OBSERVER
FREE
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 308
I
NOVEMBER 2021
I thevillageobserver.com.au
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A world within a world Built by an Italian stonemason in 1869 and surrounded by a suburb that wears its French history on its sleeve, Garibaldi Village Square, in the heart of the Hunters Hill Peninsula, offers a world within a world – a retail and dining experience in a capsule of European style, tranquillity and elegance. The sandstone walls, walkways and tree canopies are the perfect backdrop to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or even just coffee. The family owned and operated café is open for business and waiting to greet you and the exciting new addition of a bakery will be opening soon. Supporting our local retailers is effortless with a great range of gifts, fashion and more.
LO C A L BOUTIQUE SHOPPING
Attending to those all-important self-care regimes is a breeze with beauty, hair clinics and salon. A Pilates room, florist, jewellery designer, photographer, interior designer, plus a collection of professional, established services such as architects, solicitors and silk purveyor, it’s a destination that can provide a solution for almost any requirement – all within the beautiful, understated environment of a small village square.
OUR STORES INCLUDE: • 2 of Us (Fashion/accessories boutique) • Emilio B Photography • • • • •
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Wishbone (Fashion/giftware boutique) • Ungar & Co (Interior designer) • Milano Hair Studio Flawless You (Beautician) • Lushness Brow Studio • Stix Catering (Patisserie & bakery) Novoscalp Clinic (Scalp Micropigmentation clinic) • Charbel Sydney (Jewellery designer) MC Pilates • The Village Florist • Piccolina (Café) • AU Silk Purveyor • Map Architects Khun Khao Foundation • Sydney Legal Consulting • Waynoz + Partners Architects
www.garibaldivillagesquare.com.au
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contents 6 News
10 Life’s Rich Pattern 11 Aspects Interview 12 Jenny Gillespie
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12
14 Article: 50 years of Lane Cove Bushland & Conservation Society
14
20
18 Article: Colour Coded Chaos
Plant 22 with Rachel 27 Wellbeing What I watched 30 on TV 33 C ook with Bern 34 Review Backyard Ranger 36 Frogs
22 Article: An Alpha Gal
This month’s cover is a painting entitled Venus by Susan Boyle. Susan is taking part in the Greenwich Arts Trail. More information about that can be found in news. Thank you to Susan for allowing us to use it on the cover.
TVO is back on the streets in our key locations.
Lane Cove’s Canopy and Market Place, Boronia Park’s Harris Farms, Gladesville Shopping Village, Garibaldi Square on the Hunters Hill peninsula, Crows Nest Woolworths, various newsagents and the head office of Sydney Community Services at 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove. LANE COVE NORTH LANE COVE WEST
LANE COVE
RIVERVIEW NORTHWOOD
CROWS NEST
GLADESVILLE BORONIA PARK
LONGUEVILLE
HUNTERS HILL
GREENWICH WOOLWICH
thank you
As a local, small publication, run by a not-for-profit charity, TVO relies on our advertisers and partners to come to life every month. We’d like to extend a big thank you to this month’s supporters:
We’re GOING PLACES - come with us
Community Transport taking you where you need to go
Powering Our Community Proceeds from The Village Observer supports residents of Lane Cove, Hunters Hill, Ryde, Willoughby and North Sydney, via Sydney Community Services – a local not-for-profit organisation that helps residents to live a quality and independent life in their own home and in their community. Local Support for Local People SCS provides services to seniors and people living with a disability including social activities, gardening, home nursing, podiatry, Community Care Advisory, linen, home delivered meals, home modifications and maintenance, flexible respite, carers support, shopping services, community and engagement programs, medical transport and assistance in daily life. THE VILLAGE OBSERVER: 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove NSW 2066. PUBLISHER: Gillian Batt P: 02 9427 6425 E: gbatt@sydneycs.org EDITOR: Nicola Riches P: 0405 661 570 E: editor@thevillageobserver.com.au DESIGN + ADVERTISING: Sharon Curby P: 0450 370 575 E: design@thevillageobserver.com.au ADVERTISING: E: advertising@thevillageobserver.com.au PRINTED BY: Spotpress DISTRIBUTED: Monthly The Village Observer is published monthly (except January) by Sydney Community Services (trading as Lane Cove Community Aid Foundation) • Distribution is at the beginning of the month. • Readers are invited to submit articles for consideration. • Articles and items for community events should be emailed to the Editor with any accompanying images by the 15th of each month, for inclusion in the next month’s issue. • Advertising enquiries should be directed to advertising@thevillageobserver.com.au • If mailing material and you would like it returned, please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All care, but no responsibility will be taken for this material. © Copyright 2021. Original advertisements and editorial in this publication are copyright and remain the exclusive property of The Village Observer. No part of this publication may be reproduced and/or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written consent of the Publisher. DISCLAIMER: The content of editorial and advertisements in The Village Observer has been provided by a number of independent sources. Any opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor and Publisher of The Village Observer, and no responsibility is taken for the accuracy of the information, or any factual errors contained within any items printed. Readers should make their own enquiries directly to any organisations or businesses prior to making any plans or taking any action.
hello
As always, the articles in this November issue of TVO have all been written by local people, and what a funny, interesting, and, quite frankly, bizarre bunch they are. There’s Nicole Lenoir-Jordan who developed an allergy from a tick bite that threatened to end her life. Then there’s Julian Ledlin who once worked as a graphic designer for a major TV network without telling them he was colourblind, and Jenny Gillespie who spent the whole of lockdown mixing 50 shades of green (not grey) to paint a mural on her back fence that resulted in a deluge of calls and emails to TVO from friends and neighbours alerting us to her impressive endeavour. That’s not to mention the good people of the Lane Cove Bushland Society, who have contributed a fantastic article that celebrates their 50th anniversary, plus councillor candidate Bridget Kennedy talking about independents in politics, Caleb Taylor on the re-opened Repair Café, Stephen Miller on his fave TV shows, and Dr Carl Wong on men’s health, plus so much more. As our readers know, our profits go to our owner Sydney Community Services which is headquartered in Lane Cove, so thank you to all our advertisers this month for your ongoing support. Hope you’re all keeping well,
Nicola and Sharon
• editor@thevillageobserver.com.au • design@thevillageobserver.com.au • advertising@thevillageobserver.com.au
TVO is print, digital and online You can read this whole issue on our website: www.thevillageobserver.com.au Pass on the word to family, friends and neighbours and keep connected to our community from home.
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news Fancy Flea Market is back – OUTDOOR and COVID-SAFE 305,000 tonnes of textiles were discarded in NSW in 2020, with only 800 tonnes recycled, according to the ABC. It’s a staggering, if not overwhelming, number. 240,000 tonnes went to landfill, with the remaining 62,000 tonnes sent by charities for reuse overseas, and according to the Australasian Circular Textile Association, the number of kilograms per person per capita of textile consumption is going up each year. There is a way to help prevent this and that’s by contributing to the circular economy, either by donating/selling pre-loved clothing and goods, or purchasing pre-loved items instead of cheap, disposable items that never really last longer than one or two seasons. The Happy Hens – the social enterprise that operates the Henley Community Garden - is all about recycling, re-use and the circular economy and has taken over the running of the Fancy Flea Market – an initiative started by Hunters Hill Council earlier this year. Fancy Flea Market is back! Taking place Saturday November 20th from 7:30am til 1:00pm at the Henley Community Centre, the outdoor, Covid-safe market will run in support of Sydney Community Services. Market lovers will get a full morning’s worth of treats: a fancy brekkie bbq, live jazz, a plant sale, Barista-made coffee and more, plus all the fun of the market itself. You can also come and see what the community garden is all about, if you haven’t done so before. 30 stallholder spots are available, so register now. Stallholder fees are being waived in lieu of a donation to Sydney Community Services.
SATURDAY 20 NOVEMBER 7:30am to 1:00pm HENLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE Outdoor. Covid-safe.
De-Clutter and Donate Become a stallholder and send your pre-loved togs and clogs to a new home! Register as a stallholder and fees will be waived in lieu of a donation to Sydney Community Services CONTACT: happyhensent@gmail.com OR: support@sydneycs.org with Fancy Flea in the subject header
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Greenwich Art Trail returns with new and established artists Greenwich artists are excited to once again open their doors for this year’s Greenwich Art Trail. The event will take place across the weekend of December 4/5 and will see 27 artists in 22 sites displaying their paintings, sculptures, pottery, photographs, prints, textiles, jewellery and children’s book illustrations. This year there are six new “Trail Blazers”, artists ranging from established professionals to new hobbyists, all joining the Greenwich Village Arts Trail for the first time. David Brayshaw has exhibited internationally and is in collections including the Art Bank Australia, having painted the Great Barrier Reef and Australian coast for over 30 years. He will be exhibiting his work at the top end of the trail on Wisdom Rd. At the other end of the trail, near the ferry on Mitchell St, Robin Allan is embarking on his inaugural show, displaying his handmade jewellery pieces of transparent enamel on fine silver, using the traditional cloisonné and bassetaille techniques. Robin also works with pearls, gems and antique coins. Another newcomer is jeweller Andie O’Keeffe, who creates delightful handmade jewellery using gemstones and recycled glass beads. Artists Nat Powles and Alan Richardson will be displaying their colourful artworks for the first time, sharing their space with established Trail Artists, Stu Murphy and Hugh Richardson. And recent National Art School graduate Whimbrel Wilson joins her mother, award-winning artist Andrea Wilson, to exhibit her sculptural pieces from her 2020 ‘remnants’ series. For refreshments, check out the great local Greenwich and Wollstonecraft cafes, all listed on the Trail Map which is available from local Greenwich shops or any of the studios. Studios are easy to spot by the orange flags out the front. Go to the website, FB or Insta page to see more about the artists and find a map. Visitors are requested to follow social distancing etiquette on all parts of the Trail, both inside and out. Sanitiser will be available, and masks are welcome.
Local study shows hospitalisation affects high school completion rates Education interrupted by injury can have a cumulative effect that ultimately limits later employment opportunities, a Macquarie University study has discovered. The research found children who are affected by injury can continue to have poorer educational outcomes than their peers for many years – and can even be less likely to complete high school. Lead researcher, Associate Professor Rebecca Mitchell said interrupted education could have a cumulative effect, resulting in children not completing high school and potentially not undertaking further tertiary studies, thereby limiting later employment opportunities. “Being hospitalised for any type of injury left young people with an average 12 per cent higher risk of not achieving the national minimum standard (NMS) on their NAPLAN test in numeracy, and a 9 per cent risk when it came to reading,” she said. “The more serious the injury, the higher the risk. For example, those whose injuries were classified as severe had almost twice the risk of not reaching the NMS for numeracy, and a 43 per cent higher risk of not reaching the NMS for literacy.
“These young people were also almost twice as likely to not complete high school,” Mitchell said. The study highlighted the importance of early intervention. “Hospitalisation doesn’t just equal missing a few days of school and then moving on,” she said. “It can go on to affect whether the child progresses to tertiary education.” “It’s very important that these children have help and support early, rather than waiting for the signs of lag to appear in their learning.”
Young solo instrumentalists go head-to-head in local competition event Lane Cove Music is hosting the Alf & Pearl Pollard Memorial Awards For Performance Excellence in association with Sydney Eisteddfod on Tuesday 7 December. The event will recognise 10 of the most outstanding solo instrumentalists between the ages of 12 and 15 years from the 2021 Eisteddfod. The performances will be followed by an audience vote and the awarding of prizes. Venue details: Lane Cove-Mowbray Anglican Church, 19 Rosenthal Avenue. Tickets will not be available on the night – closer to time please book online using the Try Booking link on www.lanecovemusic.org.au Enquiries welcome: 9428 4287.
Ways to Reduce the Stress of Selling Selling your home can be stressful even when the process is well organised and proceeding as expected. There’s a lot going on at a psychological level that can make you deeply anxious even then things are under control. 1. Have a wingman - With so much going through your head, it helps to have support from someone who has seen it all before and knows exactly what to do. 2. Foretold is forearmed - Selling or buying a property, get your agent to explain the process and all its steps before you start, and ask where things commonly go wrong. You’ll have a plan in advance for how to solve issues and won’t have to think it through while you’re under stress. 3. Schedule breaks from the stressors. What is the most stressful thing about the sale process for you? Is it having the property clean? Is it making sure the dog is out of the house? Is it juggling the kids and their normal weekend routines while you have an open? Selling a home is an extraordinary time. It’s ok to ask for help. Ask your agent if they have any services they can offer to help with cleaning and maintenance. 4. Be mindful. Rather than focus on the worries in front of you, try to visualise what the end result looks like and feels like in a positive way. Focus on all the things you will be able to achieve when you move into the new chapter of your life. And don’t forget to breathe!
www.raineandhorne.com.au
Thinking of Selling? Call Hazel McNamara on 0402 913 537 hazelm@lns.rh.com.au Lane Cove Lane Cove North Lane Cove West
Lane Cove North
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Currambena students present projects to international audience Legal Services Children’s Law Criminal Law / Traffic law Family Law
Gloria Perin
Four Currambena students impressed audiences during an online, international conference run by Summerhill School in the UK during these last school holidays. Perry, Harper, Sophie and Jana completed personal interest projects about Aviation in World War II, Great Women in History, Diseases and Glaucus Atlanticus (respectively). They shared screens and spoke confidently to an international audience on Zoom, answering questions and impressing educators in the UK, Brazil, Philippines and Australia.
PRINCIPAL LAWYER A lawyer who consistently acts in your best interests.
