The Village Observer

Proceeds from The Village Observer support residents in need from the Lane Cove, Hunters Hill, Ryde, Willoughby and North Sydney areas, through Sydney Community Services.

Through shared purpose and social connection , you can help make a difference

Easy Care Gardening helps enable residents to maintain safe and sustainable gardens, living fulfilled lives at home for longer. Our work is focused in the Hornsby, Hunters Hill, Ku-ring-gai and Ryde areas.

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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 people 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, 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.

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The Village Observer is published monthly (except January) by Sydney Community Services (trading as Lane Cove Community Aid Foundation) • Distribution occurs 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.

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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:

EDITOR'S LETTER

Welcome to the May edition of TVO.

Our big story this month is the renovation of All Saints Church in Hunters Hill. It has been, and continues to be, a sizeable undertaking. Stage one of the project has just been completed and we spoke to Reverend Michael Armstrong about the process and how the building is being returned to its former glory, in part thanks to the generosity of the local community.

We talked to local Julie Donnell who recently turned 50 and embarked on doing something new every day. What started out as an off-the-cuff idea has metamorphosed into something truly life-changing. Check out her story.

Elsewhere, we look at cyber scams (check out Sydney Community Services CEO Branka Ivkovic’s column for more on that) and a feature on the presence of powerful owls in our environment, written by steadfast local campaigner, Sue Ingham who is a long-time, dedicated contributor to the Village Observer.

Just a little reminder – it’s Mother’s Day on May 12. Book a table at a local café/restaurant and keep the lower north shore bustling if you can.

Have a lovely autumnal month and keep your stories coming.

Nicola

NICOLA RICHES EDITOR editor@thevillageobserver.com.au

Leanne Mastrofilippo Practice Director

Catherine Parks Director

Ania Zmijewska wins Lloyd Rees Prize and Guy Warren Prize

Ania Zmijewska was awarded the prestigious combined Lloyd Rees Prize and Guy Warren Prize for her oil painting "Midnight Sun, Lofoten" in the artXtra!2024 exhibition at Gallery Lane Cove last month.

The prize is awarded to the most outstanding artwork in the exhibition.

Judges said: “This small work is a beautifully crafted landscape of textures and delicacy. It works both as a figurative work and also an abstract with the soft fusion of colours, mark making and scumbling offset with an astonishing counterpoint of the red line in the foreground.”

Ania has lived in Wollstonecraft for 24 years. She studied painting for five years at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw and gained a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Hons).

Her works have won many awards, most recently she was awarded first place the 2022 Hunters Hill Art Prize for the painting “Reflections on Art (Dr Kasia)”.

She was also the recipient of the Guy Warren Prize at Lane Cove’s 2021 artXtra for the oil painting "After the Rain".

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$17m Greenwich building planned for seniors living

Property developer Central Element has acquired a prime parcel of land on the Pacific Highway in Greenwich. It plans to convert the site, which is currently office space, to a mixed-use seniors living project that will comprise 20 plus apartments, amenities and retail.

The site was purchased for $17m, with the deal negotiated by Tom Appleby, Steam Leung and Joseph Lin of Colliers.

The 1,232 square metre site, located at 126 Pacific Highway, sits in an elevated position with uninterrupted views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and CBD skyline.

Ambulance station refurbishment underway

Lane Cove Ambulance Station is currently being refurbished, hence the lack of signage and the appearance it may have been closed.

A spokesperson for the Ambulance Service told reporters that despite the refurbishment being underway, it is utilised as a paramedic response point, with paramedics regularly deployed to the site to provide emergency ambulance response coverage to the local community.

“This means that while paramedics do not routinely commence or finish duty at Lane Cove Ambulance Station, they utilise the station’s facilities and services throughout their shift,” said the spokesperson.

Initially built in the early 1960s, Lane Cove Ambulance Station is currently undergoing a refurbishment. The modernised facility will equip paramedics with enhanced resources to meet the demand for emergency medical care in the area.

Refurbishment works are expected to be completed in mid-2024.

Hunters Hill celebrates Youth Week

Young people from across Hunters Hill kicked off the holidays with a NSW Youth Week event: Skate and Celebrate at Gladesville Skate Park.

Attendees enjoyed a series of interactive skateboarding workshops led by SkateNow as well as skate competition with prize giveaways.

The crowd was also able to get involved and spin professional DJ decks during a DJ session with ZuReal DJ School, be creative with spray paint and chalk on Council’s old banners in the art stations and test their driving skills in a road safety driving simulator.

Hunter’s Hill Council thanks the crew from the 1st Boronia Venturer Youth Unit who ran the barbeque as well as St John Ambulance and the youth officers from Ryde Police Area Command who were present at the event.

Lane Cove Women's Action and Information Group (WAIG) – May talks at Lane Cove Library

MAY 6

Melinda Ham will discuss her book The Lucky Ones, which tells the personal stories of individual refugees who have come to Australia.

MAY 13

Margaret Graves and Jane Campbell will share their firsthand experiences of living in England during and after World War II

MAY 20

Alicia Anderson, an advisor with ID Support NSW will teach us how to strengthen our cyber resilience and help us stay secure online.

MAY 27

Dr Agata Mrva-Montoya will explore three characteristics of diversity: gender, ethnicity, and disablity across three aspects of publishing: its workforce, the books published and their formats.

www.facebook.com/waigwomen

Q&A Julie Donnell

Julie is a local Mindset and Leadership Coach, with a fantastic story to tell…

 You came to our attention because of your ‘50 Firsts’ personal challenge. Can you tell us about that?

On Boxing Day 2021, I turned 50. Although I wasn’t entirely comfortable with getting older, I wanted to celebrate the milestone in a meaningful way, so I committed to a personal challenge of completing 50 new experiences. Initially, we had taken our kids water-skiing and abseiling for the first time and it sparked something within me. I sat quietly on that inspiration until I discovered my friend making her way through 50 things in her fiftieth year, driven by her Mum’s unfortunate young demise aged 52. It was then I decided to embark on a personal challenge of ’50 Firsts’. In a fortunate stroke of serendipity, I’d found two folders full of ideas I’d been collecting over the years, things to do and places to go (almost like a travel brochure) and this fueled the fire to take action. There was no great master plan as such, but I chose experiences that were new and meaningful to me, experiences that aligned with my core values, were bitesized, made me confront my self-imposed limitations and those that took me outside of my comfort zone. Many of the experiences evolved from having an open mind and saying ‘yes’ to opportunities that came my way.

 Was it easy to fit the challenge into your life?

I purposefully kept it simple to begin with. For example, number three was to donate blood. Number four was venturing down a water slide at an indoor pool party I took my daughter to. It may seem pretty straight forward to some, but I’d avoided this enclosed water slide before. Another mum packed her swimmers too and enthusiastically joined me. Together we stepped out of our comfort zone as our eight year old daughters cheered: ‘You can do this!’ It wasn’t nearly as uncomfortable as what I’d told myself and the best part was sharing the experience with others.

One of my core values is simplicity. We have four children, all under 19 years old, and the demands on my time are high, as you would expect. My husband’s career, in musical theatre, has kept him very busy too, so I knew the 50 Firsts couldn’t always be big, bucket-list style experiences. They had to be local and achievable and many of them were free experiences.

 You mention your home life, how about your work life?

I’m a Professional Certified Mindset and Leadership Coach, working out of Sydney’s lower north shore where my family and I live.

I started my professional journey with a university qualification in Occupational Therapy and embarked on that career for a while, until I realised that my OT skills could be used in so many different ways. Even back then, I knew I had to push myself to find work that truly matched my personality and skillset, and I obtained a Coaching Certification with Results Coaching Systems (now known as The Neuro-Leadership Institute). This was back in the year 2000 - way before coaching was as commonplace as it is now!

I currently hold an ICF (International Coaching Federation) PCC (Professional Certified Coach) Credential. This is a globally recognised coaching credential from the world’s largest and highest quality community of professionally trained coaches. It’s the gold standard of international coaching.

 Has 50 Firsts informed your coaching practices?

Absolutely! 50 Firsts puts me in a game-changing mindset every day and my first-hand experience gives me useful, precious first-hand knowledge. I work with clients who are keen to explore this. These clients embody authenticity,

courage, ambition, and willingness to step outside their comfort zone to learn, grow and discover what matters most to them. The ripple effect of them being open, sharing their vulnerability, connecting with purpose, prioritising self-care and investing in relationships creates meaningful and sustainable change in their personal and professional lives.

 Is there one 50 First that stands out above them all?

Yes, I think it was the Balmoral Burn charity run up Awaba Street in Mosman. It was the 20th anniversary of the event and number 49 in my 50 Firsts journey. I entered with the random goal of running it under five minutes. I remember turning up by myself (my family was busy elsewhere) and looking around thinking: ‘I am not good enough to be doing this,’ and I couldn’t help but be intimidated by what I thought were the professional athletes around me. They weren’t, of course, but this is what that critical voice in my head was telling me.

I was also intimidated by the monster hill before me, and it didn’t disappoint. It was shockingly intense, but I kept going until the finish. I ran it in 3 minutes 25 seconds. Unexpectedly, I came first (in my age category). I never imagined this possible for myself and it was the best feeling in the world!

 Having looked at your website, and the list of 50 Firsts, we can see how they are categorized into themes: ‘family,’ ‘fun,’ ‘friendships,’ ‘faith,’ and so on. Yes, they tick lots of boxes! The more I stepped out of my comfort zone, the more empowered I became and

that had an effect across all areas of my life. All those categories, which are so important to me, started to benefit. The more willing I was to be vulnerable, the more confident I became. The more I created deeper connections, the more joy I found in everyday experiences.

 Did you stop at 50, or are you still going?

Reaching 50 was an extraordinary milestone and I remember thinking I cannot stop. So, I declared once again on my FB page that I would be continuing. The benefits were too huge for me to stop, and there was still so much I wanted to do. Every fresh challenge led me to embrace the next and the personal growth, insight and connection that I’ve received is so easily (and thankfully) accessible by simply trying new experiences. I’m now up to 230 new experiences and there is no stopping anytime soon.

 Your energy and enthusiasm are contagious. Surely you’re not ‘on’ 24/7. How do you recharge and relax?

Yes I definitely need down-time and restorative practices. Self-care is paramount and non-negotiable for me and includes eating nourishing wholefoods, exercise (pump, yoga, cardio in gym, stair climbing and running outdoors), 8 hours of quality sleep, and connecting with friends on Fridays with walks and lunches. I’m currently participating in a daily 1-min planking challenge and inviting new people to join me each day. This is incredibly recharging as it aligns with all of my core values including simplicity, healthy living, creativity and fun. I also often choose a guided meditation before getting out of bed in the morning and love my Thursday night Epsom salt baths. A new mindfulness practice I’m loving right now is building my first 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle. I’m sure the dopamine release from discovering a missing piece is a big factor for scoring highly on my satisfaction scale!

 You have spoken about how 50 Firsts has opened up Sydney for you, taking you to parts of the city you would never have visited before. Keeping it local though – where do you like to shop, spend some spare time, go for coffee, or a meal?

Yes, I have to say The Diddy at Longueville has been a recent favourite as it’s hosted a number of our school year group catch-ups for our youngest daughter and primary school reunions for our older sons in celebrating their HSC milestone. The relaxed family friendly environment always offers a wonderful green space for the kids to run around whilst the parents connect and share experiences over popular pub classic dishes, a beverage or two and a bonus of live music on the weekends.

Advertise with The Village Observer and support your local community. For enquiries, or to book your advert, please contact: advertising@thevillageobserver.com.au

The Right Messaging

by Liz Foster

As a writer I’m obliged to spend more time than I’d like on social media, and it can be tricky navigating the time it demands. I really can’t be bothered with styling and beautifying myself, let alone producing clever ideas and curating perfect videos to music tracks I’ve never heard of, all to keep up with today’s digital natives. Anyone that’s seen my TikToks will know this to be true.

And it’s extraordinary what appears on my feed. Take a recent blast encouraging me to ‘dress younger.’ This was accompanied with studio shots of a beautiful model looking like she was posing for a catalogue shoot. ‘No need to dress old in your forties!’ screeched the headline, accompanied with a ‘before and after’ of the woman.

