The Village Observer

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ISSUE 334 - APRIL 2024 thevillageobserver.com.au OBSERVER FREE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE AND TAKE ME HOME pick me up
Proceeds from The Village Observer support residents in need from the Lane Cove, Hunters Hill, Ryde, Willoughby and North Sydney areas, through Sydney Community Services.

Join the fun at FREE EVENT

THE MEETING HOUSE OPEN DAY

Tuesday 7 May 2024, 10am – 2pm

23a Stokes St, Lane Cove North

for the local community, bring the family

Come along to the Sydney Community Services Open Day at The Meeting House.

Enjoy a fun, festival atmosphere and learn about all the services we have on offer for our local community.

We will have a FREE petting zoo for everyone to enjoy, face painting, a book stall, a Chinese dance troupe, a sausage sizzle, and a lot more. Our friendly staff would love to welcome you and let you know about our social bus outings for local seniors, movie and trivia days, playgroups for young families, our seniors shopping service, and the room hire availability. Pop in, join the fun, have a chat, and find out what is on offer each month.

For more info or any queries:

P: 9427 6425 E: support@sydneycs.org www.sydneycs.org

THE HISTORY OF THE MEETING HOUSE

The Meeting House has been part of the Lane Cove community for over 45 years. As the much-anticipated Open Day approaches on Tuesday 7 May 2024, we thought it might be interesting to learn a little about how this fantastic local resource has evolved.

The Meeting House was initially formed as a neighbourhood centre in 1978 when Lane Cove parents joined together to form a community preschool. They also used the preschool to hold different meetings and groups, that lead to the name ‘The Meeting House’.

From the preschool grew other community services such as women's and seniors' groups, before and after school care, and different art, craft and social groups. The centre, on Stokes Street, began in two small houses bequeathed to Lane Cove Council - who requested that the houses were always to be used for community purposes. The preschool was run out of one house, and the Before and After school care was run out of the other house, along with a number of other groups and activities.

In 2010 Lane Cove Council knocked the two old houses down and built a multipurpose centre on the land to be used for community activities. The new centre was opened by Mayor Scott Benison in August 2013.

In January 2020 the Meeting House merged with Sydney Community Services. This has enabled the growth of all the services including playgroup, seniors bus outings and shopping, and a variety of social groups. The Meeting House provides a true community space for children, women, men, families and all other community groups to come together and share experiences. It also offers a secure environment for other organisations to hold meetings.

We look forward to welcoming you at the Open Day, chatting with you more about what is on offer at The Meeting House, and hopefully seeing you at some of our events, activities and outings in the future.

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Powering Our Community

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

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

THE VILLAGE OBSERVER:

1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove NSW 2066.

PUBLISHER: Branka Ivkovic

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

EDITOR: Nicola Riches

P: 0405 661 570

E: editor@thevillageobserver.com.au

DESIGN + ADVERTISING: Sharon Curby

P: 0450 370 575

E: design@thevillageobserver.com.au

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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 occurs at the beginning of the month • Readers are invited to submit articles for consideration. • Articles and items for community events should be emailed to the Editor with any accompanying images by the 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.

CONTACT US:

• editor@thevillageobserver.com.au

• design@thevillageobserver.com.au

• advertising@thevillageobserver.com.au

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:

EDITOR'S LETTER

Welcome to the April edition of TVO.

Inside this month, you will find an edition brimming with interesting local stories, chief among them the exciting news that the Sydney Library of Things has opened in Lane Cove and it will be accompanied by a Toy Library too. It’s a fantastic idea and one that should definitely be rolled out to all suburbs.

Celebrating 2024 in style is the Greenwich Flying Squadron Club, which celebrates 100th birthday this month, and also Lane Cove Community Bands which has released the full program of its events and workshops for the next 12 months.

This month, Lane Cove Historical Society – in recognition of Anzac Day – is hosting a talk by Noel Phelan about the role of the Royal Australian Navy at Gallipoli.

We have a fascinating story about a butcher in Ryde, and a touching story about a rescue mission for a Lorikeet, plus the first story we have published from writer(s), Issy Janarmo.

Easter is on its way. Lucky for us with school children (we say sarcastically) it doesn’t line up with the school holidays. Whose idea was that?

Enjoy any break you might be able to get this month. Hopefully you can take some time out over a coffee to read everything we have in store for you.

Nicola

P.S. Our fantastic front cover image is the new Lane Cove park - Wadanggari Park in St Leonards. Photo credit: ARENCO. Wadanggari Park

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We’re GOING PLACES - come with us Emma Grimes, Michael Fitzgerald & Peter Louridas A family business, now in our 48th year in Lane Cove CONVEYANCING | WILLS & ESTATES COMMERCIAL LEASING COMMERCIAL LAW | DEBT RECOVERY | GENERAL MATTERS
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Leanne Mastrofilippo Practice Director Catherine Parks Director

Local Women of the Year

Three local women have been recognised in the Woman of the Year Awards: an annual program celebrating outstanding women in local communities. This is a separate program which runs alongside the prestigious Women of the Year Awards program.

Marea De Angelis was awarded Lane Cove Woman of the Year. She is the visionary behind the ‘Forget Me Not’ initiative that connects the elderly and isolated within the community with young families and she has played a pivotal role in organising the ‘Bags for the Bush’ program, which delivering essential food supplies to a drought-affected farming families. Among many other things, she serves as a dedicated volunteer and supporter of St Vincent de Paul. Additionally, she holds the position of Family Educator at Villa Maria Primary School and the Holy Name of Mary Church.

Tanya Kwee was recognised as Ryde Woman of the Year. Dr Kwee is a Casual Academic at UNSW.

She is a registered teacher in both Hong Kong and New South Wales. Her research interests include mentoring, vocational motivations and behaviours, training and professional development, online and remote learning, STEM education and education for sustainable development. Her publications can be seen in various journals.

In Willoughby, the honour went to Solveig Coulon. Solveig is the founder of local market Le Marché Willoughby and other French markets across Sydney. She is a member of F.A.N.S. - the Frenchspeaking Association of the North Shore and volunteers for Lifeline, the national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal

crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. She is also a proud musician, choir-leader and event manager.

6 TVO news Light-filled, relaxed and homely, The Verandah Beecroft is your next lunch spot. 128 Copeland Road Beecroft NSW 2119 Book a Table (02) 9484 1167 Light NOW AVAILABLE from $16 Lunches P: 9418 6866 E: lanecove@helloworld.com.au lanecove@helloworld.com.au
Marea De Angelis

Greenwich Flying Squadron turns 100 and is set to celebrate in style

The Greenwich Flying Squadron was founded in 1924 and was originally a 12ft Skiff Club. In fact, the very first race contested as Greenwich 12ft Flying Squadron was held on February 14, 1924

Over time, the 12ft Skiffs were eventually overtaken by lighter dinghies and skiffs and junior training was added.

More recently, the Club’s sailing has focussed on yachts, with around 60 yachts competing in Wednesday twilight races during daylight saving.

The Club has a long and distinguished history, and the first 75 years were captured by Rosalie Lucas in her book Greenwich Flying Squadron: The First 75 Years (Maritime Heritage Press, 1999). The Lane Cove and Greenwich Libraries each have a copy of the book.

The Club really comes into its own for the Australia Day Regatta.

“Participating in one of the Regatta sailing activities conducted across the length and breadth of the harbour and up and down our east coast, we believe, is a typically informal Australian way to acknowledge all that is to be truly ‘Australian,’ said Club Chairman Bruce Dover.

Other key races that the Club takes part in include the GFS Women’s Helm Series, the GFS Joe Walsh Rigging Down Harbour Series, the GFS Mick York Trophy Races, and the West Harbour races, plus the Twilight Series that includes the Balman

Regatta. Yachts also race on Saturdays and Juniors train on Sunday.

Greenwich Flying Squadron is committed to training juniors, but also extends its support and expertise to young people who are less fortunate via the Youth of the Streets program.

This year, around 35 children from difficult backgrounds (and their accompanying youth workers) had the opportunity to sail on a yacht and receive a free meal, soft drink, ice cream and a ‘Goodie’ bag to take away with them.

These types of programs play into the Club’s clear objectives:

• To promote and organise sailboat racing on and around the environs of Sydney Harbour and coastal cruising events.

• To promote and facilitate sail training, coaching and racing for youth sailors.

• To maintain and improve the clubhouse and club equipment to ensure the ongoing viability of sailboat training, racing and cruising.

• To ensure any funds raised by the club, in its capacity as a non-profit organisation, are applied only to the above objects.

The Club is a very social Club. Racing is often followed by a BBQ on the Club’s Deck at the foot of Bay St Greenwich.

The centenary is, the Club jokes, ‘literally a once in a lifetime

opportunity.’ To celebrate, the Club is holding an social event on Saturday 6 April, from 5.30pm to 8.30pm. There will be lots to enjoy: hot and cold canapés from local caterer Bern the Chef, Champagne and wine supplied by Wild Oats, live music by Simon McDonald, interesting stories from GFS history and an entertaining quiz by our Mystery Quizmaster. Tickets cost $60 and a link to the buy them is on the Club’s website (www.gfs.org.au).

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Q&A Miguel Olmo

Manager and Creator, Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios

 Can you share a bit about your background and education journey, and how it has influenced your career in the arts?

Working in the arts is something that I’ve always wanted to do. At the age of six, I decided to become an artist, and everything I have done has been to that end. After high school I completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts followed a little while later by a Master of Fine Arts. My work has always been experimental and often ephemeral, and it’s been through the various other roles that I’ve held that I’ve been able to support my art, my family and myself. Even roles that on the surface may seem to lack any links to the arts, I’ve always managed to make arts a central focus. For example, when I was the Manager at Blacktown Youth Services, we were producing murals, holding music events and running a recording studio.

 What inspired you to pursue a career as a curator, and what led you to accept the role at Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios?

As an artist, there are two or three ways to present your work, be part of a scene, or create your own scene. Even in my undergraduate years, I was not simply waiting to have a curator or space present my work. I was curating exhibitions where I could not only present the work of peers, but also present my work. For me, curating is an extension of my practice. You learn a lot when you’re putting together an exhibition, and I find that my work is richer because of the multi-modal approach that I’ve taken. Some of my most significant works developed because I embraced the situations I found myself in, rather than simply being tangential to my practice.

Taking the role at GLC+CS was a wonderful series of fortunate coincidences. Like Wally Lamb said: “the seeker embarks on a journey to find what they want and discover, along the way, what they need.” I like to think that I’m always seeking new opportunities to learn new skills and meet people, and working with the amazing team and the Board of GLC+CS has greatly impacted on my practice and journey.

 Looking ahead, what excites you the most about the upcoming year in terms of projects, exhibitions, or initiatives at GLC+CS?

I’m really excited about 2024 and the work we will be presenting. It feels like 2023 was a dress rehearsal after all the uncertainties and ongoing effects of the global pandemic, the lockdowns and the slow return to normalcy. Last year, the team worked hard to put together an exciting program for 2024 and we put in place many initiatives that we will build on this year.

Our engaging education programs across all four studio areas of ceramics, printmaking, painting and textiles are always a favourite and they book out as soon we release them.

In terms of exhibitions, I’m very much looking forward to all our exhibitions, from the significant and important body of work that we will present in Laurea Matthews’ The Calculation (Flux), to the powerfully resonant exhibition which will be part of the Gai-mariagal Festival and curated by Leanne Tobin, a distinguished artist, cultural holder and

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respected Dharug woman. Later in the year I will also be curating “Divided”, an exhibition that looks at the polarity across the socio-political, cultural and ideological spheres that we have been experiencing for the last six or more years that continues to divide ideologies and opinions. And of course, once again we will work with the Lane Cove Art Society and Lane Cove Council to present the Lane Cove Art Award, which attracts entries from across Australia.

 On a more personal note, could you tell us about the type of art you prefer to hang on your walls at home, and how it reflects your artistic tastes?

The works in my home are eclectic, but works that my wife and I just adore have very strong graphical elements, reflecting both of our interests. My wife is a graphic designer and is attracted to strong lines and bold shapes. We are fortunate to own small works by Blak Douglas and Fan Dongwang. But of course, the works which we adore the most are the ones that have been created by our children over the years, which although small, take a prominent place on our walls.

 Since you started work at GLC+CS, what are your favourite restaurants or spots in the area that you'd recommend to others?

I think that I’m biased with this one. I was born in Spain,

and I’m always looking for good Spanish food, which apart from my mother’s own cooking I found at Encasa on Longueville Road. When I have a streak of challenging weeks, I tend to reward myself with a meal at Encasa. You may occasionally find me having one of their ‘jamon bocadillos’. My only criticism is that they don’t do Spanish omelette bocadillos. That would be just divine.

 We understand that you live in Parramatta, how do you manage the commute?

Honestly, I don’t think about the commute, and Parramatta may sound like the other side of Sydney, but it’s really a stone's throw away, or rather a podcast away. I find driving to work like ‘me time’ when I get to listen to my favourite podcast without interruptions.

 That’s interesting, what’s on your playlist at the moment?

There are lots of podcasts on my playlist but the top 10 in no particular order are Radio Lab, Hidden Brain, ABC’s The Art Show, The Art Angle, ABC’s Future Tense, 99% Invisible, Engelsberg Ideas, The Intentional Fundraiser, Fluido Rosa, and Mi Año Favorito (the last two are in Spanish). But occasionally you may also find my driving to lane Cove blasting some EDM or 90s dance.

Emma Grimes, Michael Fitzgerald & Peter Louridas

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In the balance

If you’ve ever had to ponder a tricky dilemma, you’re not alone. Latte or cappuccino? Sleep in or rise at dawn to run 20km? (Okay, probably not the second one). Or the bigger life stuff, like whether to move to a one bedder near the beach now (thereby closing the door to any returning adult kids) or take off on a lap around Australia (meaning you’ll never get rid of the kids).

One tip is to toss a coin and listen to your gut in the split second you see which side it lands, a handy disseminator between rational and emotional decisions (I know I should have the acai bowl but I really want the banana bread).

