The Village Observer Feb 2023

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 residents to live a quality and independent life in their own home and in their community.

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

THE VILLAGE OBSERVER:

1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove NSW 2066.

PUBLISHER: Gillian Batt

P: 02 9427 6425 E: gbatt@sydneycs.org

EDITOR: Nicola Riches

P: 0405 661 570

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

• Readers are invited to submit articles for consideration.

• Articles and items for community events should be emailed to the Editor with any accompanying images by the 15th of each month, for inclusion in the next month’s issue. • Advertising enquiries should be directed to advertising@thevillageobserver.com.au

• If mailing material and you would like it returned, please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All care, but no responsibility will be taken for this material. © Copyright 2021. Original advertisements and editorial in this publication are copyright and remain the exclusive property of The Village Observer. No part of this publication may be reproduced and/or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written consent of the Publisher.

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

Happy New Year, Lane Cove and surrounds. The cooler Christmas and January was certainly appreciated in the city, wasn’t it?

TVO takes a break in January so this is the first issue of the year, brimming with information about this month, the next and even the next 12 months.

It’s Seniors Festival this month and inside you will find a bible of information about activities and events that have been specially curated by TVO owners, Sydney Community Services and other organisations in our area.

On the cover this month is singer Miriam Waks, who comes from this part of the world, but is now found touring the globe. Miriam will be joining one of, or even the most, famous of Lane Cove musicians – Billy Burton. Miriam and Billy will be performing at the Lane Cove Golf Club on Friday 24 February. It’s going to be a wonderful evening, so check inside for more details.

We welcome many new advertisers in our pages this month. We can’t thank you enough for your support. This magazine is nonprofit and run on a very tight budget for good reason – every spare dollar goes back in funding for Sydney Community Services. Thank you to our readers who make sure that every copy is snapped up every month.

Look out too those of you in Crows Nest – we know the magazine disappears from the stands in a matter of days and we are actively looking for more distribution spots (don’t worry Lane Cove – you’re still the beating heart!).

Enjoy February and drop us a line with any stories you have: editor@thevillageobserver.com.au Nicola

and Sharon

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:

We’re GOING PLACES - come with us

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Wednesday & Friday 2pm - 5pm

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Saturday & Sunday 11am - 4pm

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Former Lane Cove Cricketer opens sneaker store with restaurant style twist

space. Downstairs is a sneaker heaven with brands stocked including Saucony, Nike, Adidas, Vans, Tommy Hilfiger, and ASICS plus more.

Upstairs are more sneakers and a consignment area. There’s also a range of streetwear including local Crows Nest brand, Arthur Raymond.

Owner Jack James said, "We want to be different and I often found the thing lacking in a lot of retail was service. So I thought I would give customers a restaurant level of service where they're greeted and seated and served up shoes on a platter. Our goal is to be the most customeroriented footwear store in Sydney."

The Back Wall also has brand new limited releases from Saucony which are exclusive to the shop.

The home of $50 vans, the Back Wall offers a great range of sneakers, amazing service and a bit of cheesecake on the side.

The Back Wall at Crows Nest has opened. And it’s offering a sneaker service with a difference. Think restaurant service but for sneaker heads. The staff greet you dressed in a funky black apron and serve up your shoes on a slate platter. If you’re lucky they might be doing a cake special where your Saucony strawberry cheesecakes actually come with a slice of strawberry cheesecake.

If you’re feeling thirsty, they’ll even bring you water or tea for free while you try on your sneakers. But that’s not even the best part.

The best part is the shoes. Their sneakers are often on sale – sometimes up to 70% off.

The brainchild of former Lane Cove Cricketer, Jack James, The Back Wall marks his foray into the retail

Heather Lesley-Swan

Jungian Analyst, CG Jung Institute, Zurich, Sandplay Therapist (ISST-TM)

Seniors, Adults, Adolescents, Children 9+

Northwood 2066

www.HeatherLesley-Swan.com

Sneakers are hot property with celebrities taking to the trend including Hailey Baldwin, Emily Ratajowski, and Kendall Jenner who are partial to Nike Air Force 1s. Katie Holmes, Meghan Markle, and Reese Witherspoon wear Vejas. Dakota Johnson, Gwen Stefani, and Zendaya don Vans. And the list goes on. So a great place to make like a celebrity is now open in Crows Nest at 11 Ernest Place.

Hunters Hill Food and Wine Festival ceases to operate

The Hunters Hill Food and Wine Festival, after more than 20 years, will cease to operate.

This event raised much needed funds for local charity and not-for-profit groups, notably Sydney Community Services, Hunters Hill Ryde Men’s Shed, Hunters Hill State Emergency Services and St John’s Ambulance, Gladesville Branch. However, since COVID, the costs associated with staging the event have risen, to the extent it is no longer a cost-effective venture, with much diminished funds raised for the charitable groups.

Disappointingly, attempts to reassess and rearrange the delivery of the festival have been unsuccessful, as it was concluded the spectacle of the event would be severely compromised. The charities supported over the years will still require funding assistance to deliver their highly valued services, so other ways to achieve this are now being considered.

The Organising Committee of the Hunters Hill Food and Wine Festival would like to extend their sincere gratitude to all the wineries and other stallholders who have provided support and substantial contribution to the local community over the course of the past 20 or so years.

People’s choice for Hunters Hill art

Katrina said the practice was a proud exhibition sponsor.

"We love supporting the locals and supporting the local community," she said.

"It's a really important part of our practice."

Victoria said she was excited just to be featured as a finalist in the exhibition, and very excited to win the People's Choice Award.

"I'm absolutely thrilled," she said.

"I'm still on a high."

Having taken up art about three years ago, during COVID, the Hunters Hill Art Exhibition was the first prize Victoria entered.

The people’s picks for Hunters Hill art have been officially recognised, following the successful staging of the Hunters Hill Art Exhibition. Mixed media piece Combustion by Victoria Aleporos took out the $1000 People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Hunters Hill Medical Practice.

Watercolour on canvas We Are All Golden Sunflower Inside by Cee

received the $500 Kids’ Choice Award, sponsored by MacMORGAN. The votes were cast by visitors to the exhibition, staged at Town Hall in late 2022.

Hunters Hill Medical Practice Manager Katrina Arcus today (Wednesday 11 January, 2023) met with Victoria Aleporos to offer congratulations on taking out the popular vote.

The artwork was also a reflection of the time in which it was created.

"It was kind of a little bit related to what the world was going through, through COVID, all the mixed emotions.

"Sometimes you felt like you were going to burst.

"But I also see a lot of positivity in it too. Everything will pass."

We have built an enviable reputation for conveyancing whilst always focusing on our mission to provide each client with fast, efficient and cost-effective services to meet their own unique needs. We’re passionate about property, and want you to get as excited about the experience of buying or selling as much as we do.

WE WANT YOUR PROPERTY TRANSACTION TO BE AS SMOOTH AND STRESS-FREE AS POSSIBLE….

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BUYING - There is nothing more exciting than buying your dream property. We are here to help!

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"What a great experience! We can honestly say that Anna made our journey of purchasing our home easy and stress free from start to finish. We were always a priority, she always kept us informed and maintained exceptional service every step of the way. We cannot thank you enough for helping us making our dream into a reality". ELLY AND IAN

at the Diddy -$180,000 Creation of more tree canopies in residential streets - $73,100

of a shared user pathway - $133,260

Bob Campbell Oval Upgrade$3,620,000

Mann’s Point Reserve Upgrade$142,000

Longueville Road Outdoor Dining Space - $500,000

Kingsford Smith Oval Amenities Upgrade - $100,000

Maintenance and facility upgrades for Longueville Tennis Club -$50,000+

Construction of a New Library - $500,000

Upgrading local bushwalking tracks - $75,000

Contribution towards Sports and Rec Facility - $471,000

Upgrading play equipment and facilities + replacing the school hall. Lane Cove Public School - $6,250,000

North Shore Rowing Club Facilities Upgrade - $620,000

Re-engaging the elderly in sport$100,000

Greenwich Point Ferry Wharf Upgrade - $10,300,000

“I am very proud to have secured record amounts of funding for the residents of Lane Cove, to ensure that Lane Cove remains the best place to live, work and raise a family”

All in the stars

by Liz Foster

We all know what Road Rage is, but what about Feedback Rage, that boiling vipers’ pit of online rants, taken to a whole new level post COVID. New personas of engaged consumers, nicely hidden behind keyboards and mouses. (Side note – is the plural of a computer mouse still mice? Answers to the address at the foot of the page please).

eBay has changed its feedback system from basic three tiers (negative, neutral, positive) to 5-star ratings, ‘to allow buyers to be more honest when they leave feedback since they will no longer have to worry about retaliatory feedback from a seller’. But this doesn’t allow for the personal messages you might get from them. I once ordered a scooter for a Christmas present, which arrived just in time but wasn’t the brand advertised. I had no choice but to gift it. I (very generously I thought) left them only ‘neutral’ feedback, with a bald little statement about ‘not being as advertised.’

The seller responded with such vehemence it took a layer of skin from my eyes. How dare I post that. They would have appreciated direct contact so they could fix the problem without me ‘publicly shaming them.’

This was years ago, so I’ve been reticent to post reviews since. However, I did recently pen a Google review, by request from a company that painted an urban art mural at the nursing home where I work. The painting was good, but not so the admin– repetitive questioning and not reading the brief properly, creating more back and forth. They were paid fifty percent up front and then hounded our accounts department from the moment the painter packed away his spray cans. We paid them within the week, but it left a bad taste in our mouths, so I gave them four stars, with a positive comment.

Imagine my surprise when a reply came whistling through the ether quicker than you can say ‘retaliatory feedback.’

‘Thank you for the review. We were shocked to only receive four stars. We have over seventy five-star reviews and counting. Please tell us what we can do to improve our service.’

Is four stars a shockable rating? I’ll die happy if my readers gave me four stars for any book I write. Good Reads is full of passionate readers who won’t shy from telling you what they think. It turns out the painters did have over seventy five-star

reviews, and no others. Which meant my four-star review toppled them off the 100% podium. I had no idea, because I didn’t read the others – I was a customer giving a rating, not a potential client looking for a service.

Of course, reviews – whether good or bad – can be entertaining. Like the Amazon one-star review of a child’s board book, titled ‘Where is Baby’s Belly Button?’ and a picture of a baby on the front lifting her top.

‘This book is completely misleading. The entire plot revolves around finding Baby’s belly button, however there is no twist, Baby’s belly button is right where it clearly shows you on THE COVER OF THE BOOK.’

Or the five-star review of ‘Bic for Her’ ballpoint pens, available in shades of purple and pink.

‘I decided to buy this product (using my own pocket money) as my husband doesn’t want me touching men’s pens. Once I’d learned to write, the feminine colour and grip size (suited to my delicate little hands) has enabled me to set down thoughts about new recipe ideas, sewing and gardening.’ I came to understand the painter’s mindset soon afterwards when some friends who let out their Granny flat on AirBnB were ranting about – you guessed it – a four-star review, their first below five stars. Now it was my turn to be shocked at their scorched earth reaction. Yes, the water pressure was low that day, and yes, they had lots of people staying upstairs making it noisier than usual, but what do people expect???

‘It hurts,’ my friend said, and my ears started burning as I imagined being a fly on the wall at the urban art company when they read my review.

From now on, I’ll stick to reading reviews for research purposes. But if pushed to give them, I won’t repeat the rookie error of overlooking the others. I don’t think my ears can take the heat.

Liz Foster is a local writer. You can find her at lizfoster.com.au and www.facebook.com/lizfosterwriter, or email her at liz@lizfoster.com.au

Illustration by Grace Kopsiaftis

ASPECTS

A Tawny Frogmouth and babies

When: end of December 2022

Where: from a deck in Riverview

Thank you to local Jenny May for sending this wonderful photograph to us

interview: Guy Hallowes

From the grasslands of Africa to the frozen wilderness of Canada, Guy Hallowes has spent more than 50 years traversing the world. A qualified Chartered Accountant, Hallowes has had an eclectic career ranging from rescuing a financially distressed brewery in Botswana to heading up significant parts of Harlequin, the owners of Mills & Boon, before settling back in Australia and becoming an author. Misery, death, corruption, revenge, betrayal, redemption and ultimately hope, his books cover the gamut of the human condition.