I peered at the screen, enlarging the images. She did indeed look fabulous. Then I realised I was looking at the ‘befores.’ The afters in the swipe left looked like she’d just stepped off a catwalk, the hair and makeup person hovering just out of shot. The subtext went on to assure anxious readers (women) that, even though they’d now hit their forties – presumably a worrying time when everyone starts to face their own mortality - there was no need to dress as such.

There’s so much to unpack here it’s hard to know where to begin, but let’s start with the fact that I’m about to edge out of my mid-fifties. Should I engage with these makeover tips? Moreover, can I? I’m a decade past the cut off. Apparently, I should be mixing high street fashion with vintage. There’s a downloadable wardrobe planner template for days of the week, and – I’m not making this up – time of day (day, evening, night). The only time I ever changed clothes during the day was circa 2003, an era involving copious milky baby vomit, and even then, only occasionally.

Another paid post with better targeting is from a startup founded by two likely lads who decided to start a business making eco-friendly zero-waste dishwasher and washing detergent sheets. Depending on quantity purchased, the cost per cycle is as little as thirty cents. Always a fan of youthful endeavour I decided to give them a go.

Alas, the product targeting might be spot on but the packaging, not so much. The basic box design might reflect the stripped back eco nature of the product, but white text against yellow is almost impossible to read (see earlier para referring to my age). It also had (once I was able to read it) copious instructions about using the dispenser compartment - these are sheets roughly the size of a

ILLUSTRATION BY GRACE KOPSIAFTIS

flattened tissue - and selecting a cycle without pre-rinse. I’ve no idea if my aging dishwasher pre-rinses or not but it isn’t coping all that well with heavy loads these days, so I’ll try anything.

Within half an hour the kitchen floor was flooded with mounds of soapy water. After mopping up I discovered, by virtue of squinting, the sheets are supposed to be halved, down the centred and entirely invisible perforated strip.

Eyesight aside, like everyone else over fifty, I still feel young and relevant, so it’s all a bit bewildering to be so invisible. But if you can’t beat them, join them. There’s a whole trend of ‘mature influencers’ – Gen Xers, Baby Boomers and post war generations - taking social media by storm. Rob and May, a retired couple originally from Vanuatu, make comedic lip-syncing videos centres on Aussie pop culture references. They started in Covid as something fun to do, and their son helps them film three videos a month which takes less than half an hour. A single like of one of their clips by Taylor Swift, and their fame has gone stratospheric.

Forget the elixir of youth. From now on, my age will be my new superpower. I’m setting aside ageless styling tips and impulse purchases I can’t read and pivoting to funky lipsyncing. There’s no pressure on my image and at least I can pick soundtracks I know.

Liz Foster is a local writer. Her debut fiction novel, The Good Woman’s Guide to Making Better Choices, is out now with Affirm Press.

You can reach her by scanning this QR code to subscribe to her monthly light bites and lifestyle newsletter, or emailing liz@lizfoster.com.au.

Go east for a feast of fun

Unsurprisingly, mainstream media has quite recently been reporting on the reduction in school holidays travel bookings and with the current high interest rates, none of us should be surprised. Something has to give.

Back in my day, school holidays were very modest. People would advertise their house to rent, in the newspaper of course, and without any photos or descriptions other than the number of bedrooms and suburb location, my parents would make a pick. December 26 would see 2 adults, six children – one in a bassinet – packing the Oldsmobile and driving 100 miles from Christchurch to Timaru for two weeks of seaside bliss.

I never travelled further than those 100 miles until I was 18 years old. The North Island was a mystery until then but in subsequent years I made up for lost time. This week has seen me back in one of my happy places, Napier/ Hawkes Bay/Cape Kidnappers and I’m loving it.

Looking afresh, I’ve been noticing what would work for a great, and relatively inexpensive family holiday for those whose budget has a few constraints. You don’t need to spend a fortune to have holiday fun in NZ … and parents will find lots to distract the kids from devices.

First off, your airfares. Get in early to secure cheap seats and if you have frequent flyer points then you’ll lately find an increased number of seats for selection. There’s plenty of self-contained two-three-bedroom accommodation options everywhere,

and at worst simple motel rooms. Start in Auckland and choose from 3 excellent options – a ride to the top of the Sky Tower, walking to the top of Mt Rangitoto (a now extinct volcanic island within Auckland Harbour) and a fun day exploring Waiheke Island.

Drive south to Waitomo Caves and enjoy a dark cruise among the beautiful glowworms before heading to Rotorua. Not only is Rotorua a centre of Maori culture but it comes with its own unique scent to really get the kids conversing. Boiling mud pools, Maori waka (canoes), hangi dinners, geysers, outdoor hot pools, the Agrodome sheep show, zorbing … you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Those with older active children and fit parents might like to walk the Mount Ruapehu Crater Climb. It’s a 10 km return trip and will tire the most energetic among you. This walk ticks both the unusual and interesting boxes!

Segue east and you’ll come to Napier. Destroyed by an earthquake in 1931, and then a subsequent fire, this charming city was rebuilt in Art Deco style, the architectural mode of that era, and offers a host of free activities. Enjoy free earthquake reels in the visitor centre and then take a city walk. The waterfront has the ubiquitous mini golf course but there’s also a fabulous skateboard park, the likes of which I’ve never seen anywhere else. Hire bikes and let the kids have fun learning to ride on a street simulator that even has traffic lights. Then enjoy the bike and walking paths which extend for kilometres along the seafront and of course, pass a shop selling

larger-than-in-Australia, hokey pokey icecreams.

Mum and Dad can indulge in a couple of wonderful local wines over dinner – and everyone will enjoy wonderfully fresh fish and chips, and if in season whitebait fritters (though this would be a blow the budget item).

Next stop is Wellington, capital of NZ, and home to Te Papa Tongarewa, the Museum of NZ. Open everyday, with free access to all, the earthquake simulator, and Our War: Gallipoli with its oversized figures created by Sir Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings) are among my favourites in this great museum.

Te Papa is the perfect roundup of a great North Island travel experience, perfect for a limited budget, before you hop on the plane from Wellington back to Australia. You can spend a little to enjoy a lot!

Lane Cove Let's speak up

The NSW Government is not following through on climate commitments

WORDS: Sally Kennedy and Jann Dark, founding members of the Lane Cove Coal and Gas Watch (a subcommittee of the Lane Cove Bushland and Conservation Society) and members of the Lock the Gate Alliance.

Despite committing to act on climate change the Minns NSW Labor government is extending the life of coal mines well into the future. As residents of NSW we have the opportunity to ask the Premier to stop facilitating these extensions. Check out the QR code below.

The NSW government in late 2023 passed its Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023. No.48, stating that,

a) Action is urgently required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to address the adverse impacts of climate change.

b) The Govt is committed to effective action on climate change to ensure a sustainable and fair future for the people, economy and environment of New South Wales.

this on the NSW government’s legislation website (legislation. nsw.gov.au), we might be reassured that the present government sees a need to quickly curb fossil fuel emissions.

However the NSW government’s planning portal shows they are considering 19 applications from coal miners in NSW to expand the size of their mines and in some cases continue to mine coal until 2050. These 19 mines would produce lifecycle greenhouse gases 15 times as big as our state’s current emissions.

Already this year the govt has waived through one of those mine extension applications, Idemitsu’s Boggabri Coal Mine in Narrabri Shire.

The next coal mine on the Planning Department list seeking approval, is the massive Hunter Valley Operations Mine. This mine, operated by Glencore, is seeking an extension that will allow it to mine up until 2050. If approved it would be the biggest coal mine project in NSW since the Paris agreement in 2016 and would make it impossible for NSW to achieve the government’s own target of net zero by 2050. Other parts of the NSW economy would be required to decarbonise to remain on track.

The approval of any of these mines will put the government into conflict with its own Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act.

If you would like to see the NSW government honour its Climate Change commitments and stop facilitating the waiving through of coal mine extensions in NSW, scan the QR code to send an automated email to NSW Premier, Chris Minns.

If you would like more information on how the NSW government is facilitating these extensions please scan this code.

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Celebrate HandUp Congo’s 19th birthday with a fabulous Congolese fashion show featuring the Kis-Simba Collection

https://www.kissimbacollection.com

Raffle tickets and African handicrafts on sale.

WHEN: Saturday, 25 May, 2024

TIME: 2 to 5 pm rain or shine

WHERE: Boronia Park Uniting Church, 93 Pittwater Road, Gladesville (Sydney) 2111 NSW

BOOK: the event is free but please book for catering purposes

BOOKING LINK:

https://www.trybooking.com/ events/landing/1206142

The right place for your problem waste

It’s FREE to drop off these items at: Northern Sydney Community Recycling Centre 8 Waltham Street Artarmon

Hours: Mon, Tue, Fri: 8am–2pm; Sat, Sun: 8am–4pm

For more information visit nsroc.com.au/recycling-centre Only household quantities accepted.

to you by the NSW Environment Protection Authority.

Emma Grimes, Michael Fitzgerald & Peter Louridas

family business, now in our 48th year in Lane Cove

Hear from Rev. Dr. Marthe Kondemo, Rotary scholar, on what ideas she’s picked up while in Australia that may be replicable in Congo.

by Roma

Government warns of malicious myGov scammers

Australians have been warned to be extra vigilant to scammers targeting ATO log-in details to commit tax fraud.

The ATO has received many reports of scammers using fake myGov sites to steal myGov sign in details that can be used to commit tax and refund fraud in other people's names.

These criminals will often use text message or email to lure people into clicking a link using phrases such as 'You are due to receive an ATO Direct refund' or ‘You have a new message in your myGov inbox – click here to view’.

The government has said that it needs to be reiterated that the ATO nor myGov will ever send an email or text message with a link to sign in to myGov.

Earlier this month, the Assistant Treasurer released the second quarterly National Anti Scam Centre report, which found scam losses reported to Scamwatch reduced by 43 per cent from the same quarter in 2022, and 26 per cent from the July to September 2023 quarter.

The government states that this is phase one of a crackdown on scammers. The next phase involves mandatory industry codes, which will introduce minimum, consistent obligations for all regulated businesses to prevent, detect, disrupt, and respond to scams.

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Last year, the ATO introduced new fraud controls to help protect Australians from online identity theft. This includes using myGovID to strengthen security during the sign in processes on myGov accounts, making it more difficult for criminals to gain access.

In last year’s Budget, the Government committed $223 million to the ATO led Serious Financial Crimes Taskforce, as part of its commitment to crack down on fraud.

A very secure way to interact with myGov is via the myGov app. In the same way many of us use banking apps, most modern phones will allow you to sign in to myGov with fingerprint or face recognition, so you don’t need to use a user ID, password and an SMS code.

With the number of scam websites increasing dramatically, everyone needs to be vigilant. Last year, Services Australia and partners responded to over 6,000 scams attempting to impersonate myGov.

Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, Stephen Jones MP says, “The Albanese Government is working hard to fight the scourge of scammers, but it’s important that Australians remain vigilant to the warning signs and report any suspicious activity.

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Facing the Future Together

Free Community Information Session

Whether you're considering retirement living, navigating aged care complexities, or exploring home care, this session will offer invaluable insights and expert advice.

June 06, 2024

Time - 5:00 PM - 6.30 PM

Venue - Parkview Room, 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove

RSVP: 1300 266 260 or email info@pathways.com.au

The information session includes complimentary refreshments and a lucky door prize.

The ongoing journey of the restoration All Saints Church in Hunters Hill

WORDS: TVO AND ALL SAINTS CHURCH

INTERVIEW WITH REVEREND MICHAEL ARMSTRONG

All Saints Church in Hunters Hill has been a landmark on the peninsula since 1888. A truly amazing and huge amount of work has been undertaken recently to repair and restore this wonderful building, which we are able to reveal here in TVO. But this is only stage one, and stage two will include some really serious undertakings to keep All Saints intact and of service to the community.

In 1884, the Anglican Parish of Hunters Hill purchased Seymour’s Garden for £1,100 and John Horbury Hunt (1838 – 1904) was commissioned as the architect for a new church.