In today’s online dating world, people complete Pros and Cons of Dating Me prompts on their profiles. The idea of course is to come up with cutesy and charming answers. Pro – I’m a great dancer and even better (karaoke) singer. Con – I’m a terrible cook so we’ll have to eat out a lot.

Charles Darwin might be better known as a naturalist, geologist and author of The Origin of the Species, but it turns out he was in an agony of indecision when it came to marrying. At the ripe old age of twenty-nine, Darwin was on the cusp of scientific success. He’d already travelled widely, visiting Australia for two months in 1836, but once home the allure of settling down started to tug. Still, what to do? He didn’t want a wife curtailing his freedom. So, he drew up a list called Marry/Not Marry.

I think we can all relate to pretty much everything on both sides of the list. Attributions under Marry included “Constant Companion”, “Friend in Old Age” and “Object to be Beloved and Played with” (even if the latter sounds more like a train set than a life partner). Other items, the “Charms of Music” and “Female Chit-chat” highlighted Darwin’s shortcomings in understanding what marriage actually means (if you want chit chat there are less radical ways of getting it).

Strong contenders on the Not Marry side included “No Quarrelling”, “Freedom to Go Where One Likes” and “Conversation of Clever men at Clubs” (as opposed to the chit-chatting wife – it’s not clear if he spoke to stupid men at clubs). I love “Not Forced to visit Relatives”, with contemporary connotations across the globe. As a writer and reader, the two points “More Money for Books” and “More Time to Read Books in the Evenings” score highly for me.

Outside the world of dating, a Pros and Cons list is still helpful though less useful in the heat of the moment. You might have to make a call in a split second, like weighing

ILLUSTRATION

up taking the Woollies travellator versus the lift in Lane Cove. Pros – probably quicker despite having to walk up the final ramp which never seems to work. Cons – walking up the final ramp which never seems to work. (Side note – I’m setting up a business as a Travellator Repairperson in my next life as I’ll be guaranteed to make a fortune. The escalators in Ashfield Mall near where I work recently made headlines when they were restored to full working order after two years out of order).

Darwin clearly vacillated in indecision but the last point on his Marry list must have been the one that swung it – “Better than a dog anyhow.” (Discuss). After a year of dithering, he took the plunge and married his first cousin Emma Wedgewood (of the ceramic family fame). His early misgivings about the effect of a family on his life, “Expense and Anxiety of Children”, vanished and he became a devoted father. One downside not earlier noted on the Not Marry side was constant anxiety his children would inherit weaknesses from the inbreeding of marrying his cousin. Once they were married, his wife was kept busy birthing and raising children, having ten babies throughout the following seventeen years which surely didn’t allow too much time for chit chat.

It doesn’t look like Emma had much say in the Pros and Cons department, but I’d like to think she knew what she was getting herself into. But I reckon if anyone discovers her own Pros and Cons list, that would make interesting reading.

Liz Foster is a local writer. Her debut fiction novel, The Good Woman’s Guide to Making Better Choices, is out now with Affirm Press.

You can reach her by scanning this QR code to subscribe to her monthly light bites and lifestyle newsletter, or emailing liz@lizfoster.com.au.

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ASPECTS

Sunflower

When: February 2024. "When it flowered the bees loved it and after they pollinated it we gave the seeds to the wild birds that always visit" - Miki Oka.

If you have an image you would like us to publish, something that captures this area, email: editor@thevillageoberver.com.au

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News from Lane Cove Community Bands

Lane Cove Community Bands has kicked off 2024 with a bang. Our members have enjoyed plenty opportunities outside of their rehearsal space in just the first three months of the year, and there is a lot more to come. One of the highlights of this term has been the Kickstart 2024 Workshop that was held in Lindfield and provided over 75 members with the opportunity to work intensively with their Music Directors and some of Sydney’s best musicians in small-group lessons. The workshop was invaluable for all of our members, in particular our novice musicians who only started playing their instruments in the last two years.

While the year has only just begun, many of our ensembles have already performed in the local area including at the Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony, Lane Cove Plaza, Lane Cove Live Music Zone and Chatswood Mall. In March, the Turrumburra Concert Band will be participating in a weekend tour of Orange where they will work with the Conservatorium of Music and perform at the Swinging Bridge winery. Additionally Cameraygal Wind Symphony will be welcoming internationally renowned music educator Dr Mike Fansler from Western Illinois University to Sydney for an intensive period of rehearsals and a very special concert on April 7 from 2pm at Chatswood High School which will also feature Cheltenham Girls High School Wind Ensemble and Chatswood High School Wind Orchestra. All are welcome and tickets are available at the door (Adults $10, Concession $5).

Alongside our concert bands, LCCB also provides the opportunity for musicians to play in smaller thriving musical groups. One of these is the Tambourine Bay Winds, our woodwind and percussion chamber ensemble which holds a rare position as one of the few of its kind. Performing chamber music requires the musician to operate effectively both as an ensemble player and as a

soloist. According to the Tambourine Bay Winds’ music director David Braybrook “chamber music allows each member of the group to shine. Chamber musicians are the rock stars of the classical music world.”

To promote and support our smaller ensembles LCCB is holding a four-session workshop from May to June on chamber music playing for woodwind musicians. The workshop, called ‘The Art of Chamber Music’, will develop skills required of woodwind chamber musicians to work together to produce a cohesive sound and convey musical expression. The workshop is open to LCCB members and non-members who may be interested in exploring this genre.

‘The Art of Chamber Music’ will be held at the Waterview Community Centre in Lane Cove at 1 pm on the following four Sundays: 12 May, 26 May, 16 June, and 7 July. The course has a registration fee of $80 and is open to players of woodwind instruments only and you do not have to be an LCCB member to participate. Due to the nature of chamber music, places are limited, and enrolments will close once full capacity is reached.

Lane Cove Community Bands are always happy to welcome new members and with six ensembles we are able to accommodate musicians of all abilities and interests. If you would like to find out more about our organisation please feel free to get in touch with us by emailing memberships@lccb.org.au.

For more information about the upcoming Dr Fansler Concert, ‘The Art of Chamber Music’ course, or our organisation, please go to www.lccb.org.au and www.facebook.com/LaneCoveCommunityBands.

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Top left: Alex Johnson with Burns Bay Big Band. Centre: trumpet players with Burns Bay Big Band. Bottom right: BBBB playing at the Live Music Zone. Top right: Karingal and Turrumburra Concert Band with Music Director Dan Williams.

SLOW TRAIN TRAVEL

There’s something about train travel that makes one slow down and just enjoy, especially when you are never racing along at bullet train speed. And the Observation Carriage is the perfect place to take it all in

As I write, I’m winding my way from Pretoria to Cape Town onboard the luxurious Rovos Railway. It’s a journey of only 1600 kilometres but will take 72 hours, traversing countryside that is largely barren of other than scrubby vegetation, visually devoid of the animals we commonly associate with Africa but nonetheless somehow soothing.

But why so slow, you might ask?

Sadly, the infrastructure that would help this wonderful country to run more smoothly is badly maintained. Electricity continues to fail, and many homes rely on generators, although they are costly and not within the reach of everyone, particularly those in lower socio-economic groups.

As for the railroads that link the provinces, it is acknowledged that investment over the last 10 years has been dire, and failures are commonplace. However, despite this backdrop of inefficiencies and societal struggles, Rovos Railways has worked hard to deliver a high-end tourism experience that, in turn, bolsters and supports the local economy.

A typical day onboard starts with a leisurely breakfast comprised of delicious cereals, breads and egg

dishes, good coffee and lovely hot tea. The breakfast quality is indicative of what we experience daily: morning tea, a four-course lunch, afternoon tea and then a four-course dinner with all beverages included. In fact, there is too much good food. Thankfully, the small portions and some restraint of my part means my clothes still fit.

Speaking of attire, Mr Vos believes that clothes maketh the man and while a jacket and tie is requested of men in the evening – and most comply – it is not policed. Many in our group remark that the last time they wore a tie was to a funeral. Women have a somewhat easier time of it as a nice dress or pants can be accessorised up or down to beautifully fit the bill. Daytime it is strictly casual with shorts and t-shirts popular on these 30c+ degree days.

The air-conditioned dining and observation carriages, and naturally our suites, are wonderfully comfortable. Space is forever at a premium on trains but this one has rooms larger and better equipped than most – certainly better than I experienced on the Orient Express and have seen on the Ghan. My 10m room has a queen bed at one end, a lounge in the middle, and ensuite basin, shower and toilet facilities. There are four large picture windows (one beside the loo so you need never miss the view) and it’s an altogether very comfortable arrangement.

Every journey must have an excursion and this one has two. On day two we visit The Big Hole in Kimberley for a fascinating expose of the diamond

industry, from above and below ground. The museum has an array of fabulous diamonds on show and for those with deep wallets there is the ubiquitous “shopping opportunity”.

Day two offers the chance to do a five kilometer walk into the quaint town of Matjiesfontein – the train stops seemingly in the middle of nowhere and those who want to get out walk into town. It was hot as Hades but a chance to sweat off a few calories and reset the virtuousness scales! Quite by chance we happened upon a big funeral parade, complete with band, to honour the pub’s pianist Jimmy, resident there for over 40 years.

It has been a thoroughly enjoyable way to explore some of South Africa, and if slow trains are your penchant do consider this one. Having done it twice, I’m ready for a third time on another route and am happy to share my knowledge.

I take my hat off to Mr Vos, the owner of Rovos Rail, who continues to work hard to succeed when there is so much working against him. His is the entrepreneurial spirit which continues to help South Africa survive and you shouldn’t fear a visit.

TVO 13 3 Northwood Rd, Longueville 9428 5900
www.trendsettertravel.com.au
ADVERTORIAL

Noel Phelan guest speaker on At the Podium this April

Noel Phelan will speak on the Royal Australian Navy at Gallipoli. Over 250 ships were involved in landing the ANZACS and their supplies. The RAN built wharves to take the wounded aboard ships for evacuation. A RAN submarine saw action sinking Turkish ships and when the decision was made to evacuate all troops, over 100 vessels quietly moved them out at night. The Australian navy’s role at Gallipoli is too often overlooked.

Gallipoli is remembered for the troops who landed there, but less is often said of the ships that took them there and those that took them away. RAN ships, under the command of the RN, had an important role.

These Naval operations in the Dardanelles included Submarines B11 and AE2 that carried out attacks in the Dardanelles and the Sea of Marmara in 1914 and 1915 before the ground offensive at Gallipoli. These submarines were not equipped with anything like the navigational technology that we have today. B11 braved the Dardanelles, one of the world's narrowest straits on

13 December 1914. Keeping to the western side under the cliffs and inching through the Kepez minefields B11's periscope detected the Ottoman battleship Mesudiye. Carrying out a surprise torpedo attack, B11 hit the ship which began to sink, though not without the stricken crew firing shells around B11's periscope. With the Turkish patrol boats looking for it, B11 crawled along Sari Siglar Bay with a damaged compass and travelled blindly back through the Dardanelles, breaking surface occasionally to get bearings. B11 had proved it was possible to get through the Dardanelles and harass enemy shipping. Submarine AE2 broke through the Dardanelles defences on the morning of April 25 1914 just as the Gallipoli landings were in operation. This time AE2 was attacked by the Turks. When the crew scuttled the submarine to prevent the enemy taking it, they were taken prisoners. Another unit was the 1st Royal Australian Naval Bridging Train (RANBT), an engineering unit that specialised in pontoon bridging. Under artillery fire the RANBT landed at Suvla Bay on August 7 1915. The unit built pontoons for supply unloading from ships. They built wharves and piers and were elemental in disembarking troops, uploading food, supplies and most importantly maintaining a water supply for the frontline. Of the 300 strong force 62 were killed or wounded by enemy fire.

• 23 April from 7pm to 9pm at the Lane Cove Library. Wine and cheese platters included.

• Enquiries: 0418 276 365 www.lanecovehistorial society.com.au

Delightfully renovated and secure one-bedroom units surrounding an oasis of greenery, shady trees, and flowering gardens.

Close to everything you love about Lane Cove, Northcott Gardens is a perfect choice for those looking for an affordable and comfortable retirement lifestyle.

Open to view Tuesday 9 April from 2pm to 3pm or by appointment. Contact Janne Scott on 9299 3951 or visit vasey.com.au for more information.

14 TVO *Price based on Affordable Entry Contract. Correct as at March 2024. 7193VO
Retirement living in Lane Cove available now from $280,000 to $345,000*. 92 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove

Whether you’re just starting out or well into your wealth creation journey, making sound investment choices to grow or protect your wealth, and superannuation, is vitally important.

Today, we face share market speculation, interest rate uncertainty and increasing cost of living, however one thing history shows is the ASX continues to grow.

There are more than 2,800 companies listed on the ASX (Australian Securities Exchange) and tens of thousands listed globally. Coupled with the number of investment vehicles available, such as stocks, bonds, exchange traded funds and Real Estate Investment Trusts, the number of potential investment options available is endless.

This highlights the value of advice, providing you with the insights and research to help you make informed investment decisions, tailored to your financial position and risk tolerance.

With origins dating back to 1872, Ord Minnett is a leading advice and investment firm that has been building wealth for generations.

Our financial advisers, or Private Wealth Advisers as we call them, have the skills to provide advice for every stage of life.

We have a team of qualified experts who you can partner with to create diversified, tailored investment solutions that suit your financial position.

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Start a conversation today

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Mitchell Bogdanov

Tel: 02 8216 6421

Email: mbogdanov@ords.com.au

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Tel: (02) 8216 6439

Email: azannettides@ords.com.au

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Discover the Value of our Advice Visit us online ords.com.au Ord Minnett Limited ABN 86 002 733 048 (Ord Minnett) holds AFS Licence Number 237121.