(02) 8901 5059
advice@perinlegal.com.au By appointment: Level 3, 71 Longueville Rd, Lane Cove
www.perinlegal.com.au
FIND US ON FACEBOOK
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A LIVING CONCEPT NEW TO AUSTRALIA
Be part of something special Situated at the apex of the Greenwich ridgeline, with a vista that spans Homebush Bay to the Harbour Bridge is Akoya - a new benchmark in luxury apartment living.
Both Akoya’s architects and developer envisioned a development that fosters a community within a community – one where new friendships can be forged and existing ties to the local area can be easily maintained. As we’ve all learned, isolation is tough going and shared spaces with a keen focus on aesthetics and practicality are needed now more than ever.
Akoya cannot be compared to a typical, contemporaneous Australian development. From the outset, the intention was to intuitively meet the needs of a resident’s life that go beyond the simple domestic.
This is a concept for living that has never been truly explored in Australia before. Take a look at how you can be part of something special.
Options to retreat into personal space, combined with opportunities to unfurl into collective, shared spaces are central to this collection’s one-, twoand three-bedroom offering. Entertaining, exercising and socialising is not limited to personal residences. Akoya has myriad, bespoke options all created with luxurious, high-end detail: a lounge and library, a private 10-seat cinema, a rooftop oasis with seating areas (including a table that seats 12), an outdoor kitchen, firepits and a stunning heated pool. It’s all just an elevator ride away. Stage One has moved fast and more than half of the apartments are sold. Akoya is proving particularly popular with existing lower north shore
View the display suites at your own leisure, while also taking in the site and the work that is underway. residents who don’t want to picture a future without the wonderful combination of a cosmopolitan lifestyle and the tranquillity of local waterways and bushland. Inspired by similar living concepts in Madrid, New York and Hong Kong, work on the building is now underway. Early glimpses hint at a head-turning presence that exudes understated elegance; a place you will be proud to call home.
Contact Tim Abbott on 0425 285 833 or James Downing on 0405 716 464 to arrange a time.
PROJECTS
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LIFE'S RICH PATTERN
Back to the movies by Liz Foster
The new James Bond movie is coming out here in November and I haven’t been so excited in years. I come from the generation after the golden years of Hollywood, but there’s still something special about lounging in the (now very comfy) leather recliner, clutching a popcorn and soft drink and watching the movie roll out on the big screen. Television streaming sure had its place during lockdown, but as with all things abundant it’s a bit same same. No Time To Die promises three hours (great value for money) of twists and turns, finishing with a ‘positively shocking’ ending, according to critics. Given it’s Craig’s last time with the franchise, I’m picking he does, in fact, die. Yes, I know, James Bond is practically immortal, but what about a Dr. Who style scenario where he comes back as a woman? Even better if it’s a post-menopausal lady of a certain age, or a trans gender pirate, or a talking dog, just to play the twenty first century diversity card a bit. In the meantime, we can all enjoy recreated movie scenes by watching the news. Did you think the classic house/tornado scene in the Wizard of Oz was fairy tale embellishment? Try talking to the owner of Pom Pom, a 1.5kg Pomeranian dog swept up in a tornado in the NSW tablelands. Poor Pom Pom was whirled up into the air — along with some of the neighbour’s cows — spinning about 20 metres high alongside debris. Her kennel was nowhere to be seen and her blanket was found stuck thirty metres up a pine tree. Remnants of the owner’s house were unearthed twenty kilometres away. There were no reports of ruby slippers being found. Somehow – no-one’s quite sure how – Pom Pom lived to tell the tale, with nothing worse than a few broken ribs and a punctured lung. If only she could talk. Then there are the accidental classic movie scenes that were never meant to be. Harrison Ford was struggling 10 TVO
Illustration by Grace Kopsiaftis
with dysentery months into the Raiders of the Lost Ark shoot in Tunisia and just needed the elaborate fight scene with the scimitar wielding assassin to end. Now. So, he pulled out his gun and shot him, and the scene stuck. In Pretty Woman, Richard Gere planned to just wake up a notoriously weary post partying Julia Roberts in the scene when he quickly snaps shut the necklace box. At the very last minute the editing team left her laughing reaction in, becoming the trademark of the movie. The Godfather’s opening scene, dripping with menace and tension in which Brando strokes a cat and discourses on friendship, cemented the role as his and the cultural cliché of the baddy and his cat. But director Frances Ford Coppola just found the ownerless cat roaming on set and gave it to Brando to see what happened. And the iconic headbanging scene of five groovy headbangers driving a 1976 Pacer car in Wayne’s World nearly didn’t happen. The script called for a Guns ‘n’ Roses number. But Mike Myers put his foot down for Bohemian Rhapsody. During the shoot, he banged his head so hard he injured his neck, but it was worth it – it remains one of the most iconic scenes in comedy history. Here’s hoping Pom Pom’s recovery continues apace. Perhaps she could use her newfound fifteen minutes of fame to join Animal Actors as a stunt double. Who knows, if the next James Bond is filmed down under, maybe she could even star as the villain’s pet.
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: School’s reopening Where: Lane Cove Public School What: First day back for the kids (kindy, year one and year six) - a colourful snap of the front gate thanks to School Crossing Supervisor, Stephen Miller. TVO 11
MEET OUR LOCALS
interview: Jenny Gillespie The neighbours and friends of Hunter’s Hill resident Jenny Gillespie called in and wrote to us here at TVO enthusing about her lockdown project to create an enormous mural on her backyard fence. It transpired that the mural isn’t the only reason Jenny is so well known in the community having been on the Musical Society committee for more than 20 years.
Can you tell us about your two passions: art and music and how they’ve become such an important part of your life? Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember – classical music was always playing on the radio. My father was a music lover and he played the violin in the bathroom every night (the acoustics were good) and mum used to sing around the house. Both parents were keen that my sister and I be taught the piano. It was a combination of our parent’s enthusiasm and our piano teacher’s disciplined approach and insistence upon regular practise that we both continued with our studies. We are both eternally grateful to our parents for providing us with a lifelong passion. Art has come a close second to music and I’ve always drawn and painted. My grandmother was a great influence. She painted portraits, made hats, sculpted roses from silk to embellish wedding gowns and made jewellery from fresh bread! She also played the piano in dance halls. What was the inspiration for the mural, and what did you use to create it? The mural happened out of desperation. The ivy that had covered the wire fence died and left gaping holes which resulted in a lack of privacy. 12 TVO
My vision of a rustic dry stone wall swathed in Virginia Creeper and wisteria was not an option and so we erected a ‘lovely’ fibre cement sheeting barrier that I painted grey. The fence is two metres from the back of the house and the sight of it made me depressed. When the lockdown was announced at the end of June, I raced off to Bunnings and bought 5 x 1 litre tins of Dulux Weathershield house paint in five different green colours. I mixed every possible combination of those five colours and started painting, ending up with over 50 different shades. Whole weeks drifted by as I painted my way through banana leaves, bamboo, ginger plants – making it up as I went along. I had the best time – out in the fresh air – listening to the birds and away from the radio. I call it “distraction” therapy. Did painting/ art come easy to you? Have you had any formal training? No, it didn’t come easily, but I wanted to improve so I looked for some courses I could do. I studied part time at The School of Colour & Design in the 1980s. That gave me a very good grounding in colour theory. I also did a two year Visual Arts Course
at Meadowbank TAFE 10 years ago and since then have taken drawing and painting classes at Willoughby Workshops. You are part of the Eastwood and Hunters Hill Musical Societies. What’s your involvement with them? I joined the Eastwood Uniting Church Musical Society when I was 20 - it was there that I met my husband. We have performed in many musical comedies in the last 50 years. I’ve played the piano for approx. 30 shows, painted scenery for some and sung in the chorus for many of them. It’s been a fabulous experience making music with like-minded souls Hunters Hill Music is an organisation that has been bringing classical music to residents of Hunters Hill and beyond for over 75 years. We engage the best musicians and stage six concerts a year. I’ve been on the committee for 20 years and my role is “Head of the tea and scones department”. You grew up in Denistone East/ Eastwood.... are there any particular fond, or funny memories you have from that time? We lived in a house typical of its era, built just after the war. It was two doors from the Denistone East School which meant you could come home for lunch (thus avoiding the dried out peanut
butter sandwich in the greaseproof paper). Mum had made a beautiful garden, and the air was always full of the perfume of gardenia, daphne, jasmine or burning leaves (in the days when backyard burn offs were still legal). She was also a very good seamstress and she made all our clothes. I have fond memories of the simple things - climbing trees, riding bikes, playing tennis, going to Physical Culture, fish and chips on Friday night, roast lamb for Sunday lunch, buying Sherbet bombs from the corner store, visits from my Aunts, our annual
holiday to Avoca, being one of the first people in our street to get a television. Sharing all these experiences with my sister made it even better. Ah! The good old days. You spent much of your working life as a teacher. If you went back in time, would you choose to do the same thing, or perhaps something else? I would have loved working in the Scenic Art Department of the Opera or the Ballet. Being a tap dancer performing in all the big musicals would have been pretty fabulous.
How did you end up living in Hunters Hill and what attracted you to the suburb? We moved from Castle Hill to Hunters Hill so that my husband could be closer to work. We used to drive here on a Sunday when I was young, and we’d walk around the streets peering over fences and imagining the interesting, maybe eccentric people that lived here. Now I live here and I love it. The mature trees, the sandstone walls, the homes full of character and detail, the ferry ride into the city. I feel very fortunate to be a resident of Hunters Hill.
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50 years of activism, advocating and appreciation Lane Cove Bushland & Conservation Society has a proud history and without it, the local area could look a lot different to how it is now. Shauna Forrest tells the story.
W
hen you next enjoy the laughter and song of birds in the cooling canopy of giant native trees in Lane Cove, offer thanks to the Cammeraygal people, the indigenous custodians, and then beyond the time of orchards and dairy farms in more recent decades, give credit to the restoration work by pioneering bush regenerators. The conservation strategies of locals have ensured that vital wildlife sanctuaries and healthy bushland remains today. In March 1971, the beautiful bushland of the Gore Creek Valley gave birth to the Lane Cove Bushland & Conservation Society (LCB&CS) which formed to campaign against Council’s decision to allow the extension of the golf course into adjacent bushland of the Osborne Park valley, now named ‘Bushland Park.’ The attitude to natural bushland in an urban environment was changing; it was no longer seen as scrub to be cleared for development, but a precious asset. 19 acres of the Valley, including the former farm site known as Kelly’s Flat, was granted to Lane Cove Council by local resident F.E. Cogan in 1948 for ‘public recreation.’ A golf course was created in the 1960s and Council leased the land to the Lane Cove Country Club in March 1970. When the Country Club proposed to extend the area of the golf course, a group of local residents sprung into action. They recognised the value and beauty of this bushland, organised a meeting and within four days presented a petition signed by 1,049 people against the development to Council. This meeting, 50 years ago, was the launch of the Society. The bulldozers had already started work so 60 men, women and children from the newly-formed Society flocked to the site to stop further destruction while Cogan took out an injunction against the work. Eventually settled out of court, Bushland Park was formally declared a wildlife refuge under the National Parks & Wildlife Service of NSW in 1980, working to a management plan largely informed by the Lane Cove Bushland & Conservation Society. In 2000, it was listed on the National Estate for its rare, critically endangered species of Hygrocybeae fungi. ‘Beyond the Untidy Fringe: A history of the Lane Cove Bushland & Conservation Society’ by Virginia Macleod records the dramatic story saving the park. 14 TVO
LCB&CS past presidents Meron W. Doug Graham. Corinne F. Doug S. Ruth Neumann. Ron Gornall.
This year, 2021, LCB&CS celebrates 50 years of activism, advocating for the conservation of Lane Cove’s natural heritage, promoting the regeneration and planting of native species, bushland protection and management. The Society is sometimes confused with the Council’s Bushcare Program and we do share common aims, but from our inception we’ve addressed wider issues on environmental protection, entering local politics so as to influence decision making. Doug Graham, a founding member, botanist and research scientist, advocated for the scientific study of Lane Cove’s bushland reserves, their hydrology and benchmarking the ecology of each reserve. During 1971-72, Doug Stuart, an architect and founding executive member organised a large team of volunteers to survey all of Lane Cove’s bushland to identify sites suitable for regeneration. He drew maps of each site, checked ownership and created the first cohesive document the l o c a l council had ever had - the ‘Survey of Open Space’ published by the Society. Supportive Council staff in the 1970s employed consultant Landscape Architect Harry Howard, who transformed the local landscape, planting native trees and designing the Plaza. The Society began its Native Plant Stalls in the Plaza in 1975 to promote the benefits of planting locally indigenous species and has continually organised guided bushwalks and guest speakers to encourage an appreciation of our natural heritage. Following nearly 20 years of research, education and lobbying by Society members, the Lane Cove Council’s first ‘Bushland Plan of Management’ was approved in 1990. The Plan’s development resulted in a dedicated Council bushland officer; the establishment of the ‘Bushland Management Advisory Committee’ (BMAC) and a guaranteed budget to fund ongoing work in bushland. BMAC includes three dedicated representatives of the Society, as well as community members with experience and knowledge in bush regeneration. It is unsurprising then that the Society actively campaigned in 2017 to stop NSW State government’s attempts to amalgamate Lane Cove (LC) Council with the geographically larger Ryde Council LGA. We feared the comparatively greater funding for bushland management by LC Council would be diminished.