John Horbury Hunt was Canadian-born, and schooled in America where he trained in Boston. He arrived in Australia when he was 25 years old, and throughout his career, he oversaw the design and construction of 29 buildings: some as grand as All Saints, Newcastle’s Christ Church Cathedral and Sacred Heart Convent in Vaucluse, and some as unassuming as a shearing shed in Scone. Sadly, he passed away aged 56 with kidney disease, with nothing more than a metal box, three gold rings, a silver pencil and a pair of spectacles to his name.

All Saints, being one of his grander projects, was quite a costly affair for 1884, and projected costs were £6,982. By 1885, this amount had been far surpassed and building came to an unfortunate stop.

Reverend Michael Armstrong, the current Rector, recalls the first time he entered the space, and was moved not only by the architecture, but the feel of the space.

“It is a space and place that feels sacred, like people have prayed well in it, making it holy. I know I am not the only one who feels that, as many others who have visited have made the same comments,” he said.

Its place, in the heart of the peninsula, is a wondrous site of peace and tranquillity.

Rev’d Michael recounts a recent church tour when one man said to him: ‘I am an atheist, but there is something here that even causes me to feel different.’

Shortly after Rev’d Michael’s arrival, he began work on a significant restoration of both St Mark’s (the Mother Church established in 1858) and All Saints’ churches.

St Mark’s underwent significant stonemasonry work, including the replacement of the bell tower, and now, Rev’d Michael says, ‘is in good order.’

It took a further 12 months before the roof was added. A temporary, wooden structure was added on the western side to allow the building to be utilised, and in 1888 it was opened – incomplete.

In 1913 – nine years after Horbury hunt passed away - the building was officially consecrated. It was not until 1938 that the western end was finally completed, with significant modifications from the original Horbury Hunt design.

All Saints’ Church in Hunters Hill is a magnificent building. Its place, in the heart of the peninsula, is a wondrous site of peace and tranquillity.

Among its many stunning stained-glass windows and its memorial plaques are the stories of the ups and downs of its congregations and the wider community who have gathered in the sacred space to both celebrate and commiserate.

Over at All Saints, the first mission was to make it watertight. These weren’t just leaks that needed to be filled, Rev’d Michael remembers standing in the pulpit on rainy days and watching water flow down the walls behind him.

The guttering, drainage and slate roof all required urgent repair and restoration, and this work was completed in 2019 at a cost of approximately $400k.

While Covid interrupted the work on the building, the Church was still used throughout the lockdowns as the base for live streaming the services.

The second phase of restorative work did not commence until 2022, and initially was meant to include a major clean and minor repointing, but as the layers of dirt peeled away it was discovered that there was significant deterioration in the stones and pointing, and some attempted repairs by previous generations had sadly done more harm than good.

Significant damage to the Eastern Window and Wall was also discovered and identified, resulting in the need for urgent work to be carried out from January to April 2023 to ensure that the buckled and damaged wall would be safe.

Sadly, the window needed to be removed in its entirety due to the damage caused through failure of the stonemasonry and water damage.

The cost of this work was approximately $500k, however, the window is now restored and has taken its glorious place back in the Church.

The Parish has borrowed $200k to pay for the emergency work. All other work to-date has been paid for through the generosity of its parishioners, through the use of some past

savings (now extinguished) and through the generosity of some members of the wider community.

The Parish hopes to raise the funds to repay the loan from the generosity of the wider community through a tax-deductible fund made available through the National Trust.

The Parish has not been successful in obtaining any funds from Government grants and does not receive funding from any other sources.

“We have been incredibly blessed by our members and the wider community who have generously supported the work so far,” says Rev’d Michael.

“It feels overwhelming to have such a debt, but in light of

the work that has been achieved, and the fact that this will benefit our community for generations to come, we think it is a small amount in the grand scheme of things, and we pray others might give as they can towards this great work,” Rev’d Michael adds.

After paying-off this current stage of work, the Parish has plans for further, much needed work in the foreseeable future.

The stunning timber roof, with its amazing crossbeams, is an engineering marvel, but has not been cleaned, nor had a coat of oil in at least the last 100 years (perhaps more). Work to do this, plus some minor repairs on some timber beams, is on the list, and while the scaffold is in place for the roof, the Church also wishes to replace electrical work and lighting, some which dates back to the 1960s. This will ensure the building is safe and well-lit to the benefit of all.

The red carpet down the centre aisle was also put in place as a temporary measure in the 1990s after a number of the mosaic tiles were damaged and in need of repair.

The plan is to fix all the stunning tiles within the building, which should lift the acoustics of the Church. It is estimated that this last stage will cost in excess of $750k.

The Parish hopes to raise the funds to repay the loan

You can donate to this project via the National Trust (Tax Deductible). Funds should be directly deposited to “All Saints HH”, (Westpac 032044, Account: 683946).

Please include your name in the “message” and send a copy of your deposit details to our Parish Office (office@aphh.com.au), along with your contact details, so that we can send you a tax receipt.

From Australia’s leading social psychologist and bestselling author of

‘Hugh Mackay is one of this country’s most perceptive social commentators.’ AVAILABLE IN BOOKSTORES NOW

SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

Lane Cove’s Most Awarded agency has a new home

WE HAVE MOVED New premises opposite Harris Farm

As Lane Cove’s most awarded travel agency settles into their new home at 1/43-45 Burns Bay Road, opposite Harris Farm, it has been a time of reflection for Owner and Manager Debbi Ashes, as to how much the business has grown over the last 28 years.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

In March 1996, Debbi was working as the Sales and Marketing Manager for a large wholesale company in Sydney city. She had three young girls, two who were attending Lane Cove Public School. At the time, Debbi’s husband Rob was working 7 days/week as the Superintendent at the Australian Golf Club and with Debbi working full time as well, to say life was busy is an understatement!

Interested in working locally and running her own business, Debbi had reached out to then Harvey World Travel to express her interest in purchasing the Lane Cove franchise, should it come available. It only took two weeks to receive a call and then another two weeks for Debbi to own the Lane Cove franchise.

Debbi’s father loaned her the $20,000 she needed to purchase the business. He had just sold his pharmacy in Mosman which he owned and operated for 35 years and he was now looking for a new career path. He was by Debbi’s side every day in the early years of the business. He helped to stamp brochures, do the banking, visit the post office, do the wages – whatever it was, he was always up for a task. The cheque books were his pride and joy!

Debbi’s father - Garry.

The locals of Lane Cove and their long-term clients will always remember Garry for his involvement in the business

as well as his charity work in the area, always walking around selling daffodils for Daffodil Day or Legacy badges and pens.

When Debbi's youngest daughter Courtney started school, she would sit under Debbi's desk after school pick up and organise her shoes (if you know Debbi – she has quite the collection), volunteer to clean the cupboards and stamp brochures in return for an ice cream from Baskin and Robbins. Fast forward to today and it is no surprise that Courtney is now Assistant Manager with Helloworld Travel Lane Cove for the last eight years.

Debbi is a hardworking, passionate and professional travel agent whose commitment and expertise has been recognised on multiple occasions at the National Travel Industry Awards over the years. Winner of Best Travel Agency as well as Best Travel Agency Manager –Debbi is highly respected within the Australian Travel Industry. Courtney herself has also been recognised as Young Agent of the Year and Consultant of the Year

Debbi has successfully helmed her small local business through the toughest of times including the global financial crisis, 9/11, bird flu and more recently COVID-19 pandemic. She was one of the only stores who remained open Monday-Friday. Times were very tough and the team fought hard to recuperate clients funds, operating in financial loss for over 2 years. Debbi and Courtney were at work every day, despite a slightly more casual work uniform, and looked forward to their daily afternoon walk around the local streets. Debbi is determined, focused and will always go above and beyond for her clients to deliver the best travel experience possible, a philosophy her father Garry taught her and one that she has now instilled in her staff.

After operating a hugely successful business in an office size of only 27sqm for 28 years, it was time for an upgrade and the new location offers the space for Debbi and her team of four consultants to continue to grow the business.

Clients have described Helloworld Travel Lane Cove as;

“highly organised, experienced, professional and have always delivered excellent outcomes.”

“The attention to detail and support shown both before and during my travel was brilliant.”

“From advice, to service, to price you would be hard pressed to find a better more experienced team.”

If you are looking for the travel professionals, look no further than Helloworld Travel Lane Cove.

Be sure to contact the travel agency to make an appointment to meet and discuss your travel needs, email lanecove@helloworld.com.au or phone 02 94186866.

The team look forward to working with you to make your travel dreams a reality and welcome you into our new, bright home.

Debbi and her team have extensive travel and destination experience and can tailor arrangements for all travel styles.

THEIR AREAS OF EXPERTISE INCLUDE:

• MULTI-GENERATIONAL TRAVEL

• SOLO TRAVELLERS

• WORLDWIDE CRUISING

• COUPLES

• GROUP TOURING

• HONEYMOONERS

• FAMILY GROUP

• CORPORATE, SCHOOL AND SPORTING GROUPS

• GROUP TRAVEL FOR MILESTONE CELEBRATIONS

9418 6866

1/43-45 Burns Bay Road (opposite Harris Farm) lanecove@helloworld.com.au

A new promise for a new generation

Can you imagine if there was no need for a kids’ hospital because disease, accidents, illness and genetic disorders just didn’t exist. You might think that this sounds like science fiction or a dream for the future. But for the sick kids of NSW this dream is getting closer with Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network’s two new worldclass and state of the art buildings to take care of them.

Opening to the public in 2025 Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick and The Children's Hospital at Westmead redevelopments will ensure that the kids of NSW receive world-class healthcare for decades to come.

Located in the heart of the Randwick Sydney Children’s Hospital, and Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre redevelopment project will revolutionise kids' healthcare. Research will be embedded into the fabric of the new buildings with the design specifically focussed on fostering strong collaboration between clinicians and researchers for a true bench-to bedside model.

With the demand for kids' health services growing, expectations for care are changing and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead is at the forefront of this change. The new

building was designed with input from hospital staff, kids and their families. Every step of a patient’s journey has been considered and includes innovative models of care. Located in one of the largest health, research, education, and training precincts in the world, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead’s new building will be a beacon of hope for patients and families.

Building the future for sick kids is having one foot in the present and one foot in the future, these new developments will give the kids of NSW the best fighting chance to beat disease, recover from accidents or illness and have improved outcomes from birth defects. A promise to a new generation.

As the exclusive fundraising partner to Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, donations to Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF) continue to help achieve the goal of providing the best possible healthcare for sick kids. We are looking for partners to be part of future redevelopments for the next generation of kids. Gifts in Wills build this future. As little as 1% in a Will can make a difference to the kids who might one day need medical support.

SCHF has partnered with Safewill, Australia’s highest rated online Will writing platform. Safewill makes it quick, easy, and affordable to write your Will online. You will be able to write a Will online, and have it reviewed by Safewill’s legal team to ensure it has been filled out correctly.

SCHF through Safewill is pleased to offer you the opportunity to write your online Will for $80 (usually $160).

TO LEARN MORE, CONTACT US ON 1800 770 122, plannedgiving@schf.org.au

OR VISIT

Councillor Scott Bennison, Mayor of Lane Cove

P: 0402 406 241 E: sbennison@lanecove.nsw.gov.au

MAY 2024

Age-Friendly Lane Cove

Lane Cove Council is committed to enabling our community to inspire change, enhance connection and support innovative and evidence-based solutions to create a great place to grow old in.

This Autumn, Council is asking residents for their feedback as part of its review of the Age-Friendly Lane Cove strategy.

Lane Cove was the first Council in NSW to join the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities back in 2014. This international effort aims to help cities prepare for the rapid ageing of populations – and it’s now time for Lane Cove to review its existing plan to make sure we continue to prepare for the needs of our ageing population.

You can contribute to the process and follow its development by visiting www.haveyoursay.lanecove.nsw.gov.au

One year on at St Leonards Library

Celebrate the first anniversary of St Leonards Library by entering your short film into our 'In one minute' film competition. It only takes one minute! Your one minute film can be on any topic or theme and entry is open to all Shorelink Library Members aged 10 and over.

If you need access to resources for your entry, don’t forget that St Leonards Library has a film and sound studio for budding filmmakers and podcasters.