Introducing Watermark Residences: Where Luxury Retirement Living Meets Community Connection

Meet Miranda Aiello, appointed as Village Manager of Watermark Residences at Newgreens Chatswood, your premier destination for luxury retirement living on Sydney's lower North Shore. With over a decade of invaluable experience in the retirement living industry, Miranda brings a wealth of expertise encompassing sales, marketing, and village management. Her dedication to promoting the well-being of our residents and fostering a strong sense of community makes her an invaluable addition to our team.

"We strongly believe that communication and collaboration are key to creating a welcoming, supportive, and vibrant community. Our vision is to ensure that all residents feel valued and respected. We look forward to

welcoming all the residents into their new homes in late 2024."

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Whether you’re looking for ways to stay active and engaged, exploring the nature parks, baking cookies, or simply enjoying a game of golf, there are endless opportunities for quality time with your loved ones across different generations. At Watermark we believe in the power of multigenerational activities to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories

Maintaining good health is paramount as we age, which is why we offer state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pools and fitness facilities designed specifically for our residents. From gentle hydrotherapy sessions to invigorating aqua aerobics classes, staying active has never been more enjoyable and beneficial. Our commitment to active ageing ensures that you can embrace life to the fullest while prioritising your health and well-being.

Retirement is a time to savor the finer things in life, surrounded by friends and loved ones who enrich your days with laughter and companionship. Whether you're sharing a casual coffee at our bistro cafe or indulging in a three-course dinner at our exquisite restaurant, every moment at Watermark Residences is an opportunity to create cherished memories in a luxurious and welcoming environment.

Created by Watermark Living and Pariter, these exquisitely appointed two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments deliver quiet luxury with maximum impact. Watermark Residences is beautifully curated with a focus on you and your lifestyle. Every apartment offers uninterrupted, breathtaking views of Chatswood Golf Course and Lane Cove River Valley, as well as a perfect interior for entertaining and unwinding.

Join us at Watermark Residences, where every day is an opportunity to embrace the joys of retirement living in style, comfort, and camaraderie. Schedule a tour today and discover the unparalleled lifestyle awaiting you at our esteemed community.

For more information or to visit our display suite call 1800 520 16 or visit watermarkresidences.com.au

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The exciting expansion of the Sydney Library of Things into Lane Cove

Plus, Lane Cove to welcome its very own Toy Library

In our garage (which is distastefully large, never shelters a vehicle, and is not something we are proud of) are stacks of clear plastic tubs we purchased from Bunnings. They contain the toys that have been gifted to our children over the past 12 years.

The boys’ bedrooms are relatively sparse these days as the toy stage passed in the blink of an eye, which on the one hand is sad, but on the other, is a massive relief for a parent who loves an ultra-tidy home and is a proud minimalist.

So, these containers…in one is perhaps eight kilos of Lego. It’s like a piece of gym equipment. In another: superhero figures, costumes, toy shields etc. Another one houses the ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Lair’ from Christmas 2016. The sight of that one still brings on pseudo-Tourette’s. Reassembled, it is six feet tall and has a gazillion plastic hooks to hold it together.

stoves (even though we resolved not to be a ‘camping family’ last year), golf clubs (they haven’t been taken out for 16 years), an over-sized gazebo (that middle aisle at Aldi will get you every time), and a ton of other things that are only ever useful once in a while… maybe never.

We will wager that if you break into any family home, you’ll witness the same toy situation that’s in our garage. In the kitchen, there will also be a popcorn maker and an ice-cream maker that comes out once a year. There will be those plastic flamingos that went in the garden for nephew Ed’s 21st birthday party, and the cordless, electric mini chainsaw that helped when you decided to chop down the Lilly Pilly hedges.

The rest of the garage contains, among other things purchased by the husband, two different sized camping

The founders of the Sydney Library of Things were in a similar boat – full garages and spare rooms, but in need of useful items on an ad-hoc basis. It was this very situation that gave rise to their wonderful idea, and well-executed plan.

18 TVO FEATURE ARTICLE

All three are local – instigator Bridget Kennedy (who is also a Lane Cove Councilor), President Carol Skyring and cofounder Jacky Barker (who is also founder and editor of In The Cove).

Bridget’s journey began when she found herself in need of gardening tools for her new garden. Borrowing from neighbour’s shed sparked the idea for a communal resource hub.

Carol has spent a lifetime as an educator – as a teacher, trainer and academic. She is an advocate of permaculture and from 2014 to 2020 lived as self-sufficiently and sustainably as possible in rural Queensland. Carol could see the need for viable, sustainable answers to ease the wastefulness modern living creates.

We wrote about their venture, the Sydney Library of Things that was opened at the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability in Waverton in November 2021, and it was definitely on our list of ‘things it would be great to do.’ However, there’s no denying that using it on a regular basis from this LGA was inconvenient – time and traffic-wise.

The founders knew that Lane Cove would welcome its own Library of Things, so at the end of February, a Lane Cove branch of the Library of Things opened, however, this time the concept was extended to include the Lane Cove Toy Library, due to open at the end of June.

Jacky Barker has been the driving force behind the Lane Cove Toy Library and has spent evenings and weekends seeking out high quality, clean and varied toys for all age groups, including games for grown-up kids and families. She has also been the person on the ground, designing the actual library and how the items will be kept clean, safely stored and ready for collection.

There is almost no need to list the positives of a Toy Library as they are glaringly obvious to any parent (see above as an example of the absurdity of our garage situation).

Why Buy When You Can Borrow?

The Sydney Library of Things not-for-profit initiative offers locals access to a diverse array of items that are invaluable but often underutilized in day-to-day life. From kitchen appliances, tools and gardening equipment to party gear and recreational items, the library is set up to be a treasure trove of resources for local residents.

The Library of Things/Toy Library aims to encourage a shift away from excessive consumption and wastefulness. It advocates for a culture of sharing and communal ownership, fostering a more sustainable and interconnected community.

Join the Movement

The roots of tool libraries trace back to the United States during World War II. In 1945, the Rotary Club of Gross Point, Michigan, established one of the earliest tool libraries with the dual objectives of promoting youth engagement and addressing wartime tool shortages. Today, this model has evolved into a global movement, with tool libraries springing up in communities worldwide.

Looking Ahead

As the Library of Things takes its place in Lane Cove’s landscape, its impact is hoped to stretch beyond its function as a library. It will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for community engagement and collaboration.

Lane Cove residents are invited to be part of this exciting new chapter in the community’s journey towards sustainability and resilience. Whether borrowing a power drill for a DIY project or exploring the wonders of the Toy Library with their children, there’s something for everyone at the Library of Things. Volunteers are also very welcome.

Continued over page >

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Founders Carol, Bridget and Jacky

As we come together to embrace the values of sharing and collaboration, let's celebrate the opening of Lane Cove's newest community resource. It reflects our shared commitment to positive change and fosters stronger community bonds through the sharing of resources. Together, we're building a future where access to resources is valued over individual ownership.

The Library of Things opened on 29 February 2024. The Lane Cove Toy Library will open on 30 June 2024.

The libraries are housed at: 47 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove (the old police station building/Meeting House Kindy opposite Harris Farm Markets). The premises are owned by Lane Cove Council.

The Lane Cove Toy Library has been funded by the Lane Cove Council through a sustainability levy grant.

Anyone over 18 is welcome to join the Sydney Library of Things

Membership:

- $85 annually ($60 Concession),

- $50 six monthly ($36 concession) and - $30 quarterly ($22 concession). You only pay for your membership, not for borrowing items. The fees go to maintaining the library, tools, insurance and building the collection. Members can borrow up to five items at any one time, for a loan period of two weeks. Items can be renewed for a further two weeks if they haven't been reserved by others.

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ELECTRIC HEDGE TRIMMER
WATER PRESSURE WASHER
DEHYDRATOR
FOOD
EXTENSION CORD
18.5 M
X 3M GAZEBO
3M
TRIANGLE SANDER
BREAD MAKER OVEN
PARTY BUNTING
TRESTLE TABLES
ICE CREAM MAKER
Top 10 most borrowed items from a bank of 286 items:

A Lorikeet Rescue Mission

WORDS: MIKI OKA

On January 22, on our way home from work, we found a Rainbow Lorikeet that could not fly and was moving strangely in the middle of the road.

We stopped the car and went to see if it was okay. We gently checked whether its wings were broken, and it didn’t look like they were.

We also checked whether it could grip with its feet or not and it could. So, we were rather confused as to why it couldn’t fly and was not moving well.

Lorikeets often crash into windows, parked cars or moving vehicles and are stunned for a while and we thought this might be the case with this one.

Since it doesn’t take much for these small birds to go into shock and die, we knew that it wouldn’t survive for long on the ground with predators out there and without being able to fly to get food and water, so we took it into Fig Tree Vet. We trusted that they would look after it as we could not.

Upon calling the next day to find out if it was able to be saved or had to be euthanized they told us that the Lorikeet had been x-rayed and had no broken bones or easily determinable physical injuries.

They told us that they had contacted Sydney Wildlife Rescue and that they had sent a local carer to come and pick it up.

The carer would rehabilitate the Lorikeet and then eventually release it back into the street we found it in as Lorikeets are very territorial and form strong bonds with their mate and flock. Unable to help worrying about the Lorikeet, we contacted them every two weeks or so for the six weeks it was being rehabilitated.

We were surprised that it was taking so long for the Lorikeet to get well but we discovered it wasn’t just a matter of

it being stunned, recovering and then being able to be released.

They told us that the Lorikeet was female and when we brought her in, she had been very underweight and weak from a gastric infection.

That explained why she had been unable to fly or move properly.

It was a gradual recovery that took 35 days, but the carer said that sometimes it takes up to four months for them to get better.

When the long-awaited release day came we were very excited to be able to see that she was back to good health.

As soon as the cage was opened she put her head up and flew away into the trees to reunite with her flock.

We were also super happy that it wasn’t something more serious like Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome – a mysterious disease that caused more than 200 lorikeets in Grafton to fall from the sky back in January.

We’d like to thank the staff at Fig Tree Vet and the Sydney Wildlife Rescue Carers for all their hard work and dedication. It is thanks to them that our little lorikeet girl got to go home healthy.

Hunters Hill Vintage Antique & Homewares Fair

HUNTERS HILL TOWN HALL - MAY 24-26 2024

The Hunters Hill Vintage Antique & Homewares Fair is a celebration of the beautiful, the loved, the unique and the artistry of the handmade. You will find unique vintage items, antiques, makers of jewellery, painters, textile printers and designers.

The Hunters Hill Vintage Antique and Homewares Fair was born over a cup of tea between good friends who have all lived, raised kids, or even grown up in Hunters Hill. These friends, by virtue of their love of beautiful pieces, realised they could fill a warehouse with antique furniture, vintage, and beautiful homewares from the local area.

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Refugee Children Thrive with World-Class Healthcare

When their homeland became too dangerous to stay, Ahmad* and Aafreen’s* daughter Sayeh* was already very unwell. With healthcare in their country also in crisis, the family left Afghanistan and travelled to neighbouring countries to seek a diagnosis. For Sayeh, this came only when the family arrived in Australia two years ago, thanks to the HARK Clinic (Health Assessment for Refugee Kids) at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

The HARK Clinic, was established in 2005, to provide refugee and asylum seeker children and young people under the age of 16 with multidisciplinary health assessments and treatments. The Clinic also

makes referrals to specialised support services within the community, which are consistent with these childrens’ health care needs.

Dr Nikola Morton, is the Clinical Lead of the HARK Refugee Service at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and also works as a Staff Specialist Paediatrician and international advisor for organisations such as Médecins Sans Frontières in France and as a field paediatrician in the Middle East and Africa.

Support from the community benefits the refugee and asylum seeker patients and their families by ensuring that they have equitable access to healthcare, it enables the team to provide education and training across Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network to deliver care to these patients and their families. It helps strengthen partnerships with other refugee and asylum seeker community agencies and services.

“We really appreciate everything that has been done for Sayeh. The HARK Clinic has always been there to support us. We are very thankful to Dr Nikola Morton and her colleagues,” Aafreen said.

*Names have been changed to protect privacy

www.schf.org.au

1800 770

1800 770 122

Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF) relies on our Movement of Many to help raise vital funds for services like the HARK Program. By leaving a gift in your Will, even as little as 1%, you can help children like Sayeh access the very best healthcare when and where they need it.

SCHF has partnered with Safewill, Australia’s highest rated online Will writing platform and is pleased to offer you the opportunity to write your online Will for just $80 (usually $160).

TO LEARN MORE, SCAN

THE QR CODE, VISIT: www.schf.org.au/gift-in-will

OR CALL: 1800 770 122

OR EMAIL: plannedgiving@schf.org.au

OR VISIT Leave a gift in your Will | Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation

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1 in 2 Australians don’t Don’t leave your legacy to chance. www.schf.org.au
122
1 in 2 Australians don’t have a valid Will. Don’t leave your legacy to chance.

APRIL 2024

Proposed Planning Reforms

The NSW Government is considering implementing new planning reforms through the introduction of a State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) aimed at facilitating more affordable housing across NSW.

Lane Cove Council has submitted its response to these proposed reforms, expressing objections to certain elements while also expressing our willingness to collaborate with the Department of Planning, Infrastructure & Environment (DPIE) to ensure that any increases in housing targets align with the sustainable development of our Local Government Area (LGA). It's essential to note that the development in St Leonards South was initially designed to meet housing targets set by the previous NSW Government. We have urged the current NSW Government to take this into account when formulating new housing targets.

DPIE has indicated that we can expect information on our new housing targets around July this year. Meanwhile, our staff are diligently working behind the scenes to explore suitable areas that could potentially be rezoned to accommodate these increased housing targets.

We understand that some residents may have been approached by real estate agents and/or developers regarding the new proposed planning reforms. We suggest that residents are mindful of making any financial commitments at this stage until we have finalised our negotiations with the DPIE. The final decisions may differ from the proposals initially put forward by the NSW Government.

