24 minute read
Feature Story New food ordering innovation boosts local business
New food ordering innovation boosts local business
A Lane Cove business is among the first in the country to take part in a new concept giving hope to hospitality businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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WORDS: TRACEY PORTER
Dhruv Kohli - Grabox founder Sandeep Reddy - owner of King of Kebabs
This time last year life for Lane Cove businessman Sandeep Reddy was far from enjoyable. Feeling the brutal full effects of Sydney’s COVID-19 pandemic, Reddy could only stand by and watch as sales at his Longueville Rd kebab shop plummeted by more than 50 per cent after strict social distancing measures were put in place and the city was forced into lockdown.
The situation was made worse by the fact Reddy also owns two other businesses – an American burger shop in Neutral Bay and an Italian restaurant in Botany – both of which were also haemorrhaging money after being similarly impacted.
“When the state government began loosening up measures again we started a delivery service at both our Lane Cove and Botany sites,” he says.
“While this helped a little bit, it was still really hard financially. Most of our staff live locally and I really wanted to keep supporting them. I was conscious that I didn’t want to cut down their wages but I knew that if they lost their jobs they were unlikely to find a replacement because of all of the businesses that were shutting down around here.”
Six months ago conditions took a turn for the better when Reddy – who has 30 staff working for his business - agreed to partner with an Australian start-up that was offering an antidote to the consumer behaviours brought on by the pandemic.
Called Grabox Kitchens, the Australian-based food technology platform has been credited with offering a lifeline to under-utilised kitchens in traditional dine-in restaurants, hotels, pubs and clubs by making the most of their spare capacity and excess staff to produce virtual
‘delivery-only’ brands. These specialty brands currently include over 50 different cuisines created by drawing on data gathered from food delivery platforms. What this means is that the cuisines on offer can be paired with existing restaurants based on their preferences, specialties and location. Customers are then able to order these brands using online delivery platforms such as UberEats Deliveroo, Menulog and Doordash. Grabox founder Dhruv Kohli says the start-up was designed to create a positive social impact by helping small businesses create additional revenue for themselves, and more jobs for their local communities.
“With our model, everybody wins - the restaurants instantly receive additional orders and increase revenue, maximise the use of their existing labour force; customers have additional choice and get to support their local economy; we scale to accommodate restaurant partners in more areas around the country.”
Many owners like Reddy had put their whole lives into their business, only to watch their kitchens “fall quiet” last year, he says.
Wattaburger Smokey Beef Wrap
Mixed Spread
“Now, they have the tough decision between staying our virtual brands operate exclusively through delivery open and true to their brand, or to make further cuts to platforms, the customer receives their order via delivery, simply break even. We wanted to offer them a third path – or can opt to pick-up from the nearest restaurant location to stay open under the brand they built, but to also prosper where their order is being prepared. Either way, the by helping produce delivery-food under another restaurant has additional revenue coming from brand. This way, they can rapidly build up a increased orders and more new customers from steady stream of supplemental income at no their area.” additional risk to their existing business.” In Reddy’s case, the move saw his Lane Cove kebab shop begin producing “Instantly, their one kitchen Reddy says despite this new business model only launching in Lane Cove last December and Neutral Bay a few months burgers, wraps and sides under what is can operate additional later, both businesses are now doing effectively a private label brand named brand menus without better than before the pandemic began. Wattaburrger. While Reddy’s staff make the items, including his business partner Sumanth taking anything away from their own He has even taken on two additional employees to cope with the extra demand. Valluripalli, Grabox Kitchens takes care of native brand” “We’ve seen a 40 per cent increase all marketing of the brand, in exchange for in sales, or about 100 additional orders a 20 per cent cut of each sale. per week. These sales more than cover our
The Wattaburrger menu selection includes overhead costs – and that includes rent each around six wraps, wings and seven different burger month.” options. However, one of the great advantages of the Reddy says the label has been an instant hit and believes concept is that those behind the platform work with venue this is largely due to their catchy names – the “New York owners to ensure the food made under the label is made New York Cheese Burger” and “Hickory Dickory”, “Day of with the same ingredients they already have in-house. the Dead” and “Aioli Moli” sauces.
“Instantly, their one kitchen can operate additional “Having the virtual brand and its marketing team brand menus without taking anything away from their driving interest and customising the right items to add to own native brand,” says Kohli. the menu for each area has also helped enormously. We
“For example, Sandeep Reddy from King of Kebabs is actually had one customer figure out we’re the local source cooking items on his own menu, but is also catering to of the burgers and come into the King of Kebab store, and orders coming through our brand, Wattaburrger. Since order one in person to skip the delivery.”
