16 minute read
Article: Hughes Park Community Garden
New Growth at Hughes Park Community Garden
Are you a kitchen-garden green-thumb or want to be? Are you looking for physical community and a space to learn how grow your own organic fruit, herbs, or vegetables?
Hughes Park Community Garden (HPCG) is memberrun and supported by Lane Cove Council as the only community garden in the Lane Cove Cammeraygal region to date. Located in Lane Cove West on Waterview Drive, HPCG is a fenced garden and shares the beautiful Hughes Park area with green picnic spaces, playground, exercise areas, community centre, and braille path, nestled between the medium-rise apartment blocks on the NorthWestern edges of Burns Bay.
As hobby gardeners, at HPCG we are passionate about providing space for organic kitchen-gardening and nurturing our local pollinator networks. Our membership come from diverse backgrounds and demographics, all are welcome. Time in the garden is an opportunity to learn from the experience of fellow gardeners, provides a place to connect with the seasonality of local flora and fauna, and we almost always take home seasonal organically grown produce after working in the garden.
As a newer development in the Lane Cove area, the community garden space was established by an independent not-for-profit organisation when the Hughes Park section of the Waterview Drive development was completed around seven years ago. Following the end of their five-year lease, the garden was handed back to Lane Cove Council, prompting the gardeners to apply to the council to continue the garden, and establish as our own not-for-profit: Hughes Park Community Garden. The garden membership is reviving after an extended dormant period during the COVID-19 lockdowns of the last two years. Especially given the prolific rainy season over the last year, there is much work to be done in the garden. Apart from general maintenance, we have many exciting plans for the HPCG such as increasing accessibility of the garden facilities, such as wheel-chair friendly paths, and re-installing a native (stingless) Sugarbag bee colony.
Our annual membership fee is $75 and requires monthly physical contributions to maintain the garden as well as assisting with the running of the organisation. If you are interested in joining us, we would love to hear from you via email, and invite interested gardeners to join us for a site-induction during our working-bees- an opportunity to work together to maintain the garden, as well as chat about all things garden-related over a cuppa.
Though we are not yet a registered charity, as a not-forprofit organisation we welcome sponsorship, donations, and volunteers to help our community garden to flourish. Our working-bees are from 9am in HPCG on the first Sunday of the month, email us at lanecovecommunitygarden@ gmail.com
For more information about our events and exploits please ‘like’ us on social media at https://www.facebook. com/LaneCoveCommunityGarden/ and https://www. instagram.com/lanecovecommunitygarden/
HPCG is also excited to be part of the Edible Garden Trail running March 26-27, with tickets and information available here: https://sydneyediblegardentrail.com/gardens/
Drafted by An Marosszeky (HPCG, Management Committee Secretary) in consultation with HPCG Members.
Neighbours, should be there for one another…
WORDS: JULIAN LEDLIN
Thanks Barry, I’ll take it from here…
Australia’s longest running soap was of course centered around a typical, laid-back Aussie neighbourhood. The much-loved Ramsay St was just your every day, run-of-the-mill suburban road where problems were often solved within 23 minutes, huge weddings happened annually, and an unusually large percentage of its residents reached pop superstardom. My street is a little different.
I once overheard a neighbour ripping into a call centre employee. In the ‘privacy’ of his own home he was barking demands to reduce his phone bill by $35 and he wasn’t hanging up until he succeeded.
He used words like ‘inconceivable’, ‘outrageous’ and ‘ombudsman.’
He spoke with all the venom and vitriol of a self-appointed expert in consumer law.
My neighbour: an unassuming, smiley, street-waving, Ned Flanders type of guy now behaving like a starved lion at the butchers. The cup of tea I had just started on my balcony soon lost its appeal as I was forced to bear witness to the other side of a man I thought I knew.
I wondered what was going through the mind of the person at the other end of the line.
English clearly wasn’t their first language and ‘sticking to the script’ wasn’t subduing this tricky customer.
I’m sure the script didn’t include lines like “Sir, I think it’s best you calm down. You might also want to get your Doctor to check your blood pressure levels.”
