TVO October 2023

Powering Our Community

Proceeds from The Village Observer supports residents of Lane Cove, Hunters Hill, Ryde, Willoughby and North Sydney, via Sydney Community Services – a local not-for-profit organisation that helps residents to live a quality and independent life in their own home and in their community.

Local Support for Local People SCS provides services to seniors and people living with a disability including social activities, gardening, home nursing, podiatry, Community Care Advisory, linen, home delivered meals, home modifications and maintenance, flexible respite, carers support, shopping services, community and engagement programs, medical transport and assistance in daily life.

THE VILLAGE OBSERVER:

1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove NSW 2066.

PUBLISHER: Gillian Batt

P: 02 9427 6425 E: gbatt@sydneycs.org

EDITOR: Nicola Riches

P: 0405 661 570

E: editor@thevillageobserver.com.au

DESIGN + ADVERTISING: Sharon Curby

P: 0450 370 575

E: design@thevillageobserver.com.au

ADVERTISING:

E: advertising@thevillageobserver.com.au

PRINTED BY: Spotpress

DISTRIBUTED: Monthly

EDITOR'S LETTER

This is a very exciting issue for us – TVO celebrates its 30 years anniversary!

Not many publications like ours have managed to withstand the huge media changes and continue to fight another day, but here we are!

In 1993, the world started to shift to the digital realm. At University back then, I was given my first email address. I only knew one other person with an email address, so all that waiting time to get a computer in the computer room was quite wasted.

By 1995, I was producing, along with a bunch of student friends, my first publication on the Macintosh Classic, using design software, Pagemaker. The digital changes were making our print magazine easier to produce, but then the internet came along and suddenly, we were in new waters, flailing around, trying to make the whole media thing work.

All the while, on the other side of the world, Ian Longbottom, founder of TVO, was running this black and white publication out of his home on a shoestring - almost a one-man-band. And while my colleagues and I were flailing around, Ian was reliably bringing out editions of TVO month after month; the reason being that he knew what his audience wanted – local stories featuring local people, in a pocket of the world that the big publishers tended to ignore, all in a small magazine that you could hold in your hand.

• Distribution is at the beginning of the month.

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

• 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.

CONTACT US:

• editor@thevillageobserver.com.au

• design@thevillageobserver.com.au

• advertising@thevillageobserver.com.au

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:

That’s how we’ve continued, with that very same ethos. This magic formula is the reason why we haven’t gone crazy on digital and online – there’s something special about sitting down with TVO and reading local stories, getting some comprehensive information about what’s happening in the area, and finding ways to connect with the raft of local community and sporting groups.

We are very, very lucky to have a cohort of regular writers and contributors, and some of the most loyal advertisers you could ever wish for. Thank you very much to them.

We are also proud to say that the profit we generate goes to Sydney Community Services, based in Lane Cove. Long may that continue!

Happy birthday TVO!

Nicola

NICOLA RICHES EDITOR editor@thevillageobserver.com.au

Quality products made to last

Organise and Store is a local Australian family-owned specialist retailer of high quality, super functional and great space saving home storage/organising products.

The company was established in 2020 with a focus on sourcing and selecting top quality products that are efficient, easy to use and help reduce waste and energy.

Hanging laundry has never been this easy!

Australian Red Cross seeks volunteers

With an El Nino declared, raising the prospect of bush fires and other emergencies, the demand for Australian Red Cross emergency services is growing.

In New South Wales,1,200 Australian Red Cross emergency service volunteers play a critical role in supporting communities when disaster strikes, but more are needed.

Volunteers are vital in delivering Australian Red Cross emergency response programs. They not only support people in their own communities but are often deployed across the country to be where they’re needed most.

Australian Red Cross Emergency Services assist individuals and communities to prepare for, cope with, and manage the psychosocial impacts of emergencies – and right now needs volunteers more than ever. No experience is necessary. People of all backgrounds can help.

Volunteers gain access to internationally and nationally developed training to undertake their roles, including psychological first aid, community engagement and development, preparedness, and recovery.

For more information contact nswemerencyservices@redcross.org.au or see volunteer roles at www.redcross.org.au/volunteer

Don’t forget Lane Cove Rotary Fair on October 8

Horns plus to swing Lane Cove!

Locally-based 19-piece swing outfit Horns Plus Big Band will again be bringing their big sound to this year’s Lane Cove Rotary Fair on Sunday October 8.

Performing from 1:00pm to 2:00pm on the Lloyd Rees Bandstand in the Lane Cove shopping precinct, Horns Plus is directed by renowned trumpet player (and Lane Cove resident) Bob Coassin who has been working with the band over the past few years. Bob has had a long career in the US, Europe, and Australia, playing with some of the biggest names in music including Ray Charles, Buddy Rich, James Last, John Farnham, and James Morrison.

Dynamic, award-winning, Helpmann-nominated jazz, cabaret and music theatre singer Meredith O’Reilly will join the band on vocals.

Horns Plus are sure to get your feet tapping with a colourful mixture of swing jazz, soul, latin, and pop numbers.

Horns Plus Big Band has been operating for over 20 years and is based in Lane Cove. The band performs for a variety of public and private functions, community events, and jazz festivals.

Crows Nest Festival

Crows Nest Mainstreet has announced the return of the Crows Nest Fest 2023, a free community event on Sunday 15 October 2023.

This year's festival will include more than 150 artisan and produce stallholders, boasting an array of activities, delectable cuisine, captivating entertainment, and more. The festival provides something for everyone to enjoy: the Food Alley on Burlington St, Licensed zones including the top section of Willoughby Road will transform into a lively outdoor space hosted by the the Crows Nest Hotel with a selection of boutique drink marquees.

On Burlington St, Xenos restaurant will feature their very own ‘Greektoberfest’ with an outdoor pop-up bar and Greek food.

Live music will take place on the Ernest Place stage and local school bands and dance groups will perform on the Holtermann St, plus there will be a kids zone in the Hume St Park.

Lane Cove Rotary’s next Car Boot Sale takes place 12 November

There’s never been a better reason to spring clean your belongings and earn some money for Christmas and the holidays. Apply now at www.lanecoverotary.org for your car space.

St Michael's Parish Monster Garage Sale is back again

The annual St Michael's Parish Monster Garage Sale is on again with a change of date. Instead of July, it will now be held on Sat 14 October from 8:00am to 3:00pm. The venue is the newly revamped Parish Hall on the corner of Dorritt and Little Sts, Lane Cove.

As always, there will be a huge range of second-hand goods including bric-a-brac, books, toys, electrical, sporting, art and furniture all priced to sell. The muchloved cake stall will be there as well. Donations of quality saleable items can be dropped off at the Parish Hall from 8.30 - 9.30am and 2.30 - 3.30pm on Mon 2, Wed 4, Fri 6, Mon 9 and Wed 11 Oct. Proceeds from the sale all go to Caritas Australia and Youth Off the Streets.

For enquiries contact Frances de Jong 0420.289057 or 5dejongs@tpg.com.au

Cash is King

by Liz Foster

Who could ever imagine thirty years ago that a black and white photocopied masthead full of community news would end up as a digital issue – or even what that meant back then (something to do with watches? Or fingers?)

The world is vastly different to 1993, but on closer inspection, while everything seems different, much has stayed the same. Take budgeting. We all know about the bill stress that Millennials are experiencing, aren’t we all, but it’s worse for them because they can’t get a foothold in the property market. Paying diabolical Sydney rents, not to mention escalating utilities bills, is hard enough. On top of that is the ever-present enviro-guilt tugging at us as we purchase that chicken on special in the non-recyclable polystyrene tray, or take a long-awaited flight on a Covid-delayed trip of a lifetime (surely carbon offsets don’t actually work?)

So, I was pleased to read about a brand-new budgeting system for the twenty-somethings called Cash Stuffing, taking the world by storm. It’s proved fantastically successful in helping youngsters manage their income versus outgoings. I have two adult children, so I read on with keen interest to learn more.

I first skimmed the article and then read it again twice, to make sure I hadn’t missed anything or misunderstood – I am a Gen Xer after all, prone to memory lapses and incomprehension in all things learned from The Internet. But no, I hadn’t missed anything, and I was pretty sure I understood it just fine. This new and innovative budgetary system involves withdrawing your salary each month and then ‘stuffing’ it into labelled envelopes – rent, utilities, groceries etc. In other words, spending cash.

Can you imagine if a Baby Boomer came up with this idea? Tentatively suggested to their children that perhaps using cash, like in ‘our’ day, would help them see the money physically dwindle before their eyes? Casually mentioned that perhaps the modern way of tap ‘n’ go makes it all too easy to overspend? But it’s okay, because Cash Stuffing was popularised (invented) on TikTok, an app only launched seven years ago and used predominantly by Millennials and Gen Zedders.

I meekly sat through dozens of cash stuffing explainer videos where I was led on a step-by-step process of labelling sleeves or envelopes, and the whys and wherefores of only putting money in ‘Fun’ every other month.

A whole craft industry of colour coded envelopes has sprung up out of this need. Specific wallets lined with plastic binders abound, pre-printed with headings like ‘petrol’ or ‘entertainment’. One helpful piece of TikTok advice, up to 186,600 views and counting, is to occasionally have dinner with your folks, ‘because, you know, it’s free and they’d love to see you sometime’, advice no doubt in priority order. It turns out that a thirty-year cycle is a thing with a name – the

ILLUSTRATION BY GRACE KOPSIAFTIS

nostalgia pendulum. It’s basically when consumers come of age and start shaping the culture themselves. It’s no coincidence that marketers continue peddling the nostalgia ads – think Vegemite, Cottee’s, Drumsticks. Music choice is critical to success as the number one cultural association across all decades. Brand evolution is also cyclical – the latest Burger King ‘flat design’ logo, ‘reflecting a new era for Burger King and its commitment to fresher, cleaner ingredients’ - is very similar in colour palette to its 1994 logo.

There are about a million other examples of stuff that’s rolled back in. My daughter just bought a pair of Crocs, which she says she’s going to live in. Crocs! Another throwback from thirty years ago! My mother-in-law initially formed a low opinion of me when we first met in 1991 because I was wearing cut-off shortsI was a backpacker with a limited wardrobe - but she says they were a bad look and gave a poor first impression. (I’m sure I would have made a bigger effort had I known it was my future husband’s mother and I’d be emigrating to Australia – you see what a long bow that was). I recently bought another pair of shorts with a frayed hem which I pointed out to her the other day. ‘Yeah’, she said, ‘they were like that. But today they are in fashion.’