 Please tell us about your journey as an author I started scribbling earlier in my life, but didn’t actually write a complete book until after I had stopped formal work. As a child on the family farm in Kenya, we didn’t have electricity, a telephone or running water, but luckily I was sent to boarding school, where I received a wonderful education. It seemed I was constantly on the move as an adult; first formal accounting courses in London, then various countries in Africa, Canada, and Australia, as I had a family with four children to support. It wasn’t until my work life had ended I had time to write and then it was a question of confidence as I didn’t know whether what I had to say would be interesting or a load of rubbish.

 Does African feature prominently in your writing?

Definitely. Most of my books are, at least partially, set in Africa (mostly Kenya) and are in part semi-autobiographical. My father was the son of a missionary, and his experiences over 17 years to build a successful farm in the face of institutional corruption, insurgencies, and broader social injustices before being finally disposed of in 1963, feature to a degree in many of my books. My characters, though fictionalised and composites, are all based on people I have known.

 Your latest book, ‘What a Tangled Web’, is your eighth, I believe.

Yes, it is and I’m proud to say an Amazon Best Seller, too. There are two dominant themes; the first being selfentitlement (a common malady, I think). The protagonist, David, is a privileged Oxford washout born with a silver spoon who in desperation joins the SAS and, after a series of rescue ops in Africa, returns to Britain where he inevitably gets involved with home-grow jihadis and corporate espionage.

The second theme explores women's need for recognition and fulfilment through the character of David’s wife, Melinda, and her place within the family and society. She faces some hard times, but ultimately there is redemption and hope for the future.

 Where does the inspiration of your books come from?

I usually write about things I know and experiences I have had.

For example, I've written five books involving Africa now. They're all based on places I’ve been to, including some really seedy places in Johannesburg. I know what they look like; I know how they feel; I know how they smell, so I’ve written about them.

My dystopian books are about the consequences of climate change, and are set in Sydney’s Blue Mountains. I know the environs and we can see the effects of climate change all around us and I’m worried how it will all turn out.

 Your writing process was a bit different this time around, wasn’t it?

Unlike previous books, I worked with a mentor from the Australian Society of Authors, Tony Park, who has military experience and has written extensively about Africa. All our meetings were via Zoom as he lives in South Africa, which was quite novel. He helped me rewrite large sections, so it read better and was more authentic. I also worked with a professional editor and an excellent publisher who really knows his stuff.

 How did you start writing?

Once I stopped formal work, I wanted to try something new. So, I ‘re-purposed’ myself to try something that had been at the back of my mind since I was young. Writing has given me something constructive to do, and it’s become a passion. It’s a good day when I wake up in the morning, and think, today's just a writing day. I’m relaxed and I'm happy.

I belong to the Northern Beaches Writers’ group (Manly) and the Lane Cove writers’ community and occasionally appear as a guest speaker at the Writing Books Meet Up (Crows Nest).

 Any advice to authors thinking about self-publishing?

Most authors, including myself, dream about ‘getting a book deal’ with a traditional publisher. Unless you sell big numbers, however, it can be financially disastrous. As a self-published author, I’m the final decision-maker and I love it. The secret is to make decisions based on quality, not price.

My books are my legacy and I want my readers to be enthralled, excited and entertained by every page. Guy’s books are available from Amazon, most bookstores and www.guyhallowes.com.

Hallowes family cottage in Kenya.

Guy’s wife Diana and the kids. Somewhere in the middle of nowhere in Botswana.

The legendary Billy Burton still blows Lane Cove away

WORDS: SHAUNA

Billy Burton became a professional trumpeter aged just 16.

Amazingly, he's still blowing up a storm on stage, having just celebrated his 90th birthday.

"Playing my trumpet is my oxygen.

"It keeps me going, keeps me alive,” says the veteran head of the Billy Burton Band.

Billy, the long-time Lane Cove resident who these days is happy to please audiences at local venues like the Lane Cove Golf Club and Avalon Bowling Club, carries the pedigree of a master musician.

He's outlived some of the biggest names in showbiz whom he played with, since migrating from London to Sydney in the 1950s at the urging of friend and singer, Lorrae Desmond.

"I flew out in my 20s and right into a job at Chequers, playing alongside Lorrae and the brother of Nat King Cole.

It was just the beginning of super stardom for Billy and his resident band, who also played at the Silver Spade Room at Sydney's Chevron Hotel.

And play with the giants of the music industry he did, when jazz, swing and live shows and the glitter of famous clubs reigned supreme.

Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Bobby Darren, Tony Bennett, Bob Hope and Dusty Springfield soon got to know and appreciate Billy and his band.

Their positive experiences playing and touring Australia resonated with other artists who came to Sydney, like Stevie Wonder, who gave Billy his harmonica as a token of his

appreciation and their friendship, and Sergio Mendez, Jose Feliciano, the Beach Boys, Robert Gourley, Paul Anchor, Roger Miller and Wayne Newton, Roy Orbison, and Tiny Tim.

Billy's world renowned musical status earned him television performances on the ABC and with the Tommy Leonetti Show (Billy played on his signature My City of Sydney hit song) and on tours with the likes of legendary Australian jazz bandleader Frank Coughlan, who helped to make famous Sydney's iconic art deco dance club, the Trocadero, which could accommodate up to 2,000 people.

Billy's musical genius also features on nine albums he can remember.

He said the only time he hasn't played were the years after his beloved wife Joan died, about 20 years ago.

"And when I had to have operations on my hands," he added with a chuckle.

Billy still plays with the same beautiful Getzen trumpet he acquired more than 60 years ago at the Silver Spade, despite it going missing for a time.

The trumpet has been replated, and reinvigorated. Just like it's youthful looking 90-year-old master.

"I would be lost without it," he adds.

Billy Burton said he and his band have enjoyed "memorable experiences" playing at the Lane Cove Golf Club over the past 12 years.

Playing my trumpet is my oxygen

FORREST

The late Italian film star Gina Lollobrigida, at Sydney's Regent Hotel with Billy for the Red Cross Ball

"It is a nice venue to play at. I started getting my friends in the music industry to join us at Lane Cove.

"We brought city entertainment lifestyle to Lane Cove (then the Country Club) and without the dreadful parking and other transport problems attached to the city.”

" There were some challenges like catering problems, "but we managed to attract performers like American Miriam Waks, Brisbane's talented Ingrid James and Greg Arthur, Dan Barnett, George Wahingmachine, Nic Jeffries and Italian Virna Sazone."

A local wish for live music to continue…

With Eventbrite bookings, Billy Burton and his band, alongside the best of Australian and international jazz singers, drew large crowds to the Golf Club on the last Friday of each month throughout 2022.

Some locals are keen to highlight that there has never been a sign at the Golf Course entrance advertising the music or dance events at the Club, which they see as a missed opportunity with thousands of cars passing daily on River Rd.

The Lane Cove Golf clubhouse is currently a carpeted venue for larger events and is unique in Lane Cove as it can simultaneously accommodate indoor musical performance, dancing and dining for 130 seated people.

A DA currently sits with Council for an eight-court Sport and Recreation Facility at the Clubhouse site, with work expected to begin in mid-2023.

The design of the proposed new $75m multisport facility changes the current layout and interior in the function area by multi-purposing the space for ‘flexible’ uses. Some who currently use the space are worried about the future acoustics of the building and how music events will be affected.

Untill those changes are made, Billy Burton will continue to attract the best to Lane Cove. Tiffany Austin, an Afro-American jazz/blues singer from Los Angeles performed to a sell-out crowd with singer Nic Jeffries and Billy‘s Band at the Club last October. While Billy was playing at the Foundry 616 in Ultimo, Tiffany agreed to be a guest singer on account of Billy’s excellent reputation.

On Friday 24 February, New York-based singer Miriam Waks will appear with the Billy Burton Band at the Lane Cove Golf Club from 7pm. Book at Eventbrite by searching “The Billy Burton Band and Guest Singer Miriam Waks.”

Miriam sings in 17 languages and a plethora of musical styles so the evening will feature Soul, French, Spanish, Brazilian and Jazz Classics, Tango and more.

Miriam is a highly original and vibrant performer who has performed at venues and residencies across the globe including New York, Buenos Aires, France, Cuba, Edinburgh, London, Italy, Brussels, India, Macau, Hong Kong and Australia.

Miriam performs with various outfits in NYC but made her stage debut at the tender age of 10 singing solo at the Sydney Opera House, as she is Sydney born. The legendary Billy Burton is a long-time resident of Lane Cove, and the two have performed together many times. Don’t miss out!

February is the last official month of summer. Of course, it hasn’t been much of a summer, has it?

Given we can walk outside without being choked by bushfire smoke, and half the country isn’t on fire, we shouldn’t really complain. But seriously, more than 330 days in a row where we don’t hit 30 degrees? Not a single officially-defined hot day?

For some, this will feel like a robbery. A summer wasted.

For me, though? I’m ecstatic. Relieved. We’re nearly through, it’s nearly Autumn.

Only February to go. 28 days which usually give us the warmest sea temperatures of the year – a good thing –and the highest humidity levels. A very bad thing.

In spite of the run of below-average temperatures we’ve been served up, I still think that there’s good chance that February will serve us up her cruelest best before March heralds the relief of the crisp mornings.

Yes, to paraphrase those Game of Thrones guys, Summer might possibly be coming. And I want you guys to be ready for that.

So, I’ve gone searching for the internet’s finest wisdom on how to survive the sweatiest, frizziest, most miserable month of 2023.

The first tip I found was that we should turn on the air conditioner. A good idea, but in these times of rising energy prices, this one seemed a little basic. Like something we should have a further down the list of ideas. Top ten, definitely, but why go to straight to this option? Because you’re an air-con manufacturer’s website, that’s why.

I kept searching.

Let me state for the record that I am a big fan (no pun intended) of the work of the airconditioning sector. Having grown up in Queensland, which is like living on the actual

Summer musings: how the internet offers up the so-called secrets of staying cool

Summer might possibly be coming. And I want you guys to be ready for that.

By the time you are reading this, we will nearly be done.

WORDS: CAROLYN SWINDELL

sun, and where through my entire education the only place in the school that was airconditioned was the library and cars were like waffle irons on wheels, I place enormous value on the ability to control my own climate. But I feel I owe you, dear TVO Reader, something different, a more robust list of ways to keep cool this “summer”.

The advertisers’ dollar is a powerful thing on the internet, so it was only through sheer determination that I managed to free myself from the grip of the algorithm (which none of us really knows the meaning of, but we all love saying, don’t we?).

I am happy to report that I found a website that offered to share “The Secrets of Staying Cool in Summer”.

This was obviously exciting. Partly because I am, at heart kinda lazy and while I do want to have adventures where I find and save the Ark of the Covenant, I am not keen on all the dirty work that sort of venture seems to require and just want things to be simple. But mostly because it was an American website.

Now, the USA, we know, is doing it a bit tough at the moment, but this is also the country of innovators that brought us Subprime Mortgages, tanning beds and Kanye West. So I was confident that the secrets within would be revolutionary for we Down Under sufferers of summer’s tyranny. So on I read. Eagerly.

The secrets are to stay cool by keeping your body cool. Ok. I’m with you. But how?

Drink water. Wear loose-fitting clothing made from

natural fibres. Eat cool foods such as salad and fruit.

Great Scott! Seems that for all these years, I have already been in possession of the secrets. Even more thrilling, if these are the secrets, what other information is just lying around in the public domain, waiting to be discovered by a budding, desk-top Indiana Jones?

Suggestions are many. In direct contravention of the edicts of Big Aircon, seems we should be trying our best to acclimatize – turning the aircon down a little every day, getting our bodies used to spending more time in the hot weather, knowing that one day all those sweaty hot chickens will come home to roost (it’s hot, forgive me a mangled metaphor or two please).

We should go out in the mornings or late afternoons, avoiding the worst of the heat.

My favourite though? Apparently if we go swimming - or ice-skating – that will cool us down somewhat. No kidding. I turned off my internet in disgust. We already know these things. There are no secrets.