Or “Sir, did you know that your phone is worth more than my annual salary from this place? Is there anything else I can help you with today?” Just because someone coined the phrase “the customer is always right” surely doesn’t give us carte-blanche to unleash the beast within? The following day I bumped into my neighbour at the letterbox. “Hi Julian,” he says. “Hi Rob,*” I say. He thumbs through his recent delivery of letters while I reach for mine. Call it guilt, call it “I keep telling the postman that Bill doesn’t live here,” he says proudly. “These are all bills!” being easily “Yeah,” I say. I walk off awkwardly, embarrassed, the bottom line is I’m wondering if he wasn’t such a jerk on the phone, would he have more brain space for better jokes?much more content Our neighbours see and when I’m mindful hear it all, whether we like it or not. of the neighbours listening in. Even if you’re not the stereotypical neighbourhood sticky beak, over time you soon see the true colours of those who share your airspace. Perhaps being aware of your shared space is a good thing. If, in that precise moment, right before you fire off poisoned, verbal arrows at your son / daughter / wife / husband / partner / brother / sister… you stop and pause to consider your extended audience, chances are you might just tweak your verbal delivery. For years I had a neighbour who was deaf. I thought it was great. I could yell at my kids and have my kids yell back >
Unit 1/12 Mars Road LANE COVE 02 9936 1190 ilsau.com.au Continued from previous page
without any fear of exposing my off the cuff parenting.
I could also whinge loudly about my first-world problems and bang on about some guy who irritated me at the shops.
After several years of this unchecked toxicity, my whiney brain was off the leash, snowballing me into a person I didn’t want to be.
Then, new neighbours moved in. New, younger neighbours with fully functioning ears. Suddenly, my ranting had an audience. This worried me. It was time to change my filter-free ways.
Much to the relief of the loved ones I lived with, I set to work adjusting my interactions with them. Less yelling, more listening. More laughing, less grumbling. Then, as if like magic… change happened.
Call it guilt, call it being easily embarrassed, the bottom line is I’m much more content when I’m mindful of the neighbours listening in.
I reckon our neighbours know us better than our own families. They hear the fights, the tantrums, and the dummy spits when things don’t go our way. They know what peeves us and what pleases us.
Sure, living cheek by jowl can be claustrophobic at times, but perhaps a built-up neighbourhood provides us with an opportunity to live by a code we aspire to. *Real name withheld (he knows who he is!)
You can find Julian on Twitter: @julianledlin
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For more information and to book, please visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events
Arts and Culture
First Fridays: Children’s Yoga
Friday 4 March, Lane Cove Plaza, 3:30pm-4:30pm Bring the kids down to Lane Cove Plaza and join local instructor DeeDee Connors as she takes you through a children’s yoga class!
Live Music at The Canopy
Friday 4 March, 6:00pm – 8:00pm, The Canopy Kickstart your weekend by soaking up a live music performance by JT Twins on The Canopy stage.
Saturday Sounds
Saturday 12 March, 10:00am-12:00pm, Lane Cove Plaza Join local artists in the Lane Cove Plaza as they serenade you and your coffee with their beautiful music.
Kaleidoscope of Lane Cove
Friday 18 March, 3:30pm – 6:00pm Celebrate diversity in Lane Cove with live music, workshops and interactive stalls for all to enjoy!
Live Music at The Canopy
Friday 18 March, 6:00pm – 8:00pm, The Canopy Kickstart your weekend by soaking up a live music performance by Lounge Lizards on The Canopy stage.