All kinds of looks roll in and out on a continuum – bootleg jeans, miniskirts, kitten heels, wedges. Black and white wedding photographs, seen as stylish and timeless by modern happy couples, are considered old fashioned and cheap by their parents’ generation, who would’ve loved their nuptials captured in technicolour. The hirsute look is definitely back in and seems here to stay, along with tattoos and body piercings. My two-bobs worth for the cash stuffers is this: buy envelopes from Coles instead of investing more of your hard-earned salary into a fancy craft system. And make a TikTok, to help you explain the concept of cash to your own children in another thirty years.

Liz Foster is a local writer. Her debut fiction novel, The Good Woman’s Guide to Making Better Choices, is out in January 2024 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.

ASPECTS

Where: the opening of Wadanggari Park in St Leonards

When: Friday 15 September 2023. It's definitely worth a trip!

Q&A: Ian Longbottom

Ian is the founder of The Village Observer, a former Lane Cove Mayor (twice!) and Councillor, and a current board member of Sydney Community Services. To celebrate our 30 years anniversary edition, we got together with Ian for a fascinating chat about The Village Observer and all things Lane Cove.

 What made you start a local publication?

In the first edition, we printed this mission: “Our aim is not to directly compete with current local newspapers but rather to supplement them and provide the residents of the Municipality of Lane Cove with all the local news and information that is missing from the big city newspapers and, hopefully, present you with “everything you would want to know about what’s happening in Lane Cove and environs.” Pretty basic, but it worked!

 How did you get TVO off the ground - did you have financial supporters? Did you have people helping to distribute it?

There was no big financial investment from financial supporters. It launched off the back of lots of prayers and great support from local advertisers and the community. We had great support from local businesses, and I particularly mention Holgate Real Estate, Patrick Grimes Solicitors (who are still with us!), Blunts, Lane Cove Optical, Len Wallis Audio, LCW Fruit Market, Hamilton & Co, Eurocars, Greenwich Inn, Lane Cove Smash Repairs, Fig Tree Cellars, Lane Cove Country Club, Lane Cove Council, and many others, who helped get TVO up and running. A very big thank you also goes to the many contributors and writers who have kept residents informed.

 Tell us what it was like working on a monthly back then…

I recently looked at early issues of TVO and it showed how basic and different things were in those days of limited computer use, early versions of Microsoft Word 6.0 running on DOS, cut and paste (literally with scissors and glue), handwritten submissions that needed to be typed in the early hours of the morning, and advertisements in every form available that had to be reworked. Oh what fun it was! I was pretty much a one-man band. We did have a couple of contributors (young people who wanted experience in journalism).

 What made you pass on the publication to SCS and new editors?

It was time! 17 years, 11 issues a year, is exhausting.

 Are you surprised by its resilience in what has been a time of huge media changes?

I’ve always believed we had a good local publication that would receive support, but it certainly was competitive times. I guess you never know whether you will survive but if you are determined you will.

 You've been in Lane Cove for a long time - tell us about your community involvement...

We decided on Lane Cove in 1984 after returning from years of overseas appointments with multi-national companies. I was CEO at Hardy Brothers, Group GM at Grace Bros. I got involved with the community immediately and TVO was born in 1993.

I was a Councillor from 1991 to 2012, Mayor 20042009, a Director of Lane Cove Community Aid/Sydney Community Services for 32 years, Chairman Lane Cove Community Aid Foundation, President/Director/Member Rotary Club, Director and Chairman Lane Cove Club (1994 - 2017) and many other organisations.

 Are there things you think the suburb has missed out on, or continues to miss out on?

I don’t think there is much missing here. Not many suburbs/communities in Sydney have what we have in LC. How many suburbs have a golf course? And Royal North Shore Hospital a short drive away! Five great junior schools in the municipality and high schools a suburb away. Sydney Community Services hubs in LC and Hunters Hill. You can definitely “age in place” in Lane Cove.

The only things missing can be found 5km up the road in Chatswood, 7km down the road at Macquarie (University, hospital, shopping) or 11km across the Bridge in the City. We pretty much have it all. My car has low kilometres which pretty much says it all. I am not moving!

How has Lane Cove changed in the last 30 years?

WORDS AND REFLECTIONS: IAN LONGBOTTOM AND NICOLA RICHES

The most obvious projects that have altered our village here in LC are the Market Square complex and the Canopy. The community certainly appreciates them. What might not be common knowledge is that it was a complicated process getting them off the ground.

Ian explains that the seed for the Market Square complex (Library, Woolworths) was sown in 1992 when he was approached by Brian Lamble, the owner of the Clancy’s supermarket and coffee shop in the Plaza.

Brian told Ian he wanted to build a new supermarket on his site and asked if the Council would be interested in incorporating a library and car park on Austin Street (opposite LCPS) into the development.

The proposal was put to Council. Ian recalls that the process was not smooth sailing.

“It started many years of conflict and angst. Litigation against LCC was commenced by a local resident, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

Despite this, after a long 18 years and an investment of $15m, the development was completed.

Much loved is LC library, the envy of suburbs all over Sydney and beyond. It is thought that the asset is now worth something in the region of $85m. The complex is totally owned by LCC and leased to Supermarket Centre Australia on a long-term lease.

McDonalds was later hounded out of town

What is now The Canopy started life many years ago when LCC started purchasing houses on Rosenthal Avenue to form a car park for the Longueville Road shopping strip.

After many years all the houses were purchased and the land became a car park with approximately 175 spaces.

In the early 2000s Council held a design competition for the car park and the winning entry was for a 300-space car park and approximately 75 units. St Hilliers entered into an agreement with LCC to move forward on the winning proposal.

Ian explains he was one of the Councillors who opposed the plan and a legal battle commenced between LCC and St Hilliers to rescind the agreement.

In 2004, when Ian became Mayor, he moved for mediation with St Hilliers to put an end to the very expensive litigation process.

An outcome was finally reached which entailed LCC making a payment to St Hilliers and the litigation was terminated. A few years later, a further design competition was held with the proviso that there would be no apartments on the site and that car parking be increased to 500.

The end product was the Canopy as it is now - an awardwinning community space with two huge retailers; Aldi and Coles, meaning that LC has four major grocery retailers in walking distance, plus al fresco dining, and an outdoor stage for performances. Residents have been thrilled to see the Live Music Zone set up too for live music in the heart of the village.

“Sanity ultimately prevailed,” exclaims Ian.

“Lane Cove Council, and therefore the community, has been very fortunate in having three forward thinking General Managers over the past 30 years,” Ian goes on to explain, “Henry Wong, Peter Brown and current GM, Craig Wrightson, all served for around 10 years each in the GM role and have led great teams of people over those years to build a great environment for us to live, work and play.

“Dare it be said that we live in the best community in the state! You tell us what’s missing and not available within seven kilometres,” he says.

Not in date order, the most significant changes over the past 30 years have included: the refurbishing of the Council chambers and Civic centre, the opening of Blue Gum Lodge at Greenwich Hospital, the remodelling of the Aquatic Centre, adding the indoor pools and a new outdoor pool and OOSHs built at Lane Cove West and Greenwich Public Schools. The Pottery Lane Community facility was completed – giving new purpose-built homes to Sydney Community Services, Lane Cove Music and Cultural Centre and much need parking for the pool and town centre. Hundreds of car parks have been addedMarket Square (320), Little Street (200), The Canopy (500). Gallery Lane Cove + Art Studios Art Gallery was built. A number of community buildings were destroyed by an arsonist and have all been rebuilt – The RSL Bowling Club was not rebuilt – but is now the site of Hughes Park; Waterview Community Centre and Waterview Drive. The Lane Cove Tunnel was constructed taking pressure off Epping Road.

The Men’s Shed was inaugurated. It was either the first, or second, in Australia, depending on who you talk to (Ian believes it was the first and notes that we should thank Keith Spence for seeding the idea).

Blackman Park underwent major reformation and incorporated a new Scouts complex and synthetic turf fields that have allowed more sporting groups to train and play all year round. The Girl Guide facility was also rebuilt after the arsonist burnt the original building down. Most recently, the new St Leonard’s Library was opened, plus the new Wadanggari Park was completed. What is quite amazing about Lane Cove is that there is a park or playground within 400m of every home.

TVO today provides income to help Sydney Community Services fund its many programmes supporting those who need help in our wonderful community.

Copies of every issue of TVO are available for viewing at Lane Cove Library. You will need to contact the Local History Librarian for viewing. The State Library of NSW also has a hard copy of every issue, and these can be requested for in-library viewing.

And if that was not enough…what else has changed in LC?

What was happening in the world 30 years ago, when TVO was born?

WORDS: FRANCES CHRISTIE

Middle Eastern terrorism arrived with a vengeance when a great explosion rocked the car park beneath the World Trade Centre on 26 February 1993. The explosion, caused by a small group of terrorists, created a huge crater, killing six people immediately, though more than a thousand people were injured. The world would not be the same again, and the threat of terrorism remains even now.

There were of course, many happy and entertaining events as well. Jurassic Park was released in June 1993, coming to Australia shortly after. It proved to be the most popular film of the year world-wide, also becoming the highest grossing film ever made (though it was later surpassed by Titanic). The film set a standard for fantasy films at Hollywood, and fantasy still remains popular for many people.

On a very happy note, Nelson Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in October. He shared the Prize with William de Klerk “for their work for the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime, and for laying the foundations for a new democratic South Africa". Given that Nelson Mandela had suffered so much for his people, enduring 27 years in jail, his Award was particularly fitting, and the world rejoiced.

There were some small, even odd, new developments in the year 1993. For example, the Italians, ever interested to set new trends in food, started using sundried tomatoes in their pastas and pizzas, even introducing them into salads as well. Sundried tomatoes came to Australia, their arrival no doubt hastened by the many Australians of Italian descent.

We actually acquired one additional second of time in 1993, though it is doubtful we all noticed it! That was because one second - or leap second - was added to the Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC), which is the universal time standard, and this is occasionally adjusted to deal with irregularities associated with the earth’s rotation. The

UTC gives us the civil time used throughout the world.

Buckingham Palace was opened to the public for the first time. This was to raise funds for the restoration of Windsor Castle which had been badly burnt in a fire in 1992. Many people rushed to visit and quite a lot of money was raised.

