OBSERVER
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COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
pick me up AND TAKE ME HOME
Proceeds from The Village Observer support residents in need from Lane Cove, Hunters Hill, Ryde, Willoughby and North Sydney areas, through Sydney Community Services. ISSUE 305
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AUGUST 2021
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Powering Our Community
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Proceeds from The Village Observer supports residents of Lane Cove, Hunters Hill, Ryde, Willoughby and North Sydney, via Sydney Community Services – a local not-for-profit organisation that helps residents to live a quality and independent life in their own home and in their community. Local Support for Local People SCS provides services to the aged and people living with a disability including social activities, gardening, home nursing, podiatry, Community Care Advisory, clean sheets and towels, home delivered meals, home modifications and maintenance, flexible respite, carers support, shopping services, community and engagement programs, medical transport and assistance in daily life.
contents 6 News
28 Wellbeing
10 Life’s Rich Pattern
ook 31 C with Bern
11 Aspects 12 Feature Story Vennu: A growing need for space 16 Interview David Rowe 18 Feature Story Geoffrey Chard: The opera star on the peninsula
32 Plant with Rachel 33 Backyard ranger For the kids: Ring Tail Possum 34 Review Short Story 35 37 Arts
thank you
THE VILLAGE OBSERVER: 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove NSW 2066. PUBLISHER: Gillian Batt P: 02 9427 6425 E: gbatt@sydneycs.org EDITOR: Nicola Riches P: 0405 661 570 E: editor@thevillageobserver.com.au DESIGN + ADVERTISING: Sharon Curby P: 0450 370 575 E: design@thevillageobserver.com.au ADVERTISING: E: advertising@thevillageobserver.com.au PRINTED BY: Spotpress DISTRIBUTED: Monthly The Village Observer is published monthly (except January) by Lane Cove Community Aid Foundation. • Distribution is at the beginning of the month. • Readers are invited to submit articles for consideration. • Articles and items for community events should be emailed to the Editor with any accompanying images by the 15th of each month, for inclusion in the next month’s issue. • Advertising enquiries should be directed to advertising@thevillageobserver.com.au • If mailing material and you would like it returned, please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All care, but no responsibility will be taken for this material. © Copyright 2015. 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.
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:
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
BURNS BAY
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Karen Paull
Community Chaplain
We’re GOING PLACES - come with us 4 TVO
hello Baking, ‘slow living’, funny families learning dance routines on Tik Tok, trying that ‘How To Knit’ kit (I couldn’t resist, it’s called ‘Wool and the Gang’) just aren’t going to cut it this time. I’m keeping my delusions in check – the ones that tell me I’m in a remake of Shawshank. It would involve burrowing a long, long tunnel of course, but right now there’s little else to do in my free time. Fortunately, bringing together all the voices from the local community has kept my pecker up. Inside you’ll find a wonderful interview with opera star and Hunters Hill Music president Geoffrey Chard, who celebrated 90-years a couple of months back. We also chatted with the owners of Vennu – a website where you can hire special, unique community spaces in these very suburbs (just in time for a post-lockdown world). We got some lovely feedback about local resident Steve Miller’s new TV column that we’ve upsized him and made him a regular. And as usual we have our columnist Liz Foster, our chef Bern, our book reviewer Jacqui and our gardener Rachel. They have better ideas about how to spend your time in lockdown, rather than burrowing long tunnels. We’re also really delighted to have a wonderful painting on our front cover this month by local artist Sue MacLeodBeere called ‘Stranger At The Door’ (more on that inside), plus a selection of photos from In The Cove’s Chalk It Up competition – well done to all the kids for taking part in that. Usually we drop TVO in crates across the streets of Lane Cove and the lower north shore for pick-up each month. Knowing you’re not out on the streets, we have organised for door-to-door delivery this time. If someone you know doesn’t have a copy and would like one, get in touch. Copies can also be picked up in the lobby of our offices at 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove (contactless of course). Onwards!
Nicola I
EDITOR editor@thevillageobserver.com.au
SPREAD THE WORD...
TVO is print, digital and online You can read this whole issue by following the links on our website:
www.thevillageobserver.com.au Pass on the word to family, friends and neighbours and keep connected to our community from home. We’re also busy on Facebook and Instagram, click follow for all our updates.
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news Busways wins award to run lower north shore buses Busways has been awarded the contract to service the bus networks servicing the lower north shore and inner north west. Under the contract it will add a further 900 employees to its company plus 453 buses and two new depots; one of which will be expanded. The addition of the lower north shore to the company’s existing run, means that it will be responsible for 67 of Sydney’s routes. To support its lower north shore and inner north west routes, it will add 35 zero emission vehicles and fleetwide CCTV improvements.
SAVE THE DATE – all the fun of the
Rotary Club of Lane Cove Fair returns on Sunday 10 October. Mark your calendar now. (ED – we will stay positive and hopeful!)
Lane Cove Historical Society seeks new Treasurer The Lane Cove Historical Society urgently requires a new Treasurer. The LCHS is a small not for profit organisation, raising its funds mainly through membership fees and the holding of functions at Carisbrook House. The new Treasurer will be appointed to the Committee; attend monthly meetings; monitor the society’s finances; and regularly report on financial matters. Some previous experience in handling accounts would be helpful. If you are willing and interested to become the Treasurer or require more information please contact the Secretary, Pat Madson at carisbrookhouse@hotmail.com
Rotary News Rotary has appointed Lalitha Warren as its President for 2021-2022. A spokesperson for Rotary told TVO that Lalitha is “perfectly poised to lead our club forward for another super successful year. New members are always welcome to join us for the journey.”
Northside Group St Leonards Clinic
supp ppoorti tin ng the mental wellbeing of young people Northside Group St Leonards Clinic has opened NSW’s first private Adolescent and Young Adult Service, specially designed to care for the mental health of young people aged 14 to 25 years old. • The Adolescent Service – 14 to 18 years old • The Young Adult Service – 18 to 25 years old With both inpatient care and day programs available, the new service is dedicated to supporting the psychological wellbeing and recovery of young people with established and emerging mental health conditions. Northside Group St Leonards Clinic – 2 Frederick Street, St Leonards, NSW, 2065
For more information visit ramsaymentalhealth.com.au or call 02 9433 3555.
MR0027878 NGStL Adolescent Village Observer 210x144 Ad 0721.indd 1
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19/07/2021 8:19:44 AM
Three high rise timber towers approved for St Leonards
Covid business pivot for lower north shore couple When COVID-19 hit, lower north shore husband and wife team Josephine and Ray Azizi saw their business take a massive hit, and were forced to re-think their kids’ woodwork party business, Built By Kidz. The couple turned their attention to how they could keep kids busy, and continue to keep alive their dream of teaching kids basic carpentry skills. The couple founded Built By Kidz parties in 2014. Ray is a builder by trade, but when the pandemic hit, Ray and Jo had to pivot fast. They decided to create and launch a Built By Kidz Party in a Box that parents can purchase as an engaging and educational activity. “We have a passion for sharing the beauty and skill of carpentry, and a genuine love of working with children and helping them excel and create,” says Ray.
Three tower blocks constructed from timber have been given the goahead at St Leonards. The three towers – one at eight storeys high, another 12- and a third at 18-storeys high have been designed by Fitzpatrick+partners. The development is expected to be one of Australia’s largest engineered timber developments to-date with key components, such as columns, assembled as opposed to constructed off-site. The application was lodged in December 2020 and was approved by the Sydney North Planning Panel on July 9. Construction will commence in early 2022.
Local author publishes first novel Maggie Lawrence, another local author, has self-published her first novel ‘The Fur and Feathers Party’ after an initial screenplay picked up several Australian and American scriptwriting accolades. A launch is planned at LC library, post lockdown when you will also be able to purchase a copy at Burns Bay Bookery. For now, it is available as an e-book and paperback on Amazon, or on Maggie’s website: www.maggielawrence.com.
Properties are still Selling during Lockdown • Contactless Appraisals • Private Inspections • On-line Auctions • Low Interest Rates • Low Stock & High Buyer Demand If you are thinking of selling, want advice on preparing your property for sale, or a property update:
CALL HAZEL MCNAMARA TODAY ON
0402 913 527 OR EMAIL
hazelm@lanecove.rh.com.au One of Lane Cove’s most Recommended Agents TVO 7
Chalk it up In The Cove has kept us all entertained and connected over the last few weeks and we loved the ITC Chalk It Up Competition. Here are some of the highlights of the best street art in Lane Cove. Well done to Nikita Frances (top left); Sean Ennis (top, second from left); Abi (top, third from left); the Dayman Girls (top, fourth from left); Amber (top, fifth from left). Mikki (bottom, left), Laila (bottom, second from left), Viv and Hazel (bottom, third from left), Erielle Chan (bottom, fourth from left) and Charlie (bottom, fifth from left) – and to everyone who participated!
Emma Grimes, Michael Fitzgerald & Peter Lou A family business, now in our 48th year in Lan
CONVEYANCING | WILLS & ESTATES | COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL LAW | DEBT RECOVERY | GENERAL
Emma Grimes, Michael Fitzgerald & Peter Louridas A family business, now in our 48th year in Lane Cove CONVEYANCING | WILLS & ESTATES COMMERCIAL CONVEYANCING. WILLS| & ESTATES. LEASING COMMERCIAL LAW | DEBT RECOVERY | GENERAL MATTERS
COMMERCIAL LEASING. COMMERCIAL LAW. DEBT RECOVERY. GENERAL MATTERS.
www.wishbonesydney.com Garibaldi Village, 37 Alexandra St, Hunters Hill Instagram @wishbone.boutique
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CALL 9428 1577 FOR AN APPOINTMENT
1ST FLOOR, 139 LONGUEVILLE RD, LANE COVE
ADVERTORIAL
Get to know Caleb Taylor INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE FOR LANE COVE WEST WARD
“For Our Local Community”
Like you, Caleb lives locally and cares about the future of the area. He moved to Lane Cove in 2016 to start a family with his wife Julie. Their young son attends a local school where he also works managing the large kitchen operations. He has been fortunate to be a part of our local Repair Cafe Sydney North, volunteering as a Committee member and Manager, a member of the Stringybark Creek Residents Association, working with multicultural organisations holding events and participating in a range of local sporting organisations with his son. With a strong background in event management, involvement in community groups and a desire to bring our community together, if elected, Caleb looks forward to bringing his experience, energy and enthusiasm to serve Lane Cove. He says “I have assembled a truly local and independent team including
Ann Proudfoot, whose family has lived in the area for three generations, and Weidi Chen, who intimately understands the needs of young families in the area.” KEY COMMUNITY INITIATIVES INCLUDE:
1. Creating places for our community to enjoy The pace of development over the last 5 years has significantly outstripped spending on social infrastructure, which is highly evident in certain high density residential pockets of Lane Cove. There is a real need for improved amenities including bush trails, scooter parks, bike ways, community gardens and dog parks. Caleb tells us “I want to rebalance this inequity and provide living spaces and facilities near our residents’ front doors to connect with and enjoy their local community”.