Visit the Lane Cove Library website to see the guidelines and fill out an entry form.

Entries close Wednesday 15 May 2024.

Blackman Park skatepark has reopened

Blackman Park Skatepark has reopened, following an upgrade. The previous skatepark was removed to make way for more challenging elements and an expanded size. Blackman Park skatepark is now bigger and better than before, accommodating spectators and a range of skateboarders.

A new sculpture has also been installed as part of the redevelopment of the skate facilities at Blackman Park skatepark. It has been created using redundant light poles. The sculpture “Orchids” which was created by Artist Carla Gottgens, is a modern interpretation of 3 types of orchids found within the bushland in Lane Cove. It utilises the lamp heads which resemble the anther cap, column, and stigma of the orchid flower.

Bringing people together through composting Council has launched an exciting new program designed to connect like-minded residents and create a network of keen composters across Lane Cove. The Composting Network provides a safe and easy way to connect residents who want to divert organic material from landfill while getting to know the people in the community. Residents can register as either a Host (accepting food scraps for composting or worm farming) or a Donor (providing food scraps for composting or worm farming).

If this sounds like something you might be interested in, visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/composting.

Battle of the Bands winners

Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Battle of the Bands, the Three Busketeers.

What’s on Lane Cove May 2024

Rotary Car Boot Sale

Sunday 5 May, 9:00am – 1:00pm, Council Civic Centre Car Park

Come along to Lane Cove Rotary's Car Boot Sale at the Civic Centre car park. Come and shop a pre-loved bargain and discover treasures.

For more information visit lanecoverotary.org/

Senior Drivers Workshop

Wednesday 8 May, 10:00am – 1:00pm, Lane Cove Library

This workshop will provide useful and practical advice on driving strategies, licencing, and car technologies for senior road users.

Book online: lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

Compost and Worm Farm Workshop

Saturday 11 May, 9:00am – 11:00am, Waterview Community Centre, 314 Burns Bay Road

Reduce your food waste and create nutrient-rich compost for your garden. Learn how to set up and maintain compost bins and worm farms. Join compost guru Tim Seaton for a hands on composting and worm farm workshop.

This workshop will teach participants how to set up and maintain different composting systems, how to use compost in your garden, and will include plenty of troubleshooting tips!

Book online: lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

Saturday Sounds

Saturday 11 May, 10:00am – 12:00pm, The Plaza

Grab your morning coffee, bring your friends, and sing along to the great Errol Earl.

Errol performs all of your favourite hits from Prince, Mondo Rock, B.B King, George Benson and many more!

In Conversation with Cindy Davies

Monday 20 May, 6:15pm, Lane Cove Library

Discover myths and mysteries of Turkish Harems.

Cindy Davies, an accomplished local author, presents an illustrated talk about the myths and mysteries of Turkish Harem’s, operated for five centuries by women and eunuchs as a hotbed of intrigue and danger, as well as a political powerbase of the Turkish Ottoman Empire.

The Favourite of the Harem is Cindy’s latest novel and is a historical fiction work set in the Topkapi Harem of Prince Orhan, son of the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire in 16th century Istanbul.

Books will be available for purchase on the night.

Book online: lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

National Simultaneous Storytime

Wednesday 22 May, 11:00am – 11:30am, Lane Cove Library and St Leonards Library

Join Lane Cove Libraries in celebrating National Simultaneous Storytime. Across Australia children will be joining together to read this year’s special book Bowerbird Blues by our local author Aura Parker. Share some stories, songs, and a special takehome craft.

Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers Workshop

Thursday 23 May, 6:00pm – 7:30pm, online

The session will offer practical advice about the current driving rules and requirements for L and P platers, how learners benefit from supervised on-road driving and how you can help make learning to drive a safe and positive experience.

Book online: lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

What’s on Lane Cove May 2024

Ben’s Online Book Club: ‘Pheasants Nest’ by Louise Milligan

Tuesday 28 May, 7:30pm – 8:30pm, online

Join Ben Hobson and multi-award winning investigative journalist, Louise Milligan, to discuss Louise’s latest book, ‘Pheasants Nest’. Presented by Overdrive (Libby).

Book online: lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

Children’s Voices for Reconciliation

Thursday 30 May, 10:30am – 12:00pm, The Canopy

Join us at The Canopy as we celebrate Reconciliation Week. School Groups will perform their interpretation of this year’s theme “Now More Than Ever”. This event includes song, dance and art from local North Shore Schools.

The St Leonards Library will turn one year old in May!

This community facility was created to meet the needs of the emerging local population, and offers a range of flexible, multi-use spaces that can adapt to the community's changing needs, including collaboration and quiet study spaces, conference and meeting rooms, acoustic nooks, and a children's play & learn area. The vision was to encourage social networking and facilitate collaborative learning and working. We believe it’s been a roaring success in its first year, welcoming over 46,000 people and providing items for 28,000 loans alongside offering a unique range of technology resources such as Hublets, 3D-printers, Laser cutters, a Multimedia studio, STEM packs and specialist software.

Come and join the team to celebrate this special milestone in the St Leonards Community on Saturday 25 May 2024, 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Winners of the “In One Minute” film competition will be announced at 2:15pm and a selection of the best entries will be shown along with some birthday treats!

Short film making workshop

Saturday 4 May, 2:00pm – 4:00pm, St Leonards Library

Join award-winning local filmmaker Pete Malicki for a comprehensive 2-hour workshop at St Leonards Library for Lane Cove’s "In one Minute!" film festival. Pete will cover the end-to-end of making a film for the competition, so you have all the knowledge you need to create a great entry.

Book online: lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

For more information visit: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/ Community/Library/In-One-MinuteShort-Film-Competition

What’s on Lane Cove May 2024

New recycling point in Lane Cove Council offers a range of services for problem wastes and other tricky to recycle items that can't go in your household bins.

By sorting our waste correctly and using a recycling centre you are able to:

• Keep waste out of landfill

• Improve recycling rates

• Save water, energy and other valuable natural resources

Got clothes, or small appliances that you need to recycle? Council is trialling a recycling hub at The Canopy for clothes, shoes, handbags and small e-wastes and appliances with a cord (like laptops, mobile phones radios, hair dryer, kettles, etc). You can find the recycling trailer on P1 just before the boom gate.

These items can also be dropped at the CRC in Artarmon, or collected from your home through our Homecycle service.

For information on these services visit lanecove. nsw.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-Recycling/ Recycle-Right

Cancer – the great equaliser

To paraphrase a famous quote from US statesman Benjamin Franklin in 1789, there is nothing certain in this world except death and taxes. Fast forward to 2024, and whilst not as absolute, one could argue that a lifetime risk of cancer now might make this same list. With the recent news of cancer diagnoses in both King Charles and Catherine, Princess of Wales, it has again highlighted the importance of being aware of this ubiquitous disease.

In 2022, 440 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in Australians every day. More than half (55%) of the cases were in males. In order, the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men were prostate cancer, melanoma cancer, colorectal cancer and lung cancer; for women it was breast cancer, colorectal cancer, melanoma cancer and lung cancer. With an ageing Australian population, cancer cases are expected to increase by around 22% over the next decade. For the period 2015-2019, 71% of people diagnosed with cancer survived five years after diagnosis. In 2023, around 3 of every 10 deaths are estimated due to cancer.

Heart attacks affect the heart; asthma affects the lungs; indigestion affects your gut system. What makes cancer so scary is that it can affect any body system and no part of the body is safe. Some body organs are ripe for developing primary (first location) cancers, whilst others – especially lung, brain, bone and liver – are common sites of cancer spread (metastases).

But what actually is cancer? Firstly we need to know that cells are the building blocks of our body, and we have over 200 different types. Normal cells grow when and where they need to in a controlled way, stay in the right place in our body, and become specialised (mature) to a specific role (for example a skin, muscle or red blood cell). Importantly our cells naturally repair themselves or self-destruct when they become damaged or too old.

Cancer cells are unlike normal cells. Cancer cells don’t stop growing or dividing when there are enough of them. They keep on growing and form a mass of cancerous cells called a tumour. Not all cancers form masses, a typical example being blood-cell cancers like leukaemias. Cancer cells grow quickly, do not mature nor specialise to the roles they were made for and therefore don’t work properly. This in turn makes more mistakes in their genes, leading to further accelerated growth. Cancer also have faulty repair proteins, which normally determines if it can self-repair or must die. This leads to even faster growth, metastatic spread, and resistance to treatments.

Cancer symptoms can vary depending on the body part affected. Sometimes there are tell-tale signs such as a breast lump for breast cancer or blood in the stools for bowel cancer. Some symptoms and physical signs appear thankfully

relatively early, making treatments more successful. Other signs appear late, making cancer detection difficult and a poorer prognosis. Pancreatic cancer with an average fiveyear survival rate of 8% after diagnosis is a tragic example of this. General cancer symptoms include prolonged fatigue, night sweats, poor appetite and unplanned weight loss.

There are many treatments for cancers depending on what part of the body is affected, how advanced the cancer is and other personal considerations. Common treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy and more. These can be given alone or in combination. Cancer treatments can be aimed for cure; when there is no chance of cure, treatments are used for symptom control and to improve quality of life.

It goes without saying that preventing cancer is better than having to fight it. It has been estimated that one in three cancers could be prevented by adopting a cancer-smart lifestyle. According to Cancer Council Australia, more than 13,000 cancer deaths annually are due to smoking (13% cancer deaths), sun exposure (approximately 2000 deaths annually), poor diet (especially oesophagus, stomach and bowel cancers), alcohol (the type doesn’t make a difference – beer, wine and spirits all increase your risk), inadequate exercise (linked to bowel and breast cancer, and likely others as well) or being overweight.

Your GP can explain your personal cancer risk and what you can do for prevention and early detection. Some cancer checks are age-related: aged 50-74 years for bowel and breast screening checks and aged 25-74 years for cervical cancer screening. There are more skin cancers in Australia than anywhere else in the world, so regular self-checks and professional skin checks annually are recommended.

Finally, given it is so common, you may likely one day be the one being diagnosed with cancer or know a close person who will. Everyone reacts differently to the news, often cycling through emotions of disbelief, anger, denial, helplessness and despair. Having cancer doesn’t mean you need to lose hope. Make sure you lean on your support networks and reach out for help. Seek out your health professional for further guidance. For such a common disease affecting so many, there is always help and support available.

Dr Carl Wong is a Lane Cove-based GP and sits on the board of Sydney Community Services.

Powerful owls –untamed nature on our doorstep

WORDS: SUE INGHAM

If ever we needed an icon for the preservation of the environment in Lane Cove, it would be the powerful owl. They are remarkable birds. The powerful owl is the largest of the nine species of owls in Australia and is a raptor or bird of prey and a nocturnal apex predator; but it is a threatened species and is classified as vulnerable in Queensland, NSW and Victoria and endangered in South Australia.

The owls bring untamed nature to our suburban doorstep and we are particularly fortunate to have powerful owls on the North Shore. There are reports of powerful owls in the Lane Cove National Park and at least five breeding pairs in the Willoughby LGA. Last year the powerful owl breeding season had mixed results in Lane Cove with only one breeding success, so if you happen to come across a powerful owl family, please keep your

distance as they are very sensitive to disturbance and will widen their eyes and fluff their feathers in distress.

Their life span is 30 years or more and as adults they mate for life, returning to the same nest site each year unless one partner is lost. They have other features that make them distinctive. The staring eyes are fixed in their sockets, so they can’t move their eyeballs: instead, they are able to turn their heads 270 degrees and bob to judge distances. The powerful owl’s hearing is acute at certain frequencies and more complex than in other birds, enabling it to hear even the slightest movement of prey in leaves or undergrowth. They have binocular vision, like human beings, which is an aid to hunting at night and they can perceive depth with great precision and fly silently to their prey. Their wings have a stiff leading edge and

a soft fringe on the trailing edge that affects the way air flows over the wing and dampens the sound.