As with the battle to save Kelly’s Bush in Hunters Hill, women in Lane Cove actively campaigned to protect the biodiversity of local ecosystems, both for their intrinsic value and for the use and enjoyment of present and future generation. During her 21 years on Council, LCB&CS member Rosilyn Baxter OAM was an early advocate of the pioneering Bradley method of bush regeneration used by LC Council, the first Council to do so. The threat of invasive and exotic weeds on indigenous flora led Ros to chair the first meeting considering the formation of an association of bush regenerators in 1985. She was also the driving force behind ‘Project Environment’, environmental education to be funded by LC Council. Educational activities such as ‘Every Child a Corinne F, Ann P - Bush Kids founders Bush Experience’ continues today and involves quality, curriculum based and experiential education for local primary school children in our bushland. Along with local continues today in partnership with LC Council. experts such as Lynne McLoughlin, author of ‘The Natural The Society relies on the expertise of a dedicated few Environment of Lane Cove’, the Project undertook some to make formal submissions concerning development of the work initiated by the Bushland Society including applications that have the potential to adversely impact our publications by Society foundation members: ‘Growing the green heritage and environment. Native Plants of Lane Cove’ by Judy Messer, available on the Can you help? In the 1980’s, Doug Graham warned the Council’s website and Don Dove’s ‘Bushwalks of Lane Cove.’ Society against complacency, reflecting “now that the Lane Today’s award-winning LC Bush Kids program (started Cove Council is generally sympathetic to environmental in 2010) was the brainchild of three Society members, matters …. there is a tendency to think we can sit back and relax. Such complacency must be avoided”. mothers wishing to engage young children with nature. Do join us – we seek help to continue the environmental It was developed and run by the Society until it partnered work of the past generation. with Council in 2016. Bush Kids received numerous environmental awards when run by the Society, was shortlisted for the Sustainability Education Award category VISIT:Louridas lanecovebushland.org.au of the United Nations Association Australia World & Peter Emma Grimes, of Michael Fitzgerald OR: facebook.com/LCBCS/ Environment Day Awards 2014. The program’s success A family business, now in our 48th year in Lane Cove
CONVEYANCING | WILLS & ESTATES | COMMERCIAL LEASING COMMERCIAL LAW | DEBT RECOVERY | GENERAL MATTERS
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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.
CALL 9428 1577 FOR AN APPOINTMENT
1ST FLOOR, 139 LONGUEVILLE RD, LANE COVE
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Voices of North Sydney calls for transparency of Independents There’s a new initiative pushing local political candidates and sitting councillors towards greater community transparency. The ‘declaration of independents’ is a new democratic project that’s emerged on the lower north shore, says Madeleine Hinchy The declaration was developed by local group Voices of North Sydney. It aims to differentiate ‘community-minded independents’ from ‘independents’ who are affiliated with political parties. The grassroots community group has been holding kitchen table conversations across the lower north shore for the past two years. They found local residents strongly believe integrity, accountability, and improvements in democratic process is needed at all levels of Australian government. Their declaration is a direct response to this community wish. It was created to coincide with the upcoming NSW Local Government elections on Saturday 4 December. “We want to provide the community with more transparency around the true allegiances of those who hold office at local councils, and those who aspire to,” says Rod Simpson, co-founder of Voices of North Sydney. As of early October, more than 25 candidates have signed the declaration from Lane Cove, North Sydney, Willoughby, and Hunters Hill councils. There’s interest from community-minded independents beyond our area to sign on too.
What is a community-minded or focused independent? The ‘declaration’ is part of a broader push to discuss what it means to be a true community-focused political representative. Not all independent political candidates are created equal. Just because they aren’t running with a party, doesn’t mean they share the same values, approach, or commitment to transparency and integrity in politics. Some are not as motivated as others by a desire to truly represent their community above all else. Many so-called independents are closely aligned with large political parties and they don’t disclose it. “I really don’t think party politics should play any part in local government,” says Bridget Kennedy, first-time candidate for Lane Cove Council. “Councillors should be there to represent, support and enable the community.” All three members of Bridget’s independent group ticket have taken the pledge. “As someone who’s lived in the Lane Cove Council local area for over 20 years and been involved in many grassroots community projects, I’m standing up as I want to advocate solely on the issues my community cares about. That’s the only agenda I have.” The declaration recognises there are many ways you can have strong links to a political party that your community might want to be aware of. Those signing are asked to not only confirm they are not a recent member of a political party. You must also disclose whether you have worked as 16 TVO
a paid political staffer and if you have made donations to a political party of more than $50 in the past three years. You’re also asked if you have an immediate family member or partner who has held political office as a member of a political party.
Voices in our community are becoming louder The declaration also asks independent candidates to commit to certain democratic values and principles. There is a strong emphasis on ongoing community consultation. It is just one of many recent democratically focused initiatives to emerge from the growing ‘Voices of’ movement in Australia. You may have heard of Voices of Indi and Voices of Warringah - both were pivotal to the rise of Federal Independent candidates Cathy McGowan, Helen Haines, and Zali Steggal. There are an estimated 35 independent ‘Voices of’ support groups established around Australia as of today. More are popping up almost every week. On the lower north shore, this movement has led to the emergence of Kylea Tink as the community-based independent candidate for the North Sydney electorate. From the 4 November, when nominations for the local government elections close, we’ll have a clearer picture of all the candidates running for council on the lower north shore. You’ll be able to see which of these independent candidates have signed the declaration via the Voices of North Sydney website. Be sure to ask to see a copy of their pledge to identify their possible political alliances. It will make for some interesting reading. “The Declaration gives true community-focused independent candidates like myself the opportunity to start conversations in our local areas about what should be driving council decision-making - partisan politics or better participation and engagement with the community?” says Bridget.
The NSW Local Government elections are on Saturday 4 December. Madeleine Hinchy is a writer and communications specialist, and a member of Bridget Kennedy’s independent team for Lane Cove Council. Find out more about Bridget Kennedy at www.bk4lc.com and Voices for North Sydney at voicesfornorthsydney.org. You can see Bridget’s team’s signed pledges at www.bk4lc.com/independent-declaration2021
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Rolling down the river
In November 2020, when we were carefree in NSW and only welcome in Victoria so long as we wore masks, I took a trip “down south”. One of my intentions was to check out the Murray River Cruise operations to consider its suitability for a small group tour and just get a feel for things generally. By Adrienne Witteman.
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ertainly the towns were pleasant enough, and the history of the paddle steamers and their role in transporting goods and passengers in bygone times similarly interesting. Yet despite its obvious appeal the concept did not quite gel for me, given past experience on the Mississippi. Maybe I needed to find an Aussie version of Huck’ Finn! Maybe, it’s just that I feel more comfortable on bigger vessels traversing wider waterways. Waterways so wide that they carry a multitude of both riverboats and freight services. I recall counting one ship towing a dozen coal barges and am told they even transport some of the bits of space rockets that are too big to transport by road. A trip on the Mississippi is endlessly fascinating. I was last on the Mississippi in 2019 and looking back I’m reminded of a journey that was both satisfying in the scenery stakes and enriching in the cultural stakes. Naturally, most Australians bite on California, New York and Miami when they first visit the USA. The Deep South is a whole new ball game. People speak long and slowly. They are generally unfailingly polite and being addressed as Ma’am, a not uncommon experience, causes
me to feel that I’ve dropped into the set of Gone with the Wind. At least momentarily. Visits to several plantation houses, the most famous of these being Oak Alley, is further reinforcement albeit temporary. Oak Alley (https://www. oakalleyplantation.com/) is now a major tourist experience though once it was a thriving plantation. How it documents slavery jolts one out of any fancy lady aspirations, for these were dark times. There’s also an excellent Civil War exhibit and of course the Big House, standing grandly proud and in your sights, as you walk up the driveway shaded by 28 magnificent oak trees. You can’t travel in the Deep South without facing the history of slavery. Here it is owned, the truth put out there so clearly that it cannot be ignored. If you visit only museum in America, I recommend the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis (https://www.civilrightsmuseum.org/) for a visit that will be both compelling and confronting. I love the Deep South for another reason. It’s the music. Heck, what’s not to love when you can start your cruise serenaded by Elvis and be moved by the man and his life at
Graceland (https://www.graceland. com/) and then celebrate the end of a fabulous journey in jazz happy New Orleans. Or if jazz is not your style, how about some rhythm ‘n blues? The best part is that you don’t have to join the party – simply walk around the French Quarter and soak up the music coming out from within. My first big 2022 trip will be back to the Mississippi with a group, that like me, has been keenly waiting two years for this experience. And such is the interest I will lead two more tours each with 3 nights Memphis, 7 nights cruising and 3 nights New Orleans, in September 2022 and April 2023. You’re welcome to sign up for a spot and roll down the river with Trendsetter, Ma’am, Sir, if you’d like to …. Covidsafe of course.
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 17
Colour Coded Chaos Being red/green colour blind was genetic gift passed to Julian Ledlin from his grandfather. His take on how he has navigated life, including an early career as a graphic designer of all things, with his ‘gift’, is amusingly recounted here. can be very tricky. My colour blind buddies and I quietly eat unripe bananas way more often than we’d like to. We smile and nod supportively when people go on about the “stunning pinks” and “vibrant reds” of sunsets. And while rainbows are said to project the entire colour spectrum into the sky, we see a simple blue and yellow stripe in the shape of a very big arch, which I have to admit is pretty impressive. Double rainbow? Now you’re talking.
Here is a sample from the Ishihara colour blind test. Colour normal people will see the number 6. Julian sees nothing.
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iting into an unripe banana is not a pleasant experience. When ripe, bananas are a sublime feat of nature: creamy texture, sweet aroma, they’re the perfect mid-morning pick-me-up and they come neatly sealed within their own ergonomic packaging. The unripe banana, however, is the bad boy of the fruit bowl. As soon as you bite into one of these firm, green monsters, a horseman of the apocalypse bolts loose. Woody, stringy and strangely chemically, but you knew what you were in for when you started peeling it… But by then it was too late. Everybody knows that once you’ve started on that impossible peel you can’t just leave it for a couple of days to ripen, you have to fall on your sword and finish it there and then. “But what did you expect, peeling a green banana?” I hear you ask. Well, I, along with 8% of the world’s male population and 0.5% of the female population, am red / green colour blind. We are the colour-challenged minority in a very colour-centric world. We see little difference, if any, between a green banana and a yellow one. It’s a case of peel at your own peril. Roll the dice and hope like crazy Lady Luck is in your corner. And it doesn’t stop at bananas, cooking takes on a myriad potential kitchen catastrophes. Is that meat cooked? Are the onions brown? What about the potatoes? Are they green and poisonous? Or yellow and delicious? A colour blind person is unable to fully see red, green or blue light, thus distinguishing between most colours 18 TVO
I fudged a career in television as a graphic designer for two decades. No-one ever knew my dirty little secret. I pretended to know what I was talking about when it came to knowing which colour was what. I relied on the power of suggestion and vague, open-ended questions. I’d let my more “colour-able” co-workers fill in the gaps… much like the way a psychic operates. All of us colour blind folk have varying survival tricks and techniques to help us slink by as undetected as possible. Sometimes though, you have to drop the act and lean on people like shop assistants for accurate colour information. Usually for me, this happens in the fruit shop, sometimes the clothes shop. Apparently, I have bought some very loud fashion items in my time, but what you don’t know won’t hurt you right? Wrong. Sooner or later, someone from colour-correct law enforcement feels compelled to tell you how bright a particular shirt is. Like it’s hurting their eyeballs and they risk being permanently blinded if you continue to wear it. Some people are profoundly unoriginal.
Day to day life constantly throws up seemingly minor challenges for my colour-challenged cohort. In Royal North Shore Hospital the other day I was instructed to take the red lift, NOT the green lift to level 9. The green lift only went to level 6, the red one went to 9… with no-one around to ask for help as I approached some colourful lifts, internal chaos ensued, and getting to level 9 played out like a cheaply written sitcom. Thankfully it wasn’t an emergency, it’s a relief to know that area of the hospital is not mapped out with a trail of colour coded breadcrumbs. Speaking of mapping… The keys down the side of most topographic maps resemble the indistinguishable plethora of “green options” on a Taubman’s paint chart. Put a colour blind guy in charge of your four wheel drive adventure and the rescue chopper will be circling in no time. Maps are tricky. One morning, during the recent lockdown, I spent way too long trying to work out if I lived in a red zone or a green zone. Do I go to work or not? An hour passes with me sweating over a murky looking map of Sydney that “highlighted” the Covid-19 hotspots. The phone rings. “Julian, where are you? You’re supposed to be at work.”
a complete baller move and while they have my utmost respect, I do worry about it coming back to bite them down the track. Unleaded in the red jerry can, diesel in the green, drinking water in the blue. Simple. What could possibly go wrong! My brothers are all colour blind, a little genetic gift from our grandfather. When we get together, conversations often worm their way into a support group of sorts. We share public humiliation stories, like trying to force open occupied toilet doors, the ones with the colour coded latches. “Red” means occupied apparently. We speak of coming unstuck in the workplace, cover ups, bluffs and strategies. I miss the days when my Mum wrote the names of the colours on my pencils. Somehow that form of maternal protectiveness is socially frowned upon once you’ve reached 30. As a kid, my roses were red and my violets were blue, now they’re a mish-mash of pink and brown, so I’m told. No wonder my Valentine’s Day cards fall flat.
Deuteranomaly and Protanopia are forms of red / green colour blind. Tritanopia is blue / yellow colour blind.