2. Supporting local business to thrive He believes local businesses are the life blood of our community and Council should work to prioritise the support and promotion of retailers and businesses. The challenges of the last 18 months have impacted everyone, however none more than our local businesses trying to survive and keep their doors open. He says “It’s great many residents have gotten behind our local businesses, but there is much more to be done in ongoing support” 3. A strong independent voice As an Independent, Caleb believes he will provide the balance required to keep our representatives and decision makers in Lane Cove accountable to our local community. To connect www.caleb2021.com.au Election Day is Saturday 4 December 2021. TVO 9
LIFE'S RICH PATTERN
Downsizing versus Rightsizing by Liz Foster
Kids all grown? Sick of your stuff? Or your spouse? With Sydney property prices booming you might be tempted to cash in your family home nest egg early. Think again. It’s a trap. Downsizing is not all it’s cracked up to be. What to do with the oversized furniture, the family album collection and all the gear in the shed? (THE SHED!!!) And are you that person who has a backup kettle, in case the first one breaks? Who’s going to sort through the kitchen draw full of Allen keys, screws and plastic plugs left over from your build-at-home furniture you’ve saved ‘just in case’? If you’re a family of sentimentalists like we are, there’s literally years of clobber to decide on. My past clean-outs have just seen the stuff ricochet straight back indoors. The only way to do it is to sneak everything into the car boot under cover of darkness and skulk off to Vinnies when the coast’s clear, not easy to pull off in lockdown. A smaller place means less space for big functions, so if you love hosting a neighbourhood barby or the extended family Christmas lunch, this won’t work. It also throws up conundrums like whether to keep the Duplo, when any grandchildren are years away. And where will the Boomerang generation live to pay cheap board and save for that elusive spot on the property ladder? You won’t be able to take up new lifestyle hobbies if you don’t have space to store your stuff. Take my 53-year-old husband. He grew up in Bondi but decided that now was the right time to take up surfing. The surfboard is wedged at the side of the house near the ocean-going kayaks and the mountain bike collection. A wetsuit’s new permanent home seems to be atop the outside storage box. Several boxes labelled Mr. Zoggs and Mrs. Palmer compete strategically for wax grip honours. It could be worse. There’ll be no downsizing any time soon for friends who’ve recently picked up gigantic boys’ toys, a two-door sports car and two-wheel chopper-style motorcycle. (Yes, you could leave them out on the street, but would you?) 10 TVO
Illustration by Grace Kopsiaftis
The new working from home era has also highlighted our increased need for personal space. Gone are the days when we all took turns with the family computer squeezed into the nook between the linen cupboard and the phone table, connecting slowly to dial-up broadband. Our family of four is lucky to share a big house but somehow there’s no room to swing a cat. I can’t remember the last time I saw the colour of my dining table, bedecked in lockdown sewing and art projects which never end and increasingly edge outwards. You and your partner might love the idea of downsizing to an easy maintenance modern unit – there’s still a spare room right. But it won’t be long before conflict arises over who gets to use the second bedroom (who gets priority, the one watching a movie or the one working? And getting into semantics, what constitutes work? If there’s no income being generated then it’s game on, surely?) Meanwhile your poor pooch is missing his backyard and demonstrates displeasure by barking fiercely when the common gate clangs and leaving brown gifts for you to find. Reader, worry not. I’ve got the perfect solution. Pool your resources with Grandma, the kids et al and upsize. Plenty of scope for personal space and you can keep a common area without forking out costly strata fees. Think of the money you’ll save on bills and your carbon footprint. And when the time comes to move on, there’ll be plenty of hands-on deck to help sort through your stuff.
Liz Foster is a local writer and author. You can find more Life’s Rich Pattern features and more at
www.lizfosterwriter.com
ASPECTS
When: lockdown
Where: Spotted Orchid, Lane Cove
Delightful Isidori is owner Rita’s daughter. She is also in charge of Covid check-ins. Keep up the good work Isidori! TVO 11
FEATURE STORY
A growing need for space Henley_CC
Finding the right place to bring people together in a world where we increasingly work from home and live in even tighter spaces is becoming more essential, particularly as we head into a post lockdown world. Vennu is a new booking website for special, unique community spaces and Hunter’s Hill has jumped on early. WORDS BY NICOLA RICHES
S
uzanne Campbell relocated to Berry from Sydney more than a decade ago. By that time, Sydney’s expansion, both up and out, was in full swing: more people, housing challenges and increased density. Lifestyles were changing too. Suzanne could already see the importance of more space in an increasingly urbanised world. One of the answers to that problem was on her new doorstep in Berry. Berry’s beautiful Uniting Church was built in 1932 and is a favourite for local weddings. Wesley Hall, the original 1884 Wesleyan Church, isn’t too far away and has been lovingly refurbished. Then there’s the Berry Branch of the Country Women’s Association that meets in an historic listed building in the heart of Berry. With its modern kitchenette and simple facilities, that building is, as you would imagine, cute as a button. 12 TVO
These are the types of places you could walk past and appreciate on a stroll through Berry, or our local suburbs like Hunters Hill and Lane Cove. And although you might casually wonder if you could use these great spaces for another purpose – maybe a party, an exercise class, a meeting, or even as a workspace – it might not be immediately clear how to make that happen. Suzanne’s background is in technology. She describes her corporate life as “extraordinarily rich” and counts, among her many successes, inclusion on Crikey’s “most influential people in Australian tech” list. Now she is the founder and CEO of Vennu, a platform that bridges the challenge (a need for space for people and communities) and the solution (venues like that cute as button CWA hall). The idea was quite simple, as Suzanne explains, “In the newer parts of my town, there are younger families who do
Suzanne Campbell
Uniting Church Hall
not know how to connect with these venues because the spaces have been managed in legacy ways that no longer meet customer expectations. “They expect to find a space using some digital means, and many in Berry had none, or only a limited digital presence.” Vennu, much like for example, Airbnb, is an intuitive platform that makes it easy for everyone – individuals, people, families, businesses, organisations – to access an abundance of unique spaces. They range from the wooden 1925 Badger Creek Hall in Victoria to the majestic St Stephen’s Uniting Church in the heart of Sydney.
Church on the mall
Unlike big corporate venues or hotels, the people responsible for these buildings are often community leaders or volunteers in local groups. “All of these places are in the hands’ people who feel a strong sense of stewardship and take their management and maintenance responsibilities seriously,” says Suzanne. “These buildings are often strategically located. They are valuable in real estate terms and to their community. They’re local and affordable, and they have a vital role to play in keeping the community connected.” As Vennu grows, so too does the number of venues listed. Hunter’s Hill Council was early to spot how bookings on
What if... Your selling agents were highly regarded as expert property negotiators. You had confidence that your selling agents had in depth knowledge of the North Shore market & were specialists in Lane Cove. You felt at ease knowing that your selling agents would use their impeccable property marketing skills to help you achieve your property ambitions. It’s all in a days work for McConnell Bourn duo Debbie Jepson & Robyn Mannix. YOUR SUBURB - OUR EXPERTISE. Debbie Jepson | LREA Debbie@McConnellBourn.com.au | 0420 455 441 Robyn Mannix | LREA Robyn@McConnellBourn.com.au | 0418 240 569
McConnell Bourn The North Shore’s Trusted Property Experts
9496 2777 | McConnellBourn.com.au TVO 13
>
HH Town Hall
Helensburgh-Stanwell Park
CWA
It’s a community gathering place
the platform could deliver their local spaces to a new demographic and provide a new revenue stream, to keep them in good condition. The council has listed three spaces at the Henley Community Centre (formerly the Bowling Club) – the Main Hall, the Bowling Greens, and the Green Room, plus the Hunters Hill Town Hall, demonstrating its commitment to community engagement. Suzanne says that Hunter’s Hill Council was the first such organisation to cater to an upswing in events following the last lockdown in 2020 and is well-positioned to seize new opportunities when current restrictions are lifted. The nearest local suburbs that carry Vennu listings are Putney with a local yoga studio, the Scout Hall, and the bowling club, plus there is the C3 Church in Lane Cove and the Greenwich Sailing Club. Across the greater Sydney region, there are more than 230 unique places for hire at incredibly modest rates. “With increased use, not only do you have the increased revenue that comes, but you have a whole host 14 TVO
Uniting Church Hall
of other social benefits,” says Suzanne. Vennu takes the hassle out of short-term hire for time-poor staff and volunteers, delivers community connection, and creates employment opportunities for staff for cleaning or catering as required. Although COVID restrictions are temporarily limiting activities of all kinds, bookings can be made up to 12 months in advance – so get creative and plan your next event in one of the fantastic community spaces that we have on our doorsteps.
OUR FAVOURITE VENNU VENUES • Broadway Shopping Centre Rooftop, Glebe • The Church on the Mall, Wollongong • Helensburgh-Stanwell Park Surf Life Saving Club • National Innovation Centre – Atrium, Eveleigh • Hunter’s Hill Henley Bowling Green
Here we go again... Drat! Just when we were starting to feel confident about the immediate future of travel, at least domestically, along comes another outbreak which leads to yet another lockdown and yet more border closures. And with it the sniping, the blame, the parochialism that is anathema to travel – for travel is about connectedness, about experiencing other cultures, about appreciating other customs and cultures so that we may all live together more harmoniously despite our differences. By Adrienne Witteman.
R
ight from the onset of Covid in 2020, while fielding questions/ criticism/concerns about the speed (or otherwise) of refunds and the operators who were providing only credits etc., those of us in the travel industry have been working hard to satisfy our clients in an environment not designed for pandemics. My most common refrain to all and sundry was that “Covid is a very democratic virus. There is no-one untouched.” Nothing has changed. You may have lost your job. Your child may still be stuck in London. Your tickets may now be credits and you can’t see yourself using them…. The degree of exasperation and difficulty will differ from person to person but we are all affected. And it still horrible. From my perspective, what can I offer you to make you feel better? To make you feel more optimistic about the future of travel? Possibly nothing but here are a few tips I’m employing. 1. Vaccinate as soon as possible. While vaccination will be your passport
to freedom, it is also your passport to a better chance at remaining healthy. I’ve had my 2 shots and never imagined I’d feel so relieved. 2. Take a deep breath, or several, and try to practice niceness and kindness. Yes, nice may be an insipid, uninspiring word but sometimes we all just need to take a step back. And it’s good practice for the patience you’ll need when you start to travel again. 3. Treat yourself, and someone needy, to something special. A telephone call, a home-baked cake, sharing a book you’ve loved …. Giving benefits everyone and generosity is a fine attribute that will always serve you well. 4. Make some short-term plans. We all feel better with something to look forward even if it is as simple as a ferry trip to Manly, time at the Art Gallery, a drive to Bundeena … Sydney offers so much to explore. Pretend you are elsewhere if necessary. 5. Make some long-term plans if
travel is on your horizon. A trip intrastate, a trip interstate, a trip overseas …. Much of the joy of travelling lies in the researching and planning, the discovery of what might await you. Your photo albums may be just the inspiration and we still have brochures (alas most out of date as few companies are reprinting). If you watch the TV news, or read the papers, you’ll know that the US, the UK and Europe are all travelling again. In their thousands. I’m jealous and many of you tell me you feel similarly. Just recently, I’ve even had to break the news to several disappointed clients that the cruise they’d like to do in July or August or September 2022 is already fully booked. Regent sold out its 2024 world cruise – lead in price $73499 for 132 days of luxury sailing - in three, yes 3, hours upon opening for sale. Booking now will not be a wasted exercise. This on-again, off-again, will we be able to go, is-it-worth-dreaming-about-goingsomewhere situation is sucking the life out of us all, travel agents included. I’d be lying were I to pretend otherwise. Yet I still dream, I still plan, I still see myself checking in, flying far away, exploring Paris or Rome or London or Vienna, sailing into a sunset, golfing in Portugal, skiing in NZ, enjoying churros in Argentina, sushi in Tokyo and a burger in New York …. We WILL travel again. It may be a bit different and feel strange at first but it will happen. There will be new protocols and procedures to learn and we’ll be here to help you. Just as we are here to help you curate your dreams into reality, now.
3 NORTHWOOD ROAD, LONGUEVILLE
9428 5900
www.trendsettertravel.com.au We are currently open reduced hours. Please email or call prior to visiting our store. TVO 15
MEET OUR LOCALS
interview: David Rowe
David Rowe, a Lower North Shore local, and his brother Nick opened their first Pet-O store in Brookvale over 14 years ago. Their newest store opening now in Lane Cove and it joins a family of 13 other stores across Sydney and beyond. Throughout Pet-O’s growth it has remained a family-owned and run business and both brothers are actively involved in the day-to-day. In fact, if you walk past the Lane Cove store you will probably see David there painting, installing racking and putting up signage. Here he answers some questions about his family life, and life around Lane Cove.