Internationally, 1993 was a big year for music. Baz Luhrmann directed a lavish production of Benjamin Britton’s opera, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, while his designer wife, Catherine Martin, created the costumes. It was a truly magical performance.

The population of Australia in 1993 was 17.63 million, while that for Lane Cove was nearly 29,000 (it is now 40,028).

The most popular names for new babies in Australia in 1993 were Jessica and Joshua. They were Oliver and Isla in 2022, so fashions do change!

In April, Prime Minister Paul Keating created the Republic Advisory Committee, chaired by Malcolm Turnbull, and it delivered a two-volume report by the end of the year, though at the eventual referendum held later on, Australia voted against becoming a republic.

Sydney-siders were very excited in September 1993 when they learnt the city had won the bid to host the 2000 Olympic Games. Planning was under way to transform the Homebush Bay site and we enjoy its benefits to this day.

In November, Prime Minister Paul Keating tabled the Native Title legislation in Parliament. The Native Title legislation was passed after lengthy debate in the Senate. The legislation recognised the rights and interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in land and waters, according to their traditional laws and customs. Also, in November, the Melbourne Cup as usual sparked a great deal of interest, when the race was won by an Irish horse Vintage Crop, which became the first European Horse to win the race. It was said that his win put the Melbourne Cup on the international map.

Milestones...

When The Village Observer team told me that the October edition would celebrate 30 years of providing our local community with news and views and happenings, I felt extremely excited to be part of such a great milestone.

What was once a simple, relatively cheaply produced document with fewer pages created by Ian Longbottom - and with much love for his baby – has metamorphosed into a vibrant colourful newsy magazine with something for everyone. Of course, there is also much more advertising now but it’s all in a good cause for the income earned by TVO goes to support Sydney Community Services. We are privileged to have this excellent organisation supporting our community. And so it is also a privilege for Trendsetter to reciprocate that support and your custom.

While TVO was born in 1993, Trendsetter Travel was formally born 18 months earlier in April 1992. Coincidentally the first Lane Cove Rotary Fair also happened in October 1992. It was clearly a time to build and create in postcode 2066.

I have no immediate plans for retirement but as I grow older (and hopefully wiser) I now muse more often about how much has changed in the travelscape. And what it will be like in another three decades …

I remember the excitement of painting the office, buying second-hand desks, creating branding, and the excitement of the clunky two computers, the size of portable TVs, that swung between our desk, purely for making airline reservations. They were called dumb terminals back then. The “word processor” for itinerary production was out the back, and itinerary creation was a laborious process.

In time, these machines were superseded by personal desktop computers with large screens and integrated front, mid and back office systems that pulled together airlines, hotels, wholesaler sites and more – all of which enhanced

productivity and enabled a quicker response time for clients. The World Wide Web, or www. as we know it, was a game changer in that many of the tools we used professionally were now accessible to our clients, enabling self-booking. In much the same way that personal computers were to spell the end of secretaries, we were supposedly doomed to die … but didn’t of course. There will always be a place for knowledge and expertise borne of decades of experience. So here we are now in the brave new world of AI where it’s possible to request, via your phone, all manner of travel requests. A nice little 3-day itinerary for Paris, where to stay in Rio, gourmet eats and treats with a sustainable focus in Copenhagen … it seems everything and anything is now available online. So long as you are happy to trust the algorithm of course!

Naturally, we use these tools as well and why not? It would be a rare advisor who has been everywhere, and recently. The difference is that my years of experience enables my own personal computer (it’s called a brain!) to synthesise multiple information components and personalise these for

each client. My role has indeed changed considerably in these 30 years.

Well before the pandemic travel agents were morphing into travel advisors, a subtle change that still perplexes some. I have always taken the view that I was the agent for my clients i.e. I work for them. However, the descriptor travel agent could also be interpreted that we were the agent of the travel supplier, be it an airline or hotel or wholesaler and worked for them to push their wares to our clientele. The term “advisor” better reflects that our clients’ interests are paramount.

I’ve witnessed many other significant changes in the last 30 years, most notably the growth of cruising. The pandemic wrought huge damage within the cruise industry but testament to the resilience of the industry and the love that many have for this way of holidaying, growth rates are exceeding projections.

As I write this month’s article, I’m currently onboard Silversea’s Silver Moon escorting the first of four Trendsetter groups through Europe for the next 10 weeks. Our guests are happy, excited to be back exploring new ports and revisiting some favourites, making new friends and positively revelling in a second year of revenge travel.

In a sign of the times, guests are asked to be mindful of others when using their mobile phones, to refrain from using the speaker function and to not talk loudly. The internet is faster than it has ever been and there’s an app for easier access to onboard services. And so, I have temporarily moved my office from Longueville to Europe for this period, which feat would have been impossible and unaffordable five years ago...how times have changed due to better technology and connectivity.

I mentioned the many happy people who surround me morning to night, as they play (and I work). There was a time during the pandemic when I thought there’d be a new

normal, that people would demand a different way to travel, that they’d never hug and kiss the same and be forever conscious about personal space. I was wrong. It’s as if Covid never existed - apart from an enhanced and obvious focus on cleaning practices. I love that people remain resilient as it bodes well for overcoming other events that will undoubtedly disturb our lives.

Worldwide, the tourism industry has stepped up to support Morocco with money to assist people rebuild their lives –and we are being encouraged to keep travellers flowing so that the money they spend courses through the economy and keeps people employed, helps them feed their families and educate their children. One day, we all hope to do the same in Ukraine for it will surely need us.

I’m forever grateful that I’ve made a life in this wonderful industry. There are better paid careers but few that offer so much satisfaction. To be entrusted with my clients’ precious travel dreams, to solve incidents along the way, to share their stories and witness their joyous posts on Instagram and Facebook gives me a daily buzz.

I imagine it’s the same buzz and sense of purpose that unites us all as we strive to create stronger communities, here in our own backyard and in the world at large. For nothing can keep us for long from feeding our need for the human connection.

We do indeed live in a beautiful world and I am privileged to share it with you.

Dear TVO,

You’re 30! I can’t believe it. I’m so proud of you – you’ve done some amazing things in your short life. I can’t wait to see what the next 30 hold for you.

I had no idea what to get you as a birthday gift – you are, after all, a non-corporeal being and have no need for scented candles (I’m a middle-aged woman from the North Shore and can absolutely confirm that NO ONE needs more scented candles as gifts) so I hope you’ll indulge me a moment and accept some friendly advice as my gift for you. I’ve had a couple of dozen more trips around the sun than you have and have garnered a few bits of wisdom about how to be a decent grown-up in this crazy world we live in.

Firstly, without wanting to get too preachy, there is more to being a grown-up than simply years on the planet. For us mere mortals, we have some tell-tale signs that you may not – you might hear us saying words like ‘superannuation’ and ‘lawnmower’ and talking about running a marathon. Superannuation is definitely important, depending on where you live a lawnmower may be important, running a marathon is definitely not mission critical.

But looking after yourself is. You need to start caring about what you eat, and you need to find exercise that you enjoy doing and hopefully some people you enjoy doing it with.

You’re a giver TVO. You’ve spent your entire life trying to do good, entertaining and informing while you raise money for Sydney Community Services and help members of our community live a quality and independent life in their own homes and in their community. Doing something for other people is a big tick for laying out your adult credentials TVO. You know that the REM song ‘Everybody Hurts’ that came out in the year of your birth is true, and that finding a way to give back is a great way to look after your own mental health.

As an inherently efficient person (although some cruel people choose to refer to it as laziness), I decided that a brief Google search would likely give me some wisdom for you that I could pass off as my own.

It seems to me from that reading that 30 is about the age when we start to judge younger generations. While I understand the urge (especially if they want to make fun of your skinny jeans), I think it’s important to try to avoid that where possible. Cos what’s the point? You might get a cheap laugh (see my skinny jeans reference above as evidence), but you run the risk of missing much more.

The best thing you can do throughout your life is surround yourself with interesting people who are older

than you and interesting people who are younger than you. You’re smart enough to see the common thread there TVO – it isn’t about age; it’s about them being interesting. And you can’t be interesting if you’re not interested.

So keep asking questions TVO. Stay curious. Be open to learning from everyone you meet.

You already know that money doesn’t equal happiness. You could be a glossy magazine featuring $25,000 handbags by now if you’d wanted to, but you and I wouldn’t be hanging out any more TVO.

You probably feel old now, right? I remember feeling old at 30. If you were human, TVO, I’d tell you that feeling old is a waste of time. Worrying about getting old is a waste of time. What’s the alternative? Getting older is an enormous privilege not afforded to everyone and yes, it can be confronting, but it can also be very rewarding. If you let it.

(In two decades you’ll get your poo test in the mail from the Australian Government. You’ll feel very old that day but also, I hope, incredibly lucky to live in a country where we have universal free healthcare and that simple preventative diagnostic tests are not simply for the wealthy).

Maybe we should have had this chat when you turned 13. Life could have been so much worse for all of us. In the UK’s 1883 Factory Act, the emergence of a child’s second molar (usually between 11 and 13 years) was considered sufficient evidence that a child was old enough to work in a factory.

By 30, they’d no doubt have permanently bent and achy backs and not a whole lot of joy in their lives. I guess they – legitimately – would have felt very old at 30. But you’re not human TVO. You’re a magazine. And for a magazine, yes, you are getting on. Ok, the Australian Women’s Weekly turns 90 this year, so you’ve got nothing on her yet, but there have been a million publications come and go in the last 30 years and I’m glad you’re still here.

Happy birthday dear TVO. Here’s to your next 30 x

Carolyn

Swindell

PS. You don’t look a day over 25

(Ed: readers – run a search on our resident comedian Carolyn on YouTube. You won’t regret it)

Carolyn Swindell is a TVO local, a stand-up comedian and author of novel We Only Want What's Best. Follow her on Instagram @puffycee or Facebook @carolynswindellcomedian

Ricki-Lee to headline the Granny Smith Festival

Internationally acclaimed pop performer Ricki-Lee is the headline act for this year’s City of Ryde Granny Smith Festival, closing out an action packed, fun-filled day in the heart of Eastwood on Saturday 21 October.

Ricki-Lee will take to the oval stage at 7.00pm, ahead of a spectacular fireworks finale, and can’t wait to sing in front of a thrilled all-ages audience.