The male powerful owl’s call is an impressive low, rather mournful whoohooo, the female has a similar call, but higher-pitched, and, with the breeding season which begins in April, they hoot in tandem. A clutch of usually two eggs is laid in autumn to winter, with a single attempt per year. The female incubates the eggs and broods the young while the male provides food. The owls hunt their prey across green spaces and suburban backyards as well as bushland so they also need bushland corridors to move through their territory. Their prey includes a wide range of birds and insects from lizards and snakes to flying foxes, but their most frequent meal is made of possums. An adult powerful owl can consume between 250 to 350 ringtail

Image: Richard Jackson

possums a year - that is just about a possum a day.

Much of their natural habitat has been felled, burnt by bushfires or damaged by floods and as a result our remnants of urban bushland have become critical to their survival. They need in particular old-growth trees to provide suitable hollows for nesting, approximately 1 m wide and 2 m deep, and these trees take over one hundred years to form.

Living close to habitation can be dangerous for the owls. Clearing

for infrastructure and building developments can disturb the owls with rubbish dumping, stormwater runoff, increasing noise and light spill. Cats and dogs loose in the bush can harm or kill them and flash cameras and torches disturb their nesting. Even worse is the use of rat poison, secondgeneration anticoagulant rodenticides, or SGARs, which the owls ingest from their prey. 60% of powerful owl livers that were tested under a Birdlife Australia program had dangerous levels of SGARs. Sale of these poisons has been regulated in the US, Canada

and EU but not Australia, even when there are safer and equally effective alternatives.

The Lane Cove Bushland & Conservation Society recognises the significance of powerful owls in the LGA and supports the introduction of Wildlife Protection Areas by the Lane Cove Council to better protect native species in our bushland reserves.

Birdlife Australia Powerful Owl Project: birdlife.org.au/projects/powerful-owlproject/

Image: Richard Jackson

Image: Leon Horsnell

Image: Richard Jackson

April and May Exhibitions at Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios

The Calculation (Flux) Curated by Brenda Colahan 24 April – 18 May

A major exhibition by notable Australian artist Laura Matthews. Matthews’s ethereal works evoke a perpetual motion reminiscent of our fragile relationship with the natural world.

“There’s always the potential for huge success or huge failure in any point of your life, which is what this exhibition is about – the tree roots of paths you could follow in your life could hinge on a very small decision (a calculation, if you will) and often, they’re impulses. Impulses that could very well change the course of our lives make everything so incredibly stressful – but also, extremely rewarding and joyous.” Laura Matthews.

Opening Event:

Wednesday 1 May, 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Artist: Laura Matthews

Tempest Tapestry 22 May – 15 June

Tempest Tapestry provides a glimpse into our wild and turbulent terrain, firstly transporting audiences to distant planes then demanding they be present, still and alone within her landscapes. Donna Feneley’s works often play on light, from looming skies to dark compositions enlivened by blazes or glimmers of sun to brighter, imagined places that are whimsical and even magical.

Opening Event:

Wednesday 29 May, 6:00pm to 8:00pm

CONTACT

02 9428 4898

0490 749 854

info@gallerylanecove.com.au

OPENING HOURS

Monday CLOSED

Tuesday - Friday 10am - 4.30pm

Saturday 10am - 2:30pm

Sunday CLOSED

Public Holidays CLOSED

Laura Matthews, Narcissus, 152 x 152 cm, oil on canvas. Image courtesy of the artist and Brenda Colahan Fine Art.

Donna Feneley, Hot Property, oil on canvas, 2024. Image courtesy of the artist.

A Shadow at the Door

by Jo Dixon

When I read The House of Then and Now by Jo Dixon last year, I just could not believe it was a debut. It was so twisty, so atmospheric and such compulsive reading I just felt so engrossed in the storyline. Because I’d had that experience, I worried about how much I was anticipating the next book, A Shadow at the Door, but fortunately, I had grossly underestimated it!

I seem to really enjoy the thrillers concerned with normal people and their normal everyday problems. Rather than saving a woman falling from a helicopter, Remi is trying to remember if she absentmindedly filled the car up with leaded petrol. She worries because she doesn’t usually make such silly and costly mistakes. She pre-occupies herself with the mundane: having to leave luxuries like chocolate behind at the supermarket to save money, and so on.

This novel is set in current day (it opens in June ’23) Tasmania. When we first meet our main character, Remi Lucan, she is busy renovating her dilapidated house. She is not long divorced, struggling financially (completely understandably - those houses are such a money pit!) and soon must reconcile her loss of personal space in order to supplement her savings. Bad luck and accidents seem to follow and what comes next is a thriller brimming with unexpected turns! I could not put this novel down!

I absolutely loved being back in Tasmania again. Jo Dixon, the author, lives there, and I think you can tell. The sights, sounds and smells are all so visceral. I was freezing while reading it! I completely wanted to safeguard Remi; she was such a fabulous main character you really come to know and relate to. You completely walk alongside her through the pages, and you can see exactly why she has chosen to take on housemates, for example. Jo Dixon does characters so well. Remi’s ex-husband, her best friend, the tenants, even her dog, are all so true to life and real.

No spoilers at all, just a really edge of your seat recommendation. It’s really clever, incredibly well done and you won’t be able to put it down.

Book releases on the horizon

Our reviewer, Anna, takes us through some of her top choices for the months ahead

2024 has started so well for readers. We’ve been able to enjoy crackers like What Happened to Nina, The Shadow at the Door and The Beauties, we’ve been able to enjoy The Good Woman’s Guide to Making Better Choices and The Women. There are still SO many wonderful books just on the horizon…

I’ve loved and been captivated by Anna Downes - Red River Road comes out in May and it looks fantastic! A solo traveller looking for her missing sister, set in Western Australia. Petronella McGovern has called it ‘an intelligent deep dive into the human psyche’

I’m lucky enough to call Julie Bennet a friend and I am so keen to read The Lost Letters of Rose Carey. I loved The Understudy and Rose sounds even more captivating. It centres around Australia’s film icon Annette Kellerman of the 1920s with a duel timeline and comparisons to Natasha Lester’s The Paris Secret it sounds fantastic.

I LOVE B.M Carroll, I’m a huge fan of her thrillers- they don’t have the huge body counts or over the top rescues, they are just normal (ish) people committing crimes…One of Us is Missing is set at a stadium concert as a family of four celebrate making it through a hard year. It’s all about the dangers lurking right in plain sight.

I was super stoked to have read an advance copy of You Are Here by David Nicolls already, and I can absolutely assure you it is fabulous. Loneliness, middle age, the beauty of Britain, with all the wit and banter you know from One Day. It is extremely good and one to get excited about.

Review by: Anna Loder. Anna is the founder of www.readabook.com.au and the podcast of the same name. She is a book fanatic and owns a second-hand bookshop and café in Cronulla. www.readabook.com.au

Local history comes alive – with the sound of music!

The Millers Point Song Book debuts

24 May for five nights only

The Millers Point Song Book, by award-winning Australian composer/ lyricist Joanna Weinberg will run for five performances from 24 May at the splendid and historic Garrison Church in The Rocks.

The Millers Point Song Book is a unique glimpse into the characters which make Millers Point in Sydney so fascinating. Suitable for all ages, this show (which also boasts two new songs by local Millers Point composer Susan Hunt) is a must for anybody wanting an entertaining dive into post-colonial Sydney history.

From the naming of the area in 1833 through multiple changes of management like the Sydney Harbour Trust and the Maritime Workers Board, 1970s Green Bans, to the exile of the inhabitants of the Sirius Building in 2022, this colourful new show honours past and current local heroes with a rollicking ride through song and story.

Prolific Sydney musical writer Cremorne local Joanna Weinberg (La Luna, The Secret Singer, Pandora’s Bag, Brief Tales, Lifeforce, Every Single Saturday and Goddess, the feature film) is the composer and lyricist of 24 lively and fascinating new historical songs, each a snapshot of this storied neighbourhood.

The piece is sung by a talented cast: Moss Vale's Rob Johnson (playing Capt Grimes and Earnest Anthony); Marrickville's Billie Palin (playing Mary Underwood and midwife Francis); Bondi's Eliane Morel (playing Prof Georgina Long, Women's Christian Temperance leader); and Earlwood's Annerose de Jong (playing Maybanke Anderson and Nita McCrae).

They're supported by three musicians: Paul Miskin on Banjo, Jeremy Cook on Percussion and Michelle Goldman on Piano.

Local 'Choir Rocks' community choir provides colourful backing under the expert direction of the composer Joanna Weinberg – who is their regular music director and conductor. Composer Susan Hunt contributes two songs to the show including the rousing finale!

The Millers Point Song Book by Joanna Weinberg (with Susan Hunt)

The Garrison Church, 60 Lower Fort St, Millers Point. Fri 24, Sat 25, Sun 26, Mon 27 and Tues 28 May 2024 at 7pm

Hunters Hill Theatre winds the clock back to 1827 for its second offering this year

Following a successful start to the year with sold out performances of Boeing Boeing, Hunters Hill Theatre is taking a step back in time for its next production, running 7-23 June.

The Ballad of Maria Marten is a thrilling retelling of a real-life murder mystery set in Polstead, a small English village in Suffolk.

It’s summer, 1827. In a red barn Maria Marten awaits her lover. A year later her body is found under the floor of the barn in a grain sack, barely identifiable, and the manhunt begins.

The Red Barn Murder, as it became known, attracted phenomenal attention at the time and sparked a media frenzy and was instantly immortalized in ballads, newspapers and film.

Although ostensibly a story of dread, grief and violence, the playwright has incorporated moments of joy, laughter and dance.

Director Jennifer Willison said she was attracted to the play as there are so many wonderful parts for women, there is a musical element to the production and because Hunters Hill Theatre has not done a period piece in a while. It is, she said, “ultimately a play about female friendship”.

Written by Beth Flintoff and directed by Jennifer Willison, tickets are now on sale via the Theatre website www.huntershilltheatre.com.au or by calling the Box Office on 0478 097 525.

Lane Cove Theatre Company presents The Lieutenant of Inishmore by

Martin McDonagh

Directed by Kathryn Thomas and Mitch Garling 10-26 May at The Performance Space @ St Aidan’s in Longueville

“One of the greatest and most improbable comedies of the decade” - The Guardian

On a lonely road on the island of Inishmore, someone killed Mad Padraic’s cat. He’ll want to know who did it when he gets back from a stint of torture and chip-shop bombing in Northern Ireland. He loves his cat more than life itself, and someone is going to pay. Set in the 1990s, The Lieutenant of Inishmore is a clever satire on terrorism, the beautification of violence in contemporary culture and a hilarious farce in true McDonagh fashion.

This brazen and unapologetically blood-curdling farce combines comedy and violence in a darkly funny portrait of rivalries among terrorists for whom killing, torturing and bombing are just day-jobs.

Kathryn says: “Mitch and I are so excited to be directing the Lieutenant of Inishmore with Lane Cove Theatre Company. As big fans of Martin McDonagh, we wanted to direct this show because of its masterful combination of comedy and terror.”

By arrangement with Origin Theatrical Australia on behalf of Samuel French Ltd.

10-26 May 2024 at The Performance Space @ St Aidan's, 1 Christina Street, Longueville

Tickets $30 / $25 conc / $23 groups 10+ / add $10 cheeseplate/$8 dessertplate

Online booking www.trybooking.com/CNBYD

For review tickets, interviews, photos, bios and all other enquiries contact Rachael at Lane Cove Theatre Company on 0414991006, email lctcpromotions@gmail.com

Senior Lifesaving Skills Refresher

– Free for ages 60+. @ Longueville Uniting Church Hall, 47A Kenneth St, Longueville Time : 1.30pm to 2.30pm on Friday 3 May.

Royal Lifesaving NSW will teach/refresh seniors in how to confidently respond in an emergency through providing CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) demonstrations. Bookings essential on 9427 4740 or 9428 4287

Pizza + Movie Nights @ Longueville UC Hall, 47A Kenneth St, Longueville TIME : 6.30pm. Pizza; 7.15pm Movie

7 May – Hachi – A Dog’s Life (2009) – The true story of a professor and his devoted dog, starring Richard Gere and Joan Allen.

4 June – Five Flights Up (2014) – An American comedy/ drama about life, love and real estate starring Morgan Freeman and Diane Keaton.