Award win for Wadanggari Park

Council was recently recognised for its excellence in delivering Wadanggari Park by winning the 2023 Place Leaders Asia Pacific Award for ‘Place Governance’. The Place Governance Award recognises our role in inspiring others to action through exemplary leadership and vision. It is wonderful to see Council recognised at this level and is a great reminder of our ability to bring important community projects to life. Congratulations on another feather in the cap for Council’s leadership team and staff who have utilised their skills and expertise to consistently deliver brilliant community infrastructure.

International Women’s Day 2024

Thank you to everyone who attended the International Women’s Day Small Business Breakfast last month. Thank you to guest speaker Shirley Chowdhary who openly shared her captivating and inspiring career journey with us; we all left feeling inspired by Shirley’s experience.

Thank you also to The BayTree by Ardency Retirement Village for inviting Council to be part of their International Women’s Day celebrations. Clr Katherine Mort gave a thought-provoking keynote address, emphasising the significance of empowering and embracing women in our daily endeavours.

C3 Celebrates 40 Years in Lane Cove

We were delighted to be invited by Pastors Simon and Mandy Ambler of C3 Church in Lane Cove to commemorate 40 years of dedicated ministry and community support. Congratulations on such a significant milestone in the life of Lane Cove.

Playground Upgrades

Coxs Lane Playground will reopen this month following installation of a new play unit. The equipment includes a shop front, crawl tunnel, animal puzzle, bridge, net climb, fire pole, steering wheel and telescope, double slide as well as a new three-seat swing set.

Last month we also commenced an upgrade to the playground at Nichols Reserve, located on Burns Bay Road.

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E: sbennison@lanecove.nsw.gov.au
Councillor Scott Bennison, Mayor of Lane Cove P: 0402 406 241
Photo credit: ARENCO. Wadanggari Park Clrs Bennison and Mort at IWD

What’s on Lane Cove April 2024

Wild About Lane Cove

April 2024

Grab your camera and get snapping as part of our Wild About Lane Cove photo challenge! Explore the area with family or friends, or go solo and get creative with your camera. Be inspired by nature to take a photo matching any of the following themes:

• Wildlife • Waterways

• Mini beasts / Invertebrates

• Flowers

• People and Nature

We’re hosting a launch event on Sunday 7 April at Mindarie Park. We’ll have a Wildlife Show at 10:00am followed by a free sausage sizzle and guided bushwalks.

Find out more: lanecove.nsw.gov.au/wildaboutlanecove

Climate Resilience: Navigating Risks, Building Connections

Thursday 4 April, 1:30pm – 4:00pm

Terrace Function Room, Lane Cove Community Hub, 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove

A workshop for community organisations and service providers to help their clients respond in a changing world. Participants will be involved in an interactive workshop looking at:

• Understanding the risk and controls at the various national, state, and local levels.

• Engaging with other organisations who can support your team and clients.

• Practical ideas from communities around Australia and the world that you can apply.

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

The Canopy Music Concert

– The AC/DC Show with Dirty Deeds

Saturday 6 April, 6:00pm – 9:00pm

The Canopy

DIRTY DEEDS have been kicking the can for AC/DC for more than 20 years. No other show comes close to the pure power, energy and dedication of these High Voltage Rockers! $10 + booking fee per person.

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

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Wild About Lane Cove - Xavi, age 6.

What’s on Lane Cove April 2024

Seniors BookChat

Monday 8 April, 9:30am – 10:30am, Greenwich Library

Join this monthly meet-up to discuss your favourite crime books. Make new friends and discover new books! No booking required.

Introduction to Sustainable Building: Water and Greening

Tuesday 9 April, 6:30pm – 8:00pm, online

If you’re tackling a new build or renovation, it’s a great time to include a plan for a sustainable water management system. Come to this free webinar to learn more.

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

Youth Week

Battle of the Bands

Saturday 13 April, 2:00pm – 7:00pm, The Canopy

With performances from up to eight fantastic youth bands, and an exciting headliner act (to be revealed soon), this is an event not to be missed. There will be stalls. There will be games. There will be music. All ages welcome.

Movie Screening: Trolls Band Together (PG)

Tuesday 16 April, 2:00pm – 3:30pm, Lane Cove Library

Join us for this free film screening of Trolls Band Together (PG).

Ben’s Online Book Club: ‘All The Words We Know’ by Bruce Nash

Tuesday 23 April, 7:30pm – 8:30pm, online

Join Ben Hobson and author, Bruce Nash, to discuss Bruce’s latest book, ‘All The Words We Know’. Presented by Overdrive (Libby).

ANZAC Day

Thursday 25 April, 7:15am, for a 7.25am start

The Canopy

You are invited to join us for an ANZAC Day Service proudly presented by Lane Cove Council and the Lane Cove RSL sub-Branch. No booking required but please contact Council's Cultural Team if you have any accessibility requirements as seating is limited: cultural@lanecove.nsw.gov.au.

Join Council’s Backyard Habitat program!

Are you interested in doing more gardening in your backyard?

If you’d like to create a habitat garden for native plants and wildlife, Council’s Backyard Habitat program can help you – no matter what size or shape your garden is in.

If you’re interested in free advice and native plants to make your backyard wildlife-friendly, call 9911 3654 or email backyardhabitat@ lanecove.nsw.gov.au

Book your free collection

Council has partnered with a new doorstep recycling service provider called HomeCycle. HomeCycle offers a free and easy way for Lane Cove residents to recycle and repurpose items that don’t belong in household bins. HomeCycle collect soft plastics, e-waste, textiles, batteries and more. Making a booking is easy; simply visit www.homecycle.com.au/lanecove

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Youth Events and Opportunities in Lane Cove

There is a lot happening in the youth space at Lane Cove Council. Our Youth Centre is booming, this month’s Youth Week promises to be a hit, and our Youth Advisory Group has officially been launched. Here’s a little taster of what we have on offer this April.

 Youth Week 2024 – Thursday

11 April to Sunday 21 April

Lane Cove’s Youth Week events are brought to you for young people, by young people. Young members of our Youth Week Steering Committee and Youth Week Events Crews have been instrumental in bringing these events to life.

Youth Week Battle of the Bands:

Saturday 13 April, 2:00pm – 7:00pm, The Canopy Lane Cove Brace yourself for an afternoon of music, games, and good times as up-and-coming youth bands battle it out on The Canopy stage. There will also be a variety of popup stalls on the day including facepainting, giant games, and more. Come along and enjoy the fun!

Find out more:

www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/youth

Colour Flix Youth Festival:

Friday 19 April, 12:00pm – 5:00pm, St Leonards Park, North Sydney Lane Cove Council is one of the

partner organisations for a mini youth festival at St Leonards Park during the school holidays. The day will start with a colour run followed by live youth bands and finishing off with a film screening of Puss in Boots (PG): The Last Wish. Synergy Youth Centre will be running an excursion to St Leonards Park on the day as part of its School Holiday Program. Find out more, including how to book, visit: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/youth

Youth Week Art Celebration: To celebrate Youth Week, Synergy Youth Centre is asking young people aged 10 – 24 who live, work or study in the Lane Cove LGA to design an artwork that represents the 2024 Youth Week theme “Express. Empower. Get Loud!”. Visit our website to apply.

Not an artist? You’re welcome to drop by Synergy Youth Centre during our Youth Week Art Celebration Open Days. Youth Open Day for 10 to 17 years of age is on Friday 28 April from 12:00pm – 5:00pm while the public opening is on Saturday 29 April.

Find out more:

www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/youth

 Lane Cove Council Youth Advisory Group

Council is proud to announce the launch of its new Youth Advisory Group. We appointed three new members in March – Jacinta Mitchell, Ryley Nolan, and Alex Vaccher.

If you are interested in joining our Youth Advisory Group, it’s not too late. Visit our Have Your Say Page for details.

 Synergy Youth Centre

Synergy Youth Centre is a free drop-in space exclusively for young people. Two qualified Youth Workers are on site during opening hours to provide guidance and support for young people. The centre runs a variety of programs in the school holidays and school term. The current holiday program includes CPR training (age restrictions apply), Turkish ceramics, a public speaking workshop, and more.

Address: 8 Little Street, Lane Cove (below the pool grandstand)

Age:

• School term: 11 – 17

• School holidays: 10 –16

School term opening hours:

• Monday – Thursday: 3:00pm – 6:00pm

• Friday: 3:00pm – 8:00pm

School holidays opening hours:

• Monday – Friday: 12:00pm – 5:00pm

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Synergy Youth Centre.

Talking Dentistry

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.

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:

Reader’s question:

“I’ve been told that I don’t have enough bone to have an implant, is there anything I can do?”

“I’ve been told that I don’t have enough bone to have an implant, is there anything I can do?”

Dr See says: For those who have been told they cannot receive dental implants due to insufficient bone, it can be discouraging and make the thought of a complete and healthy smile seem impossible. Dentures are undesirable for many people as they are removable and retain excessive amounts of bacteria around remaining teeth leading to disease. However, with advanced techniques in bone grafting, it is now possible for even those with severe bone loss to receive dental implants and achieve the smile they’ve always wanted.

Dr See says: For those who have been told they cannot receive dental implants due to insufficient bone, it can be discouraging and make the thought of a complete and healthy smile seem impossible. Dentures are undesirable for many people as they are removable and retain excessive amounts of bacteria around remaining teeth leading to disease. However, with advanced techniques in bone grafting, it is now possible for even those with severe bone loss to receive dental implants and achieve the smile they’ve always wanted.

Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing or damaged teeth, but they do require a certain amount of healthy jawbone to support the implant. When the jawbone has become thin or shrunken due to injury or trauma, gum disease, or prolonged tooth loss, it may not be possible to place an implant without first performing a bone graft.

Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing or damaged teeth, but they do require a certain amount of healthy jawbone to support the implant. When the jawbone has become thin or shrunken due to injury or trauma, gum disease, or prolonged tooth loss, it may not be possible to place an implant without first performing a bone graft.

Bone grafting is a procedure in which a small amount of bone is added to the site of the missing tooth. The graft provides a solid foundation, and as the graft heals, the new bone integrates with the existing jawbone to create a strong, stable base for the implant. In some cases, implants can even be placed simultaneously at the time of grafting, speeding up the whole process.

Bone grafting is a procedure in which a small amount of bone is added to the site of the missing tooth. The graft provides a solid foundation, and as the graft heals, the new bone integrates with the existing jawbone to create a strong, stable base for the implant. In some cases, implants can even be placed simultaneously at the time of grafting, speeding up the whole process.

Advanced techniques in bone grafting and soft tissue grafting have made the procedure more precise and effective. These techniques not only increase the success rate of the graft but also help with faster recovery and with less discomfort. With advanced techniques in dental implants and bone grafting, even those who were once told they could not receive implants can now achieve a complete and healthy smile. If you’ve been told you are not a candidate for dental implants, it is important to seek out a dentist who has experience in these advanced procedures and can provide you with the best possible outcome.

Advanced techniques in bone grafting and soft tissue grafting have made the procedure more precise and effective. These techniques not only increase the success rate of the graft but also help with faster recovery and with less discomfort. With advanced techniques in dental implants and bone grafting, even those who were once told they could not receive implants can now achieve a complete and healthy smile. If you’ve been told you are not a candidate for dental implants, it is important to seek out a dentist who has experience in these advanced procedures and can provide you with the best possible outcome.

Let’s look at a case we completed recently: Shaun saw us because he was missing some front teeth from a freak accident being hit in the face with a golf ball. The subsequent infection and extraction were traumatic and caused severe bone loss. He had been told that he couldn’t have an implant so he had been coping with a denture, but as a young man, it was becoming limiting for his social life. We used specalised instruments to precisely analyse his clinical situation to make a proper diagnosis about which treatment was appropriate for him.

Let’s look at a case we completed recently: Shaun saw us because he was missing some front teeth from a freak accident being hit in the face with a golf ball. The subsequent infection and extraction were traumatic and caused severe bone loss. He had been told that he couldn’t have an implant so he had been coping with a denture, but as a young man, it was becoming limiting for his social life. We used specalised instruments to precisely analyse his clinical situation to make a proper diagnosis about which treatment was appropriate for him.

THE PROBLEMS

• Missing front teeth in the smile zone.

THE PROBLEMS

THE SOLUTION:

THE SOLUTION:

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

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

HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT?

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.

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.

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

Dr See completed his Fellowship by primary and secondary examinations for The Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (FRACDS). FRACDS is the mark of professional achievement in dentistry and demonstrates attainment of an advanced level and skill in Dentistry.

Dr 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.

• Teeth that have been missing for 20 years.

• Missing front teeth in the smile zone.

• Deficient bone and gums.

• Teeth that have been missing for 20 years.

• Deficient bone and gums.

• Bone and Soft tissue grafting using Shaun’s own tissue to grow back the bone and gums, then subsequent implant treatment to replace the missing teeth.

• Bone and Soft tissue grafting using Shaun’s own tissue to grow back the bone and gums, then subsequent implant treatment to replace the missing teeth.

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

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

If you have any questions you have always wanted to know about aesthetic or implant dentistry write to us at:

If you have any questions you have always wanted to know about aesthetic or implant dentistry write to us at:

9816 4885 dr.andrewsee

9816 4885 dr.andrewsee advanceddentistrysydney.com.au

advanceddentistrysydney.com.au

info@advanceddentistry sydney.com.au

info@advanceddentistry sydney.com.au

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ADVERTORIAL

I’ve got a gut feeling about this

When I think about it closely, the word ‘gut’ is such a versatile word. It can be used in so many ways - ‘I had a gut feeling that that exam answer was wrong’, ’he has a big beer gut’, ‘the fire had gutted the whole house’, ‘she showed lots of guts in completing the race’, ‘the fish was gutted before cooking’. The list goes on and on.

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

Medically speaking though, gut refers to our gastrointestinal system, the parts of our body which involve the passage of the foods we eat, particularly our stomach and intestines. There are many things that can go wrong with our gut. This article will highlight a condition called Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), as April marks IBS Awareness month.