The 50th Anniversary of a local uprising
Locals Sue Ingham and Shauna Forrest explain how the event marked the formation of the Lane Cove Bushland & Conservation Society
This year marks the 50th Anniversary of a local uprising to save bushland in Lane Cove and which led to the formation of the Lane Cove Bushland & Conservation Society and we will hold several guided walks in May to celebrate. In 1971, a group of concerned local residents held a meeting when the Country Club approached the Lane Cove Council with a plan to extend the golf course into the eastern part of the Osborne Park valley.
So many people attended the first meeting they spilled out of the hall on Pottery Green, as the Society records in its book, Beyond the Untidy Fringe. The attitude to natural bushland in an urban environment was changing: it was no longer seen as scrub to be cleared for development, but a precious asset.
The Bushland Society and Gore Creek Valley campaign then began. Within 4 days over 1000 people signed a petition against it. The newly formed Society raised money to support the court case to prevent the development, but the Council finally settled out of court.
Bushland Park was declared a wildlife refuge under National Parks & Wildlife Service in 1980 and was listed on the National Estate in 2000 because Society members Ray and Elma Kearney discovered its rich endowment of Hygrocybe fungi, and called in expert mycologist Dr Tony Young.
In response to persistent advocacy by the Society, the ‘Bushland Management Advisory Committee’ (BMAC) was set up in 1990 to provide advice to the General Manager on bushland management within Lane Cove.
Lane Cove Council is now dedicating a Walk in Bushland Park to Doug Stuart, one of the first to oppose the destruction of the bushland there. ‘Beyond the Untidy Fringe’ in Lane Cove Library tells the dramatic story that few in Lane Cove know.
Development of the Lane Cove Golf Course precinct, connected by bushland to a ‘fast-tracked’ aged care development at Northwood and on Longueville Rd is again on Council’s 2021 Agenda. These are adjacent to precious bushland corridors and Bushland Park, so preservation of native habitat and trees are again at stake under the pressure for access roads and development creep.
We concur with past president Doug Graham who reflected in 1980: ‘Now that the Lane Cove Council is generally sympathetic to environmental matters …. there’s a tendency to think we can sit back and relax. Such complacency must be avoided.’
On Sunday 16 May (at 9am) native plant experts will guide 2-3 special walks of 1,5 hours each in Bushland Park to celebrate where it all began and those who bravely saved the green lungs of our suburb for future generations. The walkers will hear from persons involved in the history and management of this bushland.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR UPDATES AND TO BOOK AS NUMBERS ARE LIMITED: lanecovebushland.org.au
CONVEYANCING | WILLS & ESTATES | COMMERCIAL LEASING COMMERCIAL LAW | DEBT RECOVERY | GENERAL MATTERS
CONVEYANCING | WILLS & ESTATES | COMMERCIAL LEASING CONVEYANCING. WILLS & ESTATES. COMMERCIAL LAW | DEBT RECOVERY | GENERAL MATTERS COMMERCIAL LEASING. COMMERCIAL LAW. DEBT RECOVERY. GENERAL MATTERS.
CALL 9428 1577 FOR AN APPOINTMENT 1ST FLOOR, 139 LONGUEVILLE RD, LANE COVE
THE KEY TO A NEW CHAPTER
HOW DOWNSIZING IN STYLE - IN THE PLACE YOU ALREADY CALL HOME - CAN UNLEASH A NEW ZEST FOR LIFE
Lane Cove and surrounding areas such as Greenwich are some of Sydney’s finest family suburbs, complete with large homes and access to some of the best schools and amenities in the city, and once ensconced, it really is hard to leave the village feel that so many residents love.
But as children fly the nest, the downsizing conundrum becomes a reality. For the over-55s in our community suddenly being left to clean those extra bedrooms and bathrooms, taking care of a large backyard, and storing all the paraphernalia associated with family life becomes a chore, if not, a burden.
The upsides of down-sizing are obvious and appealing: more financial freedom, a smaller space to manage, fewer chores and a simpler lifestyle with more time to enjoy yourself! The downsides are confronting though: sorting through decades worth of “stuff”; engaging real estate agents and removalists; perhaps leaving the area you have social connections with, and of course, saying goodbye to the family home. There is no doubting that the decision to down-size can take some time to make, but when you make it, it is often the right decision, and one you wish you had made earlier. TVO knows how special this pocket of Sydney is, and how over-55s are so well serviced with medical amenities, access to the city, hundreds of community groups, restaurants, cafes and more. Life here can be as busy, or as quiet as you want it to be and many in this age bracket are reluctant to leave.