You’re a North Shore local – tell us how long you’ve been here, and what keeps you here… I’ve always lived close to Lane Cove, starting in Neutral Bay, then Balmoral, Greenwich and Cammeray. I’ve always loved being near the water, the green space and the low traffic levels compared to the East! Pet-O is opening in LC. Why LC over any other suburb? Were you aware that dogs almost outnumber people here? I always wanted a store near home but there aren’t many huge 1600m2 sites in the area. We feel so lucky to have found this fantastic store right in the heart of the village. My friends will finally see one of my stores! Do you own a pet/s? Tell us about your furry friend… My doggie Maltese Shaka died in March. We’d had him from just before opening my first store in Brookvale, 15 years ago. We hope to get a new fur family member later this year. What do you/your family get up to when you’re not running Pet-O? My wife Jacquie and I have a six-year-old girl - Lilly, so weekends are spent playing in parks. Lil helped me paint the new store last weekend. She asks every day when she can come and finish it off! Tell us about plans for the store – aside from retail, what can we expect? We’ll have adoption days, community events, DIY dog wash, vet check-ups and we’d love a doggie cafe if anyone’s interested?
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FEATURE STORY
The opera star on the peninsula Geoffrey Chard has been guest at Buckingham Palace and played tennis at Wimbledon, but of all his achievements, it is this Hunters Hill local’s stellar career in opera that has won him a place as an Australian icon. WORDS TRACEY PORTER
G
eoffrey William Chard AM is perhaps Australia’s most enduring and revered opera singer. For classical music and opera fans, he is a household name. In the local community, he is known as the President of Hunters Hill Music. To the country, he is a Member of the Order of Australia for services to opera. To others, he’s Dad, or Geoff. Right now, he is the man at the end of a telephone line with an exceptionally velvety and captivating speaking voice. A suite of providential events and tragic circumstances have landed Chard among the harbour views, warm sandstone walls and tree-lined streets of the sleepy Hunters Hill peninsula, and at 90-years old his memory is sharp and his recollections voluminous. His list of performing roles is staggering: Don Alfonso in Così fan tutte, Rangoni in Boris Godunov, Scarpia in Tosca, Nick Shadow in The Rake’s Progress, Balstrode in Peter Grimes and the title role in Gianni Schicchi. Plus of course Don Giovanni on many, many occasions. In his early life as a singer and actor, he appeared in the inaugural production of the Australian Elizabethan Trust Opera Company – the forerunner to Opera Australia. In the early 60s his career went stratospheric in the UK, while he spent later years as a member of the Australian National Opera and all the state opera companies. He is well known for his part in the huge Australian success, Voss. Today, he is upbeat, energised and jokes, “We’re going to talk about my favourite subject and of course, that’s me.”
In the beginning It was Chard’s mother who was first to instil in him an appreciation of musical performance and it was the female congregation at the Anglican church in his home suburb of Hurstville Grove who introduced him to the potency of a church choir. 18 TVO
Young Chard loved to sing. But never was performing considered a career option. “I hated school, actually. I wanted to be grown-up, and so I went to the business college in Sydney. “I got a clerical job, did an accounting course and eventually became the company secretary of the firm I was working for,” he recalls. With the day job paying the bills, Chard joined amateur musical societies and spent his spare time in the evenings singing at community events and performing on the showboats in the city at the weekend. “Singing just became part of things,” he reflects. “There was an opportunity to learn those things which isn’t available today. There were all sorts of embarrassments and experiences. There was even an opportunity to sing overseas, as we called it, by going across the harbour and singing in Mosman.”
A turning point came when the sister of a friend requested that he make his singing debut at her wedding. Underplaying the significance of it all he says, “I suppose I liked the feeling of it.” Eager to retain that “feeling” and use his musical society experience, Chard accepted a role in Puccini’s La Bohème for a small opera company in Rockdale. He also undertook some training at Sydney’s Conservatorium of Music. Chard says it was around this time that the NSW National Opera Company was forming and his career started to turn professional. It was also through this time Chard met and fell in love with a “lovely and beautiful soprano” called Marjorie Conley. Not only did she stand alongside him as their stars went into ascent, she also granted him the honour of being her husband and later fell pregnant with their child. Sadly however, in 1959, two years after giving birth to their son David, Marjorie passed away. Chard, perhaps preferring not to dwell in the past, speaks few words about the events, but admits that he was “not emotionally equipped to deal with it.” “Marjorie died when we were in Queensland. We had no choice but to go back and live with my parents and I didn’t like that.”
The English chapter Chard was not content to give up singing, and he knew that the only way to garner a professional, sustainable, and well-paid career as an opera singer was to relocate overseas. He set himself a target to spend one year in London and come back for David when he was established. In 1961, Chard left Australia for London. In those 12 months, he secured work as an opera singer, found an agent and made friends with people who knew of his plan to bring David over to the UK. “I returned to London in 1962 as a single parent. That winter was freezing, really cold. They were calling it ‘The Big Freeze’ and David and I were moving from one digs to another. Friends of mine had said they could help, but they were busy too with their jobs and families.”
His list of performing roles is staggering
Geoffrey Chard - Don Giovanni
Continued on page 22 TVO 19
I am very proud to have secured record amounts of funding for my electora recent years. This funding has enabled our councils and community groups t develop programs and opportunities for our community to come together. La truly a special place to live and work. Anthony Roberts MP
Funding to assist with the opening of a Return & Earn centre. Capable of processing high volumes of recyclables.
$50,000 to assist with the construction of an off-leash dog area at Blackman Park.
We saved the Lane Cove Ferry service. Our community came together to protect our valuable public transport services.
$2400 to the Bulgarian Cultural Society Association to develop multicultural social events.
$15,000 to Longueville Tennis Club for fencing around the facility. Also, $36,670 to assist with the resurfacing of tennis courts.
Authorised by Anthony Roberts, Ground Floor, 215 Victoria Rd, Gladesville NSW, 2111. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.
20 TVO
$620,000 to North Shore Rowing Club to assist with the construction of a boat storage area and out of water exercise space. Also, $3843 to purchase equipment which enables the club to run regattas.
ate in to grow and ane Cove is
$150,000 to replace the Azaleas on Epping Road.
$30,000 to the Lane Cove Public School for building refurbishments. Also, a multimilliondollar replacement of the Lane Cove Public School hall and canteen which was damaged in a fire. $50,000 to Lane Cove Library for a mobile STEAM Makerspace.
$1,000,000 to provide safety upgrades at the Longueville Northwood intersection.
$14,934 to Greenwich Public School as part of a sustainability initiative.
$30,000 to provide Longueville Sporting Club with a weatherproof outdoor dining structure.
$73,100 to Lane Cove Council as part of a greening initiativeconnecting canopy street corridors.
$13,427 to the Lane Cove 12 ft Skiff Club to purchase and install equipment in their canteen.
Multimillion-dollar upgrade to Greenwich wharf for safety and accessibility upgrades.
$4000 to local sporting groups to purchase equipment for junior skill development, including $2000 to Lane Cove Junior Rugby Union for the provision of coach and player development programs. TVO 21
Geoffrey Chard - Tosca
It was Chard’s mother who was first to instil in him an appreciation of musical performance
“In the end, I was lucky. I found us some good, long-term digs. The elderly landlady was recently bereaved. We rented rooms in her home, and she helped me to care for David. “For me it was always important to be there in the morning for breakfast and the late afternoon for our evening meal together. But having someone there to care for David meant I could work during the day and at night.” Chard did not waste a moment in the UK. He was welcomed by the Welsh National Opera, sang at Glyndebourne, the Royal Opera Company at Covent Garden, and performed at the Aldeburgh and Edinburgh Festivals. He was a principal baritone with the English National Opera for 15 years, from 1968 to 1983, performing many major roles, including some roles which were specially written for him. David was always by his side and attended six schools during his time in the UK. “Some people ask if it affected him,” he says. “We spoke about it recently and he said no; that’s the cards life deals you. I think it worked out well. He’s a lovely chap.” Chard counts a performance at Buckingham Palace and a game of tennis with the British Consul at Wimbledon among his most memorable achievements. Meanwhile, it was in the UK that he met a “wonderful English lady” by the name of Margaret to help heal his heart, follow him down the aisle, and take over the role as his most ardent supporter. Margaret and Geoffrey are still enjoying their later years together.
A place called home in Hunters Hill In the mid-80s, when Chard was in his early 50s, he made the decision to call time on his career in London and return to Sydney, initially intending to return to south west Sydney, where he spent much of his early life. “David had already returned to Australia and my father was still alive then,” he explains, “My agent said I should come back to Australia while still in robust form to continue singing. I thought I would spend six months here, and six months there. “The upheaval of moving lock, stock and barrel, selling your house and coming back to no particular address was 22 TVO
quite astonishing,” he says. “A friend lent us a temporary place in Hunters Hill. We liked the area very much and went about seeing how we could get a toe hold here.” While it was tough settling at first, his immense reputation soon saw him reclaim his place among Australia’s operatic elite with roles such as Nick Shadow in The Rakes Progress, the title role in Gianni Schicci, Balstrode in Peter Grimes, Don Pizarro in Fidelio, Paolo in Simon Boccanegra, Tonio in Pagliacci and in the title role of the award-winning Voss, which was premiered at the Adelaide Festival in 1986, televised nationally and received with great acclaim. Chard has often been quoted as saying that this performance is his most treasured classical music memory.
Giving back For some time upon his return from the UK, Chard taught at the Australian National Academy of Music, the Conservatorium and to private clients. In addition to his appointment of a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to opera, he was also made a life member of the Savage Club and received two Green Room Awards - peer awards that recognise excellence in cabaret, dance, drama, musical theatre and opera. “While one doesn’t flaunt those awards around the place, I am quite proud of the AM,” he notes bashfully. Chard may well have retired from his professional singing career, but he keeps busy with an active interest in the community. Currently president of Hunters Hill Music, when not playing host to David or grandchildren Lauren (28) and Elliot (24), he is also a member of the Hunters Hill Tennis Club and enjoys a round of golf or two, although he admits that a motor vehicle accident in 2000 that resulted in him fracturing his neck and back means he hits the balls with less force these days. Prior to lockdowns, appearances honouring his work in Voss – on its 35th anniversary - had been scheduled. Instead, he is using this downtime wisely by turning his attention to the finishing touches of his autobiography. “I don’t know whether it will ever get published,” he notes, “But it’s definitely full of some wonderful tales.”
Love where you live Proudly bought to you by Lane Cove Council
Be part of Bushcare! As we edge closer to Spring, why not join more than 270 fellow residents and become part of Council’s Bushcare and the Community Nursery!
W
ith more than 25 local Bushcare groups across Lane Cove there’s bound to be something nearby – take a look at the map overleaf to see where these groups meet to actively care for, and restore, our bushland reserves.
You’ll also find information online about how to get involved with our Community Nursery located in Lane Cove West where volunteers help with propagating a range of plants that are then planted across the Council area.
Bush regeneration at Lane Cove Council has a long history dating back to the early 1970s when the theory and practice developed by Joan and Eileen Bradley was in its beginnings. Groups like the Lane Cove Co-Op (the first paid bush regeneration contractors in Lane Cove) and the Lane Cove Bushland and Conservation Society were the forerunners of what is now a well-established industry nation-wide.
Bush Friends
We are privileged to have some of those early founders of bush regeneration still working in our Bushcare program today. With decades of experience, these people have quietly achieved a revolution in the conservation of urban bushland and created an awareness of the natural environment that gives joy to many.
Lane Cove Council’s unique Bush Friends program takes Bushcare one step further through supporting residents living adjacent to bushland to protect and restore the “little patch” behind their homes. This individual and localised approach to bush regeneration fosters a strong connection and pride of place, resulting in impressive environmental outcomes. This becomes even more apparent when consecutive neighbours join the program, resulting in an inspiring stretch of volunteer-managed bushland. BushFriends volunteers also undertake nature strip and pocket park revegetation programs.
As part of the Bushcare program Council runs training programs and provides supervisors on-site during the regular sessions to help guide and support the work of volunteers. If this sounds like something you’d be interested, visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/bushcare to find out more.
