5.00-9.30pm.
This is Sydney’s second largest carols event, featuring top performers from all over the city leading the chorus for the Christmas songs you all know and love.
The kids will be entertained by a giant slide, dodgem cars and many other carnival rides, with plenty of food options available, while an awe-inspiring fireworks display will close out the night.
For those looking for Christmas gift options, The Ryde Wharf Markets Christmas Special on 14 December between 9.00am and 3.00pm will be a great opportunity to hunt for presents, with a focus on fresh food and specialty gifting stalls.
Finally, I’d like to wish all Village Observer readers a terrific Christmas and prosperous 2026.
See you next year!
For more information on these and other activities and events happening throughout December, go to: ryde.nsw.gov.au
The Village Observer assumes no
TRENTON BROWN CITY OF RYDE MAYOR
TIM JAMES MP
P: 9439 4199
E: willoughby@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Better roads and safer streets make a real difference to daily life. Whether it’s the school drop-off, the morning commute or simply crossing the street for a coffee, the way we move through our community shapes our safety and quality of life.
Across Willoughby, steady progress continues on projects that make travel safer and smoother. Around our schools, safety is the top priority. The 40-kilometre zone near Willoughby Girls High and Willoughby Public has been extended further along Mowbray Road and Penshurst Street, improving safety for students and families. In Chatswood, funding has been secured for new wombat crossings and pedestrian refuges on Victoria Avenue, making this busy shopping precinct safer for everyone. Resurfacing along Willoughby Road has also improved conditions for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Smoother roads and better crossings might seem small, but they make a big difference day to day.
Another long-standing concern is the notorious Mowbray Road bend blackspot, where I’ve been pressing for action to prevent further crashes and near misses. I’m pleased that state government funding has now been secured for Lane Cove Council to investigate and deliver a lasting, permanent safety solution for this dangerous stretch.
Major projects like the Western Harbour Tunnel and Warringah Freeway Upgrade are also progressing with many new pieces of infrastructure opening over the coming months. These are big undertakings that will increase the resilience of the road network. While there are challenges during construction, I continue to call for the best environmental and safety outcomes for locals, particularly for nearby schools and families.
Progress is being made, but there’s always more to do. I’ll keep standing up for our community and pushing for safer streets, smoother journeys and better planning across Willoughby.
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas, a happy New Year and an enjoyable summer with family and friends. As always, please reach out to me if I can ever be of assistance or help in any way.
ZAC MILES HUNTERS HILL MAYOR
P: 9879 9400
E: mayor@huntershill.nsw.gov.au
With Christmas just a couple of weeks away, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in our community a safe and happy holidays.
I would also like to express my gratitude to our dedicated staff and volunteers for their hard work throughout 2025. Without the involvement of these amazing people, we would not have been able to run our local events and projects so successfully.
Our highly anticipated Carols in the Park event is almost here to usher in the Christmas season. The event on Sunday, 7 December at Boronia Park will feature live entertainment from local musicians and school students, food and market stalls, and a visit from Santa and his helpers. The night will be capped off with a spectacular fireworks display. Make sure to save the date for this family-friendly event!
New Year’s Eve is another major event coming up on the Hunters Hill calendar, and we expect many visitors to the peninsula to enjoy the festivities and fireworks display over our beautiful harbour.
With a unique panoramic view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Clarke’s Point Reserve is an incredible local vantage point. This year, fireworks will take place at 9pm and 12am.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, Council is working closely with Police Officers from the Ryde Police Area Command for New Year’s Eve. Road closures and parking restrictions will be in place in Hunters Hill and Woolwich from Wednesday, 31 December to early Thursday, 1 January 2026, to ensure that the peninsula remains accessible for emergency services.
A limited ‘park and ride’ special event car park will operate at Boronia Park Ovals, connecting people with bus services to Clarke’s Point Reserve. I encourage everyone to plan ahead to avoid any confusion on the night. See the New Year’s Eve webpage for more details: www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/nye.
Our Australia Day Citizen of the Year and Citizenship Ceremony will follow on Monday 26 January 2026, at the Hunters Hill Town Hall.
Our area has so many outstanding people, and it's always a highlight of our Australia Day celebrations to acknowledge their hard work and commitment. We also look forward to welcoming our new citizens on this day.