We’ll limp through this together though. And in 28 days, we’ll breathe a slightly-cooler sigh of relief for another summer over.

Stay cool friends.

P.S. There is one secret to staying cooler – one I learnt from 23 years in the Sunshine State. Sydney, we’re already way cooler than Brisbane.

Eating the rainbow with tips from Chef Bern

Before I start, just a quick note about potatoes. Your usual spuds should be immune from the fat chip price rises and shortages - it’s the particular potatoes grown for the deep freezer that become deep fried in food production that are facing the cost inflation and shortages – not the ones we buy for home. While the world around us gets back into the day-to-day routine, it’s helpful to start some forward planning to get the most out of what free time we have!

We love holidays as they bring change bring and extras of fun and celebration. But perhaps for our wellness, our waistlines and our budgets, it’s best to get back to the good old dependable planning and routine.

It’s at this time of year that we get to look forward to autumn and apples, mushrooms, root vegetables and rhubarb. While we still have plenty of sunshine being absorbed in our fruits and vegetables, make the most now of stone fruit, berries and melons, along with sweetcorn, tomatoes and leafy greens. Eating the rainbow is a superb challenge to keep us well.

Berries, melon and passionfruit for breakfast tick off reds, blues, orange and green straight off the list.

Including avocado, rocket and tomatoes with either a salad, in a sandwich or tossed through a pasta gets two more

greens and a red on the chart.

Roasted peppers, onions and garlic combined with sweetcorn, fish or seafood, beans or your choice of proteins along with a handful of parsley, basil or mint, for dinner, add roasted pumpkins, carrots or kumara for your vitamin A.

If you can include a juicy slice of pineapple, an orange or a banana during the day for the yellows means you are winning in the coat of many colours race!

I love to think of my fruits and vegetables as the building blocks of meal planning, then I add in protein and carbohydrates.

Include quality dairy products. I’m focused on my calcium intake these days as well, and the varieties are endless. Yoghurt with breakfast comes with gut loving enzymes and probiotics. Fresh cheeses such as ricotta, goat curd, cottage cheese give me easily digestible options such as cheese on toast with fresh ripe tomatoes. Grated cheese like cheddar, havarti and mozzarella love melting over broccoli, cauliflower and potatoes, so they join in the party every other day.

If you don’t eat one or two vegies or fruit because you don’t like them, it’s no big deal just get more of the stuff you do like.

See if you can make a daily color challenge for February, your incentive is the vitamin and mineral power house you’ll become before winter.

Emma Grimes, Michael Fitzgerald & Peter Louridas

Don’t leave home without it …

Happy New Year all! Like me, you probably make all sort of vows as the year turns over. Drink less, lose some weight, create a better work/life balance … and so the list goes on. By Adrienne Witteman.

However, I’d like to encourage everyone reading this to make a resolution never to travel without adequate insurance. It’s not a big ask but it is something that could save you a lot of heartache and even more money. The old adage “if you can’t afford travel insurance, then you can’t afford to travel” has never been truer.

I don’t disagree that travel insurance is not cheap. However, neither is the medical care after you inadvertently look left instead of right when crossing the road in the USA and are hit by an oncoming vehicle. Or the stent which dislodges, causing you untold physical and financial pain. Or the mid-air illness that sees you admitted to hospital in Dubai, for which you have no coverage - because you were travelling to Greece and decided to rely on the Medicare reciprocity. I needn’t go on. Travel insurance is there to protect you in case of the unexpected – and it is not just for international travel. I am meticulous in asking my clients if they need insurance for their trip to Cairns or Uluru, the Kimberley or Tasmania. That Broome to Darwin cruise, the Maria Island Walk, even your weekend at Crown in Melbourne can cost a lot if cancelled 60 or 30 days out, or while in progress.

I once developed conjunctivitis on a US trip, and after a fruitless search for over-the-counter drops, was forced to visit a medical centre that charged me USD385 (discounted from the “new patient” charge because I would not be returning) for a simple script.

Welcome to America. On another occasion, a broken leg while skiing in Queenstown necessitated an afterhours x-ray and consultation, and the purchase of a moon boot and crutches, none of which was covered in spite or our reciprocal health agreement. The devil is in the detail. So what should you look for in a good policy? Here are some tips.

• Covid coverage. All policies are different and how much you need will depend on the flexibility of the travel provider. Several cruise companies are providing refunds or credits until 31 March (and this might be extended, with the virus lingering longer than expected) but make sure you do have cover;

• Read the policy (PDS) to ensure it provides you with coverage adequate for you or your family’s personal circumstances or risk profile;

• Be aware of limitations – the policy is insuring you against the unforeseen. If you have a 90 year old mum with several pre-existing medical conditions, chances are the policy will not cover your cancellation should she become gravely ill or die;

• That motorcycle ride in Bali or along the Amalfi coast? The off-piste skiing you so enjoy? Forget it unless you have taken extra coverage.

• When relying on credit card insurance it is even more important to ask for a copy of the PDS to ensure you comply

with all requirements – minimum purchase clauses, age limitations, supplementary cardholder restrictions and so on. I must confess that while I know I have coverage with my 2 credit cards, I rely primarily on an annual multi-trip policy to maximise coverage. I am not alone.

We all hope for trouble free travel and for most of us, that is what we experience. Thank goodness. Please don’t fall for “it will never happen to me” or “I am covered by my card”. Accidents happen and you cannot assume. Happy travels!

100 Words Contribution

Woodford Bay

Ibrahim awoke to the absence of birdsong. Later, it would make sense. By noon, the rumbling began, eventually building to a roar.

His wooden, Ottoman house, stood for over three hundred years, above the two fault lines running beneath Istanbul. Would today see its collapse?

As the floorboards buckled, Ibrahim hastily collected his treasured possessions: his mother Fatme’s embroidered silk carpet, an antique cezve for making Turkish coffee, but most importantly, his Angora cat, Khan…now missing.

Days later, he stood on his porch, wiping his tears. Miraculously, his house was safe and at his feet, was Khan happily purring.

Perihan Bozkurt, Lane Cove

by Joseph Graves, 15 years, Longueville

A mediocre bay buried off the edge of north shore influence, yet stays true to its roots. Energetic young birds chase each other, high and low, as if they are playing their own made-up game for our viewing, weaving, and initiating short, fast turns, almost like they’re the army of the bird world.

Sturdy, strict housing surrounds the bay, capturing the people, leaving it untouched and lonely, isolation has become its new normal. Apart from the occasional visit from a local teenager, who has not yet fallen for the clutches of technology and headless work.

Unique, yet simple sounds can be enjoyed from the bay, the slow, frequent symphonic bells from forgotten boats that haven’t moved in centuries, the forgiving streaks of strong wind that dance in accordance with the water, shaking gumtrees and swaying boats. Purple streaks of jacaranda litter the grass, in a good way, however.

He lived at the bottom of the garden, surviving mostly on what he could scavenge from the fruit and vegetable patch. His favourites were tomatoes, basil and sweet Concord grapes.

Through a sea of emerald green monster leaves, he watched the gardener tending the soil. Occasionally, she would sing to the plants, in a language he couldn’t understand. It didn’t matter, his heart swelled with happiness at the sound.

Springing from his hiding spot, he kneeled before her, presenting a ring fashioned from acorns. Never in a million years, would she have expected a marriage proposal from a garden gnome.

Perihan Bozkurt, Lane Cove

On the outskirts presents a shrub-infested mangrove to the naked eye, but a sanctuary, for whoever cares to look deeper, a whole complex world where crabs and their helpless prey live. This bay used to thrive with people lining up to get a glimpse of the baths, it is long past those days now, it is much more peaceful and special.

Countless eviction notices on boats, rusted onto trees they have grown around, old broken oars buried into the sand, pieces of too-dry paint peeling off tinnies. Losing their colour. So much culture and precious memories were because of the bay, beautiful, mirrored water connects the land to sea, in such an inconsistent manner. Imagine that, a life without inconsistency.

Joseph is a student at Riverview. He was also the drummer in the recent series of Australia Post adverts, known in them as Hunter Boynton! Thank you for sending this into us.

We welcome all contributions! Please send them to

editor@thevilleageobserver.com.au

Permanence lost

This February will be a big month for our family. Two young people commencing at new schools brings both excitement but also apprehension. Long standing friendships may come under strain as the Year 6 cohort spreads out to different high schools. The certainty of the nurturing environment of an early learning centre will be an interesting contrast to structured learning and the energy and busyness of the school playground.

Media is typically filled with stories of the loss of permanence! The trauma faced by those experiencing the worst flooding in decades; the experiences of those new to Australia after fleeing conflict or political unrest; those grieving the passing of loved ones because of illness or misadventure.

Stability and certainty are qualities we all long for. While, as adults, we intellectually understand that life’s journey brings many instances of a loss of permanence, the reality remains that such episodes in our life are confronting.

Coping with such change is a challenge for each of us! The approaches followed are as diverse as the population itself but there is a common thread – the benefits which flow from the nurture of family and/or community.

A smile, a kind word and positive eye contact; physical contact (a hand on the shoulder or even a hug); a gift from the heart (a home cooked meal or perhaps something observed to be needed but not openly sought); the support of a buddy in the playground or a mentor in the workplace. These gifts are of immeasurable benefit to the recipient –simple and uncomplicated but offered without thought of recompense or keeping score.

Information released by the QUT’s Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies shows that on all measures, financial giving from within the Lane Cove postcode is well beyond the NSW average. Such generosity is to be applauded and encouraged but maybe the more important data is not financial but human – not from the wallet but from the heart.

Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. (The Bible, 1 John 3:18)

The various Chaplaincy activities offer the opportunity to join in community. To find out more or if you are seeking support, please refer to www.lanecovecc.com

On behalf of the Lane Cove Chaplaincy team, I wish you a heart-filled and happy new year!

Peter and the Chaplaincy team

P: 0410 489 161 (Pastor Rick)

E: lanecovechaplain@gmail.com

www.lanecovecc.com

Supported by Lane Cove Uniting Church

Councillor Andrew Zbik, Mayor of Lane Cove

P 0411 894 788 E azbik@lanecove.nsw.gov.au

FEBRUARY 2023

The year is off to a roaring start with many Council projects full steam ahead. Firstly, Wadanggari Park at St Leonards will open mid year with new green open space and playground. Alongside the Park is Council’s new library and a 300 space car park. Just as that project finishes up, our other major project – a sport and recreation precinct at 180 River Road is planned to begin. A development application was submitted in December so we’re aiming to begin construction mid year. View a ‘fly-through’ video of what the precinct could look like on our website.

A quick mention of the Seniors Festival in February. There’s plenty of events and activities – most of which are free – to get you out and about enjoying your community. View the program on our website or pick up a hard copy from the Library or the Civic Centre.

Blackman Park upgrades

The upgrades at Blackman Park look great. The new LED sportsfield lights are installed. The new turf for the dog park will be installed early this year, after a sink hole was repaired last year. The skate park expansion begins soon so keep an eye out as it takes shape.

Central Park and Tambourine Bay Amenities

The toilet facilities at Central Park have been upgraded, with the finishing touches in place late last year. The toilet at Tambourine Bay has also been upgraded so it’s wheelchair friendly.

New waste trucks

Enjoy the art works on our flash new waste trucks – now visiting your street. They were created by four artists –Karri McPherson, Katherine Gailer (also known as KATIRA), Kim Siew and Helen Proctor (who also created the new Christie Street mural!)

New St Leonards mural on show

Check out this stunning new giant mural off Christie Street and be impressed by its design, scale, and colour. Designed and painted by artist Helen Proctor, this new St Leonards icon is an abstract of waterways and bushland. The mural is 530 square metres.

Lucretia Baths, Woodford Bay

We're working with the community on the future of the tidal pool - Jean Mitchell Lucretia Baths. The Baths, in Dunois Street, Longueville, are closed as they are unsafe. View the two options that we’re proposing, or put forward your own idea.

VISIT:

www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/ haveyoursay

BEFORE 28 FEBRUARY.

Did you know?

Your community group can apply for up to $10,000 in our Community Grants program. And up to $4000 for a venue hire subsidy.