Our dedicated and ever-expanding group of 66 BushFriends volunteers contributed over 1,800 hours of bush regeneration activities in the 2020/21 financial year – a big thank you to everyone involved. TVO 23
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Council Update August 2021
Are you looking to support local businesses? Explore www.shoplanecove.com.au to find out who is offering local pick-up, delivery and online services. With more than 190 businesses now listed, there are plenty of opportunities to shop locally for food, gifts and services. Also, if you’re stuck for ideas for Father’s Day you could consider a Lane Cove Gift Card which can be redeemed at more than 75 local stores. To find out more, visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/lovewhereyoushop
Latest News
New Traffic Signals: In July the power supply to the new Burns Bay Road/ Tambourine Bay Road/Sutherland Street lights lights was successfully completed allowing Council to finalise the remaining civil works. Transport for NSW are responsible for activating the lights. At the time of writing the timeframe for this is not known however Council will be assisting with traffic control measures to help transition vehicles and pedestrians to the new signals. In addition to the significant improvement to pedestrian safety, the new signals will prioritise traffic movements into Sutherland Street (Cox’s Lane) so as to minimise the volume of vehicles going through the Village Centre. This will make the top section of Burns Bay Road between Tambourine Bay Road and Rosenthal Avenue more pedestrian friendly. The reduction of traffic in this area will also reduce the current conflicts between cars and buses at the Post Office pedestrian crossing and support a more cycle-friendly environment. Building Upgrade Finance: Businesses across the Lane Cove area can now access Building Upgrade Finance for projects that help them save money and improve their economic and environmental performance. Council has signed up to support Building Upgrade Finance which is a loan for building upgrade works, repaid quarterly alongside Council rates. A lender provides the upfront capital for the works, which the
business then repays alongside their quarterly Council rates over periods of up to 20 years. If this is something that your business may be interested in, visit Council’s website www.lanecove. nsw.gov.au/upgradefinance REMINDER: The 2021 NSW Local Government Elections will be held on Saturday 4 December You can visit www.elections.nsw.gov.au/lge21 to check your enrolment and find out how to vote including pre-polling, postal and iVote options.
Upcoming Events
• Living with Brush-turkeys Thursday 5 August, 7:00pm – 8:15pm.
Join Ann Goeth, author of “Mound Builders”, for a closer look at the unique life of the Australian Brushturkey. Discover fascinating facts about their foraging habits, breeding and why they build such large mounds! Get tips on how to live harmoniously with this fascinating bird.
• Lane Cove Festival Launch: Plaza Party and Canopy Celebrations Friday 27 August, 3:30pm – 7:00pm
Celebrate the launch of the 2021 Lane Cove Festival (COVID-restrictions permitting) with an afternoon of fun and excitement. This family-friendly event co-presented by Lane Cove Council and Hyecorp Property Group welcomes the community back to the heart of Lane Cove with children’s activities and musical performances. Featuring Festival favourite the Jazz Connection Big Band and performances from Sydney Swing Patrol you do not want to miss out on this! For latest details visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/festivals • Lane Cove Art Award Council is a proud sponsor of the 57th Lane Cove Art Award. There’s still time to submit your artwork in this year’s Award with the Lane Cove Art Society seeking entries by Monday 16 August. The exhibition will open on Friday 27 August and run until Saturday 11 September 2021 (Covid-restrictions permitting) For the latest details on the Award or Exhibition, visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/artaward • Dying to Know Day Friday 13 August, 10:00am – 11:00am.
Join us for a one-hour end of life planning workshop that empowers you with the knowledge and resources you need to plan well for you or your family member in the final stages of life. To book for this online workshop, visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events
This is a Zoom online presentation, visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/bushcare to book your place.
Did you know? The Powerful Owl, found throughout Lane Cove, has a wing-span of about 1.5metres. That’s the same distance that locals should be keeping from each other when out and about in the community. TVO 25
A LANE COVE
GIFT CARD... The Perfect Gift Help support your favourite local businesses by purchasing a Lane Cove Gift Card that can be redeemed at more than 75 local stores and restaurants. For participating businesses and details visit lanecoveshopping.com.au
Reduce your business energy costs Take advantage of Council’s free Solar for Business program and discover just how much you can save on electricity by installing solar. Sign up today and receive independent expert advice and a solar feasibility report to identify opportunities to lower your running costs. Visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/solarforbusiness for more information.
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Love Lane Cove small businesses? Here are some ideas for how to support them during lockdown Buy a gift card or voucher, or purchase from their online store
Follow them on social + share their posts
Keep up your gym Leave a or fitness studio positive membership Google review
Buy takeaway direct + pick it up yourself
I'm your new independent candidate for Lane Cove Council (Central Ward). The election is 4 December. You're invited to learn more about my vision for a Lane Cove that's leafy, liveable & connected. Join an online catch up to meet me and ask questions Visit bridgetkennedyforlanecove.com.au for info. Authorised by D Gourlay, 504/15 Finlayson St, Lane Cove NSW 2066
TVO 27
More than just a headache BY DR CARL WONG DR CARL WONG IS A LANE COVE-BASED GP AND SITS ON THE BOARD OF SYDNEY COMMUNITY SERVICES
Studies have shown that migraines affect over 4.9 million Australians. Despite how common it is, this condition is often misunderstood in the wider community. In ancient times, migraines were thought to be caused by evil spirits and demons inside the head. To release these spirits, parts of the skull bone were cut out (a procedure called ‘trepanation’). Tools commonly used were sharpened rocks, chisels and saws. Thankfully nowadays we know more about migraines and how to better treat them! According to Migraine & Headache Australia, one in five Australians are affected at some stage in their lives. Migraine is more common worldwide than diabetes, asthma and epilepsy combined, and is ranked as the seventh most disabling disorder. Migraines can sometimes start in early childhood, with peak incidence in the working-age years. Women are affected three times more than men, due to a strong hormonal
link, with their attacks usually stronger and longer-lasting. Different menstrual cycle stages, adolescence (hormone development), pregnancy (frequency lessens but typically reappears following birth), and menopause (majority will improve, though some often worsen) can affect around 40% of female cases. Liz Cleary, aged 60, knows this well, having had symptoms since adolescence. ‘But it wasn’t until menopause when my headaches significantly worsened that I was properly diagnosed’ she recalls, ‘I would be too debilitated to do anything for days. During attacks I become very sensitive to bright lights and loud noises, and I would feel like someone is stabbing my head repeatedly with a knife!’. These symptoms are common. The International Headache Society describes migraine pains as often one-sided, throbbing, worsened by body movements and associated with either light or noise sensitivities. Nausea and vomiting can often occur. Typical episodes last between four hours and three days. Up to thirty per cent will get aura symptoms, including dizziness, trouble speaking and muscle weakness.
COVID bodies COVID 19 has presented us all with many challenges. From a musculoskeletal perspective, with this latest outbreak, we are seeing many people with a flare up of their pains. We have seen what happens to bodies when your world is filled with uncertainty. There are a few factors that may be contributing to peoples increased pain. With gyms closed, it becomes much harder for people to do strength exercises. With ongoing change and reduced opportunities for socialisation and relaxation, anxiety often rises, leading to increased muscle tension in the body. Additionally, we have noticed the lock down is often negatively affecting people’s motivation to do both their physiotherapy strength and control exercises plus general exercise. It is well understood that there are strong links between stress, mental fatigue, poor sleep, and increased pain. We are seeing this play out at the moment with many people. Understanding that what you may be experiencing is common, can help with your relief of symptoms and motivation. At Burns Bay Physiotherapy, we understand pain and we can both help you with our hands on techniques, goal setting and self-help exercises. We will listen to you and help you with your individual challenges.
BURNS BAY PHYSIOTHERAPY 161 Burns Bay Rd, Lane Cove P: 9427 8333 E: info@burnsbayphysiotherapy.com.au
www.burnsbayphysiotherapy.com.au Ann 28 TVO
Jill
Kirsty
Commonly most auras are visual disturbances, including bright zig-zag lines, flashing lights, blurred vision and blind spots. Most auras will resolve completely within an hour, though muscle weakness can last days and sometimes weeks. The key to minimising these symptoms is to treat them proactively. ‘My biggest tip is to take whatever works for you, as early as possible’ states Dr Bronwyn Jenkins, a local neurologist and migraine specialist, ‘treat early with aspirin/anti-inflammatory medications otherwise migraines will often develop and progress. Use your most effective medication early (usually doctor-prescribed ‘triptan’ medications) which can reduce the duration of an attack to just a few hours and reduce the chance of reoccurrences over the next few days’. This is important as a third of migraine sufferers will get recurrences or prolonged attacks that require preventative therapy. Chronic migraine sufferers like Liz (defined as experiencing an attack on 15 or more days each month for at least three consecutive months), have benefited from taking preventative medications, usually taken daily. Firstline oral medications can be effective, but many users will develop intolerable side effects. Consequently, many are treated with Botox injections (31 injections in the head/neck every three months). These work by altering the brain’s neurotransmitters and contrary to popular belief, not by way of relaxing the facial muscles (though some patients may still find this an added incentive). Recent breakthroughs include more migraine-specific medications which studies have shown to be very effective and safe. Use of these preventative treatments for chronic migraines,
can also help reduce the risk of developing ‘medicationoveruse headaches’. The overuse of medications (especially if codeine-based and opioid) that treat acute attacks make the underlying migraine condition worse and more frequent. This is a challenging additional problem which needs to identified and treated well. ‘Studies have shown that two thirds of these cases are more than 50% better once their overused medications are stopped’ says Dr Jenkins. But like most health-related matters, prevention and lifestyle modifications are essential and often overlooked. Regular sleep, staying hydrated and not skipping meals are important. Dietary triggers are controversial and there is no strong consistent evidence on this (chocolate-lovers rejoice!). Keeping a headache diary can be helpful to find personal trigger patterns. Stress management is also very important. ‘One of the best things I did was learn to relax’ Liz says, ‘regular exercise made a big difference too’. Dr Jenkins agrees, adding ‘acupuncture, TENS machines and treating any neck muscle tension can also help. Daily caffeine intake should be limited to one coffee shot. Strong teas, and alcohol can be triggers but not all types. During COVID lockdowns last year, anxiety, depression, poorer diets higher in carbohydrates and reduced exercise were all linked to worsening migraines’. Unfortunately, despite all that we know, migraines remain underdiagnosed and undertreated. There is still no cure for it, but we do have effective treatments to manage this disabling condition and improve quality of life significantly. Don’t suffer in silence and always seek medical help’ recommends Liz. Its great advice to follow….now if I could only remember where I put that last piece of chocolate.
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TVO 29
Talking Dentistry This month we’re talking aesthetic 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 restorative and implant dentistry. Reader’s question: “What is the most important thing for an aesthetic smile?” Dr See says: Great question indeed. Typically, as the old saying goes, aesthetics and beauty is always in the eye of the beholder. This is true to a large extent as everyone develops their aesthetic preferences from their upbringing, environment, culture and era. However, one of the most universally accepted factors for an aesthetic smile is symmetry of the central incisors. Let’s look at a case that we completed where there was a lack of symmetry. Linda came to see us because when she was a young child she had an accident that caused damage to her front tooth. She had root canal treatment but recently she had started to experience problems with her tooth causing pain when she ate or touched it and she didn’t like how her front teeth looked different. Linda was also worried that the tooth would snap and break and she didn’t want to wear a denture. She wanted a solution that was permanent and wanted her smile to look more harmonious. THE PROBLEMS: • Discolored front tooth root showing through her gums. • The tooth started moving, bringing the gum down with it. • Her teeth and gum line was severely uneven. • Pain when eating and touching the tooth. Every detail for Linda was analysed and considered to ensure that we found right solution for her. We planned accurate and customised treatment that delivered predictable results. Treatment included: • Dental implant and crown. • Gum rejuventation. • Veneer on adjacent front tooth. Linda is relieved that she no longer has to fear her tooth falling out or wearing a denture. Linda’s teeth are more symmetrical and with no gum discoloration. Quality workmanship and precision preparations ensured that we achieved the results that Linda wanted. If you have any questions you have always wanted to know about aesthetic or implant dentistry write to us at info@advanceddentistrysydney.com.au
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dr.andrewsee
BDS Hons (Syd), FRACDS, MSc(Lond), PGDipDentImplantology, MFGDP(UK), FICOI, MFDS RCSEng
HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT? Dr Andrew See has dedicated the last 18 years to Aesthetic Dentistry and has unique qualifications in cosmetic dentistry and rehabilitation. This includes a 3-year Masters in Aesthetic Dentistry from the prestigious King’s College London and a Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Implantology.