IBS is a very common condition, with the symptoms affecting 1 in 5 Australians in their lifetime. Those affected have a poorer quality of life and over a third become depressed because of their symptoms. Stress is also a huge link, creating a negative feedback loop to worsen the condition. It is more common in women and often first presents in late adolescence or early twenties. There is no cure.

The exact cause of IBS is unclear. In essence, the affected gut is ‘very sensitive’. IBS is one of several conditions termed functional gut disorders - meaning there is nothing structurally or biochemically wrong with the gut. IBS is not a dangerous condition, but the symptoms can be quite debilitating.

Typical IBS symptoms include a history of at least three months of abdominal pain, discomfort, and bloating often improved by passing bowel motions, flatulence, chronic constipation or diarrhoea or alternating between the two. Tiredness is also a very common symptom. But before a diagnosis of IBS or similar functional conditions can be made, your doctor will need to exclude other serious conditions first. More worrying details would include a family history of bowel cancer, rectal bleeding, unintended weight loss, onset of symptoms older than 50 years of age or an abdominal hard mass. These features warrant further specific tests and likely specialist assessment.

IBS is diagnosed clinically by your doctor, meaning that there are no tests that can be done to diagnose it, like you would diagnose high cholesterol on a blood test for example. Because of this there is often confusion around information and misinformation, usually by well-meaning friends, alternative health practitioners and Google searches about these conditions and their causes.

One of those misconceptions involves food groups. IBS sufferers often have food intolerances, which many confuse with having food allergies. Food allergies are a problem with our immune system, often start in childhood, are associated with other immune conditions, such as eczema and asthma, and can be tested for. Symptoms include hives, and swellings of the eyes, lips, face and tongue and troubles

breathing. Foods causing allergies should be completely avoided, as some can be life-threatening, with peanuts and seafood being classic examples. On the other hand, food intolerances are uncomfortable and distressing but are rarely serious, are not immune-related, cannot be proven on blood or skin testing like food allergies can, and can occur at any time to foods and ingredients one was previously tolerant to. Another misconception is on the benefit of diagnostic breath testing for sugar malabsorption – this test is problematic including significant false positive and negative results, and is not considered worthwhile in this setting.

However, what has been shown to assist IBS is understanding and following a low-FODMAP diet.

FODMAPs are certain carbohydrates (sugars, that include lactose and fructose) that the small intestine absorbs and digests poorly, which can trigger IBS symptoms.

FODMAPs are found in a wide range of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, breads, cereals, nuts and legumes. Flatulence-producing foods such as onions, cabbages, and brussels sprouts, and artificial sweeteners in soft drinks and confectionary should also be avoided. It is impossible to guess the FODMAP content of a food. The benefits of following a low-FODMAP diet are usually seen in as early as 2-6 weeks but may take up to 12 weeks, with a reduction in IBS symptoms in up to 75% sufferers.

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Symptoms of IBS can also be brought on by wheat, rye and breads. These are the same foods that cause gluten intolerance, related to a condition called coeliac disease which is commonly mistaken for IBS. Careful questioning from your doctor and further testing can assist in differentiating between the two conditions as coeliac disease must be excluded due to its risk of other complications.

A classic subset of IBS sufferers, especially those of Asian ethnicity, are lactose intolerant. A common myth is that dairy must be completed avoided. This is because not all dairy products are high in lactose. Avoidant high lactose foods include soft cheese, full cream milk, and yoghurt. (Safer) low lactose foods include butter, hard cheeses and feta. Those with lactose malabsorption can take lactose-free alternatives. Taking Lactase tablets, (which can be bought over-the-counter from pharmacies) can also help those who are eyeing a delicious dairy dessert during a restaurant meal.

Other non-diet management therapies include stress reduction with cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), gutdirected hypnotherapy, lifestyle modifications (not skipping meals, reducing caffeine intake, healthy sleep habits and good exercise) and taking medications to target specific symptoms eg anti-diarrhoea tablets for diarrhoea or laxatives for constipation.

IBS can be challenging to manage due to the range of symptoms and severities affecting people. Whilst there is no cure, symptoms can be controlled. Please see your doctor for further advice and support.

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Narcissus by Laura Matthews

April/May Exhibitions at Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios

artXtra!

9 – 20 April 2024

artXtra! is an exhibition open to all financial members of the Lane Cove Art Society. The exhibition is an insight into the diversity of the Society. Painting, Printmaking and Drawing are included in the exhibition.

All works are eligible for the prestigious Lloyd Rees Prize and the Guy Warren Prize for the two Best in Show. The names of the winning artists of both the Lloyd Rees Prize and the Guy Warren Prize are inscribed on an Honour Board displayed in the Lane Cove Library.

Opening Event: Wednesday 10 April 6:00-8:00pm

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Pizza + Movie Nights

@ Longueville UC Hall, 47A Kenneth St, Longueville.

TIME : 6.30pm. Pizza; 7.15pm Movie

2 April - The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018) A compelling romantic drama and intriguing mystery set on the island of Guernsey during WWII starring Lily James, Michael Huisman, Glen Powell and Penelope Wilton.

7 May – Hachi – A Dog’s Life (2009) – The true story of a professor and his devoted dog, starring Richard Gere and Joan Allen.

Bookings essential on 9428 4287 or 9427 4740. Cost $12 – the best value pizza/movie combo anywhere ! BYO drinks.

Bookings essential on 9428 4287 or 9427 4740. Cost $12 – the best value pizza/movie combo! BYO drinks.

Time 4U – Every Wednesday @ 10am till Noon

@ Longueville Uniting Church Hall, 47A Kenneth St, Longueville

Friendly and fun mornings with home-made morning tea, discussion, documentaries and board games in Longueville UC Hall, 47A Kenneth St, Longueville. All are welcome to come and join us. Cost $5 Enquiries: Chris on 9428 4287

CONCERT

CONCERT FEATURING JOHN MARTIN

“Noel Coward – Master of the Arts.”

Tuesday 14th May 2024 at 7.30pm

The Calculation (Flux) curated by Brenda Colahan 24 April – 18 May

A major exhibition by notable Australian artist Laura Matthews. Matthews’s ethereal works evoke a perpetual motion reminiscent of our fragile relationship with the natural world.

A Gallery Lane Cove Guest Curator Program exhibition.

“There’s always the potential for huge success or huge failure in any point of your life, which is what this exhibition is about – the tree roots of paths you could follow in your life could hinge on a very small decision (a calculation, if you will) and often, they’re impulses. Impulses that could very well change the course of our lives make everything so incredibly stressful – but also, extremely rewarding and joyous.” Laura Matthews

Opening Event: Wednesday 1 May, 6:00-8:00pm

Public Program: Tuesday 26 March, 6:00-8:00pm

ACCENT STRINGS: BACH TO BEATLES

Quartet: Jane Stanley – Violin. Leo Kram – Violin Neil Thompson – Viola. Emily Palethorp – Cello.

Join John Martin, an extraordinarily diverse musician – solo pianist, accompanist and composer as he combines acting, poetry, music and singing, to present a delicious glimpse into the world of Noel Coward. An evening you will long remember…

Accent Strings is delighted to present a program beginning with some wonderful music from the Baroque and Classical periods including works of Bach, Vivaldi and Mozart, followed by a selection of contemporary pieces which will get your feet tapping. These will include popular numbers by the Beatles, Leonard Cohen, Cyndi Lauper, Elton John and other millennial favourites.

Venue: LCM St. Andrew’s Anglican Church.

Tuesday 9th May 2023 at 7.30pm.

19 Rosenthal Avenue Lane Cove behind the Post Office and opposite the Canopy Car Park.

Tickets through Try Booking may be purchased from 9am on Tuesday 23rd April 2024 via our website www.lanecovemusic.org.au

LCM Anglican Church (St. Andrew’s), 19 Rosenthal Avenue, Lane Cove, behind the Post Office. Free parking opposite at The Canopy

Limited admission at the door on the night, online bookings preferred. Tickets at the door (cash only) $30 visitor, $10 student.

Bookings with TryBooking, accessed via our website from:

Join Gallery Lane Cove for casual drinks with Laura in her studio as she discusses the themes and ideas behind her works.

Enquiries welcome at 9428 4287.

Future 2024 Concerts, all Tuesdays at 7.30pm: 25th June, 13th August, 8th October, 26th November. ~ CONCERT ~

Tuesday 18th April 2023: www.lanecovemusic.org.au

Limited admission (cash only) at the door on the night, online bookings preferred.

Adults $30, Students $10 - enquiries are welcome at 9428 4287.

Future 2023 Concerts, all Tuesdays at 7.30pm: th

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BOOK REVIEWS

What Happened to Nina

I recently read ‘What Happened to Nina’ and do not think I will ever forget it. It’s like no other thriller I have ever read. We know from the outset Nina is missing. We know Simon has come home alone from his family’s cabin. Dervla McTernan takes us into this tragedy and explores how far this family will go to discover the truth. It became very clear to me that a very talented writer has looked at cases like Gabby Petto and considered the impact on their families. This is subject matter I wouldn’t normally be drawn to, but it was fascinating. Within pages I knew Nina, I knew Simon, felt so much sympathy for Leanne and Andy and was shocked by how much I empathised with Jamie and Rory who within seconds seem to hire expensive lawyers and a PR firm to throw mud anywhere…

I was absolutely part of the story. The characters are people. The setting absolutely vivid. This is an incredibly well-done thriller. You will not be able to look away. I do not think I am alone at having seen parents appealing for information at press conferences and hoped that would never be me. This novel really takes us behind the scenes to imagine what that could be like. It’s a powerful novel masterfully done.

What Happened to Nina is Dervla McTernan’s fifth novel. She is an Australian and internationally bestselling author. She lives in Perth although this is her second novel set in America and although I’ve been a fan of hers from the outset, I honestly believe this is her best yet. It is really atmospheric, the storyline is so engrossing and it twists and turns I would not have expected. I cannot recommend it more highly enough; I finished this book weeks ago and still find myself thinking about these people.

Tried-and-Tested Children’s Literature

Words: Elizabeth Allen

I thought I would report in on some of the books that we have been enjoying at our house lately. My two girls are three-and-a-half and 16 months old, but I think the following multi-faceted and layered picture books will be popular with children both younger and older than mine.

Our youngest is very petite despite having a healthy appetite and the early childhood nurses are always encouraging me to include plenty of healthy fats in her diet. So, it won’t be a huge surprise that one of our favourite books is Avocado Baby by John Burningham. In this story a baby who is a reluctant eater gets a taste for avocadoes and from that day forward develops superhuman strength – “The baby would help carry the shopping, move the furniture and push the car when it would not start.” The baby also helps in other ways, scaring away a burglar and throwing two mean bullies into the park pond when they harass his siblings.

The Australian author Alison Lester’s friendly, down-to-earth illustrations are accompanied by text that is always poetic and rich. She uses plenty of interesting verbs and adjectives, so her books are great to support children’s love of language and their ever-expanding vocabularies. Kissed by the Moon reads like a beautiful poem that celebrates human connection with the natural world and it makes a lovely gift for a new baby. Her Noni the Pony series combines a delightful set of animal characters with a very catchy rhyming structure –“Noni the Pony is friendly and funny. Her shimmering tail is the colour of honey.” We also love The Very Noisy Baby, The Journey Home, Imagine, and Magic Beach. Lester’s bighearted generosity extends beyond the page where she is often donating her time and skills to work with charities such as the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

Review by: Anna Loder. Anna is the founder of www.readabook.com.au and the podcast of the same name. She is a book fanatic and owns a second-hand bookshop and café in Cronulla. www.readabook.com.au

As well as being small our youngest can be quite impatient. Books really need to hold her attention so the more interactive they are the better. She loves classic lift-the-flap books like Where’s Spot by Eric Hill and Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell and his lesser known, Oh Dear. She also likes touch-and-feel books like Fuzzy Yellow Ducklings by Matthew Van Fleet and anything in the That’s Not My… series.

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Powered by People:

What it took to organise North Sydney’s float for the Mardi Gras

WORDS: ED YAN – organiser of the wonderful 'Independents for Inclusion' float for Kylea Tink MP, Zali Steggal MP, Allegra Spender MP, to march at the Mardi Gras Parade.

As a member not only of the North Sydney electorate but also of the LGBTQIA+ community, I felt privileged to have been invited to organise a parade float for this year’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras by Kylea Tink, the Independent Federal MP for North Sydney.

Kylea and I first got to know each other when I was a volunteer for her 2022 Federal Election. I was drawn to many qualities she espoused including that of diversity of representation and the importance of a community voice.

Mardi Gras not only celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community but is also an ongoing fight for recognition, respect and equality. How wonderful to have Kylea and her fellow “Independents for Inclusion”, Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender show their support and allyship!

Having a theme for the float- a message we wanted to conveywas crucial. We decided the theme would be “Powered by People,” a clear nod not only to Mardi Gras’ own theme this year of “Our Future” but to the democratic representation of our elected MPs and to the other participants in the float who came from the electorates of North Sydney, Warringah and Wentworth.

Due to the ever-increasing popularity of the Parade, Mardi Gras imposes limits on the number of participants in floats. We had more people who wanted to be in the float than we had the capacity for, people not just from the LGBTQIA+ community but allies as well. This was a great problem to have, and one we were able to address with some clever use of technology.

In all, we had 15 people physically join us on the float, and about 100 others

participate “virtually” by sending us their photos to be displayed on LEDbackpacks that were worn by those marching. The participants had such diversity in age, gender, ethnicity and sexual identity yet we were all united by shared values.

Organising the float took a huge amount of collaboration and constant communication across multiple channels, along with detailed planning, costuming, music selection, careful budgeting, and attendance of Parade briefings. We were also fortunate enough to have a TeamTINK volunteer who previously ran a prominent local dance school choreograph a routine for us and run regular weekend rehearsals with all participants.

We wanted to not only share our float’s message but to do it in an exciting, joyous and attention-grabbing way. This lead-up to the Parade is a

fantastic example of people coming together with a common objective, culminating when Parade day finally arrived on 2 March. It was with excitement that everyone in the float gathered for some really fun hair and makeup — think colour and glitter! — before heading to the Parade marshalling area where we joined other community groups readying their own floats.