Bookings essential on 9428 4287 or 9427 4740. Cost $12 –the best value pizza/movie combo anywhere ! BYO drinks. Bookings essential on 9428 4287 or 9427 4740. Cost $12 – the best value pizza/movie combo! BYO drinks.

Time 4U – Every Wednesday @ 10am till Noon @ Longueville Uniting Church Hall, 47A Kenneth St, Longueville

Friendly and fun mornings with home-made morning tea, discussion, documentaries and board games in Longueville UC Hall, 47A Kenneth St, Longueville. All are welcome to come and join us.

Cost $5 Enquiries: Chris on 9428 4287

Aqualuna Singers

Do you love to sing? Aqualuna Singers, Lane Cove’s four part a cappella choir, is the one for you. We sing popular, folk and world music and have a lot of fun. New members are always welcome, we don’t audition and your first rehearsal is free. Join us at St Aidan’s Hall, 1 Christina Street, Longueville, 7.30pm to 9.30pm on Wednesday evenings during school terms. There is plenty of street parking. Enquiries: aqualunasingers@gmail.com www.aqualunasingers.com

Lane Cove Rotary Car Boot Sale

Don’t send your unwanted goods to landfill… sell them at the Lane Cove Rotary Car Boot Sale at Council’s Civic Centre Car Park between Pheonix Street and Little Street, Lane Cove.

This popular event is a great way for residents to sell their pre-loved households goods, providing the community with an alternative to buying new.

The goods may be sold from the boot of a vehicle, a table or racks within the allocated site. This event is not for the purpose of business/commercial traders. Items being sold must be second hand.

Book your Car Space on https://lanecoverotary.org

SCOOP (Netflix)

Based on true events, SCOOP offers an insider’s view on the tenacious journalism behind Prince Andrew's BBC Newsnight appearance. It follows producer Sam McAlister’s negotiations with Buckingham Palace and Emily Maitlis’ confrontation with the Prince.

Driven by determined women, SCOOP captures the boldness required to secure such a significant interview. Billie Piper excels as McAlister, navigating the intense newsroom atmosphere. Whether familiar with the saga or not, SCOOP delivers an engaging portrayal, making it a must-watch.

★★★★½

Why you should watch it: It’s a captivating take on media, politics, and royal scandals.

A Gentleman in Moscow (Paramount+)

Based on Amor Towles’ 2016 novel, A Gentleman in Moscow follows Count Alexander Rostov in post-Revolutionary Russia. Stripped of his title, he’s confined to a grand Moscow hotel for life. Through unlikely friendships and fleeting romance, Rostov discovers the hotel’s hidden wonders and the enduring power of human connection. Ewan McGregor’s performance adds depth to the tale, which balances humour, sadness, and surprise. It’s a story of finding riches in love, courage, and community amidst constraint, portrayed with whimsy and charm. ★★★★½

Why you should watch it: McGregor shines in this enjoyable and surprisingly good watch!

What I watched on TV…

Embark on a journey through television with Stephen Miller, our dedicated aficionado of the small screen. Explore his curated collection of captivating narratives and entertaining shows as he shares his top recommendations from the diverse world of TV.

Ripley (Netflix)

A wealthy individual enlists Tom Ripley, a struggling con artist, to persuade his wandering son to return from Italy, igniting a journey of deceit and crime for Tom. The beguiling blackand-white visuals immediately stand out, reminiscent of fine art. With Andrew Scott's compelling portrayal and Steven Zaillian’s rich adaptation, Ripley breathes new life into Patricia Highsmith’s cunning protagonist. Referencing noir, Hitchcock, and Italian cinema, this well-crafted film offers visual delight and storytelling prowess.

Why you should watch it: Outstanding in all aspects: tense, beautiful, and perfect adaptation.

Sugar (Apple TV+)

Sugar delves into the enigmatic journey of a private detective, navigating inner turmoil while unraveling the mystery behind a Hollywood producer’s missing granddaughter. Seamlessly merging style and substance, the series evokes the essence of classic noir films. Sugar introduces a captivating rendition of the detective persona. Despite its unhurried pace, the allure of John Sugar’s world is irresistible. Colin Farrell’s gripping portrayal breathes life into the character, ensuring viewers remain enthralled.

Why you should watch it: I’m excited to see more of John Sugar.

3 Body Problem (Netflix)

A crucial decision in China in the 1960s reverberates into the present, affecting scientists facing imminent peril. The debut season of 3 Body Problem energetically delves into its ambitious storyline with promising potential. It navigates themes of curiosity, exploration, and human connections alongside broader ideas such as political and social issues. The series also underscores human fallibility, the intricacies of encountering extraterrestrial beings, and our transient nature on earth.

Why you should watch it:

Despite not being a sci-fi fan, I really enjoyed this show.

The Rise and Fall of Boris Johnson (ABC iView+)

Love him or loathe him, this documentary offers profound insights into this complex, charismatic ‘Eton Toff’ who would be king. There is no doubt he energised UK politics, leaving a void in his absence. This revealing series looks at his spectacular rise and fall by talking to those closest to him, both friends and enemies. Tory MP, Iain Duncan Smith, describes Boris as one of those people who makes you laugh while at the same time sticking the boot in. Perhaps also this is a good summation of what he did to the country.

★★★★½

Why you should watch it: A highly insightful portrayal of Boris Johnson’s charisma and political impact.

100 Words

"I ran through the pouring rain, over the bridge, down the embankment, along the Hudson river…running for my life, from the Time Cops.

I’d leapt through the last portal, just as I snatched the diagrams from Nicola Tesla’s shabby hotel room. They were determined to confiscate the secret patent he entrusted to me. His formula could shift the balance of power, toppling dictators, crushing empires and liberating the oppressed.

It was now or never, I dived into the icy waves. The Time Cops couldn’t cross water, it would scramble their circuitry. World peace was only one butterfly stroke away".

Perihan Bozkurt

Sara couldn’t take her eyes off him. From across the room she could see the deep angle of his face, dark blue eyes and a glorious mane of straggly blonde hair. He was perfect! Never before had she seen such faultless features on a man: such an aura of timeless beauty. Slowly Sara edged her way through the crowd to stand directly before him. Checking quickly that no one was watching, she gently ran her fingers around the golden frame and across his exquisite face. If only she had the artistic skill to paint something as wonderful as this.

Jenny England

Do you have a 100 word story?

Email: editor@thevillageobserver.com.au

Sacred spaces…

Near my apartment was a greying church whose heavy, wooden doors were always open. I would slip in at odd times and see the black-shawled widows bent in the pews praying their rosaries. I would dip my fingers in the font, even though I’m not Catholic, because I liked the feel of the water slipping down my fingers as I held them up and signed the cross as I had seen others do.

NADINE ELLSWORTH-MORAN

Sacred space is an increasingly ignored aspect of religion. Yet, sacred space is integral to many religions and forms of spirituality. We more easily recognise sacred spaces in the forms of religious buildings. When we step into these spaces, it is nearly instinctual that we be more cautious about our behaviour, what we say, or how loudly we say it. Of course, there are many outdoor spaces which inspire a sense of awe and wonder that harken to the sacred. Consider the majesty of the Blue Mountains, the allure of a sunrise on our many beaches, or the tranquillity of a hike in our National Park. People also report a sense of the sacred in more humble outdoor secular spaces, like in peaceful city parks, along roadsides where we often find memorials for lost loved ones, or in backyard gardens perhaps marked with statues of angels, saints, Buddhas, or other spiritual icons.

Understanding what makes such spaces seem "sacred" is integral to the Chaplaincy’s understanding what it means to live authentically. We attend closely to them in our work in the local religious and spiritual landscape of Lane Cove, and it’s not unusual to discover a new sacred space quite by accident; that causes one to declare, as Jacob did: “Surely the Lord is in this place — and I did not know it!… How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven” (Genesis 28:16-17).

We come across such spaces in a variety of contexts, whether or not it was designed with the sacred in mind, where the human being becomes small in comparison with the vaulted expanse of ceiling or sky and our minds turn to questions of mortality, truth, or the “otherness” of the divine.

Can we create sacred space? Not really. Because the part that makes it truly sacred is not anything we can manufacture. The sacred meets us there and abides with us in that space in a way we often cannot hold onto once we leave, but may find again and again when we return. Nadine reckons it was the watery blue stained-glass light flowing over stone, or the pulse of the silent prayers, or maybe the click of rosary beads; whatever it was, it stopped her long enough to want to know who created that light, that pulse, that sound, and why. And when we want, desire, yearn for that knowledge, to know and to be known, then we may find ourselves in a sacred space, where we recognise there is the thinnest of veils between our worlds and God is palpably present.

Noticing and naming the ‘sacred’ is just one of the things we do. Want to know more?

Come and join the conversation where all are welcome, and all means ALL.

The History of the Argyle Centre Building

37 BLAXLAND ROAD, RYDE

Ryde District Historical Society is based at historic Willandra House (770 Victoria Rd, Ryde). The Society collects, researches and promotes the historical heritage of the 13 suburbs that make up the Ryde district. The Society also assists with research into family history. Further information can be found at www.rydehistory.org.au.

The Argyle Centre building stands out in the area in which it is situated in Blaxland Road because of its two-storey structure and its isolation between a road and the single level adjacent bowling club.

The land on which the building stands was part of a 50-acre grant made to Richard Hawkes in 1792. Though close to the Village of Ryde, the land appears to have remained rural until the “Town Hall Estate” went on sale in 1916 in response to the extension of the tram line to Ryde.

After 1916 the land changed hands several times, and at one point a building was erected. In 1926 a lease was taken out for a shop and the Palace Theatre, Ryde. In 1926 an advertisement appeared in The Ryde Leader announcing the bill for the Palace Cinema at Ryde, which was Scaramouche, starring Ramon Navarro, Alice Terry and Lewis Stone.

In that same year the property was sold to Henry Thomson of West Ryde, Picture Show Proprietor who also owned the Royal Theatre at West Ryde and another at Concord West. Modern cinema came to the Palace when in 1930, the film Innocents of Paris brought the first talkie to eager Ryde cinemagoers.

However, the original Palace cinema was not to entertain the people of Ryde for long. Less than five years after it was built and in the early hours of New Years Eve 1930, the cinema, by then known as the Ritz Theatre, burnt down possibly as a result of the fusing of an electric light wire.

In 1931 Ryde Council approved the rebuilding of Ritz Cinema by owner Henry Thomson and at the same time approved the building of a new cinema on the corner of Devlin and Pope Streets by the Bowe brothers to be known as the Rialto. They already owned a number of cinemas in Gladesville, and the competition affected the viability of the Ritz Cinema.

By 1954 the building was sold once again but the covenant on the Certificate of Title stated that the building was not to be used for a cinema or as a venue for entertainment.

Tram in Blaxland Road, outside Argyle Centre, date unknown

Argyle Centre from Blaxland Road, Photo by Christine Sanderson 2023

By 1972 the building had been used as a retail outlet for some time, and at that time Ryde Municipal Council purchased the building with a view to providing the district with a community centre for senior citizens and the youth of the community, and other cultural activities.

Refurbishment was completed in 1977 and the first floor of the community centre was set aside for use by the Ryde Musical Society and Ryde Rotoract. The first floor was known as Argyle Theatre, Ryde.

In the 1980s, safety issues associated with public spaces such as the Argyle Theatre meant that the building had to be refurbished. The ground floor was extensively renovated but the expense of conforming to modern safety requirements resulted in the closure of the old upstairs theatre area.

In 1994 the theatre area was reopened, and at that time the building acquired its painted exterior which picked out the art deco decorations. The theatre was used by the T.H.E Theatre group for plays as well as other community events requiring a theatre layout.

In 2012, an assessment of the Argyle Centre that detailed the building condition and WHS issues affecting the work environment, recommended that all usage cease with a permanent closure from August 2012.

Since that time there have been development proposals for the Argyle Centre and the Ryde Bowling Club site, but there are no proposals currently in place. The zoning for this space is B4 – Mixed Use. For further information, see the City of Ryde website.

EDITED BY: Christine Sanderson from the work of past President, Julie Dawson, who compiled the original article from information researched by member John Ryan.