“Sorry,” I say. “Slept in.” Colour blind bullets are always flying, you’ve always got to be ready to duck and weave! I race off to work, trusting that my boss has perfect colour vision and can read that frustrating map just fine. If you’re courageous enough to reveal your colour blindness to someone, you can guarantee you’ll be asked the dreaded “what-colour-is-this” question: “Oh you’re red / green colour blind! Wow! What colour is this then?” Usually, they are pointing to the brightest red thing they can see. “Red,” you say, going off experience. “It IS red,” they say, excitedly. “Are you sure you’re colour blind?” It’s then you smile despairingly as you quietly recall to yourself the six unripe bananas you’ve peeled in the last month. “Yep, I’m pretty sure,” you say.
While my colour blind crew may feel relegated to careers in chessboard manufacturing or penguin rescue, (both of which are noble professions) I believe that other senses are heightened behind our colour-corrupted eyeballs. I’m going to go out on a limb and say what we lack in colour ability is made up in other areas; Like an enhanced ability in seeing the contrast of white light and physical layout. See a sunset through colour blind eyes and you’re treated to an intense, shape filled canvas. Light, lines and huge, unique silhouettes, dance across the afternoon sky. You can have your “intense pinks” and “vivid reds”, massive, light-pierced shapes is where it’s at!
I fudged a career in television as a graphic designer for two decades
Careers for my colour-defective comrades can be a bit of a minefield. As a fifteen-year-old I desperately wanted to be a cop. I turned up to the police open day with the next 50 years mapped out in my head. I had my sights set on that gold watch and I’d take down some bad guys along the way. Within ten minutes of meeting with one of the constables, my hopes and dreams of donuts and stakeouts were shattered with four sombre words: “Colour blind? Sorry mate.” Now I’m older, I get it. You need to know what colour hoodie the suspect was wearing… green? possibly light red? maybe burnt orange? Kinda rusty looking? Forget the hoodie, he had brown hair, could have been ginger, maybe strawberry blonde? Complications would then be amplified if you were to join the bomb squad and a wire needed to be cut. Being “kinda sure” you’re snipping the red wire would be a definite concern for your colleagues sweating nearby. I’ve heard of some colour blind warriors who cheat on the Ishihara colour blind test for certain jobs. This is
So, while we may not be the best map readers, flower identifiers or bomb disposal experts we do see the world from a slightly different angle. We’re not obsessed with colour or constantly distracted by it. We notice things the colour-perfect miss. It might be subtle audible details or faint tracks in the sand. One thing you’ll never see a colour blind person do is criticise a loud colour choice of clothing! That’s not how we roll. We’re so much better than that!
Don’t let us into the Fire Brigade, we get it, it’s fine, but don’t discount our superhuman ability to approach life a little differently. I guess what I’m trying to say, on behalf of my colour blind pals, is that we might not be able to spot the Waratahs through the bush, but we can see the forest through the trees. We’re big-picture people with a penchant for shapes and ideas. So, resist being frustrated the next time someone attempts to open your toilet cubicle while you’re taking a dump. Chances are, it’s one of my kind, on their weekly mission to evacuate yet another unripe banana. Before I finish, I’d like to give a shout out to World Rugby who recently have changed the rules on rugby jerseys that are too samey for the likes of me… Banning, yes you heard right, banning, red / green kit clashes. It’s all an effort to help people with colour vision deficiency enjoy the game more. At last, I’ll know who has the ball whenever Ireland play Wales. Clearly, we have someone on the inside in World Rugby who cheated on the colour blind test in their job application. Whoever you are, we salute you. Your secret is safe with us. TVO 19
An Alpha Gal Nicole Lenoir-Jourdan was bitten by a tick. What followed was a life filled with trepidation as one false move could have led to death.
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ive years ago I risked my life on my son’s 16th birthday. It wasn’t by surfing a 50 ft wave, nor diving with great whites or tracking rhino of foot. (I have done just one of those.) It was following our ritual of dining out at his favourite restaurant and making the trek across the harbour from Pymble to Bondi Junction for a taste of Mexican heaven. (Although that would earn me a fine or jail time now.) As others ate, I sat carefully on the sidelines. The only thing that passed my lips that night was a cool slurp of mineral water. If I ate, it could have been the end. A year prior I was bitten by a tick and my head swelled up like the elephant man. It took a week for it to settle back down. Thinking this wasn’t typical of a tick bite, I went to three doctors who all dismissed my swelling as nothing to worry about. Unsatisfied, I did exactly what you’re not supposed to do – I turned to Dr Google and despite the naysayers, I found what I was looking for, a diagnosis. I visited yet another doctor and asked to be tested for the Alpha-gal allergy, an anaphylactic allergy to mammalian meats. The tests came back. Highly allergic to beef and moderately allergic to dairy. I had Alpha Gal. I’d never been allergic to anything in my life. And I was told at the time that noone in Australia had yet been cured of this allergy. Alpha Gal is a sugar carbohydrate found in all mammals except apes and humans. It’s found in every part of the mammal including their fur and that means someone with Alpha Gal can have a reaction to fumes of meat when it is being cooked, the feel of leather, washing with a shampoo which uses animal derivatives or taking a drug or vitamin with an animal derivative. Alpha Gal affects each of its sufferers differently. Some are able to eat meat and have no reaction. Some can eat meat a few times and then be rushed off to hospital after consuming
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Photo by Erik Karits
Nicole Lenoir-Jourdan
it on some random number of times. Some people can eat dairy. Some can’t. Some can eat other animals. Some are so sensitive they cannot travel on planes because of the smell of the meat. (Not that anyone can travel these days!) Some can’t wear leather. Some react straight away, some take up to eight hours before the anaphylaxis occurs. Alpha Gal sufferers can eat fin and feather as these are not mammals but they must heed to what they are cooked with for example chickens can be cooked with some type of meatderived product. There is also a huge risk of cross contamination. Being someone who crams their life with far too many activities and too much work, I opted for the easy way. I mostly ate fresh fruit and vegetables or shopped at vegan shops, which meant I didn’t have to worry about inadvertently consuming something that could kill me. I never ate out, unless it was a vegan restaurant. However I still had to read every ingredient of every beauty or cleaning product that I went near. I had to be able to translate that something such as magnesium stearate which is used in many tablets, capsules and powders
to make them slide down your throat more easily uses mammal derivatives. Magnesium stearate is made from both animal and vegetable oils. I dreaded having to take medication because it meant sitting on the phone for hours speaking to companies who thought you were some corporate spy after their mysterious formula. They were as willing as Mr Krabs from Sponge Bob was to part with the secret ingredient for his Krabby patties. It took persistence not to die. Yet I was lucky. I was living only a few suburbs away from the Chatswood based allergist, Dr Sheryl van Nunen who discovered the relationship between tick bite and Alpha Gal allergy in 2009. She sees one to two new people each week who have Alpha Gal. It’s estimated that in Australia around 5000 people now have this allergy. Unfortunately there’s not much information about this allergy and many doctors know nothing about it. Many who have it have been misdiagnosed. Jana Pearce from Sydney’s North Shore who contracted the allergy in 2010 said: “When I had my first life threatening anaphylaxis, it was treated as heart failure and I spent four days being monitored in the Cardio Thoracic ward at Royal North Shore Hospital. As there was nothing wrong with my heart, I was discharged with unknown cause, but if it wasn’t for A/Prof Sheryl Van Nunen contacting me as I was being discharged and then diagnosing me, I would have gone home none the wiser and might have died, if I’d continued to eat mammalian meat.” The majority of my information has been gleaned by other sufferers on the international Alpha Gal Facebook page that has members mainly from the US, but also Austria, Switzerland and of course Australia. It’s an
interesting community of sufferers. Many in the US are forever being taken off to the emergency department because they can’t resist KFC or a steak or bacon. While I missed eating out with friends and family at the time I felt grateful to have this allergy at a time when there are incredible vegan restaurants from yum cha to pizza dotted across Sydney and the food is even better than their carnivore counterparts. The supermarket is filled with plant based milks and online shopping for vegan vitamins is easy. I also lost 12 kg in a record amount of time and my diet has much less chemicals in it than before. My diet consists at least two cold pressed veggie juices with ginger, one at breakfast and one mid-afternoon, coconut milk with vegan protein powder for lunch, and roast vegetables for dinner. I’ve swapped alcohol for still mineral water (tap water has too much chlorine) and black tea for licorice tea or ginger tea. Snacks consist of popcorn, fruit, lentil chips and Lindt dark chocolate with over 70% cocoa which is vegan. Our last wedding anniversary (squeezed in between lockdowns) was celebrated at a vegan pizzeria in Newtown where we dined on the tastiest pizza I have ever had – a woodfired base topped with cauliflower puree, artichokes, pinenuts, capers, currants, garlic, parsley and extra virgin olive oil, accompanied by vegan beer and finished with vegan tiramisu. Sure we had to queue for this taste sensation, but it was worth it. Afterwards, we wandered around Newtown and found a number of vegan and vegetarian restaurants which were all booked out. We also found a totally vegan gelato bar where we forced in a Belgian salted chocolate and hazelnut cone. Clean green and cruelty free. It seems so weird to write about such an allergy when we are in the middle of a pandemic and it makes me feel grateful in a way that I caught it and began to take a lot more care of what I ate. Alpha-gal is now treatable with certain probiotics and slippery elm powder.
THESE ARE THE ONLY WAYS ONE CAN REMOVE A TICK SAFELY:
1. I f the tick is small, use Lyclear (scabies cream) on the tick to kill it. It will fall out. 2. If the tick is larger, use wart freeze to freeze the tick off. The recommendations are not to every remove a tick with anything else as it could either inject toxin into your body or the head or some other part could break off and become toxic in your body.
USEFUL LINKS:
• w ww.tiara.org.au - Tick-induced Allergies Research & Awareness ww.allergy.org.au - Australasian Society of • w Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) ww.allergyfacts.org.au - Allergy & • w Anaphylaxis Australia
Toss it? No way. We want to fix it! The Repair Cafe is back! WORDS CALEB TAYLOR
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he woman walked in the front door of the Repair Cafe looking a little concerned whilst holding her umbrella. I greeted her warmly and she began to tell me about how she had purchased the umbrella from a boutique in France under the Eiffel tower and that it held a special story for her and her partner. The umbrella had an unfortunate accident, breaking one of its arms and would not work. She could not bear to simply throw it out. I told her, “Fear not, our Wendy in ‘umbrellas’ has fixed 100s of these” and give her a form to complete for the repairer, and a token for her place in the queue. She made her way to the café area to wait until she was called. The café serves organic coffee and teas and gluten free, healthy, homemade snacks in exchange for a donation. The next to walk in was a couple who own a 1950s toaster that won’t toast anymore. It was the man’s mother’s toaster and had been toasting for the family for years. I say, “Ian is a toaster master and loves working on these”. They too complete a form for the repairer and I hand them token for their place in the ‘gadgets’ queue. It’s the stories that make the café what it is, where people can come share stories of their belongings with the volunteer repairer, and work with them to keep it working, and keep it in their homes. It’s a win for all involved – the item can be fixed for a longer life and be saved from landfill. Repair Café is made up of five different repair queues: Gadgets/Electronics, Sewing, Jewellery, Sharpening, and Umbrellas/Shoes. All have skilled volunteers in their field who donate their time to coming in the first and second Sunday of each month. Many repairers have been there from Repair Café’s inception and love the community within the group, but also the people who come month in, month out. I myself came along to the café three years ago with a few of my son’s toys with the hope they could be fixed and saved, and left so impressed with the entire concept and set-up of the café. I instantly offered my services to volunteer and it was the best decision I’ve made. Part of the Lane Cove scene at the Living Learning Centre on Longueville Road, Repair Café is easily recognisable by its familiar exterior banner and signage. Our regulars visit from near and far, and passionately share Lane Cove’s best kept secret to their family and friends who eagerly bring their patronage. Repair Café is a global phenomenon with over 2000 now operating worldwide, contributing to the modern circular economy. With many people now wanting to be part of a more sustainable way of living and caring for our planet, we saw record numbers attending the cafe before COVID hit. A couple of restarts and adjustments to the business model including moving from walk-ins to online bookings, it’s been a challenging time but fear not, Repair Café will be back bigger and better in January 2022. While some things have changed as a result of COVID, the passion of the volunteers and the commitment to educating the community on and supporting sustainability is still our number one priority. In the meantime, please remember “Toss it? No way!! We want to fix it.” https://repaircafesydneynorth.net/ TVO 21
plant WITH RACHEL GLEESON www.ivyalley.com.au
1. CHOOSE YOUR PLANTERS There is no limit to your imagination in regards to vessels. Use old teapots, cups, sugar bowls, biscuit tins, shells, old terracotta pots or buy new ceramic planters. Succulents like well drained soil so drainage is a must! If your containers do not have a drainage hole you need to drill a hole in the base. 2. CHOOSING YOUR PLANTS When making an arrangement I tend to group succulents into 3 categories... THRILLERS - scene stealers to catch your eye, rosette shaped eg: Echeveria, Sempervivum, Hawothia
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Succulent gift giving this Christmas! Stuck on what to give your friends and relatives this Christmas? Get started now and these beautiful living gifts will be ready for giving at Christmas! You can beg, borrow or steal plant cuttings from friends and relatives, or head to your local nursery! which grow from offsets (‘babies’), Aeoniums grow from cuttings. FILLERS - to surround and separate the ‘thrillers’, eg: Crassula- grow easily from cuttings. SPILLERS - Trailing succulents used around the edge of a vessel, eg: Sedums, grow easily from cuttings Make sure you have at least one plant from each group. If using a normal potting mix simply add ⅓ sand or fine gravel to assist with drainage. Alternatively ‘succulent’ potting mix can be used. 3. GETTING STARTED • Fill pots with soil. • THRILLERS - Remove plant from pots. Tease away excess soil and gently pull any offsets from the mother plant. Divide amongst your vessels and plant out using a chopstick or satay stick. • Take cuttings from your “filler’ plant. Remove any foliage from ⅓ up of base.