Local Business
Small Business Breakfast with Carolyn Miller
Wednesday 16 March, 7:30am – 8:30am, Terrace Function Room, Lane Cove Community Hub, 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove Local businesses are invited to join us for this Small Business Month Business Breakfast with Carolyn Miller. Carolyn is the founder of The Honeycomb Effect communications consultancy, and has been working in marketing for more than 20 years, with regular appearances on Gruen on the ABC since 2009. Carolyn will present practical tips for fostering your audience and customers through digital marketing. From your own direct communications, to online advertising and social, there’s plenty of ideas to get you started, or to amplify your existing activity. It’s all about engaging our local community to rebuild, recharge and renew thanks to tips from this engaging and experienced marketer. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events SEE MORE ON PAGE 26 >
Autumn Harmony
Lane Cove
Celebrate diversity and inclusion each March with Autumn Harmony. The month-long annual Festival features live music, workshops, events and more for the whole community to enjoy! march 2022
Signature event: Kaleidoscope of Lane Cove
Lane Cove is unique, culturally diverse and constantly evolving. Drop by and celebrate our vibrant community at the 2022 Kaleidoscope of Lane Cove event with live music, workshops and interactive stalls. Friday 18 March 3:30pm – 6:00pm Lane Cove Plaza Free event
Download the full program at www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/festivals
Proudly presented by Lane Cove Council
Artwork by Kasia Jacquot
Find out more and book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events
Library
Meet Sandie Jessamine – Borderline
Thursday 17 March, 6:15pm – 7:30pm, Lane Cove Library Hear author Sandie Jessamine, in conversation with comedian John Knowles, as she shares her compelling memoir ‘Borderline’. This is her story of escaping the cruelty and injustice of juvenile incarceration, through a heartbreaking family crisis, mental breakdown and unemployment, to finally discovering and integrating the lost voices of her damaged childhood selves. A raw, gritty and ultimately uplifting memoir on the impact of childhood trauma, injustice and the complexities of mental illness. Sandie lives with Dissociative Borderline Personality Disorder and Complex PTSD. She is a writing therapist and mental health educator. Sandie will have books available for purchase and signing at this event. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events
Diversitea – Harmony Day Celebration
Friday 18 March, 10:00am – 11:30am, Lane Cove Library Join Lane Cove community members for morning tea and lively conversation as they share their welcome traditions and insights into their cultures.
Moments in Music – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Wednesday 30 March, 10:00am – 12:00pm, Lane Cove Library Local musician Graham Ball will discuss the life and music of the great Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the greatest composers of the Classical era. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events
Bushcare
Dyinalyung yana muru: Women’s walk
Friday 18 March, 9:30am – 11:30am, Tambourine Bay, Riverview Women are invited to this special walk looking at Aboriginal Women’s connection and work for Country, kinship and family. Join Karen Smith from the Aboriginal Heritage Office as she shares her knowledge on this bushwalk along the Lane Cove River. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events
Bird Friendly Gardening
Wednesday 23 March 7:00pm – 8:00pm, online via Zoom In a big city like Sydney, suburban gardens are vital havens for birdlife. And what you do and plant in your garden matters! Discover how you can create a safe and attractive garden for birds, from the smallest wrens to the largest Powerful Owl. Join Dr Holly Parsons who will share her knowledge of urban bird trends and how we can help birds not just survive, but thrive, in our suburbs. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events
Harbourcare
Harbourcare Kayak x Clean Up Australia Day
Thursday 24 March, 9:00am - 12:30pm, Lane Cove River Get in the Clean Up Australia Day spirit this March and join Lane Cove Council’s Harbourcare team for a kayak up the Lane Cove River, collecting marine litter along the river foreshore as we explore and protect this beautiful estuarine ecosystem. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events
Sustainability
Clean Up Australia Day
Sunday 6 March, 10:00am – 12:00pm, Manns Point Park, Greenwich You are invited to join us at Council’s Clean Up Australia Day event on Sunday 6 March. Participating in Clean Up Australia Day is a fantastic way to promote a healthy local environment. All equipment is provided (and sanitised) and each participant receives a complimentary snack. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events
The Big Switch with Saul Griffith: Electrify Everything!
Wednesday 23 March, 6:30pm – 8:00pm, online via Zoom Join this free webinar to find out exactly what it would take to transform our infrastructure, update our grid and adapt our households to an all-electric future. Book online: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events
Council has an enormous variety of activities available across the community this month including Harmony Day, NSW Small Business Month, International Women’s Day, Clean Up Australia Day, Neighbour Day and the start of the Lane Cove Seniors Festival. This year’s Seniors Festival theme is particularly apt with the theme ‘Reconnect’. No doubt this theme resonates for most as everyone considers how to reconnect with community life in 2022 after a challenging few years – if you’re interested in getting more involved you may like to consider joining one of our Council Advisory committees with applications open this month. For details on how to express your interest, visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/advisorycommittees.