VISIT:

www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/grants

To apply by 3 March, 2023

What’s on Lane Cove February 2023

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

Come and Try Bushcare Day

Saturday 11 February, 1:00pm – 4:00pm, Lloyd Rees Park

The perfect opportunity to give Bushcare a go – no experience needed, all tools and equipment provided.

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

Crafternoon Tea

Lunar New Year

Friday 3 February, 3:30pm – 5:45pm, Lane Cove Plaza

Bring in the Year of the Rabbit at this special event featuring a range of creative workshops, kids’ activities, live music and a special lion dance.

Tuesday 14 February, 2:30pm – 3:30pm, Greenwich Library

Enjoy afternoon tea while working on your latest craft project or knitting squares for Wrap with Love.

Library Lovers Day: Quotes on Totes

Tuesday 14 February, 2:30pm – 4:30pm, Lane Cove Library

Bring your favourite book quote and join us as we learn how to design an iron-on transfer, which we will then cut and iron onto our new tote bag! $5 per person.

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

Valentine's Day at The Canopy

Tuesday 14 February, 6:00pm – 8:00pm, The Canopy

Sunset Artists' Market

Friday 17 February, 5:00pm – 8:00pm, Lane Cove Plaza

This popular annual sunset market will feature stalls from a range of talented artists and makers, live music and a fun children's workshop.

In Conversation with Emma Partridge – The Widow of Walcha

Tuesday 21 February, 6:15pm – 7:30pm, Lane Cove Library

Join us to meet Emma Partridge, senior crime editor at Nine News, as she discusses her novel ‘The Widow of Walcha’.

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

Breakfast with the Birds

Wednesday 8 February, 8:00am – 10:00am, Ventemans Reach, Lane Cove West

Listen and look for birds with ecologist Renee Ferster Levy as she shares her extensive bird knowledge on this bushwalk along the Lane Cove River.

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

Green Thumbs: Learn to Grow your own Plants

Thursday 9 February, 9:30am – 12:00pm, Lane Cove Community Nursery

At this hands-on workshop, you will be introduced to a variety of useful propagation techniques for growing native and exotic plants.

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

Saturday Sounds: Geoff Yule Smith

Saturday 11 February, 10:00am – 12:00pm, Lane Cove Plaza

Bring your special someone down to The Canopy and be serenaded by our wonderful harpist who will treat you to romantic classics.

Military History Talk – Falklands War

Tuesday 14 February, 6:15pm – 7:45pm, Lane Cove Library

Hear Maj. Andrew Brayshaw (Ret'd.) discuss the Falklands War and its implications for British military history and diplomacy.

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

Lane Cove and Sydney World Pride

Friday 17 February to Sunday 5 March, Lane Cove Village

Lane Cove Council is proud to be part of Sydney World Pride. Come down to the Plaza to see our Pride installation.

Moments in Music – History of Early Music: Romantic and Before

Wednesday 22 February, 10:00am – 12:00pm, Lane Cove Library

Local musician, Graham Ball will discuss the fascinating development of western classical music in Europe during the Dark Ages until the end of the 19th century.

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

Discover: The Power of the Bush Friday 24 February, 5:00pm – 9:00pm, Mindarie Park, Lane Cove North Join Lane Cove local Kelly Winning as she teaches us all about the power of the bush and our waterways. After Kelly has taught you all you need to know sit back and relax with the family as we watch Kangaroo Jack (PG) as a couple of American Tourists chase a Kangaroo through the outback. No booking required.

What’s on Lane Cove February 2023

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

Lane Cove Seniors Festival 2023: Celebrating Together

We’re celebrating Seniors Festival and the chance to reconnect with face-to-face events and activities. Visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/seniors to download your program. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL.

Seniors Car Maintenance

Saturday 11 February, 9:30am- 11:00am, Lane Cove Civic Centre Car Park

Learn how to do basic maintenance checks on your vehicle, what to do in an accident and how to choose a reliable mechanic.

First Aid for Seniors

Wednesday 1 February, 10:00am - 11:30am, Lane Cove Council Civic Centre

This free seminar provides you with the basics of what to do in a medical emergency. All participants will receive a ReVIVA first aid manual.

Digital Discoveries

Friday 3 February, 9:30am – 11:30am, Lane Cove Library

If you are looking for help with any technology issues (laptops, phones, tablets, internet, etc.) then Digital Discoveries is a 30-minute session where you will receive one-on-one assistance with a Librarian. Please bring along your device.

Scam Awareness for Seniors

Laughter and Disaster Workshop

Friday 17 February, 9:30am - 11:30am, Lane Cove Living and Learning Centre

Join us for fun interactive laughter activities, breathing exercises and stress relief techniques. Light morning tea provided and free solar radio, torch with USB charger worth $35.00 for each attendee.

Introduction to Men's Cooking

Thursday 2 February, 10:00am - 12:00pm, Lane Cove Living and Learning Centre

Join men over the age of 55 for this cooking session where our skilled Economics Tutor will take the group through a three-course meal. This session will concentrate on finger food and attendees will receive a copy of our recipes to try again at home.

Thursday 9 February, 1:30pm - 2:30pm, Lane Cove Council Civic Centre Senior Constables Todd Carter and Dominic Trevor from North Shore Police Area Command will help you recognise scams and show you the best way to respond. There will be time to ask questions and get to know your local Crime Prevention Officers at the end of the session.

Picture Perfect!

Friday 10 February, 11:30 – 1:00pm, Lane Cove Library

Learn how to, edit, print and store your photos like a pro! Come along to this Be Connected online course to learn some new digital skills including how to move your photos from your camera or device to your computer and basic image editing.

VISIT: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/seniors

Tech Savvy Seniors – online shopping for beginners

Tuesday 28 February, 2:30pm –4:30pm, Lane Cove Library

In this session we will learn the basics of online shopping and how to stay safe online while shopping.

Guided Walk for Silver Rainbow

Friday 3 March, 9:30 - 11:30am meet at Lane Cove Plaza

As part of Sydney Word Pride celebrations, Lane Cove Council will host a guided 5km walk around the Lane Cove area exploring our diverse mix of cafes and bushland. The group will finish at a local cafe for refreshments, at your own cost.

Small Business Breakfast International Women’s Day

with Kellie Rigney

Lane Cove’s Kellie Rigney shares her journey of small business success, core life lessons and how to pick yourself up and keep going. Learn tips and tricks of business and life. From a self-confessed ‘not very good lawyer’ to accessories queen, you’re sure to find inspiration and know-how from Kellie.

We’re celebrating International Women’s Day with a small business breakfast. All genders welcome. Inclusive and accessible event.

Wednesday 8 March 2023, 7:00am – 8:30am Terrace Function Room, 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove Free. Book now

www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/smallbusiness

Featuring Kellie Rigney, owner of accessories, homewares and fashion brand Zjoosh

Talking Dentistry

This month we’re talking restorative dentistry with Dr Andrew See who combines passion, artistic flare and extensive knowledge of dentistry to answer any questions you may have. He has advanced training in aesthetic and implant dentistry.

Reader’s question:

“I have some receding gums and my teeth are sensitive. I’ve had fillings done to cover them but the gum receded more. I’m under 40yo, is this normal and is there anything else I can do?”

Dr See says: A big myth is that your gums will always recede as you get older and that you can’t avoid it. Let’s get down to the brass tacks. Primarily the main cause is repetitive aggressive toothbrushing. Also if you have a lot of bacterial deposits around the teeth from poor oral hygiene and lack of professional cleans this will cause bone loss and receding gums. However, I see a lot of younger patients that have fantastic oral hygiene that always comes in for routine professional cleans that have significant gum recession nonetheless. The literature tells us that there are other things at play. Higher levels of recession are associated when you have thin gum tissues to begin with as well as if the tooth is slightly pushed outside the bone either from malposition of the tooth or from post orthodontic movements combined with aggressive toothbrushing. Is there anything we can do about it? It has been largely ignored because we simply did not have a reliable way to treat it. Left untreated often leads to tooth sensitivity like you’re experiencing. Restorations can be placed over the tooth surface to insulate it. However, because extra bulky material is placed over the tooth it causes extra plaque retention.

Alternatively to overcome this, clinicians drill out space for the material but this requires us to remove sound tooth structure instead. Either way, the join of the restorative is never be perfect and bacteria will reside in the join, irritate the gums and potentially make the recession worse.

Fortunately, advanced minimally invasive approaches using specialised instruments and techniques can correct gum recession, results in predictable outcomes.

Let’s look at a case that we completed to treat gum recession because of sensitivity. Michael saw us and his gum recession, he had exceptional oral hygiene, but his gum recession was getting worse and more sensitive. This was picked up by our skilled oral hygiene department and we were able to intervene early enough to successfully rejuvenate the gum tissues. We used specalised instruments to analyse precisely his clinical situation to make a proper diagnosis to help us decide which treatment was appropriate for him.

THE PROBLEMS

• Patient under 40yo

• Tooth sensitivity

• Thin tissue

• Teeth pushed slightly outside the bone

THE SOLUTION:

• Soft tissue grafting using the patient’s own tissue to cover the exposed root surface and thicken the tissues

** Any surgical or invasive procedure caries risk. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner **

9816 4885 dr.andrewsee advanceddentistrysydney.com.au

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

HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT?

Dr Andrew See has dedicated the last 20 years to Aesthetic Dentistry and has unique qualifications in cosmetic dentistry and rehabilitation.

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

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

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

If you have any questions you have always wanted to know about aesthetic or implant dentistry write to us at: infoadvanceddentistry sydney.com.au

Happy New Year for 2023, TVO readers!

Are you someone who makes New Year’s resolutions but doesn’t follow through on them, and thinks about them ruefully again only in another 12 months’ time? If so, you are not alone! One of the commonest resolutions to make (and to break) revolves around trying to lose excess weight. But why is losing weight so hard and why do so many of us struggle with it? And if you are able to lose weight, why is it so hard to maintain the weight loss? Let’s first look at some facts.

WORDS: DR CARL WONG

Excess weight, overweight, obesity - these are just words that relate to similar things. Medically-speaking, these terms are determined objectively by use of the Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation. A BMI of 25-29 is classified as overweight; a BMI of greater than 30 is obese; if above 35, then severely obese. A separate calculation is used for children/adolescents to account for their growth. However, measuring your waist circumference is a better predictor of total body fat and one’s risk of developing other conditions especially diabetes and heart disease. Above 80cm in women and 94cm in men is associated with increased risks (links are at the bottom of this article to help you measure both, and other helpful links too). So why is all this important?

According to the latest data, 2 in 3 adults, and 1 in 4 children are overweight. Men have higher rates of obesity compared to women. Obesity is more common as we get older. Being overweight or obese is the leading factor that determines how more seriously certain diseases and conditions will impact an affected person’s daily life (‘disease burden’). It increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, asthma, back problems, early osteoarthritis, kidney disease, dementia, and some cancers. As a whole, obesity causes death rates to increase by 50%. ‘Obesity affects almost all aspects of health’ agrees Dr Lucy Ding, a local endocrinologist and obesity specialist, ‘for example, if within the first six years of diagnosis, (Type 2) diabetes can be reversed in a majority of overweight/ obese people with radical weight loss alone.’

But back to my earlier question. There are many reasons as a population as to why we are losing the ‘battle of the bulge’. Firstly its genetic. Starting from our hunter-gatherer days, humans have a genetic predisposition to gain excess fat under certain situations (‘feast and famine’ cycle theory), making weight gain the preference and weight loss being signalled as a bad outcome. Also, it can be argued that obesity is the consequence of modern industrialised societies; cities reliant on automobiles (versus walking or

bicycling), the boom of fast-food outlets that provide quick, cheap energy-dense foods, and sedentary lifestyles from our occupations, all play a role. One of the many fall-outs of the COVID pandemic, is that working-from-home has a consequence of less incidental exercise due to decreased public transport commutes to and from work.

There is no ‘magic bullet’ to losing excess weight, as much as we’d love there to be one. The fact that the whole world is becoming more obese is testimony to that. Here are some simply things for you to think about and that may help:

1. Physical activity (how frequent/how intense/how long) must be more than your food intake (what/how much/how often you eat). It is not simply just this but it’s a start.