Plant out around ‘thrillers’. • Take cuttings from your ‘spillers’. Plant around the edge of the vessel to soften hard edges. OPTIONAL - Use sphagnum moss, or fine gravel to fill in any spaces. • Water well, situate the plants in a well lit area (avoiding direct sunlight until the roots form) . Water every second day. Once the roots have grown your succulents can be placed in a sunny area and are ready for giving!
happy gardening
Love where you live Proudly bought to you by Lane Cove Council
Sharing for science
Photo by Joshua J. Cotten
Do you take photos of butterflies, or notice which birds visit your garden or local park? Did you know your observations can contribute to science? Citizen science, a term coined in the mid-1990s, is active public involvement in scientific research, but its origins go back thousands of years.
Citizen science in the modern age of technology has thrived, with technology facilitating communication, connectedness and data-sharing. Share a butterfly photo with scientists and you may discover a new species! A national bird count can help scientists understand and track bird trends across the country. If you have a particular interest, you can look up what Citizen Science projects you can get involved in through www.citizenscience.org.au/ ala-project-finder We’ve highlighted a few projects below and included the details of two upcoming Council events related to FrogID and the Powerful Owl Project which are taking place before the end of the year.
Wild Pollinator Count Get busy with bees and other insects between 14-21 November for the Wild Pollinator Count. You can join in by watching any flowering plant for just ten minutes sometime in our count week. You don’t need to be an insect expert or need fancy gear and you may be surprised by what you see! Check out www.wildpollinatorcount. com for further details on joining in. FrogID Did you know every frog has a unique call? And with over 240 species in Australia, that’s a lot of noise! Whether it be a ground-dwelling toadlet or agile tree frog, you can simply record a frog call on your phone and share it with scientists through the FrogID Citizen Science project. Help put frogs on the
map at www.frogid.net.au. Keen to find more? Join us on 4 November from 7:00pm – 8:00pm for a free online talk hosted by Council. Find out more: www.lanecove.nsw. gov.au/events Powerful Owl Project Volunteers receive training before visiting suburban Powerful Owl roosting grounds to monitor owls and report on their behaviour and breeding success / failure. Council has partnered with Birdlife Australia since 2019 to support the monitoring and research into Sydney’s Powerful Owl population. For more information and to join visit www.birdlife.org.au. Council is also hosting an online talk on 1 December from 7:00pm - 8:00pm – find out more at www.lanecove.nsw. gov.au/events EchidnaCSI From arid deserts to urban bushland, Echidnas are found in all kinds of environments but are elusive and notoriously hard to spot. The contribution of Citizen Science has been incredible for advancing Echidna research. In the four years since EchidnasCSI began, there have been more sightings of Echidnas recorded than in the last 25 years! You can join in too by simply downloading the free EchidnaCSI app to your phone and submitting your Echidna sightings, including photos and even scats. For details: www.grutznerlab.weebly. com/echidna-csi.html Big City Birds Brush Turkeys, Ibis, Cockatoos and Corellas have adapted well to big city living. Submit sightings of their whereabouts, behaviours, communal roosts and nest sites at: www. spotteron.com/bigcitybirds/info ClimateWatch Seen your first Jacaranda in flower, or heard your first Channel-billed Cuckoo of the season? ClimateWatch has selected around 180 indicator species likely to be affected by Climate change and need your help to monitor them. Download the ClimateWatch app to start recording today, or visit www.climatewatch.org.au for more information. TVO 23
What’s on Lane Cove November Find out more and book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events Arts and Culture
Festival by the River
Taking place during the first two weeks of November, Lane Cove’s Festival by the River has something for everyone – visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/festival for the full program. • Remembrance Day Thursday 11 November, 11:00am, Lane Cove Plaza
Visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events for more information. • Screen on the Green: Song of the Sea (PG) Friday 12 November, 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Burns Bay Reserve, Lane Cove West
Enjoy a family-friendly movie night down by the water. Young Irish boy Ben, and his little sister Saoirse, a girl with a unique ability, go on an adventure to free magical creatures and save the spirit world. Based on Irish folklore the film follows the pair’s daring journey in an attempt to return home to their home by the sea.
Library
• Online Talk with Ian Hoskins, author of ‘Australia & the Pacific: A History’ Friday 12 November, 1:00pm – 2:00pm, online via Zoom
Meet historian and author Ian Hoskins, author of ‘Australia & the Pacific: A History.’ This meticulously researched, wellcrafted account of Australia’s place in the Pacific is timely, original, fair-minded and accessible. It is a fascinating history that shows how Australia’s relationships with the Pacific have shaped and informed each of our worlds. A Shorelink Libraries event. • Online Talk with Fiona McIntosh, author of ‘The Spy’s Wife’ Wednesday 24 November, 1:00pm – 2:00pm, online via Zoom
Meet bestselling author, Fiona McIntosh in conversation with Mel Tong, Macquarie Regional Library. Set in 1930s when rumours of war unsettle English authorities this historical adventure follows Evie, stationmaster’s daughter and widow as she befriends and falls in love with a handsome stranger. Warned about spies, Evie becomes suspicious of her new suitor Roger. When he is arrested Evie is drawn from the sleepy railway hamlet in the north of Yorkshire, into intrigue. It’s a game of cat and mouse, everyone has an ulterior motive, and trust is in short supply. From the windswept moors of Yorkshire’s dales to the noisy beer halls of Munich and stunning Bavarian mountains, this is a high-stakes thriller. A NSW Public Libraries event. 24 TVO
Road Safety
• Confident Commuter Rider Course Sunday 21 November, 9:30am – 1:00pm, Lane Cove to Milsons Point
Overwhelmed by the thought of using your bike to start commuting? Ride with us from Lane Cove to Milsons Point before catching a train back to Artarmon. You will need a road worthy bike, a correctly fitting Australian/NZ Standards helmet and Opal card. To book, please call Council’s Road Safety Officer on 9911 3576. • Teaching Your Learner Driver Workshop Thursday 25 November, 6:00pm - 7:15pm, online via Zoom
This free online session will offer practical advice about current driving rules and requirements for L and P platers, how learners benefit from supervised on-road driving and how you can help make learning to drive a safe and positive experience. Learner drivers are also invited to attend.
Sustainability
• ‘Waste Not’ with Alexx Stuart Tuesday 9 November 6:00pm – 7:30pm, online via Zoom
Alexx Stuart’s little family of three used to have a big 50 litre bin and empty it every few days. Now they have an 11 litre bin that they empty about once a fortnight. This webinar will equip you with everything you need to know about turning trash into treasure, creative cooking tips and general waste reduction tips. This free webinar is being organised in partnership between Lane Cove and Willoughby City as part of our National Recycling Week activities. • Switch to GreenPower and make a real difference Tuesday 16 November, 6:30pm – 7:30pm, online via Zoom
Want to support renewable energy but not sure how? Feeling locked out from solar because you live in an apartment or rent? Switching to GreenPower is one of the single most impactful actions you can take to live a more sustainable life and Council wants to help you get there. Join this webinar and find out all about GreenPower, how to compare electricity offers and the options for switching to renewable electricity. • Turn Rags into Rugs Saturday 27 November, 10:00am - 12noon Terrace Function Room, Lane Cove Community Hub 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove
Join this workshop and turn old clothes and sheets into rugs for your home or for Christmas gifts. In this relaxed and interactive session you will learn how to make your own rag rug from scratch using second-hand materials. No sewing needed, just braiding with simple stitching. This is a COVID-Safe event with pre-registration essential by Friday 26 November.
Bushcare and HarbourCare
Community
Discover more about the Cameraygal and Wallumedagal clans of the north shore region and how the Indigenous people of this area of Saltwater Country used the marine environment of the harbour and rivers. Join Karen Smith from the Aboriginal Heritage Office as she shares her knowledge of Aboriginal culture, kinship and connection to Country.
This is your opportunity to discover the beautiful and powerful modality of Baby Yoga. It provides dual benefits for baby and you while providing the platform to build a strong and long-lasting bond with your baby in a natural way. It involves simple, effective stretches and poses, suitable for all levels of physical fitness. The co-ordination and balance required to perform baby yoga poses provides a strong foundation for development of crawling, walking and standing with additional benefits for the parent.
• Saltwater Country, Saltwater People Friday 12 November, 11:00am - 12:00pm, online via Zoom
• HarbourCare’s River Restoration Sunday 14 November, 9:30am – 12:00pm, Tambourine Bay Park, Riverview
This guided, land-based clean-up will see us collect litter through creeks, parks, mangroves and bushland, all while enjoying a beautiful bushwalk. Clean-ups are a great way to bring the community together, make a real impact to the natural environment, and start the conversation about reducing litter at the source. All ages welcome.
• Baby Yoga Tuesday 9 November, 10:00am - 11:30am, online via Zoom
• Enhancing Your Child’s Social and Emotional Development Thursday 11 November, 12:00pm - 1:30pm, online via Zoom
Discover in this 90-minute session how to decode different toddler behaviours so that you gain a greater insight to your toddler and develop the tools to enhance their social and emotional development. Grandparents are welcome to attend.
HOST A GARAGE SALE OR SHOP THE TRAIL ONLINE OR IN THE COMMUNITY (RESTRICTIONS ALLOWING) ON THE 13-14 AND 20-21 NOVEMBER. This year will see two weekends of garage sales held simultaneously around the nation, with more sales, more bargains, and more planet-saving fun than ever before! Garage sales are a great way to find unwanted items a new home and make some money. Register now at www.garagesaletrail.com.au Garage Sale Trail is proudly partnered locally by Lane Cove Council.
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Talking Dentistry This month we’re talking restorative dentistry with Dr Andrew See who combines passion, artistic flare and extensive knowledge of dentistry to answer any questions you may have. He has advanced training in aesthetic and implant dentistry. Reader’s question: “Is it true that teeth are ground down to stumps before veneers can go on?”
DR ANDREW SEE
Dr See says: Thank you for the great BEFORE question, this is something that we often get asked. Believe it or not, multiple porcelain veneers is not taught at undergraduate university as they are very technique sensitive as they rely on solely bonding alone (the glue) without MINIMAL TOOTH PREPARATIONS any mechanical retention. A lot of things therefore need to go right for their long-term success. It requires perfect preparations, perfect impressions or scans, perfect isolation for bonding and a super perfect bite. It is not easy and time AFTER consuming. Crowns on the other hand is what all clinicians are well trained at in our undergraduate studies. Crowns do involve grinding the teeth down to stumps. It is more straightforward to prepare, take an impression, provisionalise and place on the tooth. Don’t get me wrong. I do crowns often but only when clinically indicated. Such as, when there is a lack of tooth structure and/or significant pre-existing destruction from tooth wear or decay, or over root canal treated teeth. Let’s look at a case that we completed with minimal preparations for the veneers: Tim came to see us because he didn’t like that his teeth were crooked, narrow and pointy which meant he wasn’t smiling much. Tim showed us photos of his ideal smile and we collaborated to bring the design to life in a smile style that was customised to him. Tim was concerned about the health of his teeth and didn’t want to affect his natural teeth in an adverse way, but wanted to enhance his smile which affected how he felt and the way he presented himself. THE PROBLEMS: • Crooked teeth • Discoloured teeth • Narrow and pointy teeth THE SOLUTION: • Alignment of teeth with clear aligners • Tooth whitening • 10 x porcelain veneers with minimal preparations that stayed within enamel
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. 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.
Tim’s crooked, discoloured teeth are now addressed with beautiful, natural looking, handcrafted porcelain veneers. Advanced qualifications and experience ensured that we achieved the results that Tim 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
9816 4885
dr.andrewsee
advanceddentistrysydney.com.au TVO 27
Call out to all Australian men
This month’s article is especially for you! BY DR CARL WONG DR CARL WONG IS A LANE COVE-BASED GP AND SITS ON THE BOARD OF SYDNEY COMMUNITY SERVICES
I
so many men dying before this retirement age. Men are more likely to get sick from serious health problems and die in greater numbers in almost every health condition that is non-gender-related. Higher risk of male death and serious illness is especially in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, those who live in rural and remote areas, overseas Of course, I am being a bit cheeky and stereotypical migrants, those who are social disadvantaged, with these above statements. But as a doctor I am On average, and non-heterosexual men. I can still recall my very grateful for any type of prompting if it means Australian men time as a junior doctor working in rural hospitals; that Australian men seek medical help and take will have four years their health more seriously. male farmers would come into the emergency less life expectancy department, with quite serious physical limb Studies have shown that compared to Australian than Australian injuries which they often have had for weeks women, Australian men visit the doctor less females already and be nonchalant as to what all the frequently, and only attend when the illness is in concern was about! its later stages. Why is all this important? Because the figures are alarming. Looking further, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare t is not uncommon at times that I will have conversations with my male patients that begin with: ‘Doc, I’m here today because my wife was concerned about this skin spot on my back and told me to have it checked out’ or ‘I’ve been told by my missus to have a health check-up’.
On average, Australian men will have four years less life expectancy than Australian females. The number of male deaths are higher than female deaths in every age group except for the over-65 years old age group, likely due to
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(2018) data shows that 74% of men are overweight or obese, compared to 59% of women. Obesity is a significant risk factor in developing conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and obstructive sleep apnoea.