THE SOLUTION:
9816 4885
DR ANDREW SEE
advanceddentistrysydney.com.au
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.
cook
WITH BERN THE CHEF
www.bernthechef.com.au
Bern the Chef
is a local caterer who has been in the Lane Cove area for over 15 years. She has worke in many corporate catering positions as well as operating a small business. Bern love catering and the freedom that clients give her to do what she does best. Cooking is her forte and Bern loves the classics as well as keeping up to date with the latest foo trends. www.bernthechef.com.au
Autumn bliss
There’s nothing quite like walking into a warm home with aromas of baked puddings and a roast dinner. With more time spent inside, the change of provides the perfect excuse to try new recipes. BY BERNADETTE KENNEALY. It’sseason clearly biscuit and cake time greatuplift. for so many whether it be therapy; crack open red wine; or to grab a bunch of We Cooking need aislittle Evenreasons, the smell of warm chewy to biscuits canthat begreat transformative. on a weekend nourishment, a laugh a bowl of comfort. Or, friends introducing a newafternoon twist onfor a choc cake fave willand help enliven the spirit. Walking past the butcher’s daily offerings, are there meat cuts you wish you knew how to use? Perhaps skirt steak, pork Here’s a few ideas from Bern the Chef.
cheeks or chicken Maryland? Pork cheeks are one of my favourites and my ears prick up every time I hear of a new recipe. The version below would be delicious with rice noodles and broth and is best made the morning of, or even the day before.
Easy Biscuit Recipe
Ways to lively up a chocolate cake
I have trotted this one out many times and keep batches ready to go in the freezer. It is so easy that most of the ingredients will already be in your pantry and certainly the local shop (if there’s not a run on condensed milk!).
Mandarin and Ginger Pork Cheeks
(including – no shame here - packet mixes)
Chicken Maryland with Bacon and Polenta
• The zest of one orange
• A teaspoon of cinnamon This biscuit mix makes a lot. Before baking, you can • Oil for frying • Spice • A tablespoon of rub powdered chai mix divide into several lots to add variations of flavour. • 3 onions, finely chopped • 1 tblspncakes. sea salt • Yoghurt moistens Swap the milk/water component • 500 g butter or margarine 4 cloves garlic, peeled and • • 1 tblspn smoked for yoghurt or buttermilk paprika at room temperature finely chopped • 1 tblspnout ground cumin • 1/2 cup caster sugar • A whole scraped vanilla bean • 2 carrots, roughly chopped. • 4 springs fresh thyme leaves • 395g Nestle Sweetened • 6 pork cheeks - approx 1 kilo • Swap a cup of flour for almond meal for extra protein Condensed Milk • 1 tspn dry mustard powder (or substitute with beef cheeks) • Add a pinch of flaky sea salt • 5 cups of sifted • 1 tspn ground white pepper self-raising flour • 2 inches ginger, peel and slice • A cup of raisins with a cup of Oloroso sherry sitting in a • 1/2 cup light soy sauce jar keeps very well in the fridge. Add a spoonful of this to METHOD • 500mls chicken stock your chocolate cake mix for decadent twist. spoonful Any meat cooked onathe bone has moreAflavour. Although it does - Cream the butter and sugar till fluffy • 1/4 cup Shaoxing wine of this over icelonger cream sublime as well.intensity is worth it! take toiscook, the flavour - Pour in the whole can of condensed milk, then This is recipe basedtoongive feeding 6 people. Work driedgently mandarin peel • If packet mix • 3 pieces yourisgo-to, it more oomph by on one Maryland fold in the flour cup by cup per person, skin on. (Asian grocer) adding an extra egg to the mix, use butter instead of oil, - Mix until it comes together • 2 whole star anise and add a couple of tablespoons of natural yoghurt. - Portion out into biscuit pieces • 2 dried red chillies (or to taste) - Place onto greased trays, and chill first before baking. Mix all spice ingredients together in a bowl. Slash the • 2 cinnamon sticks - Oven bake at 170 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes chicken legs, place a couple of slashes on the thigh and then • 1 tspn white peppercorns AND FOR VARIETIES, TRY:
• 2 tblspn dark soy sauce
• 2 tblspn brown sugar - Rolling in two tablespoons of cinnamon and sugar • 6 mandarins, whole - Add ½ cup of tiny chocolate chips
enjoy
- M ake an indent with a wooden spoon and add ½ a teaspoon of jam
Sauté onions in a heavy based pot with oil for 4-5 minutes
- A dd twotranslucent. tablespoonsAdd of peanut butter and a cheeks and brown until the trimmed pork tablespoon of brown sugar. on each side. Add the ginger, carrot and aromatic spices and
cook stirring for another 3 minutes until the whole pot is fragrant. Add the stock and Shaoxing wine, transfer into an oven dish, cover and slow cook on 140 degrees for 2 hours. Add the whole mandarins, the dark soy and brown sugar,
rub the spices into all the nooks and crannies. Place onto a tray in a single layer and refrigerate for a couple of hours. Add a couple of wedge cut Spanish onions, 4 smashed whole garlic cloves, 1 punnet of cherry tomatoes (whole), and one orange cut into quarters. Drizzle with olive oil and place into a medium hot oven (160 degrees). Roast for 30 to 40 minutes. As that is roasting, sauté a couple of chopped bacon rashers in a heavy based pot. Add 2 cups of polenta and 1 litre of chicken stock, working quickly until aTVO soft 31 porridge consistency. Turn the heat off and cover. Leave for 5 minutes to absorb and soften, add 100gms butter, freshly chopped
plant
WITH RACHEL GLEESON
www.ivyalley.com.au
Putting it together... Check your pantry (or your neighbours) to find some used jars of various shapes and sizes. Pair each vessel with a suitable size pot that will fit snuggly in the top. Wind the string around the top of each jar approx. half a dozen times to decorate, then tie off. Place 2-3 cm of gravel/ stones in the base of each jar and then half fill with water. Next, add a small amount of duckweed to each vessel.
Plant names from back left- Philodendren birken, Peperomia obtusifolia, Pepperomia ‘red ripple’, Begonia ‘rex’, Pellaea rotundifolia, pepperomia nitida, Fossil fern.
GLASS JAR PLANT DISPLAY ...a great way to recycle your old food jars! If you are stuck at home at the moment and feel like doing some “indoor gardening” this little project may interest you!
Materials you will need: • recycled food or storage jars • planter pots (old or new) with drainage holes. • jute string • pebbles/gravel (optional) • duckweed- this floats in the water and is available from Ivy Alley, aquarium stores or online. • Plants
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Cut around a dozen pieces of string to the approximate length of each jar and knot together at one end. Thread the string through the inside of the garden pot until it protrudes out the base and the knot is anchored on the inside. Place the pot in its matching jar and trim string so it sits just above the gravel in the water. The water will be absorbed into the pots soil by the string! Now simply plant out with your favourite indoor plants.
care: Place in a bright spot in your home and occasionally top up with water
happy gardening
JUST FOR
KIDS
BACKYARD RANGER It’s time to fact check the Ring Tail Possum The sun has set on suburbia. Dusk fades to black. The night has begun. Enter, stage right, nocturnal Aussie superstar… the Ringtail Possum. Words by Julian Ledlin Early every evening, feet pitter patter across fences, up telegraph poles and across powerlines. Where are they going? What are they up to? And is true they eat their own poo? For millions of years, Ringtails have called the bushland along the east coast of Australia home. And they’re not just a pretty face… They have actually played a big part in the survival of our forests. How? Well Ringtails are known as nocturnal pollinators, they are the bees of the night! They spread pollen from flower to flower thanks to their sugar-craving, sticky little snouts. With so many tasty flowers and fruits on offer, the Ringtail has developed a very sweet tooth over the years. Sure, they might steal the odd rose from your garden or snatch an apple or two from your prized tree but they’re also working hard at keeping our rainforests and woodlands in good health.
LOOK - up in the trees at night. You can use a torch but don’t shine directly into possum’s faces. No-one likes a torch in their eyes, especially our nocturnal wildlife. Aim the torch a bit away from the possum, spend a few seconds watching then leave it be. They need to feel safe sharing your backyard otherwise they will leave. LISTEN - for their chirping squeak as they communicate to friends, family…and sometimes foes! Ringtails will guard their territory with all their might! Especially if there’s lots of tasty food about. LEAVE - water out for them, NOT FOOD! Let them forage nearby native plants instead, they’ll be much healthier for it! LOVE - sharing the local area with these adorable, adventurous animals. Ringtails Rule!
Like all animals, food is the reason they leave the protection of the nest. Ringtails love to eat fruit and flowers from our native trees and plants. Their favourite food is fresh, young gum leaves. They love gum leaves so much that they will eat them twice. Twice? How do you eat something twice? You guessed it, they eat pooped-out gum leaves. This makes sure they get as many nutrients from the leaves as possible, it’s also a neat trick when food is scarce. Now that’s sustainable! We call male possums Jacks, and female possums Jills. What do we call the young ones that ride their mum’s backs? Joeys! We call all our native wildlife PRECIOUS! Possum in your roof? Chances are it’s not a ringtail but its fluffier cousin, the Brushtail. Normally Brushtails shelter and nest in tree hollows but if there’s a gap in your roof, they’ll happily set up home in your ceiling. There’s plenty of good ideas online to help you relocate a brushtail from your roof. Ringtails live in soccer ball sized nests called dreys. They carry small bundles of sticks back to their drey site by gripping a bunch of sticks in their very useful, grippy tails… then they build, build, build! To make it extra comfy they’ll line the inside of the drey with leaves and soft pieces of bark. Speaking of bark, make sure your dog is inside when possums are active. Dogs (and cats) can really hurt possums, so let’s all work together in keeping our beloved backyard marsupials safe from our pets.
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review TOP 4 BOOKS TO READ THIS MONTH
A BOOK LOVER’S REVIEW BY JACQUI SERAFIM
The 22 Murders of Madison May by Max Barry A thrilling chase through time on the trail of a killer. A blend of psychological suspense and incidental humour in a gripping well-paced novel. Karen’s pick of the month.
The Midnight Library
The Good Wife of Bath by Karen Brooks An engaging, funny retelling of Chaucer’s Good Wife of Bath which gives this much maligned character a chance to tell, in her own words her (mostly) true story.
So you think you know What’s Good For You by Dr Norman Swan Brimming with detailed research and irreverent character sketches, Rum looks at how much was drunk in colonial Australia (a lot!), and the lengths people went to get their hands on it.
Mega Monster by David williams More glorious fun and games from David Walliams. An actionpacked page turner set on an island in the middle of a shark infested sea, where strange goings on happen in The Cruel School.
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by Matt Haig
Nora Seed is 35 years old. She is intelligent, well-educated, a gifted athlete and musician but she is lonely, isolated and depressed. Her parents are dead, she is estranged from her brother, her best friend is overseas and out of contact, she has lost her job and her cat is dead. She can see no hope for the future so, late one night she decides to end her life. It is then that she finds herself at The Midnight Library. The Midnight Library is filled with possibility – the shelves go on forever and are filled with limitless books. Each book represents a possible life that, if she had done something differently, Nora could have lived. The librarian explains to her “Every life contains many millions of decisions. Some big, some small. But every time one decision is taken over another, the outcomes differ. An irreversible variation occurs, which in turn leads to further variations.” As she hesitates between life and death, Nora is offered the opportunity to experience a multitude of lives that she might have lived had she made a different choice. If, for example, she had continued competitive swimming; stayed in the band; become a glaciologist; or accepted the offer of a coffee date. Was there a life out there for her in which she would have had the success and happiness that would make life worth living? As Nora selects a past decision and makes a different choice, the book which represents that version of her life is opened at exactly the current point in time and she finds herself living that life: an Olympic athlete, a rock star, a climate scientist, a wife and mother. She lives that life until it disappoints her, then finds herself back in the library to select a different choice. Haig’s engaging novel is based on the speculative fiction “many lives, many worlds” concept. As Nora chooses different versions of her life to explore, she discovers truths about herself, about the other people in her life and about what’s important. Over time, she comes to see that “the prison wasn’t the place, but the perspective.” The narrative is simple and straightforward; it operates as a vehicle for the message: the damaging power of regret and the importance of looking forward not back. It is an intriguing exploration of the possibilities of the road not taken and conveys that even the smallest of decisions on a daily basis can have an impact on one’s life and on the lives of others: a knock on the door, a phone call, accepting the offer of a cup of coffee. Ultimately, Nora learns that a wonderful life can be embedded in the ordinary and that in all human life is the possibility of change and growth through the smallest of actions. And that in itself contains a powerful message of hope. Haig’s gentle but uplifting novel reminds us all to banish regret and embrace the possibility of change in our lives.