2. Reflect and think about your excess weight gain journey. Examples include: (1) a stepped weight gain may have been due to life events that affected your diet/ physical activity levels; (2) yo-yo dieting/ weight loss may indicate that fad diets are non-sustainable for you, and (3) gradual weight gains may reflect a slackening of your diet/exercising over your lifetime.

3. Exercise alone (ie without also dietary/lifestyle modifications) unfortunately usually does not lead to weight loss. But there are there are other health benefits for physical exercise, particularly towards heart health, so exercise is still good!

4. Don’t aim for huge targets that are hard to achieve and a discouragement when not met. Aim for a reduction in waist circumference (your waist clothes feeling looser), and 5-10% kilogram weight reduction over 3-6 month periods

5. Short term changes lead to only short term weight loss. Most people reach a weight loss plateau after six months. If you do not reflect and maintain the effort and discipline that got you there, the weight will pile back on.

6. Quality over quantity Eg fruit, vegetables, reduced fat

Dr Carl Wong is a Lane Cove-based GP and sits on the board of Sydney Community Services.

According to the latest data, 2 in 3 adults, and 1 in 4 children are overweight

Local Radio

dairy products, wholegrains, lean protein foods. By eating these, you will be able to eat more of these and fill your appetite quicker. ‘Aim for low energy food diets, eat smaller portions and chew slowly says Dr Ding, ‘also aim for an 8–12hour window period for daily eating interval’

7. Hunger and appetite are different. Hunger is a survival drive to eat. Appetite is affected many factors like stress, lack of sleep, time of day, habits and social occasions. It is more psychologically driven and easier to control.

8. When exercising, the activity you do should be hard, ie increased breathing and heart rate. Leisurely walks won’t cut it. Intense exercise programs should only be undertaken after you have had a heart risk assessment

We started as a small community radio station operating on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and today we broadcast 24/7, mostly live. Our station premises are situated and have been for the last 35 years at the historic, if not also haunted, Henley Cottage in Gladesville.

2RRR cover many genres with an emphasis on classic rock, country, and jazz dominating an orderly program schedule. Additionally, our programming extends to 20th century nostalgia, informative lifestyle-wellbeing, local sport and multilingual programs.

Remember that losing weight is hard to achieve and maintain! There is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan. Some people may succeed just with self-motivation and adhering to dietary and lifestyle modifications. Others will require further professional medical help and other allied health providers (dieticians, exercise physiologists, psychologists). These details are beyond the scope of this article length – please talk to your local GP if you are struggling with your weight about what else can be done.

• https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/bmi-calculator

Gaining popularity is our youth drive-time hour Mondays to Thursdays featuring local high school students providing an insight into current musical trends such as hip-hop and electronica.

• https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/knowyour-risks/healthy-weight/waist-measurement

• https://www.healthyliving.nsw.gov.au

• https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au

We do pride ourselves on staying in touch with community groups and organisations to relay news and events as well community outreach such as presently with The Northern Centre (domestic violence & refugees) and StreetWork (kids at risk) working within our LGAs.

Imagine what you could do if you had less knee pain?

ARE YOU FINDING IT HARD TO:

• Walk without pain?

• Bend your knee?

• Go up or down steps?

• Get up out of a chair?

If you’d like to know more about living with much less knee pain, then this FREE special report is perfect for you. It details solutions to help avoid surgery, maintain independence and get back to moving pain free.

FOR EXAMPLE:

• How to ease your throbbing knee pain

• Discover the little-known way to exercise - without increased knee pain.

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

• The one thing that you can change today to dramatically improve your knee pain

For details on ways to listen, membership, program guide, volunteering, and more, please go to: 2rrr.org.au.

Request

5

OR EMAIL:

lanecove@weareswitch.com.au

• The safest and most effective movements to ease your knee pain

There are many options out there to treat knee pain. But, many of them require you to take pills, take dangerous injections to your knee and WORSE end up with surgery!!

If you have had enough of your knee pain and want to take control of your health and you want to get back to playing golf, walking with friends or get down to the local shops without pain, then contact us for your FREE copy of “How to stop knee pain - 5 simple secrets without having to take pain killers or see the GP”.

Burns Bay Physiotherapy 9427 8333

161 Burns Bay Rd, Lane Cove E: info@burnsbayphysiotherapy.com.au www.burnsbayphysiotherapy.com.au

Harrison Brown James Becerra

Join Lane Cove Chiropractic for the Free FebFast program

Are you feeling like the Festive Season might have been a little too festive? Like when you try to put your jeans on? Or just want to give your health a little boost?

Well, Lane Cove Chiropractic might have the solution for you this February. Owners Mark and Julie Uren – who have been running the practice in Lane Cove for nearly 40 years - are planning a month-long event for practice members month and are inviting TVO readers to join them.

FebFast.

No, you don’t have to swear off alcohol – or anything – FebFast is about Intermittent Fasting. And Dr Mark Uren says that not only is it backed by science, and a great way to give your health a kickstart, it’s actually very simple.

Intermittent Fasting (IF) is a way of eating that involves eating and fasting for set periods of time.

There are a few different types of IF. Time-restricted eating is one of them, and it’s the most popular.

It’s different from the 5:2 type of IF, where you reduce your calorie intake to 500–800 kcal on 2 days per week and eat your regular diet on the other days.

Doing time-restricted eating means that you eat during certain hours of the day and fast — or don’t eat — the rest of the time. For most people, this way of eating means extending the natural fast that happens when they sleep. Winning!

With time-restricted eating, you can pick which eating window best suits you and your lifestyle, and it doesn’t involve changing how much or which foods you eat. Instead, you eat your regular meals during a set window of time.

If you fast during a 14-hour window and eat during the remaining 10 hours, you’re following a 14/10 time-restricted eating pattern.

This could mean that you eat your first meal at 8am and start your fast at 6pm, after your last meal. Or you might eat your first meal at midday and start your fast at 10pm.

There are also 16/8 and 20/4 versions of time-restricted eating.

The good news about IF is that drinking non-sweetened beverages like black coffee and teas without

sweetener or milk is permitted and some research suggests drinking black coffee and tea may even help some of the beneficial metabolic processes.

Good news for fans of the great coffee in TVO territory.

What does the science say about it so far?

Many people who eat a typical Western diet have their food during a 12-hour window each day, with dinner and post-dinner snacks making up nearly 45% of their average daily energy intake.

But scientists are increasingly seeing links between meal timing and health. The science of how food and meal timings interact with your body clock is called chrononutrition.

The time you spend not eating is one aspect of chrononutrition. Scientists investigating this have shown that a number of things happen to your body when fasting:

• Your body can swap from using sugar to using fat for energy.

• Your cells can improve their resistance to stress and disease.

• The beneficial bacteria in your gut may increase.

When you sleep, your gut activity also slows down. This allows time for your gut microbes to clean up your gut lining and keep it healthy. Extending the natural fasting window that happens when you sleep may help strengthen your gut barrier.

Research also indicates that fasting may have several other long-term health benefits, like better blood sugar control, improved heart health and cholesterol levels, as well as weight loss. There’s also some evidence that fasting may help with brain function during aging and could reduce the symptoms of mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.

Through February the Lane Cove Chiropractic team will be doing a 28 day “Fast Start”. Sign up for FREE via email or phone and you’ll join their practice members in receiving more information on how to do this style of fasting and the many health benefits, backed by science, that it can provide.

It’s not too late, while joining the fun early in February is better, they’ll welcome you at any time in February.

About Lane Cove Chiropractic

We are a family practice and see a broad cross section of the community. Julie has post-graduate chiropractic paediatric qualifications and has a special interest in caring for pregnant women, mums and bubs.

Mark has a special interest in helping recreational runners and CrossFit athletes perform at their best. He has Athletics Australia accreditation as a Recreational Running Coach.

Mark tips for when it’s time to break your fast?

Story Café in Birdwood Lane for coffee and for something healthy and delicious his go-to places are Lil’lane on Longueville Road and Birdwood Café in Birdwood Lane.

Through February the Lane Cove Chiropractic team will be doing a 28 day “Fast Start”. Sign up for FREE via email or phone:

EMAIL: info@lanecovechiro practiccentre.com.au

PHONE: 94284033

INSTAGRAM: @lanecovechiro practiccentre

With time-restricted eating, you can pick which eating window best suits you and your lifestyle

LC chiro team.

Local Violinist set for big year in HIP orchestra!

Julia’s Romantic, Classical Adventures are historically informed.

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, Salut! Baroque, Orchestra of the Antipodes, The Muffat Collective, Bach Akademie Australia, and has appeared in many recordings for live broadcast on ABC Classic and Fine Music 102.5.

Julia’s current project The Golden Age Quartet emulates the musical style of early twentieth-century icons such as Rudy Wiedoeft, Daisy Kennedy and The Clive Amadio Quartet and has seen performances across Sydney and on online platforms.

Local musician Julia Russoniello is set to enjoy a big year with the popular Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra as she tours Australia three times in 2023 –including a slew of Sydney performances in venues from Northern and Western Sydney to the CBD.

The peripatetic violinist from Wollstonecraft will join a chamber ensemble from the orchestra in March for its “Vienna Vogue” concerts featuring the music of Mozart, Hummel and Schubert – taking in concerts the Neilson at Pier 2/3, the City Recital Hall, Angel Place and Hills Grammar School in Kenthurst. Then the quintet visit Brisbane, Caloundra, Newcastle, Melbourne, Orange and Canberra.

Later tours take place in June (“New Perspectives” –Beethoven and Louise Farrenc) and August (“Midsummer Dreams” – Mendelssohn and Beethoven).

Like all this popular orchestra’s members, Julia specialises in ‘historically informed performance’ or HIP - with a particular interest in music of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Julia is a regular performer with the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra, Sydney Philharmonia Orchestra,

In 2020 Julia was named a National Archives of Australia postgraduate fellow for her research into the early twentieth-century Australian performing practices. This Viennese Vogue concerts feature her long-time friend, colleague and fellow North Shore musician, Nicole van Bruggen, playing Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet in A on a rare ‘basset clarinet’ – an instrument that captured the imagination of the European music world in the late 1700s. Mozart’s repertoire for the clarinet put it on the map as a solo instrument, and inspired his former student and protégé, Johann Nepomuk Hummel - a celebrated musician and composer in his own right. Hummel’s own Clarinet Quartet is a beautifully balanced work of chamber music and highlights his importance as a bridge between the Classical and Romantic eras.

We will also hear from Hummel’s friend and colleague Franz Schubert, and his unfinished String Trio D.471. Written at the start of one of the happiest and most creatively productive periods of his life, we’ll enjoy Schubert’s brilliance unfolding before your ears in this romantic, lyrical gem.

The 2023 season also features the highly popular Voyage of Musical Discovery education series. Brisbane, Sydney and (for the first time) Melbourne will each enjoy highlights from the touring program plus – in the second half of each Voyage – appearances from a contemporary guest artist or ensemble. The March Voyage - entitled “Design and Innovation” - welcomes composer & pianist Sally Whitwell with soprano Anna Fraser plus a video installation by the fascinating Australian multidisciplinary artist Katy B Plummer.

For full details of the March Viennese Vogue concerts, the full 2023 program, plus bookings visit: www.arco.org.au

Three tips for buying art for your home

WORDS BY LOCAL ARTIST ROS GERVAY

Do you like to hang original art in your home? Maybe prints are your thing, or you like photography? No matter what sort of an art appreciator you are, I’m going to guess that you have struggled with matching the right wall art to your home and lifestyle.

Artists get it. Buying art is a big decision, but most worries are not insurmountable. If you are eager to support Australian artists, lift the energy in your home, and create a space that you love being in, here are three golden tips for how to choose art you want to hang in your home.

TIP #1

Follow your heart by choosing art that you love! Don’t spend a cent on an artwork that doesn’t excite you as you will find yourself wanting to replace it much too soon. It doesn’t do the artwork or your wallet any justice. Instead, select an artwork that sparks joy. Your home decor will benefit, and the energy will skyrocket.

TIP #2

Have a specific spot in mind. Be aware of the size you want and choose an artwork specific to that space. When looking at the blank wall, ignore the areas that are taken up by windows and furniture. Your artwork should take up half to three-quarters of that space. If that area is large, you may consider displaying multiple pieces.