Latest News
February Council Meeting: Council’s first Ordinary Council Meeting of the year was held on Monday 21 February. There were lots of items on the Agenda, to view the meeting minutes you can visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov. au/meetings. At this meeting there was discussion of changes to the Code of Meeting Practice – you can view the proposed changes and provide feedback by visiting www.lanecove. nsw.gov.au/haveyoursay. Outdoor Dining Trial: Last month we were able to trial the temporary conversion of two car parking spaces on Longueville Road to extend the dining option for two local restaurants. The parking spaces are converted on a Friday afternoon and are reinstated on the Monday morning providing more room to dine over the weekend. Council has applied for funding for an expanded trial with the outcome being known in the coming months. The current trial will run until end of March Village Night Lights: Did you catch a glimpse of some of Council's recent evening activations which saw Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios, Lane Cove Library, Lane Cove Plaza and The Canopy illuminated across an impressive 10 day period? There was also plenty happening to accompany the lights including free movies, swing dancing, live sport, games in the Plaza and the rescheduled lion dance.
Nominate a Neighbour: Lane Cove's Neighbour Day Awards celebrate a range of neighbours in the Lane Cove community who are worthy of recognition for making Lane Cove such a great place to live. This may be through helping another individual or by contributing to the neighbourliness of a street/neighbourhood. To nominate a neighbour, please fill out the online form on Council’s website by Friday 25 March 2022.
Out and about in Lane Cove
Time to play: The upgraded playground at Helen Street Reserve is now complete with the new play equipment and swings available for use. An artist has been secured to paint the additional ping pong table which is already installed and proving very popular – we look forward to updating you when the artwork is complete.
New addition to litter prevention:
A new Gross Pollutant Trap is being installed in Tambourine Bay Reserve at the northern edge of the park. This GPT forms part of a network of 14 GPTs to collect pollutants before they reach our waterways.
Clean Up Australia Day: You’re invited to join in from 10:00am – 12noon on Sunday 6 March at Manns Point Park, Greenwich for Council’s Clean Up Australia Day event. You’ll be provided with all the equipment required (and sanitised) and each participant receives a complimentary snack. Visit www.lanecove.nsw. gov.au/events for details on how to register.
Did you know?
You can now report abandoned vehicles via Council’s website. If the vehicle is on public land then note down any registration details (if easy to see) as well as the make, model and colour of the vehicle and how long it has been parked in the location. Visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/ onlineservices, enter the details and your report will be sent to Council staff to action. You’ll be kept updated on the outcome once Council has been able to investigate.
Love where you live
Proudly bought to you by Lane Cove Council
Get Involved & Have Your Say
Join a Council Advisory Committee – Nominations Now Open
Lane Cove Council convenes and supports a number of advisory committees and is calling for members of the Lane Cove community to become involved as community representatives. Committees consider and advise on a wide range of local issues by providing a discussion forum for Council representatives, local stakeholders and community members. Nominations are now open for membership to the: • Age-Friendly Advisory Committee; • Bushland Management Advisory Committee; • Lane Cove Access and Inclusion Committee; • Lane Cove Bicycle Advisory Committee; • Lane Cove Festival Committee; • Lane Cove Public Art Advisory Committee; • Recreation Precinct Liaison Advisory Committee; and • Sustainability Advisory Committee For more information, including a description of the role of each of these Committees and an online nomination form, visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/advisorycommittees Nomination forms are also available from the Lane Cove Civic Centre (48 Longueville Rd Lane Cove) and Lane Cove Library (Library Walk Lane Cove). Nominations close Sunday 27 March 2022 (midnight). If you require further information, please contact Council’s Manager Governance and Risk on 9911 3646.
Have Your Say on Liveable Lane Cove 2035
Following an extensive community consultation and engagement process in early 2018, Council adopted a new Community Strategic Plan - Liveable Lane Cove 2035 in June 2018. This plan has helped maintain a long-term focus in planning for the future of Lane Cove. It’s now time to review Liveable Lane Cove 2035 to ensure it is still relevant and reflects the aspirations of the Lane Cove community. The Lane Cove community is encouraged to participate in the review of the plan through a range of consultation methods, including: • A phone survey • An online survey • Interactive community workshops: - Wednesday 16 March 2022 - 11:00am - 1:00pm - Wednesday 16 March 2022 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm - Thursday 17 March 2022 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm This is an opportunity to hear the thoughts and ideas about our community, to understand what’s important to you and the priorities that you feel we should pursue during the life of Liveable Lane Cove 2035.
To view the current plan, access the online survey and find out more about how to have your say, visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/ haveyoursay by 25 March 2022.