THE MEETING HOUSE OPEN DAY

Tuesday 7 May 2024, 10am – 2pm 23a Stokes St, Lane Cove North

FREE EVENT

For the local community, bring the family

We will have a FREE petting zoo for everyone to enjoy, face painting, a book stall, a Chinese dance troupe, a sausage sizzle, and a lot more.

~ CONCERT ~

CONCERT

ACCENT STRINGS: BACH TO BEATLES

CONCERT

FEATURING JOHN MARTIN

“Noel Coward – Master of the Arts.”

Tuesday 14th May 2024 at 7.30pm

Quartet: Jane Stanley – Violin. Leo Kram – Violin Neil Thompson – Viola. Emily Palethorp .

Join John Martin, an extraordinarily diverse musician – solo pianist, accompanist and composer as he combines acting, poetry, music and singing, to present a delicious glimpse into the world of Noel Coward.

An evening you will long remember…

Accent Strings is delighted to present a program beginning with some wonderful music from the Baroque and Classical periods including works of Bach, Vivaldi and Mozart, followed by a selection of contemporary pieces which will get your feet tapping. These will include popular numbers by the Beatles, Leonard Cohen, Cyndi Lauper, Elton John and other millennial favourites.

Tuesday 9th May 2023 at 7.30pm.

Venue: LCM St. Andrew’s Anglican Church. 19 Rosenthal Avenue Lane Cove behind the Post Office and opposite the Canopy Car Park.

LCM Anglican Church (St. Andrew’s), 19 Rosenthal Avenue, Lane Cove, behind the Post Office. Free parking opposite at The Canopy

Tickets through Try Booking may be purchased from 9am on Tuesday 23rd April 2024 via our website www.lanecovemusic.org.au

Limited admission at the door on the night, online bookings preferred. Tickets at the door (cash only) $30 visitor, $10 student. Enquiries welcome at 9428 4287.

Bookings with TryBooking, accessed via our website from: Tuesday 18th April 2023: www.lanecovemusic.org.au

Future 2024 Concerts, all Tuesdays at 7.30pm: 25th June, 13th August, 8th October, 26th November.

Limited admission (cash only) at the door on the night, online bookings preferred.

Adults $30, Students $10 - enquiries are welcome at 9428 4287.

Future 2023 Concerts, all Tuesdays at 7.30pm: 20th June, 8th August, 10th October, 28th November.

JOHN MARTIN

Fun was had at the Golden Girls Fashion Parade...

ROBYN

I have been coming for five years, good quality, service and excellent value.

Sizing is spot on. JAN

The Fashion is very affordable. I also come to the exercise classes which are great. PAM

Solving wardrobe dilemmas, providing personalised styling advice when needed and helping women look good and feel great is all part of the fashion experience we provide.

JULIE PARRY

What can my Federal Electorate Office help you with?

Many North Sydney residents are surprised by the number of things that the Electorate Office can help with.

My team can help you navigate federal government services such as the NDIS, Centrelink, My Aged Care and the ATO.

We can help with visa and passport issues.

We provide nationhood materials such as flags, constitutions and portraits of King Charles III. We have an onsite JP on Fridays.

We can help community organisations in applying for grants to support community projects.

In addition, my team has developed an online resource outlining financial incentives to help electrify your home or business: Powering to net zero (kyleatink.com.au)

A full list of resources is available on my website: kyleatink.com.au but please do not hesitate to contact the office if you have any questions.

I’m listening… To the people of North Sydney & would love to hear from you (02)

9929 9822 kylea.tink.MP@aph.gov.au

kyleatink.com.au

Authorised by Kylea Tink. Level 10, 2 Elizabeth Plaza, North Sydney NSW 2060.

A MESSAGE FROM BRANKA IVKOVIC, CEO

Like so many Australians, last week I received a ‘Hi Mum’ text telling me one of my children lost their phone and they were in a grave situation and needed my help. The message took me by surprise, I had to read it twice before remembering that this is one of the many scams cybercriminals use to trick unsuspecting people into handing over their money or financial information.

As technology advances, so do the tactics of those who seek to exploit it for their gain. Our community is a vibrant tapestry of individuals, and we are all susceptible, regardless of our age, employment status, devices we use or online activity. Scams are evolving in their sophistication and fraudsters are sending deceptive emails, text messages, and social media messages to trick us into revealing sensitive information such as login credentials, financial details, or personal information. Investment, romance, and false billing are just a few of the scams constantly circulating in the community.

Armed with the right knowledge and tools, we can navigate the digital landscape safely and confidently. Here are some of the things we, at Sydney Community Services, are doing to meet the challenge of cybersecurity threats:

1. Staying informed about the latest scams and cybersecurity threats through regular training and information sharing. We are reminded to be cautious of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or messages, especially those requesting personal or financial information.

2. Using strong passwords and two-step-authentication. Creating strong, unique passwords and using a password manager to securely store and manage passwords adds another layer of security.

3. Strong device and systems security on the devices we use in our work, such as computers, smartphones, and tablets. We regularly update our antivirus software and have security patches installed where required.

As a community, it is important for everyone to stay vigilant and ask for help in order to understand potential threats and apply appropriate security measures.

In New South Wales (NSW), there are several reliable sources where people can find information about scams and report them:

1. Scamwatch provides up-to-date information on the latest scams targeting Australians and offers advice on how to protect yourself. You can visit their website at www.scamwatch.gov.au or call them on 1300 795 995 to report a scam.

2. NSW Fair Trading provides information and resources to help consumers recognise and report scams. You can visit their website at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au or call their helpline on 13 32 20.

3. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) provides advice and assistance on cybersecurity issues, including information on common online scams and how to report them. You can visit their website at www.cyber.gov.au or call them on 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371).

By utilising these resources and reporting scams promptly, we can help protect ourselves and others from falling victim to fraudulent activities. Remember, reporting scams not only helps authorities investigate and act against scammers, it also helps raise awareness and prevent others from being deceived.

If you would like to learn more about how to protect yourself from scams and cybersecurity threats give us a call on 9427 6425.

THANK YOU

The Birahlee Preschool parents and children made Easter at Sydney Community Services even sweeter with their generous donation. We kindly received so many easter eggs that we were able to share the chocolates with our consumers and volunteers well after Easter!

There are now plans afoot to bring the preschoolers and our seniors together; we will have own version of the popular Nursing Home for 4-year-olds! Stay tuned!

T 02 9427 6425

E support@sydneycs.org

www.sydneycs.org

Lane Cove Hub HEAD OFFICE

Hunters Hill-Ryde Hub

Meeting House Hub

Join our team as a Registered Nurse, Continence Advisory

 The Role

Sydney Community Services provides specialised episodic support in continence advisory services to frail, older people living at home, their families, and carers to manage their specialised needs. Services are delivered at home in the Lane Cove, Willoughby, North Sydney, Hunters Hill and Ryde areas with our main aim to keep people living at home for as long as possible.



Day-To-Day Activities

• Carrying out comprehensive clinical continence assessments

• Continence care planning and treatment

• Liaison with allied health

• Providing continence product advice for consumers

• Assisting with CAPS claiming complete section –Instructions for Health Professional.

 What Is Required

• Minimum Qualification requirement Registered Nurse (Division 1), with current AHPRA registration.

• Post Graduate qualification in Continence.

• Adaptability, empathy and resourcefulness and be

able to live Sydney Community Services’ everyday values of being compassionate, respectful and inclusive

 Employment Requirements

• National Police Check

• Reference checks

• APHRA registration checks

• Other pre-employment screenings

 Additional Information

• Permanent part-time and casual work with flexible hours to suit you.

• Opportunity to work for a local aged care provider

FIND OUT MORE

WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU. PLEASE CONTACT YVONNE HUGHES, PEOPLE AND CULTURE COORDINATOR

P: 9427 6425 E:

Volunteer today and help make a difference

Your support allows us to continue to improve the quality of life of people in the local community so they can remain living independently in their own homes for as long as they wish.

 Mahjong

Do you love Mahjong? Would you like to teach people how to play? We are looking for a passionate Mahjong player who would like to teach others how to play.

(Please note we play the ‘western’ style of Mahjong). This class is held each Tuesday from 9.30am – 11.30am.

 Disability Groups

We are looking for volunteers for our disability groups that require support on various outings. These groups include the Walking Group and the New Explorers Group, held on a Monday and Tuesday from 10.00am –2.00pm. Contact us for further information and if you are interested in providing your assistance.

 Gardeners

We would like to find enthusiastic people to assist our gardening team. This runs on Tuesday to Thursday, 8.30am - 12noon. There is flexibility and you can decide to volunteer weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Great team environment.

 Linen Service

Can you offer your time to help change the bed and bathroom linen of consumers in their home and replace with commercially laundered linen. The linen is then collected and returned to SCS and the Lane Cove hub. We require a volunteer every second and fourth Monday of each month, 8:30am to 10.30am-11am, approximately (dates may change depending on public holidays).

If you, or someone you know, is interested in any of the volunteer vacancies, contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Yvonne Hughes, for more information and find out how you can get involved.

P: 9427 6425 E: yhughes@sydneycs.org www.sydneycs.org

WHAT’S ON MAY 2024

Lane Cove Hub Activities

HEAD OFFICE

1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove 9427 6425

Book Club

1.30pm - 2.30pm Monday 20 May 2024

Cost: $5 including book/afternoon tea.

Movement Matters

Tuesday, 12pm - 1pm and 1.15pm - 2.15pm.

Wednesdays, 11.15am - 12.15pm. Fridays, 10am - 11am. Contact us for further details and registration.

Mah Jong

Come and join us for a fun morning of Mah Jong.

 Tuesdays, 9.30am - 11.30am (spaces available)

 Wednesdays, 1.00 - 3.45pm (currently full)

Cost: $5 including afternoon tea. New players please contact us: E: support@sydneycs.org

Seniors Hub

Hunters Hill-Ryde Hub Activities

46 Gladesville Road, Hunters Hill 8598 7051

Daytime, inclusive and supportive space for general seniors’ groups, dementia friendly groups, ladies and men’s groups.

All-day tailored seniors program from Monday to Friday. Includes excursions, picnics, and wellness activities. Door-to-door transport and nutritious meals catering for all dietary requirements.

Cost: $35 Contact us for a monthly program. E: support@sydneycs.org

Seniors Social Support

Afghan, Chinese, Iranian, Italian, and Spanish seniors groups.

Each group is supported by bilingual staff and volunteers to meet and share their cultural heritage and interests. Social inclusion activities such as excursions, cultural celebrations, English language conversation classes, wellness activities and information sessions are offered to all CALD communities in the Greater Sydney area. Contact us for a monthly program. E: tliu@sydneycs.org

CHESS CLUB

Scrabble

Thursdays, 10am - 12noon Cost: $5 including morning tea.

Social Bridge

Thursdays, 12.30pm - 3.30pm

Cost: $5 including afternoon tea.

The Velveteens 2nd Monday each month 10am – 4pm.

Join us for morning tea before heading off to a different venue each month.

If you are over 65, registered with My Aged Care, have a referral code for Social Support Group and are totally independent then contact us for more information.

Cost: $20 (does not include lunch/beverages).

E: support@sydneycs.org

Meeting House Hub Activities

23a Stokes Street, Lane Cove North 9003 1399

Seniors Shopping Bus

Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am - 11am.

Return trip from your home to Lane Cove shops. We can also assist to carry your shopping into your home. Cost: $15

P: 9003 1399

E: jvenn@sydneycs.org

New Chess group - Mondays at 1pm. The group is friendly and sociable, and all abilities are welcome. Cost: $5pp, includes afternoon tea.

VENUE: The Meeting House, 23a Stokes Street, Lane Cove North TIME : 1pm - 2.30pm

PLEASE CONTACT: P: 9427 6425 E: support@sydneycs.org

Seniors Hub every Friday

Centre Based Service for over 65 year olds.

Providing a safe, warm and engaging environment for people who would like to spend more time with other seniors. The hub offers a tailored program providing a break for family carers.