TIP #3

View the work in person if you can. If the artist you are interested in is local, request to visit their studio. or go to a gallery that stocks their work. When you view work in person, you will get a better idea of the quality and the finish and also a truer sense of the artwork’s colours and textures. If this is not an option, most artist websites have a refund

policy. Per Australian Consumer Law, it won’t cover change of mind, however, you will be protected from faulty artworks or those that are not as advertised.

These tips aside, it was not until made the big decision to take my art passion seriously and become a full-time artist that I saw there was more to buying art than simply deciding if it would suit the aesthetic of a home.

Buying art, especially from an emerging Australian artist, can be life changing. It financially supports the artist and encourages their ambition plus it gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling you get when you do a spot of good in this world.

If you’d like to stay in the loop on my world of art, join my mailing list here: rosgervayart.com/pages/sign-up

www.rosgervayart.com

@rosgervayart

Hunters Hill Theatre @ Club Ryde 2023 program launched

Following a successful 2022 season, Hunters Hill Theatre @ Club Ryde has launched its 2023 program and there is something for everybody. The Club is now well and truly settled in its new theatre on Level 2 of Club Ryde and locals in surrounding suburbs have welcomed a new type of entertainment - affordable community theatre. A trip to the theatre (free parking) can also be combined with pre or post theatre meals and drinks at the popular Club Ryde Bistro, making it an outing to remember.

Subscriptions are now available for the four productions being offered for 2023 at a discounted rate or can be purchased individually. There's drama, comedy, intrigue, and a new Australian playwright to whet your appetite, so book your tickets now for matinee or evening performances and for more information you can email boxoffice@huntershilltheatre.com.au or telephone 02 9870 7765

The Dog Logs

By CJ Johnson

17

by Maggie Scott

MARCH - 2 APRIL, 2023

The Dog Logs

For dog owners, dog lovers and anyone who’s wondering what dogs really think as you gaze intothose deep brown eyes. With a real wag in the tale, The Dog Logs is a poignant and hilarious series of ‘dogologues’ as each canine expresses his dog’s life - from true love, friendship, libido and even death. You’ll be barking mad to miss this enchanting opener to our 2023 Season!

When Dad Married Fury

70 year-old Dad is worth a cool $100 million. His beneficiaries are his two sons… were… until Dad married Fury an American beauty queen half his age. There is no pre-nup. Family greed, jealousy and recriminations bob around in a sea of verbal hydrochloric acid in true David Williamson style, but in the end money is not what connects the family, but committed relationships.

18 AUGUST - 3 SEPTEMBER, 2023

The Appleton Ladies’

Potato Race

BY MELANIE TAIT DIRECTED BY JENNIFER WILLISON

17 NOVEMBER - 3 DECEMBER, 2023

Pope2Pope

Pope Emeritus John XXIX to Pope Pius XIII: Holiness, when I became pope, almost the first word the Curia taught me was ‘ricatto’. Blackmail. Think Agatha Christie in the Vatican. God, mammon, faith, ambition, corruption, sex, incense and Gregorian chant. Not to mention extraordinary revelations. And surprising deaths. The cardinals have secrets, and the walls have ears. And the audience is a fly on this most eternally concealed of walls! Electrifying intrigue by awardwinning Australian playwright, Melvyn Morrow.

All welcome at Lane Cove Art Society

Do you want to learn new skills and progress your art to the next level? Do you want to reach a wider audience? Or do you want to cut loose, forget convention and make the kind of art you’ve always wanted, in your own way?

The friendly atmosphere of Lane Cove Art Society nurtures creativity, with monthly meetings featuring guest artists working in many different mediums, as well as workshops and exhibitions. Everyone is welcome to come to a meeting free, and to bring

The Appleton Ladies' Potato Race

Spitting chips over a race for justice and equality ... citytrained doctor, Penny, returns to the rural town where she grew up just in time for the annual potato race. Penny upsets the potato cart when she learns the prize money is $1000 for men and just $200 for women! The play is inspired by real events in the Southern Highlands - guess where!!

a friend. If you join as a new member, you will immediately be made to feel at home.

The first meeting for the year will be on February 28 and will feature guest artist Ros Gervay, a local Lane Cove artist who paints modern, abstract botanical work. She is adept at promoting her art on social media and happy to talk about different avenues for selling work. (Ed – Ros’s regular TVO column can be seen on these very pages!)

Meetings are held at 7:00pm on the fourth Tuesday of every month in the hall at The Longueville Sporting Club (The Diddy), 243 Longueville Road, Lane Cove. The bar is open and food is available.

All information about the Lane Cove Art Society is easy to access on the Society’s website: lanecoveartsociety.com.au.

Guest artist Ann Raiment demonstrates her painting method for Lane Cove Art Society

LANE COVE THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS:

The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate

Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Production of Macbeth

by David McGillivray, Walter Zerlin Jr

Directed by Andrew Castle

10-26 February at The Performance Space @ St Aidan’s in Longueville

Hearty laugh out loud comedy to start stellar 2023 season

After finishing 2022 with the mind-bending brilliance of Constellations and the hi-jinx of the pantomime Hercules, Lane Cove Theatre Company start 2023 with laugh out loud fun.

The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society's Production of “Macbeth” is an hilarious view of potential mishaps in the world of amateur theatre. The fearless ladies of the Farndale Dramatic Society, along with their Producer and Stage Manager offer up an audacious rendering of Shakespeare’s classic Macbeth. This, they hope, will guarantee them a place in the Drama Finals at Wellyn Garden City.

The ladies have been rehearsing for months … however the old theatre adage, “it will be right on the night” does not come to pass, and whatever can go wrong in a theatre production does and how the ‘Ladies’ deal with it creates chaos.

‘Anyone who has ever participated in amateur theatre will have understood and enjoyed this show safe in the knowledge that at least nothing ever goes quite so wrong in real life. Hopefully.” Noda

Director Andrew Castle says “I first saw the Farndale Macbeth at Hunters Hill 30 years ago… and it is one of the few nights at the theatre that had me gasping for breath, I was laughing so much. To revisit this play after so many years has for me been a sheer delight.”

“… a delightful piece of dribble that is very entertaining and a pleasant way to while away an afternoon or evening.” Stage Whispers

LANE COVE THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS:

The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate

Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Production of Macbeth

Directed by Andrew Castle

10-26 February at The Performance Space @ St Aidan's 7.30pm Friday and Saturday; 2pm Sunday

1 Christina Street, Longueville

Tickets $30 / $25 conc / $23 groups 10+ / add $10 cheese plate/$8 dessert plate

Online booking https://www.trybooking.com/968003

For review tickets, interviews, photos, bios and all other enquiries contact Rachael Ashley at Lane Cove Theatre Company on 0414991006, email lctcpromotions@gmail.com

February Exhibitions at Gallery Lane Cove

Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios reopens this February with three new exhibitions including a solo exhibition by artist-in-residence Helen Morgan.

Makeshift Arrangements

HELEN MORGAN

1 - 25 February

Opening Night: Wednesday

1 February

6pm - 8pm

Artist Talk: Saturday

18th February

1pm - 2pm

Makeshift Arrangements draws on the artist’s own lived experience of self-built architecture, interpreting the aesthetic qualities of makeshift structures through printmaking and installation. Morgan presents tableaus of delicate abstract colour etchings and found objects, searching for expressions of the agency and unconventional beauty found within the resourcefulness of the self-built.

Reclaiming Beauty

ANNE KEARNEY

1 - 25 February

Opening Night: Wednesday

1 February

6pm - 8pm

Anne Kearney in Conversation with Dr Chrstine Dean:

Saturday 4 February

11am - 12pm

An exhibition of paintings by Anne Kearney exploring the untamed Australian landscape through colour and experimental mark making.

“What have we got left after the last few years, the difficulties of COVID, and everything else we have been through? Beauty. Beauty is it. For me, I want these works to express a resurgence of hope, and embody beauty and the primacy of colour.” Anne

Kearney

A Journey in Wood

BRIAN DAWSON

1 - 25 February

Opening Night: Wednesday

1 February

6pm - 8pm

Artist Talk: Saturday

4 February

1pm - 2pm

From rectilinear tables, boxes, boards and cabinets, Brian’s work today incorporates the sweeping curves and organic shapes of his sculptures. Often using recycled timber, he experiments with other materials including aluminium nails, paint and Perspex.

Helen Morgan, Shed, Sky, Earth (detail), 2022, pigment print and aquatint on Tengujo and Kozo paper with found objects. Dimensions variable. Image courtesy of the artist.

Anne Kearney, Spring Arrives (detail), 2022, Acrylic on board, 40 x 60 cm Image Courtesy of the artist.

Brian Dawson, Three Gourds (detail), 2022, carved 80 year old Oregon ( Douglas fir) 520 x 150, 430 x 125 and 300 x 140mm. Image courtesy of the artist.

TOP 4 BOOKS TO READ THIS MONTH

The Boy at the Back of the Class

by Onjali Q Raúf

Just One Thing

Dr Michael Mosley

Just One Thing brings to life a mission to unearth small simple things which will have a big impact on your mental and physical health.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold

Toshikazu

Kawaguchi

This beautiful, moving story explores the age-old question: what would you change if you could travel back in time?

Old Babes in the Wood

Margaret Atwood

A highly personal new collection of 15 stories by the bestselling, twice Booker-winning cultural icon. Coming March.

The London Seance Society

Sarah Penner

From the author of the bestseller The Lost Apothecary comes a spellbinding gothic whodunit introducing two women who set out to solve an unusual mystery.

WORDS: ELIZABETH ALLEN

The protagonist of this middle grade novel is nine-year-old Alexa and it would be perfect for readers aged nine to 11 years old or anyone who is young at heart. The titular boy who joins Alexa’s class one day is Ahmet, a Syrian refugee, who has “… run away from a War. A real one. With bombs and bullies that hurt people.” At first Alexa finds Ahmet strange but the more she learns about him the more she and her friends want to help him to be reunited with his family.

They come up with the Greatest Idea in the World and the Emergency Plan that involves inviting themselves to have tea with the Queen so they can convince her to stop the government “closing the border gates” to people like Ahmet. Needless to say, much drama and media attention ensues when two nine-year-olds gatecrash Buckingham Palace.

This novel tackles the refugee crisis from a child’s perspective and through this naïve lens is able to simplify what is a complex issue. Alexa asks many questions of the adults around her as she tries to understand why the topic of refugees seems to be such a polarising one: “‘What did the refugees do to make the bad people want to hurt them?’ I asked, thinking it must have been something very bad to make someone want to drop a bomb on their houses.”

Alexa’s constant questioning is artlessly informative and manages to get right to the heart of the matter: “Sometimes I think everyone likes to believe a lie even when they know it’s a lie because it’s more exciting than the truth. And they especially like to believe it if it’s printed in a newspaper.”

Although set in the UK the themes of this book are universal and there are obvious parallels to the refugee situation in Australia. Raúf deals with a potentially depressing topic with a lot of humour and warmth which is often brought about by Alexa’s earnest attitude to life and her tendency to take things very literally.

Ultimately this novel is a celebration of the power of friendship and what unites us whether that be a shared love of Tintin comics or soccer or the grief of having lost someone you love. It also affirms the strength of community and the capacity for one person to make a meaningful difference no matter how old they are.

Elizabeth will be reviewing all types of books – children’s, fiction, non-fiction, poetry and more. She is an accomplished writer and is the children’s literature specialist at Burns Bay Bookery.

www.thepoetelizabethallen.com

community connections

 MIXED SOCIAL GOLF

ANC golf established 1955 are looking for new members. Demographic 50+

WHERE: games are played at 6 different courses on the Lower North Shore.

WHEN: every second Sunday. Feb - Nov.

COST: $50 pa ( to cover cost of prizes) plus prevailing green fee.

REQUIREMENTS: no handicap necessary. Understanding the basic rules and etiquette of the game required.

CONTACT: robertharrington141@gmail.com or petersmith55@aapt.net.au

 Hunters Hill Croquet Club will be holding an Open Day for Seniors Week on Saturday 18 February, 10am - 2pm There will be many members willing to demonstrate our wonderful sport. All equipment provided, with a free sausage sizzle.