But perhaps the most tragic statistic, is that men account for 75% of suicides in Australia, and it is the leading cause of death in men under the age of 54 years, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics (2016). So what are the reasons for why women are more healthier than men? The answers are numerous, complex and not entirely understood. Men typically have a functional view of their bodies and health and therefore may ignore milder symptoms until they become severe enough to impact their daily life. This leads to longer term and higher burden of disease due to delayed diagnoses. Some may also feel embarrassed, and not wanting to appear weak by seeking professional help, particularly if related to mental health. Thankfully due to more public awareness, depression in men is not as stigmatised and seeking help is becoming more normalised compared to the past.
when compared to the successful breast cancer awareness program. Men do not engage in healthy diet and lifestyle modifications as well as women.
Men are more likely to be employed full-time and therefore have less opportunity to visit a doctor. They are traditionally employed more in occupations with a higher risk of injury, such as transport, construction and mining. Some men are more comfortable in seeing only a male health practitioner particularly if their issue is sexual or genital-related, and thereby limiting their access if more female doctors were only available.
They are twice as more likely than women to drink above the recommended alcohol consumption guidelines. Approximately one in four men are drinking at levels that will lead to alcohol-related disease. At all ages, men have been shown to consume higher calorie items and less fruit and vegetables than women. Men also engage in more risk-taking behaviours, being twice as likely to die in a motor vehicle accident and also have higher rates of substance and recreational drug abuse.
The greater expenditure on, and greater access to services for, women’s health compared to men’s health may also play a part. Prostate cancer is the common cancer in men yet receives far less funding compared to other cancers. This translates to reduced promotional awareness, especially
As we can see, optimising men’s health has its challenges to navigate. More needs to be done in understanding and overcoming many of the health barriers that men face. Focussing on these issues are certainly not just a storm in a teacup.
Balance issues Good balance is one of those things we can easily take for granted when we are young. We tend to notice our balance isn’t quite as good in middle age and then progressively our reduced balance presents as us starting to avoid activities where our balance is challenged. This can be choosing to avoid walking on uneven surfaces and eventually using rails or sticks to help our stability. Balance control is directly related to muscle strength. Loss of muscle strength is called sarcopenia and is related to frailty. As we become weaker and lose our balance control it gets tempting to further reduce activity to be ‘safe’ and so we become weaker. At Burns Bay Physiotherapy we understand the importance of maintaining balance for our general health, wellbeing, and ability to do activities of daily living. We also understand the role of good muscle strength and control in reducing hip, back, knee and other pains. Plus, the linkages between these pains, balance, and activities of daily living. We can help keep you feeling physically strong and capable, so you can confidently enjoy the activities that make you happy whatever your age.
BURNS BAY PHYSIOTHERAPY 161 Burns Bay Rd, Lane Cove P: 9427 8333 E: info@burnsbayphysiotherapy.com.au
www.burnsbayphysiotherapy.com.au Ann
Jill
Kirsty TVO 29
What I watched on TV… Blood and gore seem to abound this month, but as TV man Stephen Miller points out, this can sometimes make for some excellent and highly engaging telly.
Squid Game (Netflix)
Des (ABC iView and Stan)
If you’re still wondering whether to watch this Netflix show that all the world is talking about, then once the kids are in bed, yes, definitely give Squid Game a go. It hasn’t become the global sensation it has without reason. You’ll quickly discover what this excellent show is all about, so I won’t spoil it here. Suffice to say, the twisted storyline and the colourful aesthetics will likely have you hooked in no time. I do suggest only one episode a night though, perhaps followed by something lighter. ★★★★★ Why you would watch it: The relationships and character interactions will have you glued to the screen. Why you wouldn’t: Violence, blood, gore and odd subtitles, which don’t always translate the nuance very well.
On 9 February 1983, the gruesome discovery of human remains in the plumbing of a North London house alerts police who then uncover a serial killer. They soon find out he’d been operating right under their noses for five years. The drama follows, and tries to comprehend, the macabre rationale and personality of the now infamous Denis Nilsen. David Tennant’s brilliantly chilling performance and his uncanny physical resemblance to Nilsen are excellent characterisations and make for a gripping watch. ★★★★½ Why you would watch it: It’s a fascinating insight into this notorious killer. Why you wouldn’t: You’re a bit over murders, whether fact or fiction.
The Chestnut Man (Netflix)
Upright (Binge and Foxtel Now)
After a young woman is discovered in a playground, brutally murdered and her hand missing, a small figure made of chestnuts seems the only clue. Small children singing a very creepy song adds atmosphere to what is another good Danish psychological thriller. ★★★★ Why you would watch it: Suspenseful with lots of twists and well-acted. Why you wouldn’t: Not as good as some Scandi-noir such as The Bridge or The Killing.
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Upright is a fantastic Australian drama that rides the happy/sad rollercoaster of entertainment through a fabulous tale. The two central characters, Lucky and Meg, are expertly played by Tim Minchin and Milly Alcock. Add in some excellent music and wonderful outback cinematography, and you have a mustsee television mini-series. ★★★★★ Why you should watch it: It’s fresh and a binge-worthy watch. Why you wouldn’t: You don’t have a television.
War of the Worlds (SBS OnDemand)
This reimagined HG Wells’ classic follows pockets of survivors after an apocalyptic extra-terrestrial invasion. I’m a big fan of Daisy Edgar-Jones (Emily), so I was excited to watch this. Unfortunately, while the first series was excellent, I failed to connect with or finish the second one. Once my interest in the characters began to wane, I knew this alien war was over for me. Series 1 ★★★★ Series 2 ★½ Why you would watch it: When it’s good, it’s great. Why you wouldn’t: Despite cool scary alien robot dogs (which had Mrs M reaching for the nearest pillow), it’s often tediously slow.
Atlantic Crossing (SBS OnDemand)
The Crown Prince and Princess of Norway, Olav and Märtha, are forced to flee their country when Nazi Germany launches a surprise attack on 9 April 1940. With the Germans hot on their tail, they face a difficult decision that weighs heavily on their shoulders. Atlantic Crossing is a delightful watch that will be enjoyed particularly by lovers of The Crown. ★★★½ Why you should watch it: Lavish scenery and fine performances make this certainly worth your time. Why you wouldn’t: You’re not a fan of ‘soapy’ dramas.
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THANK YOU Thank you for your continued custom over the lockdown, and for being part of our community as we move forward. Our businesses are once again open and we are honoured to be able to provide you with useful services. If you have any feedback or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us via phone or email - (02) 9817 6881/gsv@nexusbp.com
PREMIER EYECARE Check out their wide range of unique designer and fashion eyewear and contact lenses. Premier Eyecare is conveniently located in Gladesville Shopping Village opposite Baker’s Delight. They open Monday to Saturday. Appointments outside of normal trading hours are available.
Please keep an eye on our Instagram account and we will update information as more stores open. Shops now open: Café Gladesville, Glades Village Pharmacy, Sushi Me, Bush’s Meats, Jumbo Tom, Office News, Smiley Beans, My Mobile Clinic, Premier Eyecare, Rodney Clark, K-Beauty, Dandy Dry Cleaners, Golden Collection, Doo’s massage & Acupuncture, Chris Lewis Custom Jewellery, Christiane’s Hair Design, F45 Challenge… and more shops will open again soon!
CHRIS LEWIS CUSTOM JEWELLER Get your exclusive custom handmade jewellery at Chris Lewis. Renowned as being one of Sydney’s leading jewellery designers, the store has now relocated from the CBD to Gladesville. It provides local customers with meticulous service and beautiful and timeless bespoke pieces.
F45 GLADESVILLE To help you accomplish your fitness objectives, F45 creates a friendly, community-based atmosphere. Let exercise be as natural as drinking and breathing! We look forward to making F45 Gladesville your favourite workout destination.å
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WE ARE BACK! WELCOME BACK!
cook
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WITH BERN THE CHEF bernthechef.com.au
Northcott Gardens.
CHOCOLATE & GINGER TART Preheat the oven to 160 Celsius
BASE • 200 grams plain Marie biscuits • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar • 100 grams unsalted butter, melted Combine the biscuits and sugar in a food processor and pulse to fine crumbs. Drizzle in the melted butter and pulse to combine. Press the crust into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Bake til crust is set and golden, about 12 minutes. Cool completely. FILLING • 300 grams bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped • 250 mls double cream • 120 grams unsalted butter, cut into pieces • 100 grams of crystallized ginger, cut into small pieces • 150 grams of slivered almonds, toasted to golden brown (keep 2 tablespoons aside for garnish) • 1 tsp ground ginger & ½ a tsp ground cardamom • 1 pinch of flaky sea salt - Combine the chocolate, cream, ground ginger, ground cardamom & butter in a small saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring until the chocolate melts, about 5 minutes. Stir until smooth. Fold in the almonds & crystallized ginger. Pour into the cooled tart shell, sprinkle over the flaky sea salt and remaining toasted almond slivers and refrigerate until set, at least 3 hours. - Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before serving. Serve with thick Greek yoghurt. The tang of the yoghurt goes very well with the rich tart, as well as being a little healthier.
LIME & PAPRIKA BUTTER
• 400 grams of soft unsalted butter • 1 lime zested & juiced • 1 tablespoon of olive oil • 1 teaspoon each of smoked paprika, ground fennel, ground cumin and flaky sea salt - Cream the butter in a mixing bowl with a wooden spoon till spreadable, add the lime zest, juice & flaky sea salt. Have a silicon spatula ready. In a small pan, heat the olive oil on medium and add the spices (20 seconds at most). Stir till toasty warm & fragrant. As soon as the spices are hot, scrape the oil & spice mixture into the butter, and fold the spices into the butter. Spoon into glass container, and chill in the fridge. Smear over a steak, over grilled vegetables or on a cheese toastie.
enjoy
Retirement Residences from $200,000. Bright, self-contained 1-bedroom units featuring a modern kitchen and open living/dining area with a bathroom and separate bedroom. Set amidst a picturesque central manicured garden-scape with an array of alfresco nooks. Call 0416 187 324 to find out more.
92 Burns Bay Road Lane Cove
vasey.com.au
Correct as at October 2021. 6273
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review TOP 4 BOOKS TO READ THIS MONTH
A BOOK LOVER’S REVIEW BY JACQUI SERAFIM
“Home is more than a place. It’s a feeling.” From bestselling food writer and cook Rick Stein comes this stunning collection of all time favourite recipes and essays that celebrate the rituals of home cooking.
The Wife and the Widow
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles An absorbing, exhilarating ride, The Lincoln Highway is a novel as vivid, sweeping, and moving as readers have come to expect from the author of A Gentleman in Moscow.
A Bloody Good Rant by Thomas Keneally Beautifully written, erudite and at times slyly funny, A Bloody Good Rant is an invitation to share the deep humanity of a truly great Australian.
Little People Big Dreams Treasury A beautiful keepsake from this critically acclaimed best selling series that explores the lives of outstanding people in a way to appeal to children.
by Christian White
Kate Keddie’s husband, John, is away in London for a medical conference. When he fails to arrive home to Melbourne on the expected flight and can’t be contacted, her concern turns to dread as she discovers that not only did he not attend the conference but that he has been unemployed for months. She soon discovers that John never left the country and their skyped conversations took place from a fake hotel room. As Kate and her father-in-law work with the police to search for answers, they are soon led to the family’s holiday home on Belport Island off the coast of the Bellarine Peninsula. It is difficult to write about a murder mystery without giving too much away – but there are no spoilers here. It is clear from the chapter heading on first page of the novel that Kate is “The Widow”. This engaging story unfolds from two narrative perspectives. Kate Keddie, is “The Widow”, married to John Keddie, an affluent doctor living in Melbourne and mother to a 10 year-old girl. She is shy and restrained but dignified and strong – she is aware that John is troubled but has allowed him to keep his secrets and later discovers that “she had spent the better part of the past two decades living inside a cocoon.” The alternate narrative perspective is that of Abbey Gilpin, “The Wife”. Abbey is a Belport Island local scraping by, supporting her husband’s meagre income as an Island caretaker for the holiday homes of the wealthy tourists, by working part-time shifts at the local supermarket. Abbey is mother to two teenagers and has an unusual interest in taxidermy. She faces the challenges of her life with wry humour and energy. While these two women are separately uncovering their husbands’ secrets, they are both forced to question how well they really know their husbands and are drawn slowly but inexorably into a compelling confrontation with each other. The Wife and the Widow is an easy but compelling read. It is wellpaced and engaging but is also more than just a murder mystery. The novel explores the contrasted worlds of these two families – the tensions between the locals and wealthy tourists, the difficulty of making a living in a small coastal town and the challenges of marital relationships, family life and adolescence. It also explores the impact of suppressed trauma: “If we don’t talk about the monsters in this world, John’s voice whispered, we won’t be ready for them when they jump out from under the bed.” As the stories of these two women and their husbands unfold, the characters are revealed as complex and well-drawn, each with convincing motivations and actions. White’s prose is lyrical but precise – his atmospheric descriptions of the eerie island in winter creating a perfect backdrop for this psychological thriller. This is a well-crafted crime novel with deft misdirection and an unpredictable denouement.