Contact us for more details. P: 9427 6425

E: support@sydneycs.org

ENQUIRIES AND BOOKINGS FOR ACTIVITIES: 9427 6425 support@sydneycs.org

Social Tennis Group

Join us every Thursday at Lane Cove Tennis Club, Central Park, Kenneth St, Longueville. Cost $5. Every Thursday 9-11am All players must register prior to playing – please call Julie 9427 6425. We look forward to seeing you on the court!

Fridays, 12.00 - 4.00pm Cost: $5

BOOMers Mens Group

BOOMers for senior independently mobile men who enjoy an opportunity to socialise and visit interesting places in the company of other men.

Contact us for the full May program.

When: Fridays Departs: 10.00am from Lane Cove Hub, Pottery Lane Returns: 2.00pm Cost: $20 including morning tea and lunch

E: hheggie@sydneycs.org

Social Bus Outings

COME

Join us every Tuesday when we venture to new destinations and parts of Sydney, as well as meet other local seniors. These trips are weekly and either half or full-day outings. Contact us for the monthly program.

Disability Supports

HOURS OF OPERATION:

8.30am - 4.00pm I Monday - Friday

www.sydneycs.org

FIRST SESSION FREE Term enrolment on the day.

Join Sinead Costello, an experienced yoga/ wellbeing specialist, in our new yoga class.

• Starts Wednesday 1 May 2024, 9.30am to 10.30am.

• 10-week term at $12 per session, or $15 per casual visit.

• Sydney Community Services, Park View Room, 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove FOR MORE INFO PLEASE CONTACT: P: 9427 6425 E: support@sydneycs.org

Meeting House Playgroups 2023

Time: 9.00am - 4.00pm Cost: $25 (Bus only) E: hheggie@sydneycs.org

WHEN: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9.30am to 11.30am

Group community access activities from Mon – Fri in centres and community. Activities: drama ensemble, creative movement, full and half-day excursions, Sailablity, art groups and virtual meetups. Cost: based on the NDIS pricing schedule. Individual support, including transport, daily living activities and community access available on request. gstarkey@sydneycs.org or support@sydneycs.org

WHERE: At the Meeting House Hub, 23a Stokes St, Lane Cove North Thursdays

GROUP TIMES

Story Playgroups

TERM COSTS:

- $10 per casual visit

- $60 per term/one session per week

- $100 per term for multiple sessions

P: 9003 1399

E: support@sydneycs.org

WOMEN'S WELLNESS CLASS

A weekly program based on a holistic view of health, taking into consideration physical and social needs. The classes incorporate strength and balance exercises. Contact us for more information about cost and term times. E: support@sydneycs.org

MEETING HOUSE OPEN DAY

COSTS

PETTING ZOO, FACE PAINTING, BOOK STALL, CHINESE DANCE TROUPE, SAUSAGE SIZZLE, AND LOTS MORE.

Tuesday 7 May 2024 10am – 2pm

WHERE: 23a Stokes St, Lane Cove North

for all the local community. Bring the family.

P: 9817 4757

Public School Cuts

As you would be aware, the Minns Labor Government has recently announced that all NSW public schools will have their budgets cut by 1.25%. This is a reduction of almost $150 million and comes after the Minister guaranteed that the union deal would not affect classrooms and student learning.

There is no doubt from my discussions with P&C’s that Schools have been blindsided by this decision and will now have to make challenging decisions around their budgets for the rest of the school year. This could affect crucial staffing, wellbeing programs and school upgrades.

We recommend that you reach out to your Principals and P&Cs to get an idea of how your local school communities will be affected by this situation, and whether specific programs or projects will be cut. Collecting feedback from schools within the Lane Cove Electorate will be essential to getting this Labor Government listening to parents and carers.

Road Safety Week. Free Child seat safety check. Bonus Fuel savings up for grabs Linkt.

The Lane Cove electorate will be host to a day of free child car seat safety checks during Road Safety Week in May. Bookings are essential; call: (9952 8222)

Transurban, in partnership with Kidsafe, will be offering free checks and fittings to parents and carers at Blenheim Park car park on the 6th of May from 10am2pm

With petrol prices soaring, some new relief is on offer for eligible Linkt customers.

Between April-June, Transurban is providing a 12-cents per litre discount off your fuel bill through the Linkt Customer Rewards program - if you take ten or more trips on toll roads in a month.

More information about the offer is available at www. linkt.com.au/savings.

ANZAC Day

With ANZAC Day having recently passed. We mustn’t forget that every single day that we spend with friends and family, Speak, move, live, and prosper peacefully is because of the sacrifices that our veterans and soldiers, men, and women alike, have made defending this nation in historical conflicts around the world. Current events sadly remind us of that fact daily.

Lest We Forget

P: 9952 8222

E: mayor@ryde.nsw.gov.au

Ryde keeps it cool

As we head into the cooler months of the year, City of Ryde has a couple of terrific events coming up that are sure to coax you outside and warm the spirits.

First up is our annual Cork & Fork by the Riverside food and wine festival, which returns to Kissing Point Park, Putney, on Sunday 26 May.

This is always a fantastic day out for family and friends, with free tasting samples from a range of boutique wine from the Mudgee and Hunter Valley regions, locally made spirits and craft beer to enjoy at a picturesque setting on the banks of the Parramatta River.

Bring a picnic rug and grab some food from our food trucks as you listen to music from our talented artists. There will also be plenty of activities to entertain the kids.

For more information, go to: ryde.nsw.gov.au/corkandfork

On Sunday 2 June, Council is celebrating World Environment Day at our annual Sustainability Festival promoting sustainability, sustainable transport, resilience, active recreation, and environmental awareness.

Taking place between 10.00am-2.00pm at Anzac Park, West Ryde, the festival will feature information stalls, an animal display, workshops, kids’ activities, and live music.

It’s a terrific day out that will show how you can make a real difference. We’ll help you demystify and understand living a sustainable lifestyle and see that it doesn't have to cost a lot or take up all your time.

For more information, go to: ryde.nsw.gov.au/ sustainabilityfestival

I’d also like to talk about some of the initiatives that Council has passed in the first few weeks since I became Mayor of this amazing City.

We’ve introduced some new procedures around the notification of building defects after some alarming reports about an apartment complex at Lachlan’s Line hit the news in January. These new measures will ensure our Councillors and residents are kept fully informed in the event of any future building issues in our LGA.

Council has also pledged to work collaboratively with the NSW Government to achieve the best housing outcomes for Ryde as we all strive to ease the housing crisis currently gripping our nation.

And I’m delighted to report that we’ll be installing bike repair stations close to existing cycle routes at four of our most popular parks, making life a little bit easier for our dedicated cyclists.

CLR TRENTON BROWN CITY OF RYDE MAYOR

ZAC MILES HUNTERS HILL MAYOR

P: 9879 9400

E: mayor@huntershill.nsw.gov.au

What’s on in Hunters Hill

Council has an exciting schedule of events coming up in 2024 so start marking your calendars to make sure you don’t miss out. From our wonderful local fair, the Moocooboola Festival, to the staples of our cultural calendar; the Hunters Hill Art Exhibition and young in art. We of course also run the Carols in the Park, the Hunters Hill Spring Garden Competition, and are looking at different ways of expanding our local events. If you are interested in sponsoring one of our events, check out huntershill.nsw. gov.au/Community/Sponsorships.

Generous sponsorship from our event partners supports us in running our much-loved events year after year. It’s also a great way for businesses and organisations to get involved in the community.

Keeping our local roads safe

With holidays now over and students returning to their daily school routine, National Road Safety Week acts as a timely reminder for everyone to take care on local streets, particularly in and around educational establishments and within our villages.

This year's National Road Safety Week coincides with the work that our Council is doing to promote road safety within our municipality.

One of these initiatives is our free Child Car Seat Checks, offering residents vouchers for an authorised restraint fitter to inspect their child’s car restraints and make any necessary adjustments. Our local fitting station is located at P1 Carpark of the Royal North Shore Hospital, off Reserve Road, St. Leonards. The vouchers are valid every Friday from 9am to 4pm until 8 June.

To apply for a voucher, contact: atroadsafety@huntershill. nsw.gov.au or 9911 3536.

For those of you teaching learner drivers, we are hosting a free online workshop at 6pm on Thursday 23 May.

The session aims to support parents and supervisors of learner drivers to be confident and effective teachers. Registrations are available through Eventbrite: saferdrivers. eventbrite.com.au.

Walk Safely to School Day (10 May) also falls within this week and Council has distributed bright coloured shoelaces to our local primary schools to promote this initiative amongst students.

Council has been working on targeting road safety issues captured in our Road Safety Audit to ensure our school zones, footpaths and crossings are safe for our community. All these initiatives, serve to remind us that road safety is a shared responsibility; please remember to take care and travel safely.

On 25 April 1915, 16,000 soldiers landed on the Gallipoli peninsula in their first major campaign as the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps. That campaign was a military failure, but the courage, endurance and mateship our soldiers showed in the months that followed left a powerful legacy that still lives on today.

Anzac Day is a day when we commemorate and honour the courageous men and women who fought for our nation in World War 1 and all conflicts, wars and peacekeeping operations since. This year, I was proud to be able to mark the occasion by attending services in Hunters Hill, Chatswood, Willoughby Park, and North Sydney.

Like many other Australians, men and women across multiple generations of my family have served in the armed forces or been impacted by war. It was a pleasure to join the North Sydney community in reminiscing on some of the stories that have been passed down to us: stories from the Rats of Tobruk, the Light Horse Brigade, Darwin, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Afghanistan, and other times that have called for Australians to fight for what we believe in.

As Australia heads towards our next chapter, I hope that we can honour those who have sacrificed so much for us by continuing to build on their achievements as a community, towards a better future.

This month I’ve also continued to work with volunteers from my electorate office’s Ageing Well Working Group to help strengthen our aged care system, and identify additional opportunities to support seniors in our community.

Our Ageing Well: Scams & Financial Security seminar with ScamWatch and Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney on 1 May is one such initiative. Surveys show that older Australians are at greatest risk from financial scams. Given the cost pressures facing all Australians right now, it’s more important than ever to empower our seniors to protect their financial security, emotional and mental wellbeing.

None of us should ever take lightly the opportunity and privilege it is to grow old. I look forward to continuing to work with and for our community towards a stronger aged care system and services to help all Australians enjoy a safe, secure and fulfilling old age.

SOLD PRIOR TO AUCTION

• Main living and dining opens to a verandah facing the College grounds

• Family living/meals and spacious island kitchen with induction cooking

• Rumpus/entertainment level has bar area and a versatile media room

• Five bedrooms include office/guest room on entry with own bathroom

Simon Harrison 0433 100 150 E: simon.harrison@belleproperty.com

SOLD AT AUCTION

• Be the first to enjoy this high-end yet low-maintenance renovation

• Beautiful contemporary flooring, bright dual aspects, sleek Eglo fans

• Kitchen with Japanese artisanal mosaic tiles and Bosch dishwasher

• Adjoining laundry room and exquisite bath, mirrored robes throughout

Tim Holgate 0400 802 888 E: tim.holgate@belleproperty.com

SOLD PRIOR TO AUCTION

• Exquisite tri-level design with two kitchen areas, sauna, wine cellar

• Versatile options including great dual or passive income potential

• Three generously sized living areas to enjoy – one with study nook

• Covered rear deck overlooking the level yard and in-ground lap pool

Patrick Lang 0434 990 307 E: patrick.lang@belleproperty.com

SOLD

• Dining space flowing to living area with custom entertainment unit

• Stone kitchen with island, Ilve cooktop and oven, butler's pantry

• Master bed has balcony, walk-in robe and ensuite with soaking tub

• Three further bedrooms with built-ins, two bedrooms with terraces

Michael Gallina 0402 320 265 E: michael.gallina@belleproperty.com

7729

3333

Belle Property Hunters Hill 3/52-56 Gladesville Road, Hunters Hill 9817

Belle Property Lane Cove 162 Longueville Road, Lane Cove 9087

12/121 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove 2 bed 1 bath 1 car

20 Ralston Street, Lane Cove 6 bed 4 bath 2 car

15c Stanbury Street, Gladesville 4 bed 3 bath 1 car

15 Riverview Street, Riverview 5 bed 3 bath 2 car

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