Finally, our turn came to walk in the Parade. And honestly, nothing can beat the experience of tens of thousands of well-wishers cheering you on along the Parade route. A truly unique, empowering and emotional moment that has left all of us with enduring memories. Coming together like this fostered such a strong sense of community that extended beyond our float and the geographic borders of North Sydney.

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KT getting ready for Mardi Gras KT team Mardi Gras Kylie Tink's team at Mardi Gras

A BOUTIQUE LAW PRACTICE SPECIALISING IN CHILDREN’S LAW, CRIMINAL LAW AND FAMILY LAW

ADVO s AND FAMILY LAW PARENTING PROCEEDINGS

Last year, my practice represented an increasing number of parents in family law proceedings who were also issued with provisional Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs).

The primary question from parents in receipt of provisional and/or final ADVOs is: “Will it affect my chances in the family law proceedings?”. My professional answer is “it may”. The determining factor of whether an ADVO ultimately affects a parent’s family law outcome for parenting is determined by the final ADVO and whether other criminal charges accompany it.

Firstly, an ADVO is not a criminal charge. Rather it is a court order that is issued to an individual to assist the person to regulate their behaviour when in the company of the victim. It is not based on a finding of guilt and nor does it appear on a person’s criminal record. It is however heard at the Local Court (within its criminal list of the General Division) as provisional ADVOs are issued by the Police. At Court, an accused faced with a provisional ADVO can either: 1) Defend the ADVO resulting in a plea of not guilty being entered from a defended and a hearing will subsequently occur 2) Accept the ADVO as presented to the Court and is commonly dealt with immediately, or 3) Accept the ADVO on a “without admissions basis”. The latter tells the court that you are prepared to accept the requirements of an ADVO but without affirming the Police allegations. The Police often request the Court to make an ADVO Order for a duration of two years. However, there are exceptions to this rule and the order can be reduced to 12 months as experienced first-hand on two occasions last year.

Secondly, if an ADVO is breached, that is, you contravene the ADVO, the contravention is converted to a criminal charge. All breaches are viewed by the courts as acutely serious. If you have an ADVO or any other criminal charge listed for hearing, and you are in the middle of Family Court proceedings involving children, the Family Court will seek to ensure that the ADVO charge and/or additional criminal matters have been finalised before progressing with the family law matter. The Family Court’s justification for adopting this position stems from its primary concerns for the safety and well-being of all children involved in Family Court parenting matters. Once the ADVO and/or criminal matter has finalised, the Family Court will progress the family proceedings as expeditiously as possible to final orders.

If you require legal assistance with Police ADVOs, criminal charges, traffic law matters, family law proceedings and Binding Financial Agreements (BFAs) please don’t hesitate to contact Perin Legal.

GLORIA PERIN

A lawyer who consistently acts in your best interests.

70+ reviews

TVO 33 PERIN LEGAL LANE COVE (02) 8901 5059 Level 1, Suite 1.03, 102-104 Longueville Rd, Lane Cove www.perinlegal.com.au

One Day (Netflix)

One Day captures life’s ebbs and flows beautifully. Emma and Dexter’s journey post-graduation is both heartwarming and bittersweet, with fate guiding unexpected reunions. Spanning from 1988 to 2007, each annual encounter is brilliantly crafted. This rom-com is a delightful mix of warmth, humour, and occasional sorrow, heightened by a fantastic soundtrack. Opinions on the show may differ, but personally, I found it captivating, with Leo Woodall shining bright in his role as a loveable cad.

★★★★★

Why you should watch it: Fantastic adaptation of the book with superb performances.

Mr Bates vs the Post Office (7Plus)

Mr Bates vs. the Post Office unveils the extraordinary story of the greatest miscarriage of justice in British legal history. With top-notch acting and unfiltered truth, it exposes a scandal that’ll keep you glued to the screen. This isn’t just binge-worthy TV; it’s a loud call for justice by the downtrodden. You’ll find yourself repeatedly reminding yourself that Gwyneth Hughes’ drama isn’t a piece of fiction but a shockingly true story. This gripping portrayal will leave you questioning the system long after the credits roll.

Why you should watch it: Based on a true story, it may make you think twice the next time you visit the doctor.

What I watched on TV…

Step into the world of TV with Stephen Miller, our resident expert, as he guides you through his top picks from the past month. From gripping dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, Stephen shares what’s kept him glued to his screen.

The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin (Apple TV+)

In The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin, Noel Fielding shines as the charmingly absurd highwayman, leading his merry band through whimsical escapades while trying to escape the clutches of a thief-taker. With its playful tone and surreal twists, the show offers a delightful romp that fully embraces its offbeat, quirky heart. Britain does love parodying its history. Fielding’s dry wit adds an extra layer of hilarity to the whimsy, making it a brisk, entertaining ride that’s sure to tickle the funny bone.

Why you should watch it: Lots of fun with delightful Monty Pythonesque silliness!

Dublin Murders (Amazon Prime)

Based on Tana French’s novels In the Woods and The Likeness, Dublin Murders follows Detectives Rob Reilly and Cassie Maddox as they probe the murder of a young girl near Dublin, Ireland. Starring Irish actors Killian Scott and Sarah Greene, the series delves into the detectives’ friendship and the dark complexities of the case. While gripping, it may feel familiar to some, yet it offers a satisfyingly dark crime thriller with compelling performances. The intertwined mysteries leave haunting questions unanswered.

★★★½

Why you should watch it: A gritty and compelling whodunit featuring an outstanding cast.

The New Look (Apple TV+)

The New Look delves into the wartime struggles of Christian Dior and fashion luminaries like Coco Chanel, Pierre Balmain, and Cristóbal Balenciaga. Despite occasional narrative lapses, the production boasts stellar performances and high production values. It offers a profound exploration of human resilience amidst terror, avoiding simplistic portrayals of its characters. Juliette Binoche’s portrayal of Chanel adds depth, blurring the lines between victim and antagonist. While the series’ historical accuracy is debatable, its rich storytelling and intricate character studies make it a captivating watch.

Why you should watch it:

Ben Mendelsohn and Juliette Binoche do masterful work.

The Gentlemen – Series 1 (Netflix)

In The Gentlemen, aristocrat Eddie inherits a sprawling estate concealing a lucrative cannabis enterprise, sparking a heated struggle for dominance. With its stylish cast and seamless blend of action, comedy, and drama, the film offers an addictive rollercoaster of emotions. Despite its complex narrative, it celebrates the action genre’s essence. Each episode delivers humour and progresses the ludicrous plot, showcasing Guy Ritchie’s trademark flair. While it’s not a must-see, it’s a sophisticated option for an entertaining escape.

★★★★

Why you should watch it: It may not be flawless, but it is immensely enjoyable.

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★★★★
★★★★★
★★★½

100 Words

Juan placed the mummified alien specimens in their display boxes, facing the Mexican government officials, who would determine their authenticity. The X-ray and DNA test results were soon to be revealed. The world watched with baited breath. This was either an elaborate hoax, or a discovery that would change history. After a brief adjournment, the meeting resumed, with the alien specimens now missing.

Meanwhile, at the Southern border, the National Guardsman was dumbfounded by the two tiny, grey creatures, standing before him. He had processed thousands of migrants from countries all over the world, but never from other galaxies.

Mum enjoyed a glass of sherry of an evening. I used to buy her a bottle each week. One day, on asking if she was out of sherry, she replied “yes”, so I pulled into the local drive-through. As I left the car, I noticed mum sliding down quite low in her seat and turning her face away. After finishing the transaction, I commented “I suppose I’m the only one who buys sherry these days” to which the salesperson replied “No, (pointing at mum), she comes in once a week with her shopping trolley for a bottle.” Mum! Double dipping?

Do you have a 100 word story?

Email: editor@thevillageobserver.com.au

Absence makes the heart grow fonder…

Proverbs often contradict one another, as any reader soon discovers. The sagacity that advises us to look before we leap promptly warns us that if we hesitate we are lost; that absence makes the heart grow fonder, but out of sight, out of mind.

LEO ROSTEN

Do we really long for people more when they're not with us every day? Throughout history, writers, philosophers, musicians and scientists seem to think so. It’s no surprise to think that humans might invest more resources to shore up relationships that have somehow become weaker. Nevertheless, good evidence to back up this hypothesis has been hard to gather.

In a 2007 Study*, swathes of mobile phone records were used to measure how often pairs of people contact each other and how the time between calls varied over time. In particular, they focused on pairs who were geographically separated and so unable to meet easily. They then measured how the duration of the calls varied as the gap in time and distance increased.

The results make for interesting reading. They found a clear increase in the duration of calls between people when the time since the last call was greater than average. In other words, people spend more time catching up when they have been out of contact for longer.

But they also found a number of caveats. It turns out the effect is significantly more pronounced when males call other males and females call other females and when younger people, particularly those in their 30s, call each other. In particular, the effect is stronger for people separated by larger distances. “These results suggest that when individuals fail to contact each other frequently enough they compensate by devoting more time to the next call.”

* Ref: arxiv.org/abs/1608.01842

It seems then that the saying "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" still has its place. So, as we ponder the truth behind it, let's all allow our hearts to grow fonder for everyone in our life; near and far. And if you’re looking for your own way to connect with others, why not give one of our activities a go …it wouldn’t be the same without you!

Creating relational spaces for meaningful connection is at the heart of what we do. Want to know more?

Come and join the conversation where all are welcome, and all means ALL.

TVO 35 Liam McKenna Lane Cove Community Chaplain
0404 596 592 E: lanecovechaplain@gmail.com www.lanecovecc.com Supported by Lane Cove Uniting Church
P:

The Shop in Between

The City of Ryde has many apartments particularly along Victoria Road but sandwiched between apartment block numbers 525 and 529 is a small, obscure shop front at number 527. But what is the history of this little place and the businesses that used to trade from it? While researching the shop’s history I came across the name of a local butcher that served the community and is still remembered.

Jack Mitchell Straube was born on 5 July 1925 in Quirindi, New South Wales to parents Stephen Clive Straube, a railway guard and Elizabeth Maude Mitchell. Jack had an older brother Joseph Clive and a younger sister Clara Maude. In 1939 when WWII was declared, Jack was only 14 years old. Just before his 18th birthday, Jack signed up into the 2nd AIF on 2 July 1943 in Paddington. Jack was living at Penshurst with his parents and had trained as a butcher when he signed up for war service. He also liked to play the banjo mandolin. Basic training was at Dubbo. In July 1944, Jack was involved in a serious military vehicle accident at Peel, was hospitalised with severe injuries including a fracture to the skull. The road to recovery was long but by 5 January 1945, Jack was on HMS Duntroon on his way to Papua New Guinea to defend Australia. He served there until 29 May 1945 when he boarded the troop ship ‘Gorgan’ on his return to Brisbane. He married Peggy Jean Knight on 2 Feb 1946 at St John’s Bishopthorpe Church, Glebe. He was just 20 years old and Peggy just 19 years old so needed the consent of both sets of parents for the marriage. After being discharged from military service on 24 April 1946, Jack returned to his trade as a butcher and was looking for a good business opportunity. As a sole trader, he saw an opportunity at the shop at 527 Victoria Road, Ryde. Luckily, next door at number 529 was a house just right for a growing family. Jack, Peggy and their three children (John, Patricia and Geoff) settled into family life in the expanding suburb of Ryde.

Local Les de Belin remembers Jack and his butcher shop with fond memories.

“As a kid, I lived in Cressy Road, not far from Jack’s butcher shop on Victoria Road. It was only a small butcher shop with a display window onto Victoria Road decorated with green plastic ferns on show for the meat. I remember the sawdust on the floor, the centre stand-alone counter, white butcher paper, scales, and Jack’s white shirt, blue butcher apron and tools of the trade. We used to buy our family meat from him. We also used to buy dog food from him too – meat scraps. Originally, he used to wrap the scraps in his butcher’s paper, but said it was costing him money doing this for the small profit of the scraps. So, I ended up bringing an empty hessian bag down to the shop every Friday. Jack would let me go into the meat fridge out the back which was wood panelled with wooden shelves. I would scavenge

any scraps from the scrap meat box. Sometimes it was good meat and bones for the dog, other times it was a lot of fat offcuts – but the dog had plenty to eat. This bag of scraps cost Mum 2/- and this was in the early 1960s. Jack’s son, John junior was also an apprentice butcher. A couple of decades later I caught up with Jack and he was still the larrikin bloke from the bush as I knew him.”

Jack, Peggy Jean and the three children lived at 529 Victoria Road until around 1972 when they moved to 18 Massey Street, Gladesville. Jack and Peggy Jean lived in Gladesville until late 1980 then moved to Padstow to be close to Jack’s relatives. Jack passed away on 9 February 2012 - his obituary appeared in the Sydney Daily Telegraph on 14 February 2012.

A number of businesses have leased 529 Victoria Road

Ryde. Notably, T J. Andrews Funeral Directors had a long lease at the address but vacated in 2018 when the property was sold. In August of the same year, a development application was lodged with City of Ryde Council for a three level boarding house. The application was declined. The building was leased again to the company Shorelink Real Estate. In 2021 the building was sold for $1.4 million but has remained empty since with no further application tendered to City of Ryde Council. A wooden hoarding has appeared around the front façade installed by the construction company MAS Constructions Pty Ltd.

The shop is currently vacant awaiting another development application.

36 TVO
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527 Victoria Road, Ryde. Captured from Google Maps c2017
Historical

EXCITING NEW YEAR LOOMS FOR CITY OF RYDE EISTEDDFOD

Ryde Eisteddfod has been going for more than 30 years but always there are new and better ways of offering this exciting event.

A 2024 challenge for string players in the instrumental section is being offered by Vov Dylan – Australian violinist who has extensive experience both locally and internationally. He wants to see more string players playing Australian string compositions as they develop their technique and musicianship preparing for their exams and the HSC and has teamed up with the Australian Music Centre to offer exciting prizes.