The Midnight Library is a New York Times bestseller and winner of the Goodreads Choice Award for Fiction.
SHORT STORY
Karen Paull
Community Chaplain
Leaving the Shore
The Dusty Veteran Old Mate would peddle his stories to anyone who walked by. He looked as old as earth; his face lined like the ripples of the desert. Upon the sparse tufts of prickly grass outside the front of Old Mate’s house was his rusting cast iron tub. Old Mate would wake with the colouring of the sky and fill his tub, bucket by bucket. His frail frame would strain under the climbing sun, red dust filling the cracks of his cobbled brow. After the bath was full, he’d change into bathing shorts, place his faded pink towel astride his head, and slosh into the cool water. Old Mate would wipe his face with his knotted hands, and gently wash the few hairs on his speckled head. Children of passing families would try to stop and listen, eager to hear what he had to say. On his good days, he told stories of working on a submarine that took him to far away countries, how it had breached and was torpedoed. He spoke of prison camps in dusty places where one could poke a finger between their ribs and find nought but sand and space. As he spoke every shadow of the landscape appeared to shift to his words, and he himself appeared lighter. On his quiet days, he could be seen looking despondently into the dirty waters of his bath, resigned to accept that the dust would never wash away from the creases of his body. AISLINN MCKENZIE
We stood admiring the peaceful myriad boats anchored in Middle Harbour. My husband and myself were preparing our next ‘Walk and Wonder’ event, which often incorporates a group discussion midway, over a snack and a coffee if we’re in luck. So, we lingered, sampling the coffee from the van there, as good group leaders do! As we sipped, we wondered, how many of those boats remained there permanently and how many still ventured out to sea? And what about us, were we still ‘venturing’? Crossing from Adelaide to Sydney seven years ago was so enlivening! Significant risks and complexities were involved, but we felt ‘called’ to this endeavour, so we examined it from many angles. Consultations with family members, mentors and trusted friends, future employers in situ, all undergirded by prayerful consideration, occurred. Then we pulled up the anchor! We are so glad we did. It felt like we had been transported into a new and refreshed life, while retaining important links to the ‘old’ one. Anchors in our lives keep us stable and sane. Without some constants, life is tiring and too many changes are counter-productive. However, if there is no movement happening anywhere, I question whether this is the best life can be? We can become too comfortable and forget what it’s like to live with uncertainty, so change becomes something to fear. Fear can limit us from taking steps that would be highly beneficial for us and for others. What stable areas of your life no longer serve you and those around you well? Could they do with some rocking? Small movements are a helpful start, if fear has taken hold. Having a friend on the new journey is beneficial too, although not essential. Getting involved in your local community may be a safe place to begin. Or are there are bigger changes to consider? Discussing them with someone who cares about you, can help move them ahead. As your Community Chaplain, I may be able to assist you. I can be an independent sounding board if you are considering making changes to your life. I also host various groups where people enjoy meeting and including others. Maybe join our Middle Harbour meander when restrictions are lifted? Or meditation over Zoom may be more your style? Contact me for more details. “A ship in harbour is safe but that is not what ships are built for” - John A Shedd, 1928
Contact details: Rev Karen Paull 0400 299 751 lanecovechaplain@gmail.com www.lanecovecc.com LANE COVE COMMUNITY CHAPLAINCY TVO 35 SUPPORTED BY LANE COVE UNITING CHURCH
What I watched on TV… Following the wonderful feedback we received about this new column, Stephen Miller once again shares his erudite opinions of the six of the best he’s enjoyed watching on TV recently.
Starstruck (ABC iView) Kiwi comedian Rose Matafeo created, co-wrote and stars in this unashamedly sweet romcom. Matafeo plays the highly likeable Jessie, a millennial living in East London juggling two dead-end jobs. Following an awkward morning-after-the-night-before where she discovers she’s unwittingly slept with the famous film star Tom (Nikesh Patel), what she thinks will be an amusing anecdote soon turns into something much more. Series two officially renewed. Not to be missed.
*****
Why you would watch it: It’s a great feel-good show on the ABC. Why you wouldn’t: I can’t think of any reason.
Physical (Apple TV+) This rags to riches ‘dramedy’ offers little drama or comedy but is an enjoyable watch. Set in the beach paradise of sunny 1980s San Diego, Physical follows Sheila Rubin (Rose Byrne), a bright, lonely, frustrated housewife with an expensive eating disorder on her journey to independence. Internally troubled, this seemingly dutiful housewife shares her darkly amusing take on life via inner dialogue. Mixed reviews from critics but well received by audiences.
****
Why you would watch it: You need a break from crime and murder. Why you wouldn’t: You’re not an Apple TV+ subscriber.
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Sophie – Murder in West Cork (Netflix) This 3-part true-crime docuseries looks at the investigation into the death in 1996 of Sophie Tos-can du Plantier. Her murder became a national obsession in Ireland and France and has always been surrounded by considerable controversy. There’s a twist at the end of the first episode, which I won’t spoil here. Definitely worth your time.
****
Why you would watch it: You love an excellent true-crime documentary. Why you wouldn’t: You don’t like shows about murder.
Spring Tide | Springfloden (SBS On Demand) I loved the second series of this Scandi detective story, which follows on from Springfloden 1 and where you should begin. Police academy cadet Olivia Rönning (Julia Ragnarsson) is tasked with unravelling an unsolved crime from 1987. Three people had sadistically murdered a young woman on a beach witnessed only by a young boy. Despite much work at the time, the case went cold. Springfloden 1 and 2 are not to be missed.
*****
Why you would watch it: You love good Scandinavian detective stories like The Bridge and The Killing. Why you wouldn’t: You don’t like shows with subtitles.
Catastrophe (Stan) Catastrophe is a simple romantic comedy that works well because the actors have genuine chem-istry and a believable script with laugh-outloud jokes. If colourful language, or simulated sex scenes offend, then this may not be for you. But if you’re open-minded, it’s binge-worthy entertainment. Four seasons flew past way too quickly!
****
Why you should watch it: You enjoy a good, believable romcom. Why you wouldn’t: You are easily offended by coarse language and sex scenes.
Lupin (Netflix) Lupin became the surprise Netflix hit of the season this year. Inspired by the adventures of Arsène Lupin, gentleman thief Assane Diop sets out to avenge his father for an injustice inflicted by a wealthy family. This French-made series was always going to be a hit in France (the character of Lupin is a Sherlock Holmes-esque figure, but it was also the first one to crack the US top 10. Lupin is a highly engaging espionage thriller, delivering some excellent telly. Subtitles or (if you must) dubbed versions available.
****
Why you would watch it: Who doesn’t enjoy watching Paris? Why you wouldn’t: You have a low tolerance of plot holes.
Online Exhibitions Gallery visits may be scuppered for now, but that does not mean there isn’t opportunity to enjoy art. There are plenty of online exhibitions to enjoy while in lockdown.
Regenerate – Gallery Lane Cove This virtual exhibition is running now online. It is a mixed media group show of positive affirmation, restoration and renewal by Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios’ community of resident artists, teachers and students. Included are artists such as Sol Contardo who has been featured in TVO before and Teresa Brimo, who we will be featuring next month.
Stranger at the Door
- Sue MacLeod-Beere
Presented online by Brenda Colahan Fine Art, this exhibition of the works of Sue MacLeod-Beere is particularly poignant, and so engaging, we asked for the title painting to go on our front cover this month. Sue is a locally based oil painter from Gladesville. Her Stranger at the Door exhibition explores worlds within worlds and environments that aren’t always what they seem. The title, “Stranger at the Door”, comes from the painting of the same name, created in 2020 during the first lockdown when anxieties were high and our contact with others was most likely through the barrier of our front doors. MacLeod-Beere set out to capture the unsettling presence in the everyday within moody canvases, mostly executed `en plein air’. “I feel I’m on a treasure hunt with some subjects as they slowly reveal intriguing depths that I hadn’t seen fully at first.” Her Sydney scenes include the striking buildings in Callan Park, Rozelle towards the water’s edge of Looking Glass Bay, Gladesville and Kissing Point, Putney. A finalist in the Mosman Art Prize and the Ravenswood Women’s Art Prize, the painting on our cover won the 2020 CommunARTy Prize, Hunters Hill. Two times winner of the Nora Heysen Award, Sue has also been selected twice as a finalist in the Gallipoli Art Prize. YOU CAN FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SUE’S WORK AND BRENDA COLAHAN’S GALLERY HERE: www.brendacolahanfineart.com
The Gallery is also running some Zoom workshops for families such as Sea Horse and Sydney ferry pottery; Matisse picture cut outs and illustrating picture books. YOU CAN FIND MORE ABOUT THESE HERE: www.gallerylanecove.com.au
The National Gallery of Australia If you’re missing the grand galleries and large, impactful shows, a second-best option might be the wonderful “Gallery Walkthroughs”. These virtual tours with commentary include the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Gallery, which is the largest collection of Australia’s First Nations art in the world. Or, for example, the work of Hugh Ramsay (1877–1906) who was an accomplished Australian artist whose portrait paintings achieved success here and in France before his untimely death at the age of 28. This retrospective, the first to focus on Ramsay in more than a quarter of a century, brings together paintings, drawings, sketchbooks and letters from collections around the country to celebrate his achievements. If international classics are more your thing, check out National Gallery Assistant Curator Simeran Maxwell who takes viewers on a tour of some of her favourite works in Matisse & Picasso – uncovering their shared connection to the work of Paul Cezanne, the differing perspectives, collaborations with the Ballet Russes and the unique back and forth between the two artists until after Matisse’s passing in 1954. FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.nga.gov.au TVO 37
ADVERTORIAL
Stryder your Community Transport provider
still going places during COVID-19 “HEALTH AND WELL BEING”
As Sydney goes through our first lockdown for 2021, our message is “Can we Help”? Although isolation is necessary during these times it can also have its negative effect on individuals and the community at large. Stryder would like to assure the community they are still very much on the move and providing essential transport services. While the message is “Stay at Home”, help is available for those who need it. Stryder is still in operation providing clients in our community with transport to get to those vital appointments such as ongoing medical appointments, shopping, COVID 19 and Flu Vaccinations. You can be rest assured that Stryder adheres to a Strict COVID Safety Plan and is continually updated as new government restrictions and advice changes. All our vehicle touch points are cleaned between each passenger and staff have the necessary training to keep you safe. Who is Stryder? Stryder is a registered charity and provides subsidised transport services to eligible people, as well as a regular fee service to the broader community. People who most use Stryder’s accessible transport service are seniors, people with disabilities and others who find regular forms of transport difficult. Stryder is a Registered NDIS Provider. Our fleet includes cars and minibuses ranging from 7 to 19 seats in size. Wheelchair accessible.