This year’s categories include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Outstanding Sporting Achievement, Community Excellence and Environmental Excellence. For more information, visit www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/events.
I wish everyone in our community an enjoyable break and a prosperous New Year ahead.
See you all in 2026!
The Village Observer assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content provided on these pages. Views and opinions expressed are the author's own.
Room Hire at the Meeting House
Looking for the perfect venue for your next celebration, meeting, or community event? The Meeting House in Lane Cove offers a versatile and welcoming space that takes the stress out of hosting at home.
With both indoor and outdoor areas, you’ll have the flexibility to create an event that suits your needs – whether it’s a birthday party, family gathering, workshop, or social get-together.
Tuesday 2 Dec - The Man Who Sued God (2001). An Australian comedy about a disillusioned lawyer who takes up fishing only to have his boat destroyed by a lightning storm, starring Billy Connolly and Judy Davis.
Bookings essential on 9428 4287 or 9427 4740.
Cost $15 cash only – the best value pizza/movie combo! BYO drinks.
Auction Wed 3 Dec at 6pm. Open Sat 10-10.30am
Moder n one-bedroom apartment in the heart of Willoughby
This stylish one-bedroom apartment offers modern finishes and low-maintenance living. With approx. 48sqm of internal space, two balconies, secure parking, and a storage cage, it's perfect for firsttime buyers, downsizers, or investors.
Rob Woodley 0418 278 624 E: rob.woodley@belleproperty.com
Auction Wed 3 Dec at 6pm. Open Sat & Wed, 11-11.30am
Effortless luxury in parkside cul-de-sac. At the cul-de-sac end of Karilla Avenue footsteps to Stringybark Creek Reserve and playground, this contemporary duplex offers a magnificent family home of generous size, impressive style and supreme comfort in a premium location.
Patrick Lang 0423 891 807 E: patrick.lang@belleproperty.com
James Bennett 0403 504 724 E: james.bennett@belleproperty.com
Iris Shi 0448 077 859 E: iris.shi@belleproperty.com
Auction Saturday 6 Dec at 9.45am. Open Sat & Wed, 1-1.30pm
Bespoke architectural luxury with bay views. Poised Woodford Bay, Maison Ronde is a triumph of architectural artistry by Stefan Lombardo. Curved walls, layered light, and natural textures of travertine, marble and oak define interiors of sculptural elegance.
Simon Harrison 0433 100 150 E: simon.harrison@belleproperty.com
Kim Walters 0499 014 886 E: kim.walters@belleproperty.com
Auction Wed 3 Dec at 6pm. Open Sat & Wed, 9.15 – 9.45am
Spacious sunlit elevation in boutique setting. To be sold for only the second time, this exceptionally maintained double brick apartment with a sought-after three bedrooms is one of only four in a secure block backing leafy reserve and within a short walk of Lane Cove village.
Kim Walters 0499 014 886 E: kim.walters@belleproperty.com
Belle Property Hunters Hill 3/52-56 Gladesville Road, Hunters Hill 9817 7729
Belle Property Lane Cove 162 Longueville Road, Lane Cove 9087 3333
Belle Property Willoughby 551 Willoughby Road, Willoughby 9958 5211
Belle Property Lindfield Suite 20, 12-18 Tryon Road, Lindfield 9416 6999
Belle Property Ryde 95 Blaxland Road, R yde 8080 9116
59A Karilla Ave, Lane Cove 4 bed 4 bath 2 car
26 Lucretia Ave, Longueville 5 bed 5 bath 2 car
201/481-483 Willoughby Rd, Willoughby 1 bed 1 bath 1 car
4/272 Longueville Rd, Lane Cove 3 bed 2 bath 2 car
GEORGE ON LAKE BENNEN
My 2022 desert adventure with my son has made it to the walls of the Coldstream Gallery Ulmarra, Outfall Art Collective in Newport and of course the Greenwich Village Arts Trail. I've distilled 1,829 photos down into about 20 which will be available on my website from December 1st.
Giclee quality photographic print on fine art paper, which is a 300gsm natural rag 100% cotton paper of archival quality 84cm by 110cm.