2023 saw the dance sections of the Eisteddfod and all of the vocal and instrumental ensembles move to the Auditorium of Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club for their performances. Knowing what they are able to do with the facilities available there the schools, dance studios and local community groups are planning to build on this in 2024. And in response to requests from teachers the Eisteddfod is running a day of Graded Ensembles events – enabling Novice, Intermediate and Championship Ensembles to challenge other groups of similar experience and ability to become the top ensemble in that category for 2024.

There is still time for local businesses to get on board this year and sponsor some of the exciting events – speech plays, vocal arias, new compositions, from the Tiny Tots right through to the Special 50 Plus sections

Contact the sponsorship secretary, Victor Chung at sponsorshipsecretary@rydeeisteddfod.org or just go onto the website www.re.org.au to get more details.

For general information send a message via Livechat from the front page of the website – or phone Suzanne Maslen on 9874 2809.

TVO 37

Window on the World

Martin looked at the streetscape from his fourth-floor window. The city was already awake and bustling. Early risers out for a morning jog. Delivery men jostling for a place to park their vans. Some early starters smartly dressed and hurrying to their place of work.

A window on the world, but a world he planned to change before the morning was over. He felt the holster securely against his chest, gun in place, it gave him a sense of power, confidence that he was in control.

He saw the woman in the red beret walking briskly down the street and stop at the entrance to the nightclub across the road. She leaned casually against the billboard advertising the attractions the ladies in the show would deliver that evening. Somehow the freshness of early morning made them look even more sordid.

“There she is. Time for the show to begin,” Martin felt a wave of excitement as he reached for his keys and the envelope containing the instructions sent from Berlin.

“Let the music play,” he said aloud chuckling to himself as he headed for the door. Maybe he wouldn’t feel quite the same bravado if he’d seen the faces at the window opposite, the road wasn’t wide and they had seen his every move.

As he reached the street, a white, unmarked van sped away. He wondered what was going on. He looked across to where the lady with the red beret had been standing. She was no longer there. ‘Had she been picked up in the van? Damn!’ He pondered.

He walked over to where he had seen her standing. On the ground was her red beret. He looked around, picked up the beret, and placed it in his pocket. He prayed no one noticed. He questioned some passers-by. Her disappearance had happened so quickly. No one knew anything. Then he heard the police siren blaring, and saw their flashing lights approaching.

He left quietly, not to be conspicuous, and returned to his room, to again watch the events from his window. He saw the police speaking to passers-by, but he knew that they wouldn’t learn much as it had all happened so quickly. He was glad to be back in his room, glad he wouldn’t come under scrutiny from the police, but he was mystified how it could all have happened in the short time it took him to walk downstairs from his room. He felt his holster. It had given him confidence earlier, but his bravado was now gone. The reality of what he had become involved in was now real.

Sitting down, he read through the contents of the envelope he had been given.

Suddenly, he heard heavy footsteps on the stairway. They were getting closer. Was someone coming after him? He took the beret and the letter and stuffed both quickly under the mattress. He sat down with a newspaper in his hand. If

anyone burst in to his room, he would appear relaxed. He listened intently. To his relief the footsteps receded along the corridor. He lessened his grip on his holster, letting the newspaper drop to the floor. He sat quietly for a moment, then reached under the mattress and retrieved the red beret and his instructions from Berlin.

What to do next? Martin whispered to himself. ‘I may have the beret but haven’t made my connection with its owner – Ingrid. It will be major problem for us if the police have picked her up.’

Going over to the window he cautiously looked down into the street below. The police had moved on having completed their building checks. Then, to his relief, he spotted a woman hurrying across the street toward his building. She looked familiar. Jubilantly, he pumped the air. It was Ingrid. He bounded across the room to open the door.

‘Come in, Ingrid.’

‘Gott sei Dank habe ich dich gefunden,’ Ingrid whispered. ‘Yes, indeed, thank God you are here. I, too, am relieved you’ve found me,’ agreed Martin as Ingrid pulled a key out of her pocket and handed it to him.

‘My English not goot,’ she explained. ‘I lucky I walk fast away when police come.’

Martin nodded in an understanding way. ‘I’m glad you’re safe. This is the key which will open the post office box?

‘Ja, ja!’ Ingrid smiled. She had accomplished her part of the mission. ‘I go now, alles gute!

‘All the best to you too’ Martin replied.

Thirty minutes later he left the building by the back door, walking casually along the street. He sensed someone was following him. He patted the top pocket of his coat reassured by the presence of his gun - and the key. He increased his pace. The footsteps behind him quickened. Traffic was heavy. He weaved his way across the street, oblivious of the vehicles hooting their displeasure at his reckless action and continued at a fast pace to the post office.

38 TVO
Short
Story

Martin glanced furtively over his shoulder. He was alone. He opened the box, removed a Manilla envelope, secreting it inside his coat.

‘I’ll relieve you of that.’

Martin spun round. A tall, swarthy, strongly built man grabbed him, forcing his arm behind his back.

‘You’re not going anywhere,’ his assailant growled as he ripped Martin’s coat open and snatched the envelope. ‘It contains the information we’ve been after for a long time. Thank you!’

‘No, thank you for falling into our trap,’ whispered a stylishly dressed, tall woman as she pushed the silencer of her gun into his body. The assailant slumped to the ground.

Out of the shadows of the deserted street stepped Ingrid. The tall woman had disappeared leaving Martin and Ingrid to move the body into the alleyway.

‘Mission certainly accomplished,’ said Martin. ‘That’s what I call MI6 teamwork!

Ingrid smiled and adjusted her red beret.

Issy Jinarmo is the pen name of three members of the Fellowship of Australian Writers NSW - Maureen Kelly OAM, Narelle Noppert, Jill Baggett who collaborate on writing fiction. After one year working together, Issy’s stories numbered 40, and the trio found success publishing online, in magazines and anthologies, plus an International Women’s Day 2021 book and a book of ghost stories.

NEW YOGA CLASS: STRETCH AND SOCIAL

Join Sinead Costello, an experienced yoga and wellbeing specialist, in our new yoga class. You will focus on gentle movements, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

When: Starts Wednesday 1 May 2024

9.30am to 10.30am

Cost: First Session FREE*

Term enrolment on the day.

Term: 10-week term at $12 per session, or $15 per casual visit

Location: Sydney Community Services, Park View Room, 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove

Contact us for further information: P: 9427 6425 E: support@sydneycs.org

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Authorised by Kylea Tink. Level 10, 2 Elizabeth Plaza, North Sydney NSW 2060. Wednesday May 1 | 10:00am-12:00pm Dougherty Community Centre, 7 Victor St, Chatswood NSW 2067 REGISTER FOR FREE AT: www.kyleatink.com.au/ageing-well or call (02) 9929 9822 Ageing Well Seminar: Scams & Financial Security Australians are losing hundreds of millions of dollars to scam artists every year, with older Australians reporting the greatest losses. Join Kylea Tink MP, ScamWatch and Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney for a free community seminar that will help you learn to identify scams, what to do if targeted, and counselling services that can help.

A MESSAGE FROM BRANKA IVKOVIC, CEO

Understanding consumer satisfaction

In the realm of not-for-profit organisations, understanding the dynamics of consumer satisfaction is just as crucial as it is in the commercial sector. Sydney Community Services (SCS) recently undertook quality surveys, which unearthed invaluable insights into what drives satisfaction and loyalty among our consumers and volunteers. Survey participants represented a diverse cross-section of seniors, people with a disability and volunteers who were invited to share their feedback on various aspects of their engagement with our organisation. To ensure that the survey was as widely accessible as possible, it was distributed in both hard copy and digitally, and made available in English, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin, and Farsi.

I would like to share some of the key insights with you:

• A combined 95.06% of our seniors were either very satisfied or satisfied with the services provided.

• A large percentage of consumers (92.48%) were involved in decisions about the services they receive from SCS, and a similar number were also involved in decisions about the activities undertaken (92.11%).

• 98.75% of consumers felt safe and free from abuse and/or neglect while receiving services.

When asked ‘What do you like best about SCS’, we were overwhelmed with responses, such as:

"Availability, professionalism, friendliness of staff. Good to know that if I ever need more services, they are available".

"Safety and knowing the person is safe to be around. Service has been able to respond to changing needs without difficulty. I like that lots of services all come from the one place and staff all communicate with each other and know their client. Have been able to support increased needs".

Similarly, there is overwhelming consumer satisfaction for SCS’ services provided to people with a disability, 100% of respondents stating they were either extremely satisfied or satisfied with the services provided.

• A large percentage of respondents reported being involved in decisions about the services received (85%) and the activities undertaken (75%).

• 100% of respondents felt safe and free from abuse and/or neglect while receiving services.

The volunteers are a backbone of our organisation as they freely offer their time, skills, and efforts to support the wellbeing of members of our community. Volunteers support 80% of SCS programs.

• 95.84% of volunteers are satisfied or very satisfied with their volunteering experience at SCS.

• The primary reasons for volunteering were helping the community (93.99%), social interaction and connection (40.82%) and maintaining an active lifestyle (34.69%).

• A combined 97.96% of volunteers were either very likely or likely to continue volunteering with SCS in the future.

“I am very happy with the way the service operates. The staff are wonderful and caring, and I look forward to the days I attend there. I have also found the staff very supportive of all the volunteers”.

40 TVO
Lane Cove Hub HEAD OFFICE 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove T 02 9427 6425 E support@sydneycs.org www.sydneycs.org Hunters Hill-Ryde Hub 46 Gladesville Road, Hunters Hill Meeting House Hub 23a Stokes Street, Lane Cove North SUPPORTED BY THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGED CARE

Sydney Community Services (SCS) recently undertook quality surveys, which unearthed invaluable insights into what drives satisfaction and loyalty among our consumers and volunteers.

SCS achieved an overall Net Promoter Score (a measure of customer satisfaction and loyalty) of 73, which places us firmly in the excellent service category.

The overwhelmingly positive feedback SCS received across our programs, as well as from our incredible volunteers, is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our staff who play a pivotal role in delivering exceptional services, fostering positive relationships, and ensuring consumer satisfaction.

SCS is an organisation that embraces continuous improvement in an effort to better fulfill its mission of serving and supporting our community. The insights obtained from the quality surveys will enable us to enhance service quality, meet evolving needs, foster innovation, and empower staff and volunteers.

I would like to thank everyone who participated in our surveys this year, but if you didn’t have the opportunity to complete a survey, please note SCS’ door is always open for feedback. We have just wrapped up a month of activities and events for the NSW Seniors Festival – a celebration of all seniors in our local community. A new consumer attended our ‘Shake, Rattle and Roll’ Elvis event and provided us with fabulous feedback. His comments reinforce the importance of consumer satisfaction and why we continue to strive to deliver excellence.

"Thank you for the amazing Elvis concert at Stokes St Lane Cove yesterday. I had the most amazing time, I danced a bit for the first time in over 10 years, talked to some lovely ladies and had a great lunch and coffee, which I didn't expect, got invited to go sailing on a yacht. Not only that it's only a 5-minute walk from where I lived for over 24 years, I also didn't know anything about The Hub as it's the first Seniors event I have been to. The staff where great and organised. Well done".

Feedback, both positive and negative, better equips us to overcome challenges, achieve our goals and reach our full potential.

If you would like to get in touch with us, please call on 9427 6425, email ‘support@sydneycs.org’, or visit one of our Hubs. We would love to hear from you. Together we can continue to achieve a high level of consumer, volunteer and staff satisfaction.

Volunteer today and help make a difference

Your support allows us to continue to improve the quality of life of people in the local community so they can remain living independently in their own homes for as long as they wish.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:

 Mahjong

Do you love Mahjong? Would you like to teach people how to play? We are looking for a passionate Mahjong player who would like to teach others how to play. (Please note we play the ‘western’ style of Mahjong). This class is held each Tuesday from 9.30am – 11.30am.

 Disability Groups

We are looking for volunteers for our disability groups that require support on various outings. These groups include the Walking Group and the New Explorers Group, held on a Monday and Tuesday from 10.00am –2.00pm. Contact us for further information and if you are interested in providing your assistance.

 Gardeners

We would like to find enthusiastic people to assist our gardening team. This runs on Tuesday to Thursday, 8.30am - 12noon. There is flexibility and you can decide to volunteer weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Great team environment.

 Linen Service

Can you offer your time to help change the bed and bathroom linen of consumers in their home and replace with commercially laundered linen. The linen is then collected and returned to SCS and the Lane Cove hub. We require a volunteer every second and fourth Monday of each month, 8:30am to 10.30am-11am, approximately (dates may change depending on public holidays).

If you, or someone you know, is interested in any of the volunteer vacancies, contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Yvonne Hughes, for more information and find out how you can get involved

P: 9427 6425 E: yhughes@sydneycs.org

www.sydneycs.org

TVO 41

WHAT’S ON APRIL 2024

Book Club

1.30pm - 2.30pm

Monday 15 April 2024

Cost: $5 including book/afternoon tea.

HEAD OFFICE

1 Pottery

Cove 9427 6425

Mah Jong

Come and join us for a fun morning of Mah Jong.

Cost: $5 including afternoon tea. Lane

Movement

Matters

Tuesday, 12pm - 1pm and 1.15pm - 2.15pm.

Wednesdays, 11.15am - 12.15pm.

Fridays, 10am - 11am. Contact us for further details and registration.

Seniors Hub

Hunters

46

8598 7051 Meeting

23a

9003 1399

If you are a family member or carer of someone living with dementia, take some time out knowing we are looking after your loved one.

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

Cost: $35 Contact us for a monthly program.

E: support@sydneycs.org

Seniors Shopping Bus

Tuesdays and Thursdays

10am - 11am.

Return trip from your home to Lane Cove shops. We can also assist to carry your shopping into your home. Cost: $15

P: 9003 1399

E: jvenn@sydneycs.org

 Tuesdays, 9.30am - 11.30am (spaces available)

 Wednesdays, 1.00 - 3.45pm (currently full)

Cost: $5 including afternoon tea. New players please contact us:

E: support@sydneycs.org

Seniors Social Support

Afghan, Chinese, Iranian, Italian, and Spanish seniors groups.