There is a lot of talk at the moment about how we can ensure that people,
as they enter the older stages of their lives, can remain independent, retain their social connections and live a decent and comfortable life in their own home.
That conversation isn’t just confined to the corridors of government, or community service organisations. Now we’re seeing architects and developers engaging with the subject and showcasing homes that aren’t just practical for the long-term, but desirable and in keeping with the level of quality people are used to. Work is about to begin on Akoya, Greenwich – a development that sets a new benchmark in luxury apartment living. Designed for the over-55s, its prime location is ideal for those who would hate to break ties with the lower north shore.
It is also perfect for those who are seeking something unlike anywhere else in Sydney right now. An eight-storey development, the breathtaking views from the upper levels span the harbour from the Bridge to the stadium at Homebush, down the length of the Parramatta River.
For those who would miss having space to host their family, the building comes complete with several entertaining spaces: a ground-floor lounge and library, a virtual golf course, a private 10-seat cinema, and on the roof, an oasis with several seating areas (including a table that seats 12), an outdoor kitchen, firepits and a stunning heated pool with views across the harbour. A café will be built onto the ground floor too – a perfect spot to grab a coffee with friends. Setting aside the fantastic amenities – the apartments themselves are spacious, well-appointed (Sub-Zero Wolf appliances and wine storage is factored in) and feature custom joinery with built-in fireplaces. Attention to detail is an understatement.
For those who have travelled and spent time in locations such as New York, Paris and Spain, the design and the finishing touches will be familiar. Yet this development is perfect for those who call the lower north shore home and wish to stay local. Acknowledging the appeal of a development like Akoya is one thing – contemplating the downsizing process is another.
To that end, the team behind Akoya is hosting a downsizing seminar with Dr Andrew Wilson, Chief Economist at My Housing Market that will cover the benefits of downsizing.
The seminar will take place this month. To register simply email:
projects.lowernorthshore @raywhite.com.au
Contact Tim Abbott on 0425 285 833 to find out more about Akoya, Greenwich
Researching History in Lane Cove
BY FRANCES CHRISTIE
Henry Ford famously declared, “History is more or less bunk”. (Interview in 1916, cited by Hirst 2019). History was “tradition. We don’t want tradition.” However, Ford preserved the records of his own career as an industrialist and later created his own museum, which would “give people a true picture of the development of the country”.
Ironically Ford revealed a considerable interest in preserving history, though he was selective about what he documented, dismissing what he imagined was irrelevant. He thought he was directing his own generation into new historical directions. But like any historian, Ford was selective. All historians are selective, because they choose their area of interest and interpret the information they gather. Ford focussed on the industrial might of America, with reference to the car industry.
One of the pleasures of researching history is the freedom the historian enjoys in selecting a subject, and creating some interpretation of it. The pleasure for the reader lies in learning how historians interpret the subjects they select.
The Lane Cove History Prize
The Lane Cove History Prize offers scope to historians to document many aspects of the history of Lane Cove.
For example, in 2020, Susan Ingham explored the history of women’s sailing in Lane Cove, showing women have excelled at the sport. By contrast, in 2018, Penny Ransby Smith’s essay focussed on local children. Inspired by the diversity of children in two local schools, Penny discussed the variety of people now living in Lane Cove, as represented by the children dressed for their Harmony Day celebrations.
A different theme was offered by Simon Cole in 2017, with an oral history about Les Heap. Born before the Second World War, Les worked at Cockatoo Island, building ships for the Royal Australian Navy. He settled in Lane Cove, and received the Lane Cove Council Citizenship Award in 2011.
In 2016 Margaret Clark told the story of a returned solder from the First World War, Arthur King, who brought his French wife to settle in Lane Cove. She was home sick for a time, but she came to terms with it, and they raised a family, enjoying a good life in Lane Cove.
In 2019, there were two winners. Jill Curtin told the story of Charles Henry Rosman, ferry master, who worked on ferries on Sydney harbour. He was involved in a serious harbour accident in 1938, though later absolved of criminal neglect. Susan Ingham documented the case of a talented if eccentric architect. The house he built in Mary Street Lane Cove was highly regarded, though the house, like its architect, proved to be difficult.
What do they all have in common?
A World War I digger and his French wife; a group of intrepid women who mastered sailing; a bunch of primary aged children from a variety of ethnic and cultural and backgrounds; a ferry man; an eccentric architect and the house he built; and a skilled tradesman who worked on Cockatoo Island. They had two things in common. Firstly, they had contributed to the life of Lane Cove, and in some cases they still do so. And secondly, they were chosen from the range of potential subjects to bring to our attention, and worthy of recognition.