Community transport services include: • Medical appointment transport
• Lower North Shore Shuttle – Door- to-door via Ryde, Hunters Hill, Greenwich, Lane Cove, (Chatswood), St Leonards, RNSH Hospital. • Dialysis Shuttle – RNSH or Mater Hospital currently Monday to Friday – with Saturday option soon available. • Macquarie Centre Shopping – Tuesdays and Fridays Cox’s Road Shopping Centre – Thursdays Gladesville Shopping Centre - Fridays • NDIS Transport • Social Outings
For more information: E info@stryder.org.au P 9816 5000 W www.stryder.org.au
ADVERTORIAL
We are here to ensure you can get everything you need in a manageable, safe environment. Glades Village Pharmacy, Sushi Me, Café Gladesville, Jumbo Tom, Picnic Basket Village and Bush’s Meats Butcher continue to be open for business. All cafés and dine in eateries are serving takeaway. Thank you for helping to support our stores and community safely! GLADES VILLAGE PHARMACY is committed to providing the best customer service, information, and product knowledge to help you and your family achieve the best possible health outcomes. The qualified pharmacists and professional staff at Glades Village Pharmacy are always ready to provide you with helpful assistance with any query you may have. OPENING HOURS: • MON 8:30am-6pm • TUE 8:30am-6pm • WED 8:30am-6pm • THU 8:30am-7pm • FRI 8:30am-6pm • SAT 8:30am-6pm • SUN 9am – 5pm
JUMBO TOM THAI TAKEAWAY Pork stew fried egg and rice $15 or beef Pho noodle soup $14, plus more Call: 8084 9480 Monday – Saturday 11:00am-8:00pm
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Also offer DELIVERY via @ubereats_aus
SUSHI ME BAR for Japanese takeaway, sushi rolls, sushi trays, and lunch boxes. SPECIAL OFFERS: • 200 pieces of sushi for only $60. • 280 pieces for only $80. Monday – Sunday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
We’re GOING PLACES - come with us
Community Transport taking you where you need to go
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Helping you to enjoy a comfortable & independent life at home • 9427 6425 GILLIAN BATT CEO
W
ell here we are again! Lockdown 2.0 and it’s really, really boring. Any staff who can work at home are working at home but we have a skeleton crew for each office (Lane Cove and Hunters Hill) as there are some essential services we still need to provide. For some people, services like Meals on Wheels are even more vital now than before. Our essential services include home nursing and personal care – helping people to recover after a hospital stay or needing care to make sure that they take their medications, and helping people to get up, have a shower and get dressed. There are times when someone is in hospital but can’t return home until they have a rail in the shower or a ramp to get to their front door. Our Home Maintenance and Modifications team can fit a rail the next day if necessary when the Occupational Therapist at the Hospital contacts us. So if you see one of our handymen please be assured that they are doing essential work. Similarly, we have gardeners whose jobs are to work in gardens to make them safe, to cut back branches or clean paths. One of our gardeners reported that she felt uncomfortable, because people were giving her stern looks not realising she wasn’t gardening to make things pretty but gardening to make things safe.
Community Spotlight:
Mary Hinde
I
n 45 years as a member of the Anglican Parish of Hunters Hill, Mary Hinde has done just about every job there is in helping run the churches and serve the broader community. Making an active contribution to her community has its foundations in a message that still resonates with Mary from her school days: from those to whom much is given, much will be required. 40 TVO
Our orders for Meals on Wheels have gone up and the daily runs are very busy with lots of meals, sandwiches, soups and salads going out across the area. If you or someone you know is over 65 and needs help with online shopping or would benefit from meals, please contact us and we can help. Ideally you should contact My Aged Care first either on1800 200 422 or online through www.myagedcare.gov.au. However, if your need is urgent please contact us on 9427 6425 and we will help. In mid-July I sent out some requests to our contacts in the local media and to our local councils asking for donations to our food pantries in Hunters Hill and Lane Cove, and the response has been overwhelming – locals in our areas have been generous and resourceful, either shopping online or getting Woolworths or Coles to deliver to us. That means we have supplies to help anyone who is disadvantaged or having a hard time during the pandemic whatever their situation, whether they are single, a couple or a family. I truly hope that we can get through this lockdown safely and sanely but please make sure you look after yourself and look out for those around you.
The sentiment has stayed with her since, to the time she became involved in volunteering for her children’s preschool and school activities, and to her many and varied roles in the Parish. “Mary has been everything in the Parish,” Reverend Michael Armstrong says. “From warden, cleaner, florist, gardener, pastoral carer, you name it. “She is a real saint, and through her, many have been blessed in our Parish and wider community.” As well as her work serving on the Parish council and as a church warden, she has been involved in prayer groups, Bible studies, book groups, gardening bees, led Sunday school classes and helped a playgroup at St Mark’s. Of all her Parish work, one of Mary’s favourite roles has been sourcing and setting up flowers in the churches. “I’m a flower person,” she says. “One of my daughters had a florist business for some years. So, I’ve been the ‘flower lady’ for probably 25 years! “For special days, feast days, holidays, for weddings and funerals, we do beautiful flowers in the church. It’s a lovely thing to do.”
As for the Parish, Mary says it “is sort of like a big family or a business.” “There are lots of people that have to be involved to do various jobs to make everything work. “We’ve got a really lovely community.” Of her recognition as a Hunters Hill Hero Mary says: “It’s a great privilege to serve.” “It’s a special community and to be part of it is important.” Hunter’s Hill Council is joining with our community to celebrate those heroes who go above and beyond. Nominate now huntershill.nsw.gov.au/heroes
Community Spotlight is proudly supported by Anthony Roberts MP. Authorised by Anthony Roberts, Ground Floor 215 Victoria Road GLADESVILLE NSW 2111. Funded using Parliamentary Entitlements.
Helping you to enjoy a comfortable & independent life at home • 9427 6425 • www.sydneycs.org
Sydney Community Services: lockdown service update Sydney Community Services (the owner of The Village Observer) continues to operate its services during lockdown, albeit with changes and different measures in place. Below is a brief outline of each SCS service and the changes that have been made to accommodate our consumers in a safe way. This information is subject to change based on the advice received from state/federal government/departments.
• Infection control procedures are in place including PPE and surgical masks. Most RNs and Support Workers have been fully vaccinated and if not, they are being COVID tested every three days. • Support staff are either working directly from home, or from the Lane Cove and Hunters Hill hubs where small teams are entering the building on a rostered basis and restricted to working in one area only. Hand sanitiser is in use in all SCS offices and vehicles.
● S OCIAL
ACTIVITIES AND VILLAGE BUS IN LANE COVE
All social activities out of our Lane Cove hub, including the Village Bus, are on hold until advised. ● N URSING
AND PERSONAL CARE
RNs and Support Workers continue to provide nursing care to consumers in their own home. RNs and Support Workers are not coming into the office but working remotely and attending visiting the consumers straight from home. ●H OME
DELIVERED MEALS/ LINEN/ DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE
These services continue with SCS support workers replacing volunteers. Contact with consumers is limited, and support workers undertake wellness checks and report back if the person requires additional support or services.
●
GARDENING
The gardening service continues. Consumers are contacted by phone on arrival and the gardening service is completed with payment made by invoicing the consumer. Volunteers/ student placement have been excluded until further notice which has increased the hours it takes for the gardener to be on site. ● H OME
MODIFICATION & MAINTENANCE
The Home Modification and Maintenance service continues; however, the consumer is asked to remain in another room while the service takes place. ●
PODIATRY
Podiatrists continue to provide inhome appointments on an individual basis and use full PPE in line with clinical and infection control requirements. SCS provides regular communication with each Podiatrist to ensure each clinician is up to date with current COVID case locations and protocols. ●
PHONE SHOPPING
Our online shopping service is available - we place the order for you and your groceries are delivered at a day and time to suit you. Call 9427 6425. ● C OMMUNITY VISITORS
SCHEME
The volunteers will adhere to the latest NSW Health Advice and can attend on a 1:1 basis. Volunteers are trained and equipped with tools for virtual visiting such as calling, sending letters and cards as well as window visiting wherever possible.
●
DISABILITY GROUPS
While coronavirus pandemic keeps us all separated and indoors, Zoom is a place where we get can get together. From music, drama and socialising to gaming, creating and cooking there is so much we can still do together! Some group services, such as 184A Art Group and Walking Groups have switched to 1:1 meeting that adhere to infection control procedures. ● D ISABILITY INDIVIDUAL
SUPPORT
We continue to provide Personal Care, Transport, Social Community Access, Home Modifications, Meal Preparation, Supported Independent Living and Domestic Cleaning. ● I NDIVIDUAL
SOCIAL SUPPORT/ FLEXIBLE RESPITE
Assisted activities and in-home respite support continue. If consumers feel uncomfortable to take part in regular accompanied activities, staff are shopping from a list on their behalf. ●
SOCIAL SUPPORT GROUPS
Day Trips, Hunters Hill Seniors Hub, BOOMers, and CALD outings and meetings are suspended until further notice. Staff are providing regular wellness calls and other services such as meals and 1:1 visits on the consumer’s request. ●
HARDSHIP ASSISTANCE
Hardship Assistance continues to be provided via telephone. Contactless food parcels are being provided.
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Sydney Community Services
Virtual Services
SCS community is alive and well! While coronavirus pandemic keeps us all separated and indoors, Zoom is a place where we get can get together, stay in touch and have fun! From music, drama and socialising to gaming, creating and cooking there is so much we can still do together! Come and join us, contact: Gaynor Starkey Disability Services Coordinator: E: gstarkey@sydneycs.org M: 0437 041 811
Tuesday and Friday 6.00pm – 7.00pm
Wednesday 2.00pm – 3.00pm
Wednesday 4.00pm – 5.00pm
Wednesday
ZOOM SOCIAL CLUB ● ● ●
ZOOM SOCIAL & RECREATION ● ●
3.30pm – 4.30pm
● ●
1.00pm – 2.00pm * OR at a mututally agreed time
Monday ‑Friday
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This is a place to meet friends, old and new. Explore Sydney’s beautiful destinations, see all our city has to offer in a virtual setting.
ZOOM DIFFERENT DEGREES ●
reative expression, social interaction and confidence C building working towards performance in theatre.
ZOOM CREATIVE MOVEMENT ● ●
Aims to empower & develop creative expression Enjoy some movement, exercise and fun in our weekly sessions.
ZOOM 1:1 COOKING *
Friday
At a mututally agreed time
Working together to solve crosswords and trivia puzzles. Everyone is welcome to enjoy some laughs and share ideas, a new game, puzzle or trivia question
ZOOM SYDNEY EXPLORERS
6.00pm – 8.00pm
Thursday
Themed games and activities. Jeopardy, trivia, wheel of fortune, family feud and more! Virtual field trips where we have visited places like Disneyland, the zoo, and the aquarium.
● ● ● ●
Sweet and savoury dishes New recipe every session No use of oven List of ingredients e-mailed to you in advance
ZOOM 1:1 ART ● ●
uidance is available as you create a work of Art G from your own vision If more structure is preferred there are pre-planned art projects
Tuesday
A lively zoom session filled with fun and 6.00pm – games. 7.00pm
Tuesday
Catch up for a weekly chat and quiz, have–some 6.00pm fun each week. 7.00pm
Tuesday
A place for fun and games and friends 6.00pm – to catch up. 7.00pm
Tuesday
Theatre ensemble continuing 6.00pm –in a virtual setting. 7.00pm
Tuesday
Creative expression through 6.00pmmusic – and movement 7.00pm
Tuesday
‘Share’ your dish with your Zoom buddies 6.00pm –
7.00pm
Tuesday
Unleash your creativity over zoom. 6.00pm –
7.00pm
MORE EXCITING ZOOM SESSIONS ARE ON THEIR WAY, STAY TUNED!
TRENT ZIMMERMAN MP P: 9929 9822 E: trent.zimmerman.mp@aph.gov.au
These have been very difficult weeks for our community and for Sydney as we battle to suppress the Delta strain of COVID-19. Australia is not alone in learning how to cope with a far more virulent form of the virus, but I am confident we can and will get on top of this as we have with other outbreaks.
through the eligibility checker at www.health.gov.au. There are also large Commonwealth funded vaccination centres in Roseville and Ryde which have good availability for vaccine bookings for first and second doses of the vaccine. These can also be found on the eligibility checker or by simply googling Roseville vaccination clinic or Ryde vaccination clinic.