“I’m so excited to get up there and perform for everyone with my band,” said Ricki-Lee, who recently released two brand new songs – On My Own and Point of No Return – from her forthcoming fifth studio album.

“It’s going to be a wonderful day and I’m hoping I can be the cherry or, should we say, apple on top of a great family day out.

“I’ll be performing some of my own songs mixed with some of my all-time favourites that everyone knows and loves – so everyone has to bring their singing voices and dancing shoes.”

The performance by the 2023 Australian Idol co-host and Nova drive time radio star will be a fitting climax to this year’s event, which is recognised as one of Sydney’s biggest and best street festivals.

Running from 9.00am-8.30pm, it’s a day packed with highlights, starting with the famous parade and its colourful floats and performers. There’s also singing, poetry and dancing competitions, a Youth Zone for those aged 12-24, Carnival rides, camel rides, fascinating stalls, and plenty of delicious food and drink options. There’s even an apple pie eating competition for the very hungry! The festival made a triumphant return in 2022 after two years of COVID cancellations, with an estimated 100,000 people flocking to the streets and parks of Eastwood to take part in the celebrations that honour the life of one of the district’s most famous citizens, Maria Ann Smith.

It was in 1868 that Maria, better known as Granny Smith, ‘accidentally’ grew the first batch of little green apples that bear her name and are now produced all over the world.

Go to www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/gsf for a full preview of all the 2023 Granny Smith Festival highlights.

Happy birthday TVO! Thirty years since residents first picked up the little black and white homeprinted paper that told us what was happening in the area. Right from the start it had 'community' at heart and community groups such as the Lane Cove Historical Society [LCHS] have 30 years of gratitude for all the free ads you have published to help our fundraising efforts for local historical research and Carisbrook Historic House.

Lane Cove has always had its random standout personalities, no less than in the past 30 years. Many of those people helped to nurture community awareness in our suburb through sporting clubs, bushland groups, sailing clubs and cultural groups. Over the past 30 years the LCHS has, like a sports club, encouraged its volunteers to keep their eye on the ball. The goal, since the Council bought Carisbrook back in 1969, has been to preserve the house and garden and keep it open to the public as a museum. Over a few generations we've worked as a team and enjoyed many a game of matching antique furniture and everyday 'backin-the-day' household items as well as old photographs to the life stories of long-dead Lane Covians.

One of our curiosities recently donated by a family member is a memento of the Radke family, one of Lane Cove's early families who owned a tannery and belt making factory. The earliest Radke was Prussian-born Albert and generations of the family lived and worked in and around the Lane Cove area since then. These curious items are placed together under a glass dome and the more you look at them the more you ponder the nature of these exotic locals of the past. Under the glass dome are two pieces of bread, one over a 130 years old. Each has a note to say that they are both remnants of the first loaf of bread purchased by each couple on setting up their households after marriage; one dated 1891, the other 1927. It is not quite the European tradition of the parents of the the couple giving a loaf of bread and some salt at the wedding to symbolise future prosperity, but something similar. It appears to have been a Radke family tradition. In random ways the Leiper family has also had a longtime come-and-go relationship with Lane Cove. In the 1880s they operated the Phoenix Potteries in Little Street and lived in a pretty rural looking little house on Mowbray Road.

WORDS: DR KAY LIEPER Vice President, Lane Cove Historical Society Inc. - Curator: Carisbrook Historic House

Looking back to move forward Reminiscences of Lane Cove and the community

Right from the start it had 'community' at heart

Carisbrook garden

This was my late-ex-husband's family so I was a late comer to Lane Cove. My father-in-law grew up in Helen Street where the houses were built along the ridge and had enormous front gardens as the land sloped down to the street and the bushland around Stringy Bark creek. He had crazy stories of how his father would have a flutter on the horses, win, and then proceed to hide the cash in the storeroom under the house. Why? Because his Chatswood-born wife was a pillar of the local society as well as a dedicated teetotal, nongambling Methodist. When he died his two sons mounted a secret search under the house (inside old pianos, picture frames, paint tins, tool boxes!) trying to find their father's stash. My father-in-law could definitely tell interesting stories about his life in Lane Cove and behind them was always a sense of appreciation of the community and the bushland that surrounds the area. Now the thing I get a bit sentimental about is that my daughter is living in one of the apartments in Helen Street next door to the land where once had been that Leiper bungalow.

Lane Cove has kept its reputation as a bushland and tree covered suburb and over the past 30 years community attitudes haven't changed despite the considerable development of apartment buildings and many new residents. We all love our green spaces as much as the Plaza and the Canopy (especially if there's a coffee cart in the vicinity).

As a newlyweds, my recently acquired husband and I owned one of those apartments facing the Pacific Highway near Coronation Lookout. It wasn't the sunniest apartment, but it was big and the view to the west was wonderful. From there we lived overseas and on the North Coast until I returned (alone) in the early 2000s to live in Best Street. There I could look out across the valley onto Riverview and through the Lane Cove bushland that surrounds Tannery Creek it was easy to walk around Burns Bay to where the river turns north and ripples around Cunningham's Reach.

On one of the walks around that bay I climbed the stairs that lead up to Carisbrook and wandered around the upper levels of the garden around the house. Peeking in through the etched glass of the front door I was charmed by the Victorian interior. Even then it was the black and white

TVO advertisement for volunteers to help at Carisbrook that caught my eye and prompted me to sign up.

Thirty years ago, Carisbrook's rooms were familiar to a large age range of visitors. And to mention the Radke family again, Ernie Radke (Albert's great-grandson) was a long-time member of the LCHS and assisted greatly in the acquisition of antique furniture for the house including the many baffling Victorian kitchen implements he collected and placed in the Carisbrook kitchen.

Like him LCHS volunteers were always ready to meet any challenge—like when the Channel 7 Weekender crew filmed a piece about Carisbrook in 1997. The show aired on a Saturday evening before an open day. Sunday 14 September saw 250 visitors file through the house to the amazement of volunteers. I'm not entirely sure if this is true but I was told that the local police were called to manage the traffic and queues of people.

Today the children and younger adults who visit the house are blown away by furniture and interiors that they've never experienced before. And, it's real, not a virtual space to wander through. Things change over 30 years, but TVO remains a valuable medium for community groups to get their word out to the local residents. And, speaking as an individual resident, the TVO is a treasured little piece of press that I look forward to every month to keep me up to date with what's going on in my village.

So, thank you TVO. Many happy returns!

Lane Cove has kept its reputation as a bushland and tree covered suburb

Radke memento at Carisbrook

Kay Elizabeth aged about 4 and Neil Leiper

Hunters Hill’s French connection for the past 30 years

The first exchange program saw thirty students take part, and due to its popularity, the program has continued annually ever since, with the only gap being between 2020 - 2022 due to the COVID pandemic.

Though the years, the program has evolved to offer students in Year 9 and 10 studying French, who either live or go to school in the Hunters Hill area, a six-week stay in their Christmas holidays with a French family in Le Vésinet. This enables local students to experience the French way of life and to improve their French language speaking skills.

In the following July and August, the equivalent experience is provided to the French students in Sydney.

The program has been a great success with participants describing it as a life-changing experience.

Not only do these students gain unique cultural experiences, but also special memories and life-long connections – and Hunters Hill-Le Vésinet committee member, Danielle Francis is a true representation of this.

As part of one of the first delegations of exchange participants, Danielle Francis met her Le Vésinet sister, Cécile Langlois during her trip to Le Vésinet and the two have remained friends ever since.

Often referred to as the ‘French Village’ in the early 1800s, Hunters Hill has a long-standing French connection and history dating back to the arrival of Didier and Jules Joubert – the French brothers responsible for subdividing Hunters Hill and building marine villas, which has formed the character of the area to this day.

The French influence continued to develop as more French immigrants settled in the area, but it was not until 1988, thirty-five years ago today, when Hunters Hill’s relationship with France was officially solidified.

The celebration of Australia’s Bicentenary in 1988 saw several local projects dedicated to recognising the history of the area as well as links to our French origins. The restoration and official opening of Vienna Cottage and Hillman Orchard took place, in addition to the commencement of our Friendship Pact with Le Vésinet.

The French Ambassador, along with a flurry of French hierarchy landed by helicopter on Weil Park, situated next to the iconic Kelly’s Bush on the foreshore of the Parramatta River, to sign the Friendship Pact between Hunter’s Hill Council and the Council of Le Vésinet, which is a municipality of similar size, character and history to Hunters Hill, located just outside of Paris.

From their similar garden-suburb form, to their parallel age, proximity to water, community spirit and architectural style, Hunters Hill and Le Vésinet may be separated by a vast distance, but both share strong cultural similarities, making each council well-suited as ‘sister cities’.

For the past three decades, Hunter’s Hill Council and the Council of Le Vésinet’s relationship has only strengthened, and to this day, the long-held student exchange program has flourished.

This formal exchange program commenced in 1991, due to the commitment of the Hunters Hill Le Vésinet Friendship Committees. The committees established the exchange program to offer delegations of student’s opportunities to experience the unique culture and lifestyle of Hunters Hill and Le Vésinet.

This year, for the first time, the exchange program has come full circle as Cécile’s 15-year-old daughter, Inès, will become one of the first students to tread in the footsteps of her parents and host with Danielle.

This is a significant milestone and a testament to the success of the program as well as the time, effort and commitment the two sister cities have put into their relationship.

It has undoubtably been an enriching experience for both Hunters Hill and Le Vésinet, promoting cultural exchange, personal growth and inspiring lifelong friendship – and as a result, this has become an integral part of both communities.

As Christmas approaches, Hunters Hill Le Vésinet Friendship Committees are gearing up for another year of this invaluable exchange, with students in Hunters Hill and neighbouring suburbs gathering for an information evening about the program on 25 October 2023 at 7:00pm at The Yarn, 64 Gladesville Rd, Hunters Hill.

If anyone is interested in taking part in the student exchange, applications remain open for the 2023-24 Christmas cohort.

For more information on this exciting, yet scholarly exchange program, and the remarkable friendship between the two cities, visit www.huntershill-levesinet.org.au.

The 2023 cohort

The 1993 cohort

Helping to empower us to take control of our food supply

The Sydney Edible Garden Trail 2023 is happening this Spring to help people grow their own produce in times of rising costs of living.