It’s time for this year’s historians to commence work on researching their entries to the Lane Cove History Prize for 2021. Details will be found on the Lane Cove Historical Society website at: https://www.lanecovehistoricalsociety.com.au/ lane-cove-history-prize
Hirst, K.K. (2019) ‘A Note on Henry Ford’ in Thought Co.https://www.thoughtco.com/henry-ford-why-history-isbunk-172412 (accessed 20/03.2021)
Love where you live
Proudly bought to you by Lane Cove Council
Future use of the outdoor space at the Lane Cove Golf Course
Over the past decade, Council has been exploring ways and means of meeting the sport, recreation, health and lifestyle needs of current and future residents.
Last year the community was asked to provide feedback on concept plans for a new Sport and Recreation Precinct on the curtilage of the current Lane Cove Golf Course.
The proposed facility includes indoor multi-sport courts, outdoor courts, a stage, program space, cafe and restaurant and car park. In response to positive feedback, Council agreed to continue with plans for this facility which sits on the land at the edge of the golf course. As part of that consultation process, Council had also proposed future options for the golf course including a driving range, putt-putt golf and the retention of a nine-hole golf course. In response, the community asked Council to consider all options for use of the open space at the golf course. The golf course is the largest open space in the Lane Cove Council area, making the decision about its future use an important one. To help understand the community’s views on the best use of the outdoor areas on the site to meet our community needs now and into the future, Council is pursuing a ‘deliberative democracy’ process whereby a Community Panel is formed to deliberate about any future options for the use of the golf course.
What is a Community Panel?
A Community Panel is made up of an autonomous and independent group of everyday people who consider relevant facts from multiple points of view and think critically about options before them on a matter. The Panel’s perspectives, opinions and understandings are enlarged throughout the Panel process before they come to a set of shared group recommendations.
Who is on a Community Panel?
Members are randomly selected through an independent process that makes sure they are broadly representative of the demographics of the general Lane Cove population. An independent organisation specialising in this area has been appointed by Council to undertake the process of inviting and selecting local residents to form the panel.
What does the Panel do?
A Community Panel is tasked with a clear remit. In this case it is “What is the best use of the outdoor areas on the site to meet our community needs now and in the future?”. The Panel is given access to information and resources to help them with this activity as it evolves. At the end of their deliberations, the group will provide a report that includes an overarching vision for the site and a set of criteria that will be used to inform future decision making about uses. This is then reported to Council for its consideration.
How can I get involved?
If your household is randomly selected to receive an invitation, anyone in your household can register their interest to be involved. From this pool a smaller random selection of people will be drawn to match the broad demographics on Lane Cove. For everyone else you can follow updates by visiting www.lanecove.nsw.gov. au/communitypanel and in the future you will be able to provide feedback on the Panel’s report provided to Council in the coming months.
P 0431 959 980 E mayor@lanecove.nsw.gov.au
MAY 2021
This month we celebrate National Volunteer Week and recognise the contribution to our community of so many locals. Council benefits from the valuable skills and qualifications of Lane Cove locals through a range of programs including our Council committees, Bushcare and Community Nursery sites as well as at our Library. Our Citizenship Awards evening is being held this month to formally recognise a range of community members and I look forward to sharing the news of our recipients with you next month.
Latest News
12ft Sailing Skiff Club: Two barges are currently on-site helping to rebuild the areas destroyed by fire in 2018. Works are well underway coring holes and adding sleeves in preparation for pouring the concrete piles in the coming month or two. During winter the boardwalk decking will be installed and construction will start on the boat shed and dinghy storage. The works have been scheduled during the off-peak season for the club and completion is expected in September in time for the start of the sailing season. Council has provided temporary storage facilities since 2018 and has worked together with the club on the design of the upgraded facility. The project is being delivered by Council using proceeds from insurance as well as grant funding under the NSW Government’s Transport (MIDO) program. Plans for 2021/22: I’d like to encourage residents to have their say on the draft plans Council has for the 2021/22 financial year as well as the budget and draft fees and charges which support this plan. While there are many proposed projects, I have included a sample of some which may be of interest: • Playground Upgrades - scheduled for Helen Street Reserve, Henningham Reserve and Best Street. • New Roundabout in Northwood - construction at the intersection of River Road / Northwood Road / Stevenson Street to improve safety. • St Leonards Public Domain Works - construction of over rail plaza and public open green space. • Tantallon Oval- new changerooms, canteen facility, club storage, public toilets, community room and BBQ facilities for community use. • Shared User Path – constructed from Bob Campbell Oval to Greenwich Road. • Drainage – St Leonards South - upgrade of existing stormwater system • The Men’s Shed - conversion of a Council building at 47 Burns Bay Road from a child care facility to a facility capable of housing The Men’s Shed • Blackman Park - shade structure for dog park and bridge installation at wetland • Market Square Carpark Management System - to assist with parking circulation and the ability to readily identify available spaces to park. To have your say please visit Council’s website by Friday 4 June 2021: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/ haveyoursay
Out and about in Lane Cove
Road Resurfacing: Council recently resurfaced Lucretia Avenue from Arabella Street to Poole Street and next will be works along River Road from Fox Street to Tambourine Bay Road which will take place over a 2-3 night period within the next six weeks.
