Interview - Scott Frank Bird

Scott Frank Bird is the new Chairperson of the Diddy – officially known as the Longueville Sporting Club. A born and bred Lane Covian he chats here about his time growing up on The Riverview Estate, what the Diddy means to him and what a perfect day in Lane Cove and beyond looks like.

 Your parents built a house in Riverview and you attended Lane Cove Public School in the 70s. Give us a snapshot of your memory from back then…

Growing up in Lane Cove in the 70s, it seems like such a long time ago. The Riverview Estate I grew up on was a quiet place, and most houses had vacant blocks next to them. The kids all played in the streets on bikes, homemade billy carts, or maybe played ‘chase’ in the bush. We had the occasional rock fight, but we all played well together and went back home when the streetlights came on. There was no form of instant communication, so you would hear whistles from parents on their balconies, or they drove around the streets and parks hoping to find us. Dad would come home on a hot summer day and take us down to the rock pool in Tambourine Bay next to the Scout Hall. Most kids caught the bus to school from the age of five, and the older kids always had the back seat. For the Lane Cove Public and St Michaels students, it was a competition. The older boys would try and make us fight for entertainment. Sometimes you’d go home with a black eye. I was lucky that I had three sisters and the older boys wanted to impress them. That meant I was protected.

 You played sport with Lane Cove’s rugby union and soccer teams, and the Lane Cove Tigers. Is this where your commitment to clubs and their role in community started?

Everyone seemed to play a sport, with most starting at Lane Cove soccer on the weekend and then moving onto Lane Cove Rugby Union. We all had to participate in the swimming carnivals - if you couldn’t swim, they would teach you. It wasn’t about being the best. It was about being a part of a team, even though there was some stiff competition in the older groups. Not being the great footballer, I only played until I was 16. I always surfed though, even from an early age. My understanding of community didn’t just come from sport though - my Mum started an ice cream shop in Lane Cove Plaza (Birdy’s). Someone needed to make ice cream, so I learnt the process and found a job. I moved out of home and was living on top of the shop in Lane Cove, so I was in the heart of all of it.

 As a Carpenter/Builder by trade, what do you think of the developments that have sprung up around Lane Cove?

I worked on the tools for almost 20 years as a Carpenter, and then started my own business working on commercial projects as a subcontractor to large construction companies, now in a head contracting role with one of my sons at Refit Australia Pty Ltd. I see local development through the eyes of someone whose world is Lane Cove. We have no option but to allow growth, but we need to improve infrastructure.

Traffic management is a big issue, and it annoys me when I see the bus interchange has been built to service the Eastern trip to the city, when the West’s return has seemingly been forgotten. The new Canopy Project is an enormous success. I hope we stay away from the remaining residential properties as we don’t want to lose the village feel of Lane Cove and create a concrete jungle. I think we are reaching our peak, and it is time to renovate the old units, even if we increase their size. The great thing about Lane Cove Council is that it has always maintained our flora and fauna. There are concerns regarding our grasslands - these are not just parks for the once or twice a week sport event and should never become plastic (synthetic).

 Tell us how you got involved with the Diddy…

The Diddy’s a place for many locals or passers-by to drop-in and say hello, meet old friends, catch up with mates or have a meal with the kids and let them play. I was one of those people, before becoming a member 20 years ago.

 And how did the opportunity come about to become Chairperson?

When the opportunity came up, I was offered a place on the board and I was more than happy to take up the offer. I’ve been a Director on the board of the club for approximately four years. The board and management being proactive have allowed us to achieve wonderful changes in the club and it’s been great to have been part of that journey.

 What do you intend to bring to the table?

Being a Chairperson for approximately five months, I understand the demanding work and commitment needed in this position. This position is not the boss; it is about pleasing and collaborating with all the board members to achieve the greater good for the club. We all play a role when making decisions and we focus on one critical element: diversity. Continuing this ethos will provide the results we want.

 Tell us – what does a perfect day in Lane Cove look like to you?

It may be a trip into the village for a great feed at one of the many upmarket restaurants, a cocktail at the Alcott, or a day on Sydney harbour, maybe dropping past the fish markets. Ultimately though, I always like a day that involves some social time at the Diddy. I’d love to see you there.