WHERE: 1 Matthew Street, Hunters Hill.

COST: FREE

EMAIL: huntershillcroquet@gmail.com

This sport will test your co-ordination and strategy and, most importantly, it’s fun. Come and give it a try.

 Pizza + Movie Nights

@ Longueville UC Hall, 47A Kenneth St, Longueville

TIME : 6.30pm Pizza; 7.15pm Movie

Tuesday 7 February : “I am Sam” –American drama of “love versus ability, and the individual against an unbending system”, starring Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer and Dakota Fanning.

Tuesday 7 March : “Sometimes Always

Never” – British comedy/drama of a stylish tailor who spends years looking for his missing son who stormed out over a game of scrabble....starring Bill NIghy, Sam Riley and Jenny Agutter.

Bookings essential on 9428 4287 or 9427 4740

Cost : $10 – the best value pizza/movie combo anywhere ! BYO drinks

 Time4U - Every Wednesday from 1 Feb @ 10am Friendly and fun mornings with home made morning tea in St Andrew’s UC Hall, 47A Kenneth St, Longueville. We are revisiting rural towns with the fascinating ABC series “Backroads”. 10am to noon.

Enquiries : Frank on 9427 3215

Cost $5.00

FROM NORTH SYDNEY

Gordon Stags makes the T20 final at Chatswood Oval

WORDS: NICOLE LENOIR JOURDAN

Gordon cricket club’s first grade squad celebrated making the finals of the Sydney Sixers Conference on Sunday 15 January. They won five consecutive games from round two to six to reach the semi-finals.

The 2022/23 team was bolstered by the availability of captain Tym Crawford who scored 214 runs in his eight matches with a blistering 89 off 43 balls in the semi-final against Randwick-Petersham. Axel Cahlin also returned to the club, partnering Crawford at the top of the order. He scored 176 runs for the tournament with a highest score of 60 from 28 balls against Randwick-Petersham in Round three.

New recruit Dale Mckay was the pick of the batsman with 316 runs from eight starts. McKay scored consistently in all matches. However, his best two scores of 99* from 53 balls and 55 from 36 balls were scored were it counted most, in the semi-final and final. The three other new recruits in Jack James, James Newton and Smit Doshi also made strong contributions throughout the tournament. Doshi hit 179 runs with a top score of 67* of 38 balls while James scored 120 runs with a best score of 50* from 43 balls. Wicket keeper Newton picked up eight catches and three stumpings.

The Stags also had some great performances with the ball, none better than Ben Parsons who took 12 wickets from his 19.2 overs. Parsons claimed four wickets in a match twice with 4/24 against Easts and 4/23 against Randwick Petersham. Quincy Titteton and youngsters Connor Cook and Callum Bladen all took 11 wickets, while Matt Wright claimed nine wickets to go with his 126 runs. Cook saved his best performance of 3/25 for the final.

After convincingly defeating 2021/22 champions Randwick-Petersham in the semi-final, Gordon fell just two runs short in a nail-biting final against Sydney. However it was a great effort and a vast improvement on last year’s performance when the Gordon did not win any T20 matches.

CRICKET NEWS

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO, GILL BATT

Happy New Year – let’s hope it’s a good one!

Sydney Community Services has created an exciting, entertaining, and varied program to celebrate the NSW Seniors Festival this February 2023. Make sure your diaries are free so you can be part of the largest festival of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

The theme for the festival is ‘Celebrate Together’ and will provide a great opportunity to gather with friends, meet new people, discover different activities, learn new skills all while helping to improve your health and wellbeing.

The first event kicking-off the month-long celebration is a fabulous, informative, and interactive session covering the topic of staying balanced and how best to minimise falls. This will be hosted by Sally Castell of Movement Matters. You will be able to discover effective ways to manage your balance, minimise your risk of falling, and how best to handle any issues. This session will take place in the easily accessible Park View Room.

Next on the program of events allows us to ‘Celebrate Together’ with a delicious three-course luncheon once again in our beautiful Park View Room. Celebrate Seniors Month with a complimentary glass of bubbles, test your knowledge with our special seniors trivia, and enjoy the company of friends, both old and new.

If the three-course lunch wasn’t enough, we are also holding a High Tea at The Meeting House. Our

Community Advisor Nuala Williams will present a brief overview of the advantages of registering with My Aged Care. You will be able to ask questions whilst enjoying delicious treats.

The last Thursday of the month will see the return of the extremely popular Henley Garden Party. Lane Cove, Ryde, and Hunters Hill Councils have joined forces with Sydney Community Services, Stryder, and the Happy Hens, to bring this popular garden party to our seniors once again. This event includes transport, live entertainment, information stalls and a free morning tea. If you missed it last year, then make sure you join us this time. To round off the month of festivities we will be ‘Celebrating Together with the Lane Cove Choristers’. After a delicious morning tea, you will be entertained by a variety concert, a musical medley with guest artists, music trivia, and your favourite songs.

We expect all of the events to fill up quickly, so bookings are essential. More details are provided on the following pages, as well as how to contact us and reserve your place.

Our Seniors Festival could not happen without your help, support, and involvement. We thank you for your participation and contribution, and I look forward to celebrating the role and contributions of all seniors in our local community, throughout February, at each of our events.

Become an Aged Care and Disability Support Worker

Supporting people to live full and independent lives in a trustworthy, safe, enjoyable, and inclusive way.

Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can make a significant difference to the lives of seniors and those living with a disability, in a supportive, flexible, working environment?

If you enjoy helping others, are compassionate and sensitive, dedicated, patient, discrete, flexible, and are culturally aware, then this could be the role for you.

Why work with us? The Aged Care and Disability Support Worker will provide expert care and support services to clients and participants to increase their independence, social inclusion, and recreation skills.

You will require a car and a clean and current NSW driver’s licence, and in return for your passion and dedication, Sydney Community Services can offer a rewarding career with variety, a flexible work schedule, an above average SCHADS award level, ongoing supervision and training, as well as paid travel during shifts.

Find out more. If you would like to find out more then get in touch. We would love to hear from you and have you join the team.

Ph:

02 9427 6425 E: support@sydneycs.org

The full job description can be viewed here: (https://www.sydneycs.org/join-the-sydneycommunity-services-team/)

SENIORS FESTIVAL EVENTS

Sydney Community Services has created an exciting, engaging, and varied program to locally celebrate the NSW Seniors Festival this February 2023. The events will be held across the month at various locations.

Celebrating NSW Seniors Festival

Celebrating NSW Seniors Festival

FREE EVENT

Stay Balanced – Minimise Falls

Tuesday 7 February 2023

SENIORS EVENT SPECIAL $10

(Normally $20)

Celebrate Together Luncheon

Monday 13 February 2023

Sally Castell of Movement Matters presents a fabulous, informative, and interactive session covering the topic of staying balanced and how best to minimise falls.

• 10.30-11.30am, Check-in 10.15am

Stay Balanced – Minimise Falls, Tuesday 7 Feb 2023, Park View Room

• Sydney Community Services, Lane Cove Community Hub, Park View Room, 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove

PARK VIEW ROOM - LUNCHEON

Celebrate Together Luncheon, Monday 13 Feb 2023, Park View Room

Join us for a delicious three course luncheon in our beautiful Park View Room.

• 12.30pm - 2.30pm

• Sydney Community Services, Lane Cove Community Hub, Park View Room, 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove

Falls and their related injuries are a considerable problem for people as they become less active and able. This event provides a great opportunity to understand problems and assess your own falls risk factors. Discover effective ways to manage your balance, minimise your risk of falling, and how to manage any issues.

• Light refreshments after

Bookings essential, please contact:

Sydney Community Services

Phone: 9427 6425

Email: support@sydneycs.org

www.sydneycs.org

Supported

The first event kicking-off the month-long celebration is an interactive session covering the topic of staying balanced and how best to minimise falls, hosted by Sally Castell of Movement Matters. Participants will be able to discover effective ways to manage their balance, minimise the risk of falling, and how best to handle any issues.

Celebrate the NSW Seniors Festival with a complimentary glass of bubbles and a chat with friends old and new!

Test your skills with our Special Seniors Trivia!

Supported

• Limited local transport available

Bookings essential, please contact:

Sydney Community Services

Phone: 9427 6425

A delicious three-course luncheon is planned with a complimentary glass of bubbles. Seniors are invited to enjoy the company of friends, both old and new and test their knowledge with the special seniors trivia.

Email: support@sydneycs.org

www.sydneycs.org

Henley

Garden

Party, Thursday 23 Feb 2023

The last Thursday of the month will see the return of the extremely popular Henley Garden Party. Lane Cove, Ryde, and Hunters Hill Councils have joined forces with Sydney Community Services, Stryder, and the Happy Hens, to bring this popular garden party to our seniors once again. Enjoy the transport provided, live entertainment, information stalls and a free morning tea.

ENQUIRIES AND BOOKINGS FOR ACTIVITIES: 9427 6425 support@sydneycs.org

We invite our local seniors to take the opportunity to experience the joy of being together again, trying something new and celebrate all they have achieved, contributed, and are still adding to our local community.

Celebrating NSW Seniors Festival

Celebrating NSW Seniors Festival

FREE EVENT

High Tea at Meeting House Hub

Wednesday 15 February 2023

• 10.30am-12.30pm

Lane Cove Choristers

Friday 24 February 2023

COST: $5

DONATION

High Tea and My Aged Care Information, Wednesday 15 Feb 2023, The Meeting House

INCLUDING MY AGED CARE INFORMATION

Celebrating the NSW Seniors Festival at The Meeting House Hub. Join us for High Tea and enjoy delicious treats and a chat with friends.

• Sydney Community Services, The Meeting House Community Hub, 23a Stokes Street, Lane Cove North

• Limited local transport available

Bookings essential, please contact:

Sydney Community Services

Phone: 9427 6425

Community advisor Nuala Williams will present a brief overview of the advantages of registering with My Aged Care, followed by a short Q&A.

Email: support@sydneycs.org www.sydneycs.org

Sydney Community Services are also holding a High Tea at The Meeting House. Community Advisor Nuala Williams will also present a brief overview of the advantages of registering with My Aged Care. Attendees will be able to ask questions whilst enjoying enticing treats.

Supported

Continuing to Celebrate Seniors

Once the month-long celebrations conclude, local seniors can continue meeting new people, try different activities, learn new skills and improve their health and wellbeing. Sydney Community Services offers many local activities each month, including: Community Connections, Lane Cove Hub, 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove: A diverse selection of social activities for local seniors, including scrabble, book club, social bridge, Mah Jong or tailored and safe exercise classes.

Celebrating Together with the Lane Cove Choristers.

• Morning Tea: 10.30am

Celebrating Together with the Lane Cove Choristers, Friday 24 Feb 2023, Park View Room

Join us for a delicious morning tea, followed by a variety concert, a music medley with guest artists, music trivia, and your favourite songs. Sing, clap, and dance along if you wish.

• Concert: 11.00am -12noon

• Sydney Community Services, Lane Cove Community Hub, Park View Room, 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove Bookings essential, please contact:

Sydney Community Services

Phone: 9427 6425

Email: support@sydneycs.org

The culmination of the month-long festivities will be ‘Celebrating Together with the Lane Cove Choristers’. A morning tea will be provided accompanied by a variety concert, a musical medley with guest artists, music trivia, and favourite songs.

Supported

www.sydneycs.org

Seniors Hub, Hunters Hill Hub, 46 Gladesville Rd, Hunters Hill: the program includes excursions, picnics, and wellness activities. Local seniors can take advantage of the door-to-door transport and the nutritious snacks and meals offered, as well as the many places of interest and beauty visited around Sydney.

Sydney Community Services is delighted to celebrate and support the active ageing of our local seniors no matter where they are on life’s journey. We look forward to meeting many of you throughout the month of February – and then hopefully at ongoing activities and events throughout the year.

WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2023

Book Club

Monday 20th February

1.30-2.30pm

Lane Cove Hub Activities

HEAD OFFICE

1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove

P: 9427 6425

$5 inc book and afternoon tea

Movement Matters

Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Term starts in Feb – call for details

Mah Jong

Wednesdays 1.00-3.45pm

$5 inc afternoon tea

NEW PLAYERS please call prior for registration.

Social Bridge / Solo / Rummikub

Thursdays 12.30-3.30pm

$5 inc afternoon tea

Scrabble

Thursdays 9th & 23rd February

$5 inc morning tea

Table Tennis

Fridays 12.00-4.00pm $5

Hunters Hill-Ryde Hub Activities

46 Gladesville Road, Hunters Hill

P: 8598 7051

Hunters Hill

Seniors Hub

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

Cost: $35.00

Contact us for a monthly program.

E: rliu@sydneycs.org

Seniors Social Support:

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

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

E: tliu@sydneycs.org

Day Trips for Seniors

Tuesdays and Fridays

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

E: hheggie@ sydneycs.org

Senior Services

Seniors Social Bus Outings

Mondays and Wednesdays

Monthly Trivia and lunch at the Meeting House Hub

Cost: $30

E: jvenn@sydneycs.org

Seniors Shopping Bus

Tuesdays and Thursdays

Return trip from your home to Lane Cove shops. Cost: $12

E: jvenn@sydneycs.org

Seniors Hub every Friday

Centre Based Service for over 65 year olds.

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

For more details contact Rosemary

E: rliu@sydneycs.org

ENQUIRIES AND BOOKINGS FOR ACTIVITIES: 9427 6425

BOOMers Mens Group

BOOMers is for senior independently mobile men who enjoy an opportunity to socialise and visit interesting places in the company of other men.

When: Fridays

Departs: 10.00am from Lane Cove Hub, Pottery Lane

Returns: 2.00pm

Cost: $20 including morning tea and lunch

E: hheggie@ sydneycs.org

Buses available FOR HIRE

 21 seat Toyota Coaster Buses x2

 18 seat Toyota Coaster Bus x1 - with wheelchair hoist

 12 seat Toyota HiAce Vans x4

Our vehicles are fully maintained, sanitised, COVID-19 safe and available seven days a week. We have safe accredited drivers also available for hire.

PRICING AND INFO

PLEASE CONTACT:

P: 8598 7051

Older Women

Exercise Class

Tuesdays

Strength and balance exercise every Tuesday Time: 10.00 am – 11.00 am

Cost: $12.00

E: ccampion@ sydneycs.org

Disability Supports

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

Cost: based on the NDIS pricing schedule.

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

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

Children’s Services - Playgroups

Cost: $10 casual visit, or $60 one session per term, or $100 per term for multiple sessions.

Tuesday Playgroups

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

Session: 9.30-11.30am

Thursday Possiblities Playgroup

All inclusive, ages 0-5, with arts, craft, music and storytime. Plus free play with educational equipment.

Session: 9.30-11.30am

E: jvenn@sydneycs.org

E: support@sydneycs.org

AUTUMN FASHION PARADE

Thursday 30 March 2023

More details coming soon.

Enquiries: E: 9427 6425

E: support@sydneycs.org

Save the Date Room available FOR HIRE

@ The Meeting House Hub 23a Stokes st Lane Cove

 Large double room

 Outside area

 Plus kitchen

 $55 per hour incl GST

FOR PRICING AND INFO

PLEASE CONTACT:

P: 9003 1399

E: support@sydneycs.org

www.sydneycs.org

ZAC MILES MAYOR OF HUNTERS HILL

P: 9879 9400

E: mayor@huntershill.nsw.gov.au

Celebrating seniors

During February across the state we are celebrating seniors.

In Hunters Hill, about 30 per cent of our population is aged 60 years and over, latest Census data shows. Many of our residents in these age groups continue to make valuable contributions to community life, whether it’s volunteering with organisations such as the Hunters Hill Historical Society, Probus, Rotary and Bushcare groups, or offering support to friends and family through more informal networks.

So, it is fitting that we take opportunities to say thank you, with the month of the NSW Seniors Festival a perfect time to do so.

In Hunters Hill, we will be holding a special event on 23 February in the gardens at Henley Community Centre, working alongside our neighbouring councils in Lane Cove and Ryde, as well as local community and service organisations from all three areas. For more information, go to www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/events.

The Hunter’s Hill Council Road Safety team is also taking the opportunity to connect with older drivers through a Seniors Community Road Safety Workshop on 8 February.

Running from 10am to 1pm at Hunters Hill Town Hall, the free workshop will look at risk factors for older drivers, low risk driving strategies, road rules and assessments and new car technology.

To register for the workshop, phone 9911 3576 or email roadsafety@huntershill.nsw.gov.au.

At Boronia Park, Northern Sydney Local Health District is running a free Men’s MoveMENt event as part of NSW Seniors Festival.

To be held at Boronia Park Uniting Church on 10 February from 12 noon to 1pm, the session is aimed at people aged 60 years and over who want support to be active and healthy, with information and experiences shared on making physical activity part of daily life and connecting with local groups to stay healthy.

Register by phoning 8797 7315 or go online to bit.ly/ MensMovement2023.

Check the NSW Seniors Festival website for other local activities and events across Sydney: www.nsw.gov.au/seniors-festival.

P: 9817 4757

E: lanecove@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Ferries and Funding

The start of this month saw Captain Cook Cruises renew its contract for the Lane Cove ferry service for the next 15 years. Losing such a service would have been a great shame and a loss for many members of our community. Thankfully, after several months of lobbying Transport for NSW, we managed to secure this service and I want to thank all those involved who worked so tirelessly to save this service.

For those of you who drive into the city for work I encourage you every so often to get up a little earlier to drive, bus or hopefully walk to your nearest ferry wharf and enjoy the morning sea breeze before your working day.

Over the Christmas season the public release of the past year’s Community Building Partnership (CBP) grants were announced.

This year we received applications from many Community Groups and Schools. 13 projects have been funded this year, applicants all checked the boxes of community service, engagement, and sustainability. Although we weren’t able to fund every project, I think the money that was granted is going to help so many in our community immensely. And there is always this year’s CBP to apply for.

If you’re a community, charity or sporting group and are in need to funding in 2023 I encourage you to contact my office and enquire as to when applications reopen for this year, the program is wonderful and really makes a difference to community groups and their growth.

Only recently, the NSW Government has released funding for both the Metropolitan Greenspace and Places to Roam Programs. These Programs aim to activate and restore outdoor greenspace areas and our bush tracks. The Hughes Park Community Garden will be receiving $60,740 for maintenance and upgrades. The Garden has supported the local community around Linley Point supplying fresh fruit and veg and education for the locals, while also supporting community interaction and engagement.

$848,260 will also be provided to the City of Ryde under the Places to Roam Program for the embellishment of the Field of Mars, with this money being direct towards improving the walking tracks around the reserve.

In addition to the Places to Roam program, $38,315 will be provided to Lane Cove Council under The Metropolitan Greenspace Program for a Bushwalk Safety Audit.

This funding reinforces the importance that your State Government places on utilising all that our wonderful environment has to offer to us all and we’re committed to providing the best possible parks for everyone across NSW.

ANTHONY ROBERTS MP

E: kylea.tink.mp@aph.gov.au

Happy New Year, I felt so grateful to live in our beautiful electorate this summer, which has been blessedly free from the disasters of recent years.

In Australia, we are fortunate to have a robust democracy and strong government, as well as a healthy respect for universal human rights, and it is for this reason I have taken a deep interest in the precarious situation in Iran.

On September 16, 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died in the custody of Iran’s ‘morality police’ after having been arrested because her hair was not fully covered, and her clothing didn’t adhere to the country’s strict dress code. It was a catalysing event, triggering protests around the world under the banner Women Life Freedom.

Sadly, Iran’s regime reacted by doubling down on protestors, arresting many and punishing them incomprehensibly.

I have spoken public events in Sydney and Canberra, on social media I have added my voice to the campaign. I will stand with the protestors until the Iranian Government stops using the death penalty and the threat of it, to stymie dissent.

Detainee Majid Kazemi is the cousin of one of my constituents in North Sydney. After a forced confession

and sham judicial process, Majid has been moved to solitary confinement and his supporters fear he will soon be executed.

In January I wrote to Iran's Ambassador to Canberra, Fereidoun Haghbin, asking him to convey to his government my dismay at the ongoing situation.

I have also sponsored four other men in fear of their lives after being arrested for protesting.

Arash Ghanbari, 30, was arrested on Dec 29 and charged with “insulting the prophet” and “waging war against God” based on a few social media posts. His family has been told he will be executed.

Shoaib Mir Baluchzehi Rigi is just 18 years old. He was abducted on October 6 and tortured to make false selfincriminating confessions. He has been sentenced to death.

Mehrab Abdollah Zadeh, 26, was arrested while protesting in October. His family was threatened to remain silent and now Mehrab has been sentenced to death in a sham trial.

Milad Yousefi, 22, was abducted in September and tortured to make false self-incriminatory confessions and is not understood to be sentenced to death.

I have asked the Government to overturn their sentences. Please keep these five young people in your thoughts. The world, and North Sydney, is watching Iran.

LANE COVE HISTORICAL SOCIETY AT THE PODIUM - 7pm 28 February,

Lane Cove Library:

Bill McLaughlin: Stories from the Black Dog Inn

Bill intriguingly embellishes the historical truth combining fact and fiction with the stories of four convict men heard in the Black Dog Inn in Sydney's Rocks. Coffee and chat afterwards.

Enquiries 0418 276 365

~ CONCERT ~

CONCERT

“A Frolic with Gilbert and Sullivan”

DATE: Tuesday 14th March 2023 at 7.30pm.

“A Frolic with Gilbert and Sullivan” Hear all your favourite solos, ensembles and choruses in this G&S concert spectacular! Masters of wit and satire, G&S exposed the barmy absurdities and hypocrisies of Victorian England, as fresh and vital today as when they first stormed the stage.

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

Tuesday 14th March 2023 at 7.30pm.

venue LCM Anglican Church, 19 Rosenthal Avenue, Lane Cove behind the Post Office.

Bookings with TryBooking, accessed via our website from: Tuesday 21st February 2023: www.lanecovemusic.org.au

Bookings with TryBooking, accessed via our website from: Tuesday 21st February 2023: www.lanecovemusic.org.au

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

Limited admission at the door on the night, online bookings preferred.

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

Future 2023 Concerts, all Tuesdays at 7.30pm:

May, 20th

8th August , 10th October, 28th November.

PROPERTIES OF THE MONTH

AUCTION DETAILS: 11TH FEBRUARY AT 9.00AM ON SITE

VIEW AS ADVERTISED OR BY APPOINTMENT

• Flawlessly designed, recently refreshed with paint and carpet

• Stone island kitchen benchtops and stainless-steel appliances

• Ducted air conditioning, alar m, blue gum timber floors, 10,000L underground water tank

• Main living zones, superb alfresco setting and level backyard

Jess Goodman 0401 888 555 E:jess.goodman@belleproperty.com

Simon Harrison 0433 100 150 E: simon.harrison@belleproperty.com

AUCTION DETAILS: 18TH FEBRUARY AT 12.45PM ON SITE

VIEW AS ADVERTISED OR BY APPOINTMENT

• Excellent lifestyle base, a private and exclusive resort style feel

• Home office , study and additional living area opposite pool

• Gas stovetop, Bosch appliances and stone benchtops

• Sunlit entertaining deck, swimming pool, sauna/steam room, gazebo & lush gardens

Simon Harrison 0433 100 150 E: simon.harrison@belleproperty.com

Nicola Farrell 0488 027 701 E: nicola.farrell@belleproperty.com

TVO is delivered to key locations in our community

Lane Cove’s Canopy and Market Place, Boronia Park’s Harris Farms, Gladesville Shopping Village, Coxes Road Shopping Mall, Garibaldi Square on the Hunters Hill peninsula, Crows Nest Woolworths, various newsagents and the head office of Sydney Community Services at 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove.

Proceeds from The Village Observer supports residents in our local community via Sydney Community Services – a local not-for-profit organisation

69 Austin Street, Lane Cove 5 bed 3 bath 2 car

14 Lihon Street, Lane Cove 5 bed 2 bath 2 car