With the rising cost of living, many are feeling the pinch with spending on food rising 5.8 per cent due to soaring prices, according to reports. Many families are being forced to change their purchasing patterns and even seek additional sources of income to lighten the load on their wallets. In these challenging times, the Sydney Edible Garden Trail (SEGT) recognises the importance of empowering individuals to take control of their food supply and reduce their dependence on expensive store-bought produce.

Experts recommend growing high yield crops such as beans, peas, tomatoes, lettuce and herbs. A lemon tree is also both an attractive and useful plant. Growing perennials (plants that live more than one year) is another option for time poor gardeners. And there’s also the humble choko, the tofu of the vegetable family, which can be used for entrees, soups, mains AND desserts!

By growing their own food, individuals can not only save money but also experience a range of benefits. Cultivating a garden offers an opportunity for physical activity and stress relief, promoting overall well-being. Additionally, homegrown produce ensures access to safe and organic food, free from harmful pesticides and additives, contributing to better health outcomes for individuals and their families. Growing fruit and vegetables at home helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with the production and transportation of store-bought produce. By cutting down on long-distance shipping and the need for excessive packaging, individuals can play a crucial role in mitigating climate change and creating a more sustainable future. However, for many people not knowing where to start when growing produce at home may seem like a daunting task. To help obtain the necessary skills and experience to produce their own fruit and vegetables, the team at SEGT is excited to announce the 2023 Trail.

In order to spread knowledge and awareness about growing food sustainably at home, the SEGT encourages garden owners in NSW to sign up as garden hosts and help others become informed. Garden hosts get the opportunity to open their garden to ticket holders, the opportunity to raise funds selling plants and seeds, and serve an instrumental role in spreading gardening knowledge with the community.

“We joined the trail because we believe in fostering a gardening community. The opportunity to find out what other people are doing, and to share our own experiences is so valuable.” shared previous garden owner Tracy.

If you’re interested in visiting gardens, ticket holders gain access to all listed gardens across NSW, with many gardens offering guided tours, plants for purchase, and a host of demonstrations such as composting, for example and how to keep bees and chickens. Find more information about each individual garden visit: sydneyediblegardentrail.com/

lasting gift to help sick kids

By her first birthday, Abigail had received care from many of the expert clinical teams across Sydney Children's Hospitals Network. This included an emergency transfer to Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick (SCH) via Newborn Emergency and paediatric Transport Service (NETS), many weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and the discovery of a rare, potentially life threatening, genetic condition Hypopituitarism.

Abigail's parents Adrienne and Aaron say they are forever grateful to the extraordinary clinicians who cared for Abigail in those critical moments. It is thanks to the generosity of Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation (SCHF) supporters that we were able to fund two senior positions in the Gene Therapy Research Unit at Sydney Children’s

Hospitals Network to help transform the lives of children with rare genetic conditions, like Abigail. At SCHF, we know that including a charity in your Will is a very personal decision. It is an important and lasting declaration of your values and beliefs that you and your loved ones can be proud of for a long time to come. ‘Leaving a gift in your Will is a big decision, but what better gift, what better legacy to leave, than the gift of life’ Anne McFadden, Head of Planned Giving, SCHF. By leaving a gift in your Will to SCHF, even as little as 1%, can help elevate great healthcare, to extraordinary healthcare.

SCHF has partnered with Safewill, Australia’s highest rated Will writing platform. Safewill makes it quick, easy, and affordable to write your Will online. You will be able to write a Will in as little as 20 minutes, and have it reviewed by Safewill’s legal team to ensure it has been filled out correctly.

New green space in the heart of St Leonards

Last month, Council opened the brand new Wadanggari Park in St Leonards.

Located at 568 Pacific Highway, the 4,750 square metre park features an adventure-style playground, lawn, plaza, picnic settings and amphitheatre-style stage.

It seamlessly connects to the new St Leonards Library, St Leonards train station, retail, public toilets and a 300-space car park.

How to get to Wadanggari Park:

Car: 300-space underground car park. Entry to the car park is via Christie Lane and Lithgow Street. Up to two hours free parking available.

Train: Alight at St Leonards train station. Walk through the newly refurbished underpass to get to the park.

Bus: Catch one of the regular bus services stopping on the Pacific Highway, near St Leonards train station.

Did you know?

Wadanggari means ‘Banksia’ in Sydney Indigenous language and the playground has been designed to resemble the life stages of a banksia.

Scan the QR code to discover more about Wadanggari Park.

Firstly, I want to wish a very happy birthday to The Village Observer! For 30 years, this wonderful publication has been documenting our area and telling stories of the people who live and work here. Congratulations to the team on this amazing milestone. Here’s to another 30 years. Speaking of celebrations, we officially opened Wadanggari Park, St Leonards last month. It was great to see locals out in full force at our Community Day, enjoying free coffee and gelato, face painting, live entertainment and more. Wadanggari Park is a wonderful new addition to our area’s open space, and I hope you get a chance to enjoy all it has to offer soon.

Discover more about Wadanggari Park: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/wadanggaripark

Ground broken

We’ve officially turned the first sod on the new Sport and Recreation Centre on River Road (pictured). Early works have now started – we’re building four indoor courts, four outdoor courts, indoor and outdoor dining, multi-purpose community rooms, a pro shop and car park. Golfers can continue to use the course throughout construction.

To stay updated on the project, visit: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/sportandrec

Lane Cove beats national average in Australian Liveability Census

In more good news, we recently received the results from the 2023 Australian Liveability Census. We scored 79 out of 100, well above the national average of 67. 93% of residents reported they are satisfied with liveability in the area, which is an excellent result and an increase from our previous score in 2021. What do locals love most about living in Lane Cove?

1. Elements of natural environment

2. Access to neighbourhood amenities

3. General condition of public open space

These are fantastic results and show that Lane Cove locals really do love where they live.

Did you know?

The Canopy is home to the North Shore’s only publicly available Adult Change Place. Located on P1, the facility includes an adult change table, hoist, shower and peninsula door. This changing place allows people with high support needs to fully participate in the community. It is accessible with a MLAK. Contact The Canopy’s Centre Manager if you require assistance.

Councillors Merri Southwood, David Roenfeldt, Andrew Zbik, Katherine Mort and Scott Bennison turning the first sod at the new Sport and Recreation Centre.

What’s on Lane Cove October 2023

For more information and to book, please visit www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

The Canopy Music Concert: Kick INXS

Saturday 21 October, 6:00pm –9:00pm, The Canopy Lane Cove

Celebrate the legacy and true essence of INXS. Kick INXS is one of Australia’s most sought-after shows. This isn’t just a show, it’s an INXS event!

Tickets: $10.

Get your ticket/s: www.thecanopylanecove.com.au

Sustainability Lane

Sunday 8 October, 9:00am – 4:00pm, The Canopy Lane Cove

Drop by Sustainability Lane and check out electric vehicles on display, join a sustainability-themed workshop, learn basic bike repairs, take home a free native plant and more. Road closures will be in place during the day.

Find out more: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/ sustainabilitylane

Small Fish, Big Pond: Transition to High School Webinar

Tuesday 10 October, 12:30pm – 1:30pm, online Join Council’s Youth Team, Headspace and KYDS Youth Development Service as they share their insights about the transition from primary school to high school.

Register: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

Senior Drivers Workshop

Wednesday 11 October, 10:00am – 1:00pm, Lane Cove Library

This workshop will include information on low risk driving strategies, what you need to know about new car technology and understanding the NSW Older Driver Licensing Assessment.

Register: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

Bike Maintenance Workshop

Sunday 15 October, 10:00am – 1:00pm, Lane Cove Council Car Park This practical workshop teaches you how to maintain and care for your bike.

Register: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

Small Business Breakfast

Wednesday 25 October, 7:00am – 8:30am, Terrace Function Room, Hear from Catherine Harris AO, co-founder of Harris Farm Markets, to celebrate Small Business Month. Enjoy a free breakfast while you network with other business owners.

Register: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/events

Food and Wine by the River

Sunday 5 November, 11:00am – 5:00pm, Burns Bay Reserve, Riverview

Enjoy a delicious day out this November as Lane Cove Council and Mudgee Wine Region team up to serve the best wine and food from the regions. There’ll be live entertainment, face painting, games and more at this family-friendly event. Dogs are welcome too (on-leash). Free event but wine tasting tickets available to purchase.

Find out more: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/ foodandwine

What’s on Lane Cove October 2023

Introducing the Lane Cove Community Renewables Program

In 2019, Lane Cove Council declared a climate emergency. Embracing renewable energy, such as solar, is vital to building a thriving, resilient community. Our homes are more cost-effective and environmentallyfriendly when powered by the sun.

Council’s Community Renewables Program will help locals transition to solar solutions, including solar panels, batteries, and community virtual power plants. This initiative not only helps to reduce energy bills but also adds value to local homes and businesses.

Join the Community Solar Bulk Buy this October!

We’ve teamed up with ShineHub to help make renewable energy simple and affordable with a range of solar and battery systems and a state-of-the-art retailer independent Virtual Power Plant solution. Register to attend one of our solar bulk buy events to learn more about what’s on offer. Have all your questions answered about how solar panels, batteries and virtual power plants work by ShineHub's solar experts.

Register by scanning the QR code or visit shinehub.com.au/lanecove

Cancer is rising in under-50s – but the causes are a mystery

WORDS: ASHLEIGH HAMILTON

(Academic Clinical Lecturer, Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast)

Cancer is often thought of as a disease that mostly affects older people. But worrying new research shows that cancer in younger adults is a growing problem. The study found there’s been a nearly 80% increase in the number of under50s being diagnosed with cancer globally in the last three decades.

Also of concern are the types of cancers being seen in younger adults. These include bowel cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, uterine cancer and pancreatic cancer. This is worrying because some of these cancers – particularly pancreatic and stomach cancer – have low survival rates, due to the fact they’re often diagnosed at a late stage.

While it’s clear from this latest study that cancer is becoming more common in those under 50, experts still aren’t entirely sure what’s causing this rise.

Early-onset cancer

The study investigated cancer cases in people under the age of 50 (termed “early-onset cancer”) from 204 countries and regions. The data analysed was collected between 1990 and 2019. The researchers were interested in knowing not only the incidence of early-onset cancer, but what types of cancer had the highest burden in under-50s.

They found that in 2019, there were 3.26 million cases of early-onset cancer diagnosed worldwide – a 79% increase since 1990.