The Wife and the Widow is the Winner of the Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Fiction 34 TVO
Karen Paull
Community Chaplain
Re-emergence Why are you drawn to a certain space, even before you incorporate your mark? I found mine. It doesn’t have ocean views or gold taps. On initial inspection it was the one. The keys, The door, My sanctuary. Why this space and not another? The feeling of right. Bottle that essence. Reassurance of life. Confirmation of being. Activation of presence. All safety installed. My home, community in Lane Cove. Isolation endured. Happiness confronted. Surrounded by apprehension and wonderment. Walk out the frustration. Encompass the compassion and energy. All feelings created, shared and solved. My neighbourhood, community in Lane Cove. ANNETTE JOHNSTON
Please write to us with your poetry, verse, flash fiction, 100 word stories, short stories and any other musings you may have. We welcome everything: editor@thevillageobserver.com.au
What a relief to finally visit a hairdresser! This was a cherished rite of passage out of lockdown as we reemerged, unmasked once again, along with flowers of every hue, butterflies, nesting birds and reptiles big and small. It signalled the resumption of many social activities that had been forced into hibernation with us. Maybe we are identifying with the creation around us this Spring, pushing through the barriers of protracted solitude with some effort, to resume a fuller life? Let’s not forget the gains we have made in the interim however, and choose to retain some treasures from our winter of hibernation. You may identify with some of the following... Full marks to the instigator of the early transition to outdoor tables of five people. How often do we invite even numbers, often just couples, because it seems more comfortable? A single friend remarked how great it was to be the valued fifth person. Having missed Christmas in our state of origin last year, being with our remote family and friends will be even more special when it reoccurs (this year hopefully!) Will we continue to cherish the new relationships made with those living in our close proximity too? New skills, hobbies and friendships have been initiated, often mediated by technology. Many people have discovered the joy of being in natural places and the soul refreshment it brings. Will it continue to be a place of nurture for weary souls when there are other choices? Let’s commit to retaining what has become precious to us. Our new worship community, Sacred Space, has recently celebrated themes of joy and resilience found in the natural world. Confined to Zoom, our intentional outdoor community brought their notable examples to computer screens, demonstrating their own adaptability. From photos of lockdown babies - mainly experienced over technology, to early garden delights grown from seed or new grafting, to indigenous sites visited by kayak – the group found hope and joy from others’ insights. Our spectrum of walking groups, book club, coffee and dinner groups are all reemerging too, so it’s a good time to join in. Valuing people and experiencing the restorative effects of the created order are two specialties of Lane Cove Community Chaplaincy. Would you like to join us as we re-emerge in walking, social and spiritual groups? Check out the details and contact me via the links below to experience ‘life in all its fullness’. I am here to listen to people (on the phone or Zoom) of any or no religious persuasion, in order to help them through difficult times, such as these.
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
JUST FOR
BACKYARD RANGER
KIDS
Frogs…The Facts & The Fiction Do frogs give you warts? Can they predict rain? What about Prince Charming? Will he turn up if you give a frog a kiss? It’s time for a frog-tastic, Backyard Ranger exposé on the humble, sensitive and sometimes deadly…frog. Words by Julian Ledlin Here on the east coast of Australia we have our fair share of these adorable amphibians. They grace our bushland and backyards with their benevolent beauty. Have you noticed that before rain you’ll hear an increase in frogs croaking? That’s because these sensitive little critters detect the change in air pressure. A sharp rise in air pressure means rain is not far away. You know what time it is when it starts raining? Frog o’clock! More water on the ground and in creeks allows frogs to find food, find a mate and lay some eggs. Speaking of eggs, a female frog can lay hundreds, sometimes thousands of eggs and usually only two of them will grow into adult frogs. Eggs, tadpoles and young frogs are tasty snacks for all kinds of fish, snakes and birds. Scientists say that if every egg laid made it to adulthood, every bit of land on planet earth would be a metre deep in frogs! Which reminds me, you know what you call a group of frogs? An army!
KISSY KISSY, HERE COMES PRINCEY? Is it a good idea to kiss a frog? The short answer is, “No”. The long answer is, “Definitely not”. Firstly, charming princes are incredibly over-rated. They’re usually all talk and always high maintenance… but seriously, don’t kiss frogs. Some are deadly toxic! The Golden Poison Dart Frog in South America, for example, despite having an extremely cool name, carries enough toxin on its skin to kill ten human adults within minutes. “What about warts?” Do frogs give us warts if we touch their skin? Once again, the answer is, “Definitely not”. You get warts from human viruses, not frogs and toads. A frog’s skin can look a bit warty but that’s just lumps and bumps to help them camouflage and blend into their surrounds. While we’re on the subject, frogs should never be handled by us humans unless it’s an emergency. Our skin carries oils, salts and other chemicals that can be extremely damaging and often deadly when absorbed into a frog’s sensitive skin. Even just by swimming in a creek or water hole can kill the frogs that live there. Sunscreen is usually the culprit. It washes off your body into the water, eventually penetrating the frogs’ delicate 36 TVO
skin. A true friend to the frogs knows to leave them be. Enjoy from a distance, then leave it alone. There are many interesting frogs to be discovered in our own backyards. We have tree frogs of the most vibrant green, we have frogs that sound like banjos being plucked and there’s my personal favourite, the Common Eastern Froglet that always seems to welcome me home after a long day. He’s a small, untidy looking guy that like the rest of us is just going about his business in suburbia.
FROGS FOR THE FUTURE! If you’d like to attract frogs to your backyard you could talk your parents into building a pond. Don’t buy or find a frog and add it to your pond. You could be introducing a species that might cause disastrous environmental problems. Also, NEVER take frogs or tadpoles from a nearby creek and put them into your pond. Disease can spread by doing this and you’re also interfering with the fragile balance of frogs in your area. Be patient, frogs will eventually find their own way to your place when the time is right, and they’ll be eating all your mozzies in no time. I’m sure you’ll agree that they are remarkable creatures that deserve our care and respect!
Frogs Rule!
Community Transport taking you where you need to go
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A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO, GILL BATT
A
lmost the end of the year and yet it feels like we have a new beginning. Finally, our doors are open and activities are starting. People, yes real live people, are coming in to see us and have fun. Volunteers, double vaccinated of course, have returned and are out gardening, making beds and delivering meals. You could almost say it was normal if you could get over the fact that we wear masks, gloves and full face protectors and still have to wave thermometers at visitors in what we hope is a non-threatening way. I have previously said how amazing and touching it was to have so much essential food and home items donated by the locals from Lane Cove, Hunters Hill and Ryde. This has made a huge difference to many local residents and families who have been having a really tough time over the past couple of years. Those supplies have been greatly augmented by donations from St Marks in Hunters Hill and Christian Community Aid in Ryde. The Hunters Hill Conference of St Vincents de Paul donated $3000 to enable us to purchase much needed additional supplies from local supermarkets. St Vincents have also been generous to share a legacy with us received from a Hunters Hill resident. Their $20,000 has enabled to install a much needed hoist into one of our 23 seat buses making it fully accessible for wheelchair users and people using walkers. As you know in January we merged with The Meeting House in Lane Cove North. Earlier this year we received a grant of $15,000 through Trent Zimmerman’s office from the Stronger Communities Program from
COMMUNITY PROFILE:
Sigrid Smee
SCS volunteer and local resident of 53 years, Sigrid Smee, can boast a life that has combined teaching and volunteering, while being at the cutting edge of technology. As a volunteer community visitor Sigrid has graced many of our consumers with company, understanding and assistance with technology. Pre-lockdown, when visitors could attend in-person, Sigrid found herself enabling connections by helping seniors use an iPad to video call family and friends. Enabling seniors and introducing them to technology has always been high on Sigrid’s agenda. 38 TVO
the Commonwealth Government. Sydney Community Services is matching that amount and we have now started to refresh the Meeting House’s Stokes Street building to make it more attractive and improve the facilities available to the community. We have already started to improve the outside space and have cut back the overhanging trees and bushes and brightened it up and we will be cleaning the area and the outside and will be installing new sun shades. Inside we will be redecorating and replacing the tired tables and chairs and make the space more inviting and opening it up for more community groups and residents to use. In the next two months there are a couple of fun ways you can support us. On Saturday 20th November we are working with the Happy Hens at Henley to organise the Fancy Flea Market where there will be over thirty stall holders selling quality new and pre- loved items and we will be running our famous fabulously fancy BBQ. All the funds raised from the stall holder’s fees and the BBQ will come to us at Sydney Community Services to help us do more good works in your local community. If you can’t get to the Fancy Flea Market, we’ll be at Bunnings Gladesville on Saturday 18th December running their iconic sausage sizzle. Come and support us and do some useful Christmas shopping. Oops I mentioned the C word! Not long now until the Big Day and then 2022 – let’s hope it will be a kind year.
Take care and look after those around you.
Sigrid raised her family in Riverview after purchasing a block of land and building a home with her husband more than 50 years ago. She looks back fondly on the early years in Riverview, explaining that many young families moved to the area at the same time as sub-divisions came up for sale. “We all knew each other back then. The kids would disappear for hours and there was opportunity to play tennis, bridge and undertake many, many adult courses,” she said. It was these adult courses that re-ignited a love of learning in Sigrid, ultimately leading her to complete a Graduate Diploma in Library Sciences and returning to work as a Librarian Teacher at Saint Sabina School in Strathfield. It was the late 80s and computers were about to explode. It proved to be a pivotal time for Sigrid who had one of few school computers in the library where she would show students, and teachers, how to use them. She jokes about the “blue screen of death” that anyone who used those computers back then would appreciate. However, Sigrid wasn’t put off by the “blue screen of death” and this set
her in good stead for a new venture after retirement in the early 2000s. “I saw an advert in the North Shore Times for the Lane Cove Seniors Computer Club which was looking for a Training Co-Ordinator. I applied and before I knew it, I was helping hundreds of seniors to get to grips with technology. It was incredibly rewarding.” In more recent years, Sigrid has become a reliable and committed volunteer for Sydney Community Services, visiting many consumers – several of them in their 90s and occasionally some who suffer dementia. Sigrid recalls one recent meeting with one lady and how, by using her mobile phone to play her music, was able to reawaken the lady’s memories of the music of her childhood. Sigrid was delighted to realise that the lady still remembered all of the words to the songs she loved. 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.
WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER
Activities Table Tennis
• Fridays • 1.00-5.30pm. $5
Book Club
• Monday: 15 November • 1.30-2.30pm. $5 Includes afternoon tea and loan of book.
Social Bridge/ Chess/Solo
• Thursdays • 12.30-3.30pm. $5 Includes afternoon tea.
Scrabble
• Fridays: 5 + 19 • 10.30-12.30pm. $5 Includes morning tea.
Mah Jong
• Wednesdays • 1.00-3.45pm. $5 Includes afternoon tea
Mindfulness
• Mondays • 10.00am. $5 Come meet our new instructor Andrea Gotham, a qualified yoga teacher and Occupational Therapist with an interest in enhancing individual wellness and quality of life through a combination of breath work, simple body movements, mindfulness and relaxation practices.
Movement Matters
• Tuesdays + Wednesdays Limited classes resume classes full in November Taking expressions of interest for 2022
Join us for Christmas at The Meeting House
Monday 6 December 11am-1.30pm $35 per head
3 COURSE CHRISTMAS LUNCH COMPLIMENTARY GLASS OF BUBBLES • Festive Tunes with Mal • Limited Transport Available • BOOK NOW - NUMBERS LIMITED 23-25 Stokes Street Lane Cove North Phone: 9427 1841 0431 382 840
Services SCS Village Bus
• Wednesday weekly door-to-door. • 9.00-12pm. $7pp We collect you from home and drop you off in the village. Enjoy coffee with a friend, attend doctors appointments, or go to the hairdresser. If you shop at Woolies, we have a friendly volunteer to help you with your bags. Limited seats available
BOOKINGS AND ENQUIRIES BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL COVID SAFE
LANE COVE HUB EVENTS IN ORANGE:
P: 9427 6425 E: support@sydneycs.org 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove. 3 hours free parking.
MEETING HOUSE EVENTS IN PURPLE: P: 9427 1841 E: support@sydneycs.org 23-25 Stokes St, Lane Cove North
HELPING YOU TO ENJOY A COMFORTABLE & INDEPENDENT LIFE AT HOME • 9427 6425 • WWW.SYDNEYCS.ORG
Volunteers wanted Sydney Community Services is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to assist with our community based activities. FOR SPECIFIC HOURS AND MORE DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT YVONNE: e: yhughes@sydneycs.org p: 9427 6425
TVO 39
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 to 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.
40 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 41
VOTING RULES HAVE CHANGED Every Preference Vote will be counted in this Local Election PREFERENCE YOUR LIBERAL CANDIDATES The Liberal Party is asking you to consider where you place your preferences in this Local Government election on 4 December 2021. Choosing an "Independent" candidate isn't a safe choice. Be aware that Independents will most likely preference Labor or the Greens. Both Labor and the Greens support radical policies which may not reflect your views. However, if your first vote is elsewhere, please preference your Liberal candidates afterwards. Liberals on Lane Cove Council have a proven record of delivering on vital community infrastructure that all residents now enjoy, such as The Canopy and numerous sporting facilities. The Liberals want to go further and create an Infrastructure Future Fund to protect the millions of dollars of ratepayers' money Council receives; create a Community Dog Advisory Committee to consider the interests of dog owners; and develop more infrastructure for elderly and disabled residents. The Liberals on Council have proven they can be trusted to manage your finances and deliver what matters to you. Labor, Greens and the "Independents" who have supported them on Councils in the past have opposed citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day; parking spaces; more community infrastructure and sporting facilities. Some Greens run Councils have gone broke and have been put into administration.