New Park and Bushwalk: This month Council will be opening two spaces dedicated to local residents. The Doug Stuart Track and the Deborah Hutchens Playground are located in Osborne Park and Longueville respectively. Locals looking to take a bushwalk or play at the new nauticalthemed park can visit Council’s website for more details.
Did you know?
Council’s Justice of the Peace (JP) service has now recommenced from Monday to Friday between 12:00pm – 1:00pm at the Civic Centre, 48 Longueville Road. A JP can witness statutory declarations and affidavits and certify true copies of original documents. No appointments necessary.
What’s on Lane Cove May
Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events
Library
• Mothers & Daughters Afternoon Tea with Belinda
Alexandra Thursday 6 May, 2:00pm – 3:00pm, Lane Cove Library Join us as popular Australian author Belinda Alexandra takes us through the highs and lows of mother and daughter relationships. Cats from the World League for Protection of Animals Inc (WLPA) will also be present for cuddles. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events
• Military Talk – The Sinking of the Centaur Tuesday 11 May, 6:15pm – 7:45pm, Lane Cove Library Hear Major Eileen Henderson (ret.) OAM R.F.D. discuss the sinking of Australian hospital ship Centaur 78 years ago. 193 died and Sister Nell Savage was the only nurse to survive. The sinking of the hospital ship was to go down in infamy and was widely seen as a war crime, with the phrase ‘Avenge the nurses’ used to spur on the Australian war effort throughout World War II. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events
• National Simultaneous Storytime – Give Me Some Space Wednesday 19 May, 11:00am – 11:30am, Lane Cove Library Join Lane Cove Library for National Simultaneous Storytime as we explore this year’s book Give Me Some Space! by Philip Bunting. Together we will watch astronaut Dr Shannon Walker read the book to us from the International Space Station and enjoy some fun take-home craft. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events
Bushcare
• The Secret Life of Echidnas Tuesday 11 May, 7:00pm – 8:15pm, online via Zoom Join researcher Dr Tahlia Perry for a fascinating look at Echidnas, their biology and behaviour, how they survive during bushfires and what we can do to help these amazing creatures. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events
Arts and Culture
• APRA Online Workshop - Understanding your Rights as a Music Creator Wednesday 19 May, 6:00pm – 7:30pm, online via Zoom If you make music that is performed or shared publicly it is important to understand your rights and obligations as a content creator. We’ve teamed up with APRA AMCOS - a music rights organisation - to help you understand how music licencing works for content creators and users and how royalties work (and what you need to do to get some!). Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events
• Children’s Voices for Reconciliation Wednesday 26 May, 10:30am – 12:00pm, The Canopy Local schools and day care centres will participate in this annual concert as part of National Reconciliation Week performing songs, dance and storytelling. This event is part of the annual Gai-mariagal Festival. No bookings required.
Council Election
• Candidate Briefing Thursday 27 May, from 6:00pm, Hunters Hill Do you have an interest in representing your community? A Candidate Briefing for anyone interested in becoming a Councillor is being held in Hunters Hill on Thursday 27 May 2021 from 6:00pm. It is designed to enable those interested in becoming a Councillor to gain a better understanding of the role and responsibilities as an elected member of Council. Further information regarding the election including key dates for potential candidates to enrol is available on the NSW Electoral Commission’s Website. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events
Save the date
• Refugee Week – Meet Australia’s Local Hero of 2021 Thursday 3 June, 5:30pm – 7:00pm, Lane Cove Library Council invites you to celebrate Refugee Week with a special event featuring Rosemary Kariuki, advocate for migrant and refugee women. Rosemary was recently named Australia’s Local Hero of 2021 and we are proud to host her in Lane Cove as she shares her refugee experience. Hear about the courage of refugees and the valuable contribution that they make in Australia at this free talk, which will be followed by a Q&A session.
• Teaching Your Learner Driver Thursday 3 June, 6:00pm – 7:15pm, online via Zoom This free two-hour session will offer practical advice about current driving rules and requirements for L and P platers, how learners benefit from supervised on-road driving and how you can help make learning to drive a safe and positive experience. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events