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 to all CALD communities in the Greater Sydney area.

Contact us for a monthly program. E: tliu@sydneycs.org

Senior Services

Seniors Social Bus Outings

Mondays and Wednesdays. We have great outings planned for April to a variety of destinations. Contact us for the full program.

P: 9003 1399 E: jvenn@sydneycs.org

Trivia and Morning tea

Monday 22 April, 10.30am - 12.30pm

Test your general knowledge, have fun and meet new people.

Cost: $30, transport available P: 9003 1399 E: jvenn@sydneycs.org

Scrabble

Thursdays, 10am - 12noon

Cost: $5 including morning tea.

Social Bridge

Thursdays, 12.30pm - 3.30pm

The Velveteens

2nd Monday each month 10am – 4pm.

Join us for morning tea before heading off to a different venue each month.

If you are over 65, registered with My Aged Care, have a referral code for Social Support Group and are totally independent then contact us for more information.

Cost: $20 (does not include lunch/beverages).

E: support@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. Contact us for more details.

P: 9427 6425

E: support@sydneycs.org

42 TVO
Activities
Cove Hub
Lane, Lane
Hill-Ryde
Activities
Hub
Gladesville Road, Hunters Hill
House Hub Activities
Street, Lane Cove North
Stokes
Costs indicated are for Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) participants only. Contact us and speak with one of our Coordinators to learn more about other funding options.

9427 6425 support@sydneycs.org

Social Tennis Group

Join us every Thursday at Lane Cove Tennis Club, Central Park, Kenneth St, Longueville.

Cost $5. Every Thursday 9-11am

All players must register prior to playing – please call Julie 9427 6425. We look forward to seeing you on the court!

Table Tennis

Fridays,

Cost:

Women's Wellness Class - Tuesdays

Strength and balance exercise

Time: 9.45am - 10.45am

Contact us for more information about cost and term times.

Social Bus Outings

BOOMers Mens Group

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

Contact us for the full April program.

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

Disability Supports

Join us every Tuesday and visit a new destination.

Group community access activities from Mon – Fri in centres and community. Activities: drama ensemble, creative movement, full and half-day excursions, Sailablity, art groups and virtual meetups.

House Playgroups 2023

Time: 9.00am - 4.00pm

WHEN:

Cost: $25 (Bus only)

WHERE:

E: hheggie@sydneycs.org

Cost: based on the NDIS pricing schedule. Individual support, including transport, daily living activities and community access available on request. gstarkey@sydneycs.org or support@sydneycs.org

HOURS OF OPERATION:

8.30am - 4.00pm I Monday - Friday

www.sydneycs.org

Winter Fashion Parade

Thursday 11 April 2024: 10am-12.30pm

• 10am - 12.30pm. Cost: $20

• Sydney Community Services, Lane Cove Community Hub, The Terrace Room, 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove

• Three hours free parking available

• Limited local transport available.

FOR MORE INFO PLEASE CONTACT:

P: 9427 6425 E: support@sydneycs.org

Moocooboola Computer Club for Seniors

• Monday, Tuesday and Thursday

• Community Centre, 44 Gladesville Road, Hunters Hill.

E: support@sydneycs.org SAVE THE

CHESS CLUB

Starting Monday 8 April 2024

Story Playgroups

TERM COSTS:

- $10 per casual visit

Thursdays

Arts,

- $60 per term/one session per week

for multiple sessions

P: 9003 1399

E:

VENUE:

TIME: 1pm - 2.30pm

PLEASE CONTACT: P: 9427 6425

E: support@sydneycs.org

Working at your own pace, learn how to explore your needs and interests such as archiving photos or planning holidays with guidance from our volunteer trainers, have fun with your IT devices, (no Apple Macs), and meet new people.

P: 9816 5293 or

P: 9879 4588 (during club sessions)

E: moocoo@netspace.net.au

MEETING HOUSE OPEN DAY

Tuesday 7 May 2024. 10am – 2pm

23a Stokes St, Lane Cove North

page 2 for more information

TVO ENQUIRIES AND BOOKINGS FOR ACTIVITIES:
Supported by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
- $100 per term
support@sydneycs.org
TIMES COME ALONG AND JOIN IN
Tuesdays ALL INGREDIENTS INCLUDED Sydney Community Services Phone: 9003 1399 Email: support@sydneycs.org All playgroups run during term time only. MEETING HOUSE PLAYGROUPS ARE SUPPORTED BY LANE COVE COUNCIL AND DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITIES AND JUSTICE
GROUP
Meeting
Tuesdays and
9.30am to 11.30am
Thursdays,
At the Meeting House Hub, 23a Stokes St, Lane Cove North
EarlyEd is and early intervention service for young children with disabilities & delays in their developments. For more information please visit: www.earlyed.com.au ENQUIRIES TERM COSTS
per casual visit $60 per term for 1 session per week $100 per term for multiple sessions Supporting your local Lane Cove Community Hub
Craft, Music and Story Playgroups 0 - 5 years 9.30am to 11.30am Supported by Early Ed Fortnightly
$10
Arts,
Craft, Music and Story Playgroups
- 5 years 9.30am to 11.30am Meet
0
12.00
- 4.00pm
$5
Chess group - Mondays at 1pm. The group is friendly and sociable, and all abilities are welcome. Cost: $5pp which includes afternoon tea.
New
The Meeting
House, 23a Stokes Street, Lane Cove North
DATE
See
$20 Includes our signature morning tea PLUS Free mocktail on arrival
returns with
collection.
The Golden Girls Fashion Parade
the autumn winter
PETTING ZOO, FACE PAINTING, BOOK STALL, CHINESE DANCE TROUPE, SAUSAGE SIZZLE, AND LOTS MORE. FREE EVENT for all the local community. Bring the family.

ANTHONY ROBERTS

MP

P: 9817 4757

E: lanecove@parliament.nsw.gov.au

In early March the Ceremony for the NSW Women of the Year was held at the International Convention Centre, Sydney. Local resident, Marea De Angelis was awarded Lane Cove Woman of the Year.

Marea, who lives in Hunters Hill, stood out and exemplified the values of unity and care within the community that we all appreciate and value.

Marea is the visionary behind the "Forget Me Not" initiative, a community-based outreach program established at the start of the March 2020 lockdown. This initiative successfully connects the elderly and isolated within the community with young families, providing crucial support and care.

The program has not only facilitated a deeper understanding between generations but has also nurtured intergenerational friendships during a critical time of need.

Simultaneously, Marea played a pivotal role in organizing the "Bags for the Bush" program, an initiative delivering essential food supplies to a drought aid pantry utilized by over 140 farming families.

Marea serves as a dedicated volunteer and supporter of St Vincent de Paul. Additionally, she holds the position of Family Educator at Villa Maria Primary School and the Holy Name of Mary Church.

Over the years, she has offered unwavering support to the Cana community, volunteering at Teresa House Homeless shelter in Surry Hills and actively participating in fundraising initiatives for Cana Farm.

The founder and creator of the parish/schoolbased Camp Run-a-Muck, Marea has pioneered a transformative initiative recognizing the vital role Fathers and Father Figures play in children's lives.

Marea has also facilitated a meaningful partnership between Jarjum Aboriginal School in Redfern and Villa Maria, connecting the two institutions through dedicated time and resources.

Her ongoing support for Chris O'Brien Lifehouse underscores her commitment to assisting patients, caregivers, and medical staff with valuable time and resources.

Marea has become an inspirational figure in the community. Her eagerness to learn, embrace new experiences, and generously share her knowledge exemplifies the true essence of "community spirit."

I’d like to congratulate Marea on behalf of the entire Lane Cove Electorate.

CLR TRENTON BROWN CITY OF RYDE MAYOR

P: 9952 8222

E: mayor@ryde.nsw.gov.au

Proud to be Ryde’s new Mayor

I was honoured to be elected the new Mayor of the City of Ryde at an Extraordinary Council Meeting held on 19 March 2024.

I will hold this position until the 14 September 2024 Local Government elections at which time the voters of Ryde will choose a popularly elected Mayor.

In the meantime, I will devote my time and energy to this wonderful community, working collaboratively and harmoniously with my fellow councillors to meet the challenges we face, ensuring the best outcomes for all.

In taking on this important role, I would like to pay tribute to my predecessor Clr Sarkis Yedelian OAM, who has tirelessly served both this Council and the Ryde community for 20 years. He will be enjoying a well-deserved retirement after this Council term ends and I wish him all the best.

The City of Ryde’s most creative and popular annual artistic competition is accepting entries from 2 April and I can’t wait to see what amazing ideas 2024 generates.

The Sustainable Waste 2 Art Prize (SWAP) is an environmental art competition for people aged 10 and over who live, work, study or play in the City of Ryde. SWAP aims to raise awareness of environmental issues and encourage positive behaviour change using artworks and design objects made from upcycled waste materials as mediums of communication.

Entries for the competition close Sunday 28 July 2024. For more information and to enter the competition visit www. ryde.nsw.gov.au/SWAP

While I’m on the subject of creativity, Council’s 2024 Battle of the Band’s competition - which is being held on Wednesday 17 April from 5.30-9.30pm – is a fantastic opportunity for some of our local musicians to showcase their skills and talent.

Staged at Lachlan's Line Auditorium, this night is sure to be jam packed with excitement so come along with your family and friends to support your favourite artists, enjoy some food and just have a good time.

For more details, go to: www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/BOTB

And, finally, I’m hoping to see people both young and old at our commemorative Anzac Day service on Thursday 25 April from 9.00-10.00am at Anzac Park, West Ryde. It’s a sombre, meaningful, and essential reflection on the bravery of those who gave their lives for this great country in times of war.

For more details, go to: www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/ANZACDay

44 TVO

ZAC MILES HUNTERS HILL MAYOR

P: 9879 9400

101st Combined ANZAC Memorial

Australia’s commemoration on ANZAC Day goes beyond the anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli in 1915. It is a day for all Australians to reflect on the bravery of our current and former defence force personnel and honour those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. In Hunters Hill, we traditionally hold a commemorative service on the eve of ANZAC Day.

This allows local veterans and personnel to attend a service in Hunters Hill before marking the occasion on 25 April with their compatriots from the armed services in Sydney CBD or the nation's capital, Canberra.

This year marks the 101st year of continuous ANZAC observances hosted by the Hunters Hill RSL Sub-Branch and Hunter’s Hill Council for our local community.

The service will be held on Tuesday 23 April, commencing with a short wreath laying service at 6.30pm at the RSL Memorial Hall, 56 Alexandra Street, Hunters Hill.

A march will begin at 6.45pm outside the RSL Memorial Hall and culminate at the Town Hall, 22 Alexandra Street, for the main service at 7pm.

This is a community event and anyone wishing to pay their respects is welcome to join.

Skate and Celebrate

As part of our NSW Youth Week celebrations, our Council will be staging Skate and Celebrate at Gladesville Reserve skate park on Friday 12 April from 4.30pm to 8.30pm.

The event will feature fun skateboarding workshops, street art stations, and an interactive DJ session and more, making it an enjoyable experience for everyone. There will also be a free BBQ run by the 1st Boronia Scouts. This is a great opportunity for young people to gather, socialise and make new friends while listening to some great music and enjoying delicious food. Make sure to save the date!

For more information, visit www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/events.

Community information session

Feedback on the NSW Government proposal to increase housing density across the state has now closed but we are committed to showing the NSW Government that our community will continue to oppose it.

The proposed reforms will have a material detrimental effect on our neighbourhoods, allowing developers to bypass our planning rules that reflect our vision to protect the amenity and character of our municipality.

I will be holding a community meeting to discuss the impacts of allowing dual occupancy developments on lowdensity residential zoned land and work with the community to contest them.

The meeting will take place on Wednesday 3 April from 7pm in the Town Hall. I urge all our residents to attend.

It has been an important month for diversity and inclusion in North Sydney, and I’ve very much enjoyed connecting with many in our community during Mardi Gras, International Women’s Day and Harmony Week celebrations.

As a community independent, these are the occasions that matter most to me: times where I can get together with the people of our community and learn about your experiences, concerns and ambitions, so I can take them with me to Parliament House.

For Mardi Gras, I was joined by Zali Steggall MP, Allegra Spender MP, and about 15 constituents from our electorates of North Sydney, Warringah and Wentworth on the Independents for Inclusion parade float, which was themed ‘Powered by People’.

True to our theme, the evening was truly a group effort, with volunteers putting in a huge amount of work behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly. Thank you to all who joined us on the night — including the 100 or so people who joined us virtually by sending in their photos to be displayed on the float to show their support for LGBTQIA+ pride and inclusion.

International Women’s Day was another big event here in North Sydney. I had the privilege of hosting a sold-out breakfast with almost 200 North Sydneysiders coming together to hear from the inspirational Catherine Fox, Michelle Lim, Melanie Fernandez and Sophie Scott, and discuss persistent gender inequities at home, in society and in the workplace.

While it is clear we do not yet have a gender-equal Australia, following significant advocacy by myself and others on the crossbench the Government has taken small but significant steps this month to address some of the systemic issues in superannuation and pay. I'm looking forward to engaging further with my colleagues in Parliament on the new National Strategy for Gender Equality, and ensuring that it truly delivers the change we want to see.

Also this month, we celebrated Harmony Week, which is an annual celebration of cultural diversity in Australia. With all that’s happening across the world right now, it’s more important than ever that we continue to support each other, and stand together as a socially cohesive community.

I’ve always believed that we in North Sydney are fortunate to have ties to cultures from all across the world, with almost half of us born overseas and over a third speaking a language other than English at home. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing from a number of multicultural groups at our Harmony Week concert, and watching some wonderful primary school performances. Well done to all involved!

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kylea.tink.mp@aph.gov.au
KYLEA TINK MP
E:
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