WHO DO YOU TRUST WITH YOUR MONEY & YOUR VOTE?
Your Trusted Lane Cove Liberal Team East Ward
Central Ward Katherine Mort
Cr Scott Bennison
David Karpin
Hamish Asprey Stitt
Alicia Smith
Lynne Wilkinson Duncan
Justin Andrews
Cheryl Che
Cr David Brooks-Horn
Authorised by: Scott Bennison, Suite 302, 71 Longueville Rd Lane Cove NSW
42 TVO
West Ward
TRENT ZIMMERMAN MP P: 9929 9822 E: trent.zimmerman.mp@aph.gov.au
Many families in North Sydney will benefit from increased childcare support sooner than planned. The federal government is bringing forward increased childcare subsidies for families with multiple children and removing the annual subsidy cap, including for this financial year.
It will put more money back in families’ pockets and lower disincentives for parents to return to work or take on additional hours – particularly for women.
The removal of the $10,655 cap will apply from 10 December this year and be retrospectively applied for the whole 2021-22 financial year, meaning if families hit the cap before 10 December they will receive a refund on any excess fees paid.
With our vaccination rates increasing every day, I have been speaking to residents that have been making the most of their renewed freedoms. Our local restaurants and cafes are busier, gyms are back in action and hairdressers have been booked out (although not by me – my hair is fine!).
The increased subsidies were due to come into effect on 1 July 2022, but we said we would bring that forward if we could and we have delivered on that promise. Once implemented next year, this will take the federal government’s total investment in child care to almost $11 billion a year. These changes provide further support to help Australian families with the cost of childcare and encourage workforce participation.
This is great news for families in our local area and great news for our economy!
I want to thank everyone in our electorate who has rolled up their sleeves to get their jab. Emerging from the other side of this lockdown would not have been possible with you. So, thank you and stay safe!
THANK YOU
I'm here to help
As your local Federal Member of Parliament, I’m here to help with issues important to you and our community. Please get in touch, my office is here to assist you. To stay up-to-date with the latest information, please update your details by scanning this QR code.
TRENT ZIMMERMAN MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR NORTH SYDNEY
Level 10, 2 Elizabeth Plaza, North Sydney NSW 2060 trent.zimmerman.mp@aph.gov.au
9929 9822
trentzimmerman.com.au
TrentZimmerman
trentzimmermanmp
Authorised by T. Zimmerman MP, Liberal Party of Australia, Level 10, 2 Elizabeth Plaza, North Sydney NSW 2060.
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
Congratulations Lane Cove Electorate !! We’re open for business !! These coming months and this month in particular will set the stage for what our state will look like going forward. My congratulations to all of you for staying strong and safe through this long haul of a lockdown. A very important point to mention, we in Lane Cove hit the 70% double vaxxed well ahead of the majority of the Greater Sydney Region. I’m so pleased that we all recognised our common duty to our families and the broader community in sticking to the health orders and getting vaccinated. On the 11th of October, “Freedom Day”, it was great to see all these businesses finally opening their doors, seeing their employees first day back at work after months of absence. The community interaction on this day was something I have never experienced. Cheers from all entering pubs and restaurants who have sorely missed a sit down meal with friends. For most families, including my own, “Freedom Day” was really the 25th of October. Home schooling has been one of the most stressful consequences of the lockdown for families. Nothing is more important than the upbringing and education of our children, so it is important to recognise the immense amount of stress parents have been under during this time and how grateful we are for all the work the teachers do. As a big thank you, the NSW Government in some small way towards helping family finances that took a big hit and at the same time supporting businesses and jobs, are offering $250 in vouchers which will be available through Service NSW in early 2022. These vouchers will be available to households which had a school-aged child in 2021. A big reminder to all residents of NSW that an additional two Dine and Discover Vouchers are on their way, now that restaurants and other entertainment venues have opened up. So a big call for all families to get out for another dinner or a movie night and support businesses and the economy within Lane Cove. These vouchers will be redeemable until June 2022 so make the most of it. With NSW opening up to a COVID Safe lifestyle, hospitality industries have a greater incentive to serve customers in a space that has a greater ventilation and general COVID safety in place to put their customers at ease. The NSW Government wishes to encourage this more precautious approach to social life and hospitality having introduced an Alfresco Dining Grant of $5,000 for hospitality businesses. This grant will allow hospitality businesses the opportunity to make their dream outdoor diner a reality. I highly encourage restaurants and cafes within Lane Cove to apply with their own design plans in the hope they can secure one of the $5,000 grants available within NSW.
44 TVO
Serving our community
This term of Council has come to a close, with a caretaker period commencing on 5 November, ahead of local government elections. The election date, twice postponed due to COVID, is now set for Saturday 4 December. The NSW Electoral Commission is administering elections across the state. For Hunter’s Hill Council, it has been a longer than usual term, and despite a pandemic, one filled with many achievements for our residents and ratepayers. The creation of new spaces and places for people to enjoy has been a highlight, from the opening of our innovative new library and community space The YARN in Hunters Hill Village, to making our halls and parks easy to utilise and access, through things such as online bookings and the installation of inclusive infant swing seats across all our playgrounds – this was thanks to a great community partnership with social enterprise Play For All Australia and local businesses. Consultation and engagement with the community has been strengthened. We have introduced a raft of new and additional communications to help keep our residents and ratepayers informed, but we cannot forget the need for more traditional approaches to share ideas and engage with you. Our events program has delivered much-loved billings such as our art shows, while introducing new offerings such as open-air cinema, as well as online workshops and classes to assist people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Retaining the unique heritage and environment of Hunters Hill has been another important part of our work this term, in everything from planning to reinforce the garden suburb values of Hunters Hill to improving our local tree canopy, with hundreds of street and park trees planted. It has been my honour to serve you this term, including as Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillor. Thank you also to former mayor Mark Bennett, former General Managers Barry Smith and Lisa Miscamble and Acting General Manager Nick Tobin for their contributions. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of Council staff and my fellow Councillors in their service to our community.
GUY HALLOWES
LATEST BOOK
Carisbrook Christmas
Clivia Sale!
Saturday December 4 From 10.00am ● All colours ● Rare specimens ● Other exotic plants
Joe’s odyssey from poverty to wealth and success is a fast-paced adventure story with a contemporary theme.
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Joe and his gang of friends join a people smuggling racket heading for the Libyan coast.
He makes it to London, where he meets beautiful, clever Isabel, while clandestinely establishing a wealth management business.
Carisbrook Historic House 334 Burns Bay Road Carpark via Waterview Drive
Local Builder MARTIN WESLEY
Like many young men in today’s impoverished African States, Joe Wacheera looks for a better life in the West. His mother was forced into prostitution with a corrupt Priest and an Army General exploiting him in the seething slum of Nairobi’s Kibera.
Lane Cove Local Plumber
Joe is the fifth book by this author set in Africa.
YOU CAN PURCHASE THIS BOOK AT:
• The Burns Bay Bookery, Lane Cove • www.amazon.com • www.booktopia.com.au/
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TVO 45
PROPERTIES PROPERTIES OF OF THE THE MONTH MONTH
Sleek apartment with bushland outlook
Entire block of three apartments
307/56-60 Gordon Crescent, Lane Cove 2 bed | 2 bath | 2 car
4 Morrice Street, Lane Cove 5 bed | 3 bath
This flawless designer apartment is nestled in the quiet surrounds of the acclaimed 'Jasmine Lane Cove' security block, which sits directly opposite the lush, tree-filled environs of Batten Reserve.
Unique to the market, this block newly renovated apartments presents an incredible opportunity to secure a prime investment and outstanding asset just 400m to Lane Cove village.
If you're looking for a move, have a confidential conversation with Debbie or Justine today.
Debbie Jepson Justine Collins
0420 455 441 0410 601 707
debbie@ch.com.au justine@ch.com.au
94277466 7466 ||| ch.com.au ch.com.au 9427 9427 7466 ch.com.au
Makingmore more Making roominin room LaneCove Cove GET 50% OFF Lane GET 50% OFF
FOR SALE - Greenwich’s Best Kept Secret
AUCTION - Light Filled One Bedroom Apartment
12 Glenview Street, Greenwich 4 Bed 2 Bath
3/143-145 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove 1 Bed 1 Bath 1 Car
A beautifully maintained California bungalow in a private bushland setting offers multiple living across two spacious levels. Enjoy wonderful peace and privacy within an enclave off Glenview Street shared with only four other properties. Inspection by appointment - Bernadette Hayes 0431 558 505
This one-bedroom apartment is set at the rear of the well maintained “Greenview” security complex. Offering plenty of natural light with sunny balcony overlooking Lane Cove West Bowling Club. Conveniently located near the vibrant Lane Cove village with a vast choice of cafes, restaurants and supermarkets. Inspection by appointment - Hanny Japri 0423 053 180
harbourline.com.au
02 9966 0543 I 0431 558 505 I sales@harbourline.com.au
2 MONTHS 2 MONTHS STORAGE
STORAGE
Spot the Difference Solution from page 45 Spot the Difference
storageking.com.au/Lanecove storageking.com.au/Lanecove
storageking.com.au/Lanecove storageking.com.au/Lanecove 27 27 Mars Mars Road, Road, LANE LANE COVE, COVE, NSW NSW 2066 2066 27 27 Mars Mars Road, (02) 9436 (02)Road, 9436 6405 6405
LANE LANE COVE, COVE, NSW NSW 2066 2066 (02) (02) 9436 9436 6405 6405
SOUL LIGHT SPIRIT
Solution from page 45
WEEKEND MINI ZOOM COURSES- MEDITATIONS SATURDAYS 10AM - 12 PM SUNDAYS 3PM - 5PM
www.soullightspirit.com.au 46 TVO 46 46 TVO TVO
PROPERTIES OF THE MONTH
AUCTION: SATURDAY 13TH NOVEMBER
AUCTION: SATURDAY 13TH NOVEMBER
VIEW: AS ADVERTISED ONLINE 44 Wood Street, Lane Cove 5 bed 3 bath 2 car Framed by spectacular district sunsets this spacious home is the ultimate family surprise package. Quintessential indoor/outdoor lifestyle with generously extended floor plan, is matched with immaculately landscaped gardens and park-like lawns.
VIEW: AS ADVERTISED ONLINE 206B/7-13 Centennial Avenue, Lane Cove
Rebecca Mitchell 0412 257 625
Alex Banning 0434 131 903 E: alexb@lns.rh.com.au
E: rebeccam@lns.rh.com.au
AUCTION
Delivering quintessential apartment living with the luxury of a private garden terrace, this stunning ‘Sevana’ residence is a rare find. 120sqm of living framed by front and rear alfresco settings, the property combines a resort-inspired lifestyle.
AUCTION
5 Beta Road, Lane Cove
4 bed 2 bath 1 car
1/157-159 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove
3 bed 2.5 bath 1 car
Character home on corner block located in highly sought after location.
Spacious townhouse close to amenities and transport in small boutique complex.
Hazel McNamara 0402 913 537 E: hazelm@lns.rh.com.au
Hazel McNamara 0402 913 537 E: hazelm@lns.rh.com.au
8318 7888
I
www.rh.com.au/lanecove
5 Warilla Place, Riverview
4 bed 3.5 bath 3 car
9 The Avenue, Hunters Hill
5 bed 3 bath 2 car
AUCTION SATURDAY 30 OCTOBER AT 12.00PM
AUCTION: SATURDAY 13 NOVEMBER AT 10.30AM
VIEW SATURDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 1.30PM – 2.00PM
VIEW: CONTACT AGENT FOR VIEWING TIMES
• First-Class family retreat in peninsula setting • Formal dining, family room or self contained studio • Masterfully positioned in a serene cul de sac
• Grand five-bedroom plus study home on approx. 1018sqm • Four living areas, premiums gas/stone kitchen, formal dining • Stroll in minutes to village cafes, buses, schools and bayside
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 Your local number one selling agency
12 Larkin St, Waverton
54 Malvern Ave, Roseville Ch
37 Osborne Rd, Lane Cove
51 Richardson St, Lane Cove
15 Ronald Ave, Greenwich
10 Private Rd, Northwood
9 Private Rd, Northwood
28 Huntleys Pt Rd, Huntleys Pt
53 Sutherland St, Lane Cove
3 Bridge St, Lane Cove
5 Coonah Parade, Riverview
67 Elizabeth St, Artarmon
4/15 Helen St, Lane Cove
12/52 Helen St, Lane Cove
106/76-82 Gordon Cres, LCN
2/52 Helen St, Lane Cove
11/9 Ralston St, Lane Cove
9/4 Brand St, Artarmon
SOLD SUBURB RECORD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD SUBURB RECORD
SOLD
SOLD RECORD SALE
3/13 Hart St, Lane Cove North 38/62-70 Gordon Cres, LCN
SOLD RECORD SALE
SOLD RECORD SALE
SOLD STREET RECORD
SOLD
SOLD STREET RECORD
SOLD
SOLD STREET RECORD
SOLD
SOLD RECORD SALE
SOLD RECORD SALE
SOLD STREET RECORD
SOLD
SOLD RECORD SALE
SOLD STREET RECORD
Raine & Horne Lower North Shore achieve more record breaking results than any other local agency. As the number one selling agency in Lane Cove, we have the largest database of finance approved buyers and will find the right buyer for your property.
If you’re thinking of selling and want to achieve the best price possible, contact the team at Raine & Horne today.
8318 7888
rh.com.au/lowernorthshore
85 LONGUEVILLE ROAD, LANE COVE
48 TVO