In 2019, early-onset breast cancer had the highest burden for women, while early-onset lung cancer the highest burden for men. Women were disproportionately affected in terms of death and poor health from early-onset cancer in low- and middle-income countries.

The study also shows that while the highest number of earlyonset cancer cases were in developed countries such as western Europe, North America and Australasia, many cases were also seen in low- and middle-income countries. Death rates were also higher in low- and middle-income countries. The main limitation of this paper is the variability of the data collected by different countries, making it difficult to measure its completeness. Nonetheless, it is still useful in getting a picture of global health.

Unknown causes

There’s no single explanation for why cancers are rising in under-50s.

Some cancers in younger people happen as a result of a genetic condition – but these only account for a small number of cases (around 20%).

Lifestyle factors such as the foods we eat, whether we drink alcohol or smoke, and being overweight are all linked to an increased risk of many types of cancer. Research indicates that these factors may be contributing to a rise in early-onset colorectal cancer, for example. Whether this is true for other types of early-onset cancer remains unknown. Some people affected by early-onset cancers may live healthy lifestyles. This suggests there are probably other reasons for the increase that have not yet been discovered. It’s clear from this research that the landscape of cancer is changing. While the incidence of early-onset cancers is increasing, cancer in this age group is still much less common than for those over-50.

It will be crucial now to ensure there’s greater awareness of early-onset cancers. Most younger people, and even healthcare professionals, don’t necessarily put cancer at the top of the list when symptoms develop. It’s important for people to see their GP if they notice any new symptoms, as detecting cancer at an early stage leads to a better prognosis.

Breast cancer was the most common early-onset cancer in 2019, but incidences of prostate and throat cancers increased at the fastest rate since 1990. Liver cancer decreased the fastest over the same time period.

The number of deaths due to early-onset cancers also increased from 1990 to 2019 – although less quickly than the rate of diagnosis, with 1.06 million deaths worldwide in 2019, an increase of 28%. The cancers with the highest number of deaths in 2019 were breast, lung, bowel and stomach cancers. The age group at greatest risk of early-onset cancer were those in their 40s.

Urgent research into early-onset cancer is also needed at a national and international level. The underlying causes are probably different depending on a person’s sex, ethnicity and where they live.

There are many things you can do to reduce your risk of developing cancer. Following a healthy lifestyle remains important: eating a healthy diet, stopping smoking, exercising regularly, reducing your alcohol intake, being safe in the sun and maintaining a healthy weight. If something doesn’t feel right with your body or you experience any new symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as you can.

This article was originally published on The Conversation

Breast cancer was the most common early-onset cancer in 2019.

Photo credit: Juice Flair/ Shutterstock

The challenges of Indigenous health

WORDS: DR CARL WONG

During medical school training, students are allowed to spend a period of time elsewhere to experience healthcare in other settings. For myself, I was keen to explore and experience medicine in remote areas overseas where the facilities and resources were poor, and the need was high for even basic care. Due to overseas bureaucratic bungles this sadly did not eventuate for me in the end. Instead, I decided to spend this time in central Australia in Aboriginal communities. As I would find out, I did not need to travel far and wide to get those sought-after experiences; I could find them here, in Australia’s ‘backyard’.

This month, Australia is having its Voice referendum. Putting aside the continued debate surrounding this and what it will or won’t achieve, what cannot be disputed is that our First Nations people are significantly disadvantaged when it comes their health, and more needs to be done.

Here a few facts from the latest data, which are just the tip of the iceberg regarding Indigenous health:

• In 2021, the average life expectancy for Indigenous population was 62 years. This is more than 10 years younger than the non-Indigenous population. This worsens further in remote areas – indigenous people living in remote areas live a further six years shorter than those in urban settings.

• In 2015-2019, 60% of indigenous deaths were considered avoidable.

• Cancer is currently the leading cause of Indigenous death (almost 25% of all deaths). This was a 12% increase over the past decade (compared to the opposite 10% decrease in non-Indigenous cancer death rates).

• Heart disease, diabetes, chronic lung diseases and selfharm are the other main causes of death.

• The suicide rate has increased by 30% over the past decade. The hospitalisation rate for intentional self-harm has increased by 63%

• Other than premature death, Indigenous Australians are impacted by health burden (i.e., those conditions causing illness and disability) at more than twice the rate than nonIndigenous Australians.

• Mental health issues and injuries make up a third of this health burden.

During my student term, I caught glimpses of some of the real-world challenges created by these issues. I would drive three hours one-way to reach some remote Aboriginal areas on routine scheduled visits. Frustratingly many of these were missed opportunities, as often there was no one at the settlement as the tribe had gone ‘walkabout’ without giving any notice. Due to cultural reasons, Aboriginal males would

only feel comfortable being treated by a male health worker, which was okay when I was there, but made it difficult for the female remote area nurse stationed there. Infections that required oral antibiotics would be replaced with an antibiotic injection to ensure adequate treatment, as it would be uncertain if a whole course of oral antibiotics would be reliably taken. So why is Indigenous health so problematic?

Firstly, the concept of health and ‘being healthy’ is a complex idea. Traditionally it is considered the absence of disease or illness. But it is more than this. Health is affected by the person’s environment, actual living conditions, education level, income, and their level of access and use of health services (social determinants).

Now, for our indigenous people, further factors are relevant. Factors such as cultural identity, family, the land and caring for country, knowledge and beliefs, language, participation in cultural activities and access to traditional lands, have all been shown to be key determinants of indigenous health and well-being. Therefore indigenous health incorporates a holistic concept that includes physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual wellbeing, for both the individual and community. So why is all of this important to understand?

In 2008, the Australian government started the National Agreement on Closing the Gap framework. It aimed to reduce the disadvantage faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Since this initiative, there have been improvements, including a reduction in child deaths, smoking rates, and pregnancy complications, and an increase to access and use of indigenous health services. But there are still significant gaps.

Data from the ABS has shown that only just over half (53%) of the health gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians were due to these traditional health risk factors (including high blood pressure, weight status, risky alcohol consumption, diet, amount of physical exercise and smoking) and some of the above-mentioned social determinants. What you may find surprising though is that the causes of this remaining health gap (around 47%) were not just access to health services but also cultural and historical factors, including colonisation, loss of land and intergenerational trauma. These factors have been reported as having a significant impact on the disadvantage and poor physical and mental health, not just on our indigenous people, but is replicated in other countries with similarly locally disadvantaged peoples and situations.

This is the challenge – how to bridge these gaps to include not just the traditional and social risk factors but also these cultural and historical factors, so that there is more health equality - for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

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

Imagine what you could do if you had less knee pain?

It’s important for you to know…knee pain is not something you have to “live with.” Take a moment, close your eyes and imagine what else you could do today…if you didn’t fear your knee hurting or limiting you.

ARE YOU FINDING IT HARD TO:

• Walk without pain? • Go up or down steps?

• Bend your knee? • Get up out of a chair?

If you’d like to know more about living with much less knee pain, then this FREE special report is perfect for you. It details solutions to help avoid surgery, maintain independence and get back to moving pain free.

FOR EXAMPLE:

• How to ease your throbbing knee pain

• Discover the little-known way to exercise - without increased knee pain.

• A simple remedy for easing knee pain that will cost you nothing - perfect to stay active and mobile

• The one thing that you can change today to dramatically improve your knee pain

• The safest and most effective movements to ease your knee pain

There are many options out there to treat knee pain. But, many of them require you to take pills, take dangerous injections to your knee and WORSE end up with surgery!!

If you have had enough of your knee pain and want to take control of your health and you want to get back to playing golf, walking with friends or get down to the local shops without pain, then contact us for your FREE copy of “How to stop knee pain - 5 simple secrets without having to take pain killers or see the GP”.

• Call 9427 8333

• Or email: lanecove@weareswitch.com.au

9427 8333

161 BURNS BAY RD, LANE COVE weareswitch.com.au

Harrison Brown Abraham Ghanem

James Becerra

100 Words

Schleprock raised the hammer, smashing his piggy bank to smithereens. Today, he’d invest in something life changing.

With knees trembling, he feebly knocked on the door of the Wellness Temple and was greeted by Raj, the life coach. “What brings you here?” asked Raj. “I’d like to be luckier, I suppose” whined Shleprock. Raj silently prayed for a miracle, lit some sage and got to work.

Ten thousand self-love affirmations, Sun salutations and chai lattes later, Shleprock stumbled out the door, a little brighter, yet poorer and fell flat on his face, into a field of four leafed clovers.

Perihan Bozkurt, Lane Cove

Early morning grey. Watery sun emerges. The 289 idles patiently at the terminus. Bare branches bend. Warmth at a premium. Bus doors open, as early birds seek shelter. Seven o’clock looms. The appointed hour. One last puff for our regular driver.

Adjustment of seat. Check of the mirrors. Blue blazer girl is missing.

Here she comes now! Hurtles ‘round the corner.

Scarf, hat and bag are flying.

“Late again,” he mutters.

“Sorry,” she whispers.

The daily ritual continues.

Passengers now settled. Headphones inserted. Glowing screens punctuate the gloom. Mars Road lies ahead. We’re behind schedule… Lane Cove’s day commences.

Paul Trainor, Lane Cove

Happy Birthday, TVO!

As many will know, Lane Cove Community Chaplaincy was the brainchild of a faithful few at Lane Cove Uniting Church. I’ve just returned from a gathering of Uniting Churches across the states of NSW and the ACT, where together we decided what to devote our time, energy, and resources to over the next 18 months… not least a commitment to replicate the very same chaplaincy developed right here in Lane Cove.

Such moments give cause to celebrate, and then to reflect on our learnings over these past nine years. To search for pearls of wisdom within the many stories so lovingly woven together during this time.

“You may be familiar with a bible story about a merchant who searched for fine pearls. When he found one very valuable pearl, he went back and put up for sale all that he had and bought it.”

Our families and loved ones are pearls of great price for us. Not only do we give them our hearts and souls, we do everything we can to love them and make their lives full and rich… well, most of the time. And what is life if not lived in all its fullness?

As the traditional symbol of the 30th anniversary, pearls (from the white variety to black gemstones like Tahitian Pearls) are said to represent everlasting love, purity and grace. What better things to devote our time, energy, and resources to.

The people in our lives who are pearls give us hope, joy, and the opportunity to live in the image in which we are created when we love them with a pure mind and heart. We become pearls to them. The more we can see that parallel in our own lives, the easier it becomes to take the leap of faith that we may be pearls of great price to someone or something far greater than we can imagine.