The outbreak is a reminder of the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19. The vaccine will protect yourself, your loved ones and your community. As we have seen across Sydney, this horrible virus can spread quickly, and higher vaccination rates make outbreaks less likely while ultimately also reducing the need for harsh preventive measures such as lockdowns border closures and travel restrictions.
The vaccine rollout is ramping up at a considerable pace. We have reached one million jabs administered every week and this will continue as more and larger supplies of the Pfizer vaccine arrive from overseas. This will complement our existing supply of the locally made AstraZeneca vaccine resulting in a much faster vaccine rollout. Later in the year we will also have supplies of the Moderna vaccine and, if it receives final approvals, the start of the 50 million doses of the Novovax vaccine Australia has purchased.
If you have not had the chance to be vaccinated and are eligible in the rollout program, I encourage you to do so. It is also imperative that you keep and attend your second appointment and get fully vaccinated to maximise protection. There are several GP’s and clinics administering the vaccine in our local area. The best way to find a local clinic is
I have had my first AstraZeneca COVID jab and am looking forward to getting my second dose in the coming weeks. So please get vaccinated, attend your second vaccination appointment and continue to follow the health advice we are receiving from the Premier, Dr Chant and all our hardworking frontline workers.
“The COVID vaccination program is vital to our road out of this pandemic. I was delighted and relieved to receive my first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine and am counting down the days to my second dose. With supplies increasing, please get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible.” Scan this QR code to check your eligibility or go to Australia.gov.au
TRENT ZIMMERMAN MP
Level 10, 2 Elizabeth Plaza, North Sydney NSW 2060
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR NORTH SYDNEY
Authorised by Trent Zimmerman MP, Liberal Party of Australia, Level 10, 2 Elizabeth Plaza, North Sydney NSW 2060.
trent.zimmerman.mp@aph.gov.au TrentZimmerman
9929 9822
trentzimmerman.com.au trentzimmermanmp
TVO 43
ANTHONY ROBERTS MP
ROSS WILLIAMS MAYOR OF HUNTERS HILL
P: 9817 4757 E: lanecove@parliament.nsw.gov.au
P: 9879 9400 E: mayor@huntershill.nsw.gov.au
I just want to take this opportunity to congratulate the Lane Cove community on its outstanding response to this latest outbreak of COVID-19.
Creating great places
The Lane Cove Local Government Area has so far only recorded one COVID-19 case (as of writing this). This result is a testament to the community’s determination in ensuring that this strain can be contained as quickly as possible and reduce the time that this virus dictates the way that we live.
And because these are community places, the views of our people are key to shaping how the areas should be managed and enjoyed in to the future.
The NSW Government has announced a comprehensive financial support package to assist those who have been impacted by the current lockdown. The support has been designed to have a broad reach and capture as many affected people as possible including casual workers, small businesses and both commercial and residential tenants. If you require any assistance in accessing these grants or clarification regarding your eligibility please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office on 9817 4757, I would like to see as many people as possible access this support. I also want to add that these lockdowns have not only had an impact on our financial wellbeing but our mental too, so I want to encourage everyone who may be struggling with their mental health to call Lifeline on 13 11 14. In some lighter news the Longueville Tennis Club has just received a $36,670 grant from the NSW Government to resurface their courts, this is again an example of this Government’s commitment to improving our community facilities. Lane Cove has a number of wonderful facilities that are available to all of us and this lockdown has certainly taught a lot of us the value of having them right on our doorstep. Finally, the restrictions in place tend to change quite rapidly, if you are ever unsure or need clarification about what is permitted under the Public Health Orders, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with my office on 9817 4757.
We have several major projects under way in Hunters Hill that are seeking to enhance the way that our community uses and enjoys popular recreational areas.
We are presently in the consultation phase for a project in Figtree Park, for which our Council was successful in securing funding from the State Government as part of the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program. This project will seek to enhance a place where all people in our community can feel connected in a quality green open space. The initial thinking includes play equipment and seating areas, a public restroom and the potential installation of public art, and is being considered through a public consultation process. Traffic, accessibility, landscaping, infrastructure, signage, lighting and safety considerations will also be taken in to account. Figtree Park is a very special green place and I encourage everyone in our community to get involved in this participation opportunity. You can share your thoughts and ideas through our online consultation portal. Go to www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/ participate for more information. I appreciate not everyone is part of the digital world, so please feel free to send a letter or email your comments to Customer Service at Council. You can email customerservice@huntershill.nsw.gov.au or post to PO Box 21, Hunters Hill, NSW 2110. Your views and comments are valued. Submissions close on 21 August. We are also inviting the community to attend a Night on the Green at Figtree Park on 14 August from 5pm to 9.30pm. The staging of this event will be subject to public health orders. You can check our social media channels or website for information closer to the date. Work is also progressing at Riverglade Reserve on our first inclusive playspace. The Livvi’s Place project is jointly funded by our Council and the State Government through the Everyone Can Play program. We have also worked closely with Touched by Olivia, the charity behind the Livvi’s Place national network of inclusive playspaces, and young community members who have been an integral part of the design and consultation process. We are hoping the playspace will be open for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy by September. You can read more about these and other major projects, and subscribe for updates, through our website: www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/projects
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Downsizing at it’s best!
This is a rare opportunity to downsize in Gladesville
Did you know that there’s affordable, Over 55’s, apartments your parents could move into?
This offering is in a secure relaxed environment in a small complex in your local area. THESE APARTMENTS OFFER:
GLADESVILLE
● Natural light throughout ● A generous open plan design ● 2 Bedrooms generous built-ins ● Modern kitchen with quality appliances ● Dishwasher included ● Generous bathroom plus powder room ● Ground floor with manageable garden area ● Security throughout with lift access with generous basement parking
Designed for over 55s or investors, a must to inspect this rare property in such a convenient location. Capitalize on your Asset, DOWNSIZE NOW, and have money left over to enjoy your life style.
THIS IS RARE OPPORTUNITY TO DOWNSIZE IN A SOUGHT AFTER LOCATION IN GLADESVILLE Zara Boland R E A L E S TAT E
0419 627 046
9 Pittwater Road Gladesville NSW 2111 Tel: (02) 9879 6466 Fax: (02) 9879 6446 Email: zaraboland@hotmail.com
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PROPERTIES OF THE MONTH
OUTSTANDING OUTCOME
OUTSTANDING OPPORTUNITY
506/34 Oxley Street St Leonards 2 bed | 2 bath | 1 parking Striking loft-inspired apartment moments from transport and Crows Nest. Sold prior to auction for an exceptional price after 28 days on market and 16 contract requests.
A408/27 Little Street Lane Cove 1 bed | 1 bath | 1 parking Perfectly modern one bedroom unit in a great location close to shops and schools. Featuring light-filled interiors with plenty of storage, this home is ideal for owner occupiers or the astute investor.
Debbie Jepson | 0420 455 441 | Debbie@McConnellBourn.com.au Robyn Mannix | 0418 240 569 | Robyn@McConnellBourn.com.au
Debbie Jepson | 0420 455 441 | Debbie@McConnellBourn.com.au Robyn Mannix | 0418 240 569 | Robyn@McConnellBourn.com.au
McConnellBourn.com.au I 9496 2777
Making Making more more room room in in Lane Cove Cove GETGET 50%50% OFFOFFLane 2 MONTHS 2 MONTHS STORAGE STORAGE gold gold
CLASSES CLASSES
in in Lane Lane Cove Cove Casual Casual visitvisit & packages & packages available available
storageking.com.au/Lanecove storageking.com.au/Lanecove 27 Mars Road, 27 Mars Road, LANE COVE, LANE NSW COVE, 2066NSW 2066 (02) 9436 6405 (02) 9436 6405
LANE COVE LOCAL PLUMBER AWARD WINNING, FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED BUSINESS
• 24/7 EMERGENCY Service • Ontime Reliable Plumbers • Honest up-front pricing • All works Guaranteed LIC # 267530C
LowLow impact impact exercise. exercise. IdealIdeal for seniors for seniors andand people people withwith injuries injuries or special or special needsneeds
Contact Diana 0406 765 827
Contact Contact Diana Diana 0406 765827 765827 v 0406 zumbaforyou@live.com www.zumba4u.com.au 46 TVO :: www.zumba4u.com.au :: www.zumba4u.com.au zumbaforyou@live.com zumbaforyou@live.com
CALL US NOW:
9056 8104
PLUMBERS. DRAINERS. GASFITTERS
Local Builder MARTIN WESLEY RESIDENTIAL ALTERATIONS, EXTENSIONS, ADDITIONS
Over 25 yrs reliable service Lane Cove Area - LIC NO 45821C
PH 0411 856 492
TVO advertising enquiries
advertising@thevillageobserver.com.au
PROPERTIES OF THE MONTH
AUCTION: SATURDAY 7TH AUGUST AT 9.45AM VIEW: BY APPOINTMENT 206/25 Best Street, Lane Cove
AUCTION: SATURDAY 14TH AUGUST AT 2.00PM
VIEW: BY APPOINTMENT 46 Avian Crescent, Lane Cove
2 bed, 1 bath, 2 car
3 bed 2 bath 1 car
With exquisite indoor/outdoor flow, this enormous two-bedroom apartment relishes in the tranquil parkland surrounds of awardwinning ‘Linley Cove’. With a huge 178sqm (approx.) entertainer’s balcony, it delivers impressive house-like proportions.
Beautiful elevated outlook across Lane Cove Valley. Filled with northerly sunlight and the added flexibility of an attached onebedroom apartment at rear, there’s the option for dual occupancy living or the potential to open it up and create a larger family home
Oscar Nicholls 0466 901 442
Alex Banning 0434 131 903
oscarn@lanecove.rh.com.au
AUCTION
alexb@lanecove.rh.com.au
FOR SALE
2/131B Greville Street, Chatswood
3 bed
2 bath
1 car
5/44-46 Epping Road, Lane Cove
2 bed
1 bath
Two storey duplex with easy access to Chatwood CBD transport and parks
Bright and spacious apartment, ideal for first home buyers or investors
Hazel McNamara 0402 913 537 E: hazelm@lanecove.rh.com.au
Hazel McNamara 0402 913 537 E: hazelm@lanecove.rh.com.au
8318 7888
I
www.rh.com.au/lanecove
13 Alpha Road, Lane Cove 4 bed
4 bath 2 car
3 Rooke Street, Hunters Hill 4 bed 2 bath 4 car
VERSATILE ENTERTAINER IN PREMIUM STREET AUCTION: Saturday 7th August at 12.00pm
IMMENSE FAMILY SANCTUARY WITH HEATED POOL AUCTION: Saturday 7th August at 9.45am
INSPECT BY PRIVATE APPOINTMENT
INSPECT BY PRIVATE APPOINTMENT
• Family entertainer on approx. 818sqm with north to rear aspect • Designer island kitchen features Miele wine fridge, gas cooktop • Effortless flow to covered terrace, level lawn and heated pool • Master boasts stunning ensuite with standalone bath, rainshower • Open plan living/dining, formal lounge and gourmet gas kitchen • Covered entertainers’ terrace flows to in ground gas heated pool Simon Harrison 0433 100 150 E: simon.harrison@belleproperty.com Kim Walters 0499 014 886 E: kim.walters@belleproperty.com
Simon Harrison 0433 100 150 E: simon.harrison@belleproperty.com Joshua Jarvis 0468 899 443 E: joshua.jarvis@belleproperty.com
belle property hunters hill 3/52-56 gladesville road, hunters hill 9817 7729 belle property lane cove 158 longueville road, lane cove 9087 3333
australian boutique network of the year
winner 2013 2014
Raine & Horne Lower North Shore continue to be the number 1 selling agency with 232 properties sold in the last financial year. Our team remain available and ready to assist your sales and rental needs, while adhering to the government’s restrictions. We have the technology, resources and experience to adapt to the current situation and have continued to sell, list and lease properties throughout this period. If you have any questions regarding property in the local area, please contact us for a confidential discussion today.
8318 7888
rh.com.au/lowernorthshore
85 LONGUEVILLE ROAD, LANE COVE
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