Want to know more? So do we!

Liam

McKenna

Lane Cove Community Chaplain

P: 0404 596 592

E: lanecovechaplain@gmail.com

www.lanecovecc.com

Supported by Lane Cove Uniting Church

You can’t go wrong with pearls…

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

What I watched on TV…

Join us as we dive into the latest television offerings with our seasoned TV enthusiast, Stephen Miller. From separating the cream of the crop to unearthing those hidden gems, he’s your go-to guide for discovering what's worth your precious screen time.

Slow Horses – Series 1 and 2 (Apple TV+)

Slow Horses depicts a dysfunctional MI5 team led by the notorious Jackson Lamb as they navigate the world of espionage to protect England from sinister threats. The characters are flawed government agents, constantly under pressure to avoid mistakes and stay alive despite their less-than-ideal office at Slough House. It stands apart by portraying a less glamorous, morally ambiguous spy world, more akin to the Cold War era.

Why you should watch it: Gritty realism makes it engaging and relatable.

Then You Run – (SBS onDemand)

A Rotterdam getaway for four teenagers takes a dark turn when Tara’s father is discovered dead, forcing them to escape from her menacing uncle and his gang. This thrilling story is rife with murder, a multitude of corpses, illicit drugs, car chases, and a beach hotel with no beach. The non-stop intensity, formidable adversaries, and a subplot involving a serial killer transform the girls’ holiday into one they will never forget.

★★★½

Why you should watch it: Way more original and humorous than I'd expected.

Starstruck – Series 1, 2, and 3 (ABC iView)

Starstruck draws inspiration from Bridget Jones’ Diary but manages to carve out its own distinct identity. New Zealand-born Rose Matafeo, the show’s remarkably talented writer and BAFTA-winning actor, injects her skill into the show, embodying a character who is both endearing and a magnet for chaos. Now in its third series, Starstruck series 3 continues the adventures of a millennial in London who inadvertently found herself entangled with a movie star.

Why you should watch it: Like sipping hot cocoa, it’s a delightful treat that hits the spot.

Who is Erin Carter? – (Netflix)

While it may be utterly implausible, Who is Erin Carter? races along at a blistering pace, propelling you through numerous ‘are you kidding me?’ moments. The series not only pays homage to the bygone action genre era but also weaves a poignant tale of a mother’s relentless pursuit to provide her daughter with the stability she never experienced herself. In its later stages, however, the realism collides with the increasingly ludicrous plot, and there are some nearly unforgivable narrative gaps.

★★★½

Why you should watch it: Despite its far-fetched storyline, the show still merits acclaim.

Secrets of the Superagers – (SBS OnDemand)

In this new six-part series, Dr Michael Mosley travels the world to meet superagers—people who seem to defy the normal rules of ageing. He investigates the science behind their claims and, in doing so, provides tangible tips on how to live longer, healthier lives. The groundbreaking research reveals that these ‘superagers’ all exhibit enhanced speed, superior vision and hearing, and heightened cognitive function.

★★★★

Why you should watch it: Learn how to boost your brain health in order to age better.

One Night – (Paramount+)

This new Australian thriller unravels a tale where friendships take a tragic turn. Three close friends come faceto-face with the haunting memories of a fateful night two decades ago after one of them writes a book about it. The narrative probes the complex issue of whether it’s ethical for someone to claim ownership of a story that didn’t directly happen to them. English actor Jodie Whittaker, known for her role as Doctor Who, plays an Australian, while Australian actor Kat Stewart portrays her English spouse.

Why you should watch it: Exceptional acting makes it worth your time.

What’s On: Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios

Forage: Symbiotic (trans)formations

An exhibition that delves into nature's ephemeral essence and our bond with it through innovative artworks by eight female artists.

In a period of concerning climate change, ‘forage: symbiotic (trans)formations’ explores, interprets, transforms and preserves nature’s ephemera and our relationships to it; inviting visitors to pursue deepened connections with their surroundings, environmental awareness and the veneration of our human-enviro symbiosis.

‘forage: symbiotic (trans)formations’ brings together eight east coast, metro and regional female Artists for whom foraging natural materials is at the core of their artistic practices. The Artists introduce fresh and original methods to conventional artistic mediums such as printmaking, painting, weaving, fibre art, textiles, film, digital AI, ceramics, and sculptural installation. They achieve this by integrating natural debris, saps, pigments, and the surrounding atmosphere.

This exhibition is part of Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios' Guest Curator Program.

Artists: Alyson Bell, Katherine Boland, Heather Burness, Katie Harris-MacLeod, Catriona Pollard, Rhonda Pryor, Jo Victoria and Liz Williamson

Curator: Nicole Wallace Running now until 7 October

Strange NotionsUNTETHERED

Unlock the Unconventional: 'Strange Notions' exhibition redefines textile art with innovative mastery, inviting diverse reflections and journeys.

‘Strange Notions’, is a group exhibition by 19 fibre and textile artists known collectively as ‘untethered fibre artists inc’. Their aim is to extend the viewers’ vocabulary of textile and fibre art and to provoke personal thoughts and journeys through contemporary, innovative, and expertly crafted works.

‘Strange Notions’ present representational and conceptual works of fibre art that delve into rich resources, from the tangible to the non-tangible, the personal to the communal, yielding critical reflections and thoughtful projections. Each artwork is a celebration of difference in the combination of fibres and techniques, rephrasing assumptions and reflecting the diversity in approach to artmaking, through the vocabulary of fibre.

Opening Event: meet the artists and enjoy some refreshments - Wednesday 18 October, 6-8pm

Public Program: Artists’ Talks - Saturday 4 November, 11am-12pm

Be part of the conversation with the exhibiting artists as they discuss the themes, techniques and issues behind their works.

Artists: Rebecca Brady, Jennifer Corkish, Lorna Crane, Pam de Groot, Jennifer Florey, Desdemona Foster, Cathie Griffith, Ellen Howell, Catherine Lees, Denise Lithgow, Brenda Livermore, Helen MacRitchie, Mandy McAlister, Robyn McGrath, Rhonda Nelson, Samantha Tannous, Kirry Toose, Judith Wilson, Elaine Witton.

11 October – 4 November

Katherine Boland, Aquarium I #5, 2023, acrylic glass print. Image courtesy of the artist)

Pam de Groot, Changeling (detail), 2023, felt. Image courtesy of the artist)

Why your next holiday should be a Cruise

Having recently returned from a 14-night Discover Croatia and Italy cruise onboard the stunning Emerald Sakara, Debbi and her husband Rob can attest to why your next holiday should be a cruise.

Whether it is an ocean or river cruise, large scale cruise liner or intimate luxury yacht, cruising allows the traveller the best of both worlds. A home away from home can be found onboard for the duration of the cruise, not to mention the plethora of activities, facilities and amenities on offer, adding even further to the travel experience. You can enjoy the cruise as a destination in itself and just simply disembark at the next port to indulge in the exciting land destination. Or explore the port at your own leisure, through a guided tour and unique experience offered by the cruise line.

The beauty is that you can be involved in as much or as little of the cruise life as you wish whilst on board and on shore. Some choose to simply use the ship as a moving hotel whilst others take advantage of the variety of onboard dining options, spa and fitness facilities, shopping, activities and more.

There is also a vast range of cruise lines available to suit a wide range of budgets as well as travel styles. From the upmarket offering like Emerald Cruises, to the ultraluxurious mega yachts and cruise lines where no detail

is missed and meals, drinks and shore excursions are included to the family friendly cruise liners, there truly is something for everyone in the cruise market. And even better they operate all over the globe, so the possibilities are endless when choosing a cruise itinerary.

Prior to the Emerald Cruise, Debbi and Rob have also enjoyed a Uniworld European boutique river cruise. In January 2024 along with their three daughters and their families, Debbi and Rob are booked their next cruise adventure, four nights on the magical Disney Cruise line. Now is the time to book for 2024, and even 2025 with wonderful early bird savings and flight deals available with a range of cruise lines and itineraries. So, if you are a seasoned cruise traveller and are looking for the next adventure or if you are yet to dive into the world of cruise and need a helping hand, look no further than our knowledgeable and experienced team at Helloworld Travel Lane Cove. Our consultants have a vast range of personal cruise experience as well as consultants who have over 25 years of cruise selling under their belt. Happy Sailing!

ART WITH LOCAL ARTIST ROS GERVAY Nurturing Your Child's Creativity: Simple Art Activities

With the school holidays in full swing, you may be on the lookout for wholesome activities to keep your children happily engaged. Even if you don't consider yourself an artist, there's immense joy in watching your children express themselves through art. Here, I share some expert tips to help you foster your child's creativity while spending quality time together.

1. Artful Bonding Time:

Children love art, especially when they have their loved ones by their side. Opt for simple, yet exciting projects. Spread out a large sheet of paper, grab some colourful paints, and let the creativity bloom. Engaging in art outdoors, if possible, adds an extra layer of fun and exploration. Your kids will cherish this sensory adventure, and you'll relish the smiles it brings.

2. Shared Art Moments:

Create a cozy art nook with basic supplies where you and your kids can have special art sessions. Keep it simple, and encourage your children to lead the way. Share ideas, show them examples, and let their imagination guide the process. It's about the journey, not perfection.

3. Evening Art Sessions:

Once the kids are snug in bed, consider dedicating your evenings to art. Pour a cup of tea, light a scented candle, and create a peaceful atmosphere. Pick up a sketchbook or some coloring materials and let your imagination flow. You'll be amazed at how relaxing and fulfilling it can be and how this can help you to show up as your best self the next day.

4. Creative Doodles:

Don't underestimate the power of a sketchbook. Even if you're not an artist, doodling is a fun and accessible way to embrace art with your kids. Take turns drawing, share your creations, and enjoy a whole world of imaginative sketches.

5. Art on the Go:

For family outings, pack a small art kit with coloured pencils, sketchbooks, or watercolors. Encourage your kids to observe their surroundings, whether it's a park or the beach. This simple practice fosters an appreciation for nature and the world around them, which they can carry into their artworks at home.

If you're a parent or guardian who takes joy in seeing your children happy and engaged in wholesome activities, these artful ideas are for you. Book your 5-12yo child in for my Art with Ros School Holiday Program so they can discover even more creative ways to tap into their imagination: www. permissiontopaint.co/artwithros

Please drop me an email at ros@rosgervayart.com to share your experiences and let me know you're reading. Your feedback means the world to me!

www.rosgervayart.com

COOK WITH BERN THE CHEF Man Go, Lady Stay

The first mangoes have been sneaking in slowly over the past few weeks. I’ll be slicing one open over the sink to enjoy very soon. I love mango and yoghurt - the tanginess accentuated by both. Taking inspiration from this combination, this month we focus on Chicken and Mango Salad with Yoghurt Dressing – a delicious dish for the start of the summer.

Plus, it’s a ‘no cook’ recipe if you grab a BBQ chook from your favourite chook shop.

Ingredients

Two ripe mangoes

One barbequed chicken

300 grams of sugar snap peas, trimmed and julienned

300 grams of freshly rinsed bean sprouts

One thinly sliced red capsicum

One small red onion, thinly sliced

One bunch of mint, leaves picked and roughly chopped

Dressing

200 ml of natural full fat yoghurt

30 ml of extra virgin olive oil

The juice of one lime

1 teaspoon of fish sauce

A pinch of dried cardamon, sea salt and dried chilli flakes to taste.

Slice cheeks off the mango, then score the inside of the cut piece while the skin is still on, into diamonds, then turning the cheek inside out to allow the fruit to poke out, just like a hedgehog. You will then be able to trim the mango off the skin. If this is done over your mixing bowl, this catches the juice as well.

For the dressing.

In a bowl, combine the yoghurt with the extra virgin olive oil, lime juice, fish sauce, ground cardamom, season with sea salt and chilli flakes. Leave to infuse while you make the salad.

Pick the meat from your barbequed chicken, remove the skin and be mindful of the cartilage and smaller bones. Chop into bite sized square-ish pieces. Add your diced chicken to the mango in a large bowl and toss gently to coat the chicken with the mango and juices. Add the sugar snap peas, bean sprouts, capsicum, onion and mint, and mix gently. Tumble the chicken, mango and salad onto your serving platter.

Drizzle over the yoghurt dressing and enjoy your summer treat.

This dish is gluten free, and you can substitute the yoghurt for coconut cream for a dairy free version.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Pizza + Movie Nights

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

Tuesday 3 October : Chariots of Fire (1981) – British historical sports drama about two British athletes in the 1924 Olympics. Starring Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, Nigel Havers, Nigel Davenport, John Gielgud and Kenneth Branagh in a minor debut role.

Tuesday 7 November : Ride Like a Girl (2019) – Australian biographical sports drama based on the story of Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup in 2015, starring Teresa Palmer and Sam Neill and directed by Rachel Griffiths in her debut as a director.

Bookings: 9428 4287 or 9427 4740. Cost $12 – BYO drinks.

Time 4U Every Wednesday

@ 10am till Noon. Cost $5.00

@ Longueville Uniting Church Hall, 47A Kenneth St, Longueville. Friendly and fun mornings with home-made morning tea in St Andrew’s UC Hall, 47A Kenneth St, Longueville. After chatting over morning tea, we continue with the fascinating ABC series “Backroads”. Enquiries : Frank on 9427 3215.

Denizen

By James McKenzie Watson

REVIEW BY: ELIZABETH ALLEN

If you are after a light and uplifting read then this probably isn’t the right choice for you.

If you want to read something important, gripping, and heart wrenching, go right ahead. This book is dark, dark, dark. It is an absolute page-turner but also very confronting. I had to shut my copy at several points to gather courage before I could read on.

This debut gothic thriller won the 2021 Penguin Literary Prize and deservedly so. It is very well-written, the non-linear plot and character development deftly handled. I have never read a narrative before which tackles the topic of mental illness with such empathy, insight, and compassion. It is very hard to summarise its plot without giving spoilers but here we go.

Quartet:

~CONCERT~

ACCENT STRINGS: BACH TO BEATLES

Tuesday 28th Nov 2023 at 7.30pm.

“Taverner Consort of Voices”

Nine-year-old Parker fears there is something wrong with his brain. His tumultuous and abusive relationship with his mother is the focus of the first section of the book. Parker’s attempts to control his own internal chaos lead to a series of violent and deadly events that will haunt him for the rest of his life. It isn’t until Parker, now an adult and father, goes back to the town in western NSW where he grew up for a camping reunion with old friends that everything comes to a horrifying and brutal denouement.

Jane Stanley – Violin. Leo Kram – Violin. Neil Thompson – Viola. Emily Palethorpe – Cello.

The Taverner Consort of Voices, directed by Julie Blewitt, is a group of 20-30 experienced singers performing sacred and secular music from the 14th to the 21st centuries including music celebrating Christmas. The choir will be supported by talented soloists and instrumental accompaniment.

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.

There is a central tension between a harsh landscape and its stoic “denizens” underpinning this story. As a character says at one point, “You end up fetishising how harsh the land is but expecting the people who live there to never complain about it. And this town is what you end up with. Generations of families toughing it out in misery and destitution, which eventually becomes mental illness…”.

Tuesday 9th May 2023 at 7.30pm.

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

Venue: LCM St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, 19 Rosenthal Avenue, Lane Cove, behind the Post Office and opposite the Lane Cove Canopy Carpark. Bookings with TryBooking can be accessed via our website from Tuesday 7th November 2023: www.lanecovemusic.org.au

Bookings with TryBooking, accessed via our website from:

I am incredibly privileged when it comes to my own mental health. I have had a wealth of professional and personal support from a young age with excellent GPs, psychologists, and psychiatrists, a clear diagnosis early on, medication that works well for me despite its side effects, and private health insurance that means I can afford to be an inpatient in the best private hospitals when I need acute care. This book is an experiment with a main character who has none of these advantages. McKenzie Watson is deliberately exploring the lack of mental health support in remote communities and what can happen when mental illness goes completely unchecked. There but for the grace of God go I!

Tuesday 18th April 2023: www.lanecovemusic.org.au

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

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

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

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.

The Mission

A SHORT STORY BY JENNY ENGLAND

“Old buildings whisper to us in the creaking of the floorboards and the rattling of the windowpanes.” Fennel Hudson.

A Meaningful Life – Fennel’s Journal No 1

Old buildings have always fascinated me. The older and more dilapidated, the more intriguing. This one was no exception: a building that had stood tall and proud for over 150 years but now ached with the pain of old age. A crusty stone façade exposed the ravages of time and environmental degradation. Inside, cracked floorboards scrambled invisible footprints of the many who had traversed them, playing a vital role in its rich varied history.

I loved that old building. It was a fine example of what many new buildings lacked – character and history. It was soon to be gone forever however, a victim of the escalating push for urban renewal in the C21st. I was on a mission to capture that character and record the history for everyone now and future generations to appreciate.

I found a quiet spot, out of the potential path of the scores of pedestrians soon to hit the pavement. I erected my folding chair and placed my bag containing my sketch pad and

pencils, a flask of coffee and a few snacks beside it. This building had been in my mind for a morning of sketching for some time but it was only hearing of its upcoming demise I bumped it up to the top of my list.

“Morning” a familiar voice greeted me from behind. It was Tom, a member of my urban sketch group who had lately joined my urban rescue missions.

“You’re earlier than usual and very snugly clad for a cold morning I see,” I replied, commenting on his brightly coloured coat with matching beanie and mittens. “It’ll warm up soon,” I assured him.

“So, what’s the story with this one?”

“I’ve been able to get some old plans from the council and information from the local historical society but it’s a little patchy.”

I settled down in the chair, pulled my notepad from my bag

and read out some of the information I had so far unearthed:

It was built in 1849 by the Forward Steamship Company as a boarding house for seamen due to its close proximity to the working harbour. It soon became known as The Seafarers Lodge, described in the records as ‘a commodious dwelling house with spacious stores, replete with every convenience. Built from stone it had three floors and a 40 foot frontage on the street.’

By the 1880’s its casual residents also included sex workers, travellers with one floor operating as an opium den. During the early years of the C20th it was bought and sold a number of times with some renovations and improvements noted in the Council records. For a few years it housed a doctor’s surgery and manufacturing chemist.

The Harbour Trust took it over in 1930 to lease out. It morphed into a boarding house for the last time during WW2, this time for the navy. During the 1980s it became a museum with extensive renovations begun but not completed due to the huge cost involved.

It has been vacant since 2010, left to the elements (and a few rough-sleepers from time to time) while awaiting a decision about its future. Now the State Government is embarking on a number of projects that include this site to increase social housing in an attempt to tackle the housing affordability crisis in major cities. So, despite many protests over the last year or so, it is now earmarked for demolition: in the next few weeks to be precise.

“There,” I quickly added, “another one bites the dust.”

“So much for protests over these buildings,” Tom reminded me. “What about that one a month ago in Reid Street when

we were nearly arrested,” he added as he settled into his chair getting his equipment organised for the morning of sketching.

“Yep. That was a close call. It was only when the gallery confirmed why we were there they eventually let us go. We weren’t disrupting traffic; people were just curious and stopped to investigate. That’s why it’s less problematic starting early like this.”

“So how are the plans for the exhibition going?”

“Great. Only one more then all I have to do is get them mounted and framed and finish writing up the histories to make them more interesting. Are you sure you don’t want to put some of yours in too?”

“I don’t think they are good enough.”

“Well, they are, but it’s up to you.”

It was gradually getting warmer and the light more intense. The city was beginning to awaken and come to life. When I arrived an hour or so earlier it was as if it had been holding its breath through the long cold night. In the distance I could hear the rattling of a couple of trains carrying the precious cargo of city workers and students from suburbs and surrounding towns into the central district for the day. Before long, cafes down the street would be opening their doors, setting up tables for breakfast and preparing their coffee machines for takeaways.

I glanced over at Tom, now with his mittens off, totally absorbed in his drawing. I looked down at my empty white page and remembering why we were there, pulled a charcoal pencil from my bag and began…

Participatory Democracy –Can you Make a Difference?

Australia is in the midst of a housing affordability crisis. Home ownership is declining. Secure and affordable rentals are scarce. Young people and key workers can’t find housing near where they work and older people are finding themselves still paying off a mortgage or on the brink of homelessness.

Kylea was elected on the promise of doing politics differently and on October 29th, 30 to 40 people from across our electorate will be invited to take part in a day long forum, where they will be provided with access to experts in areas such as urban planning, rental tenancy, community housing, tax, housing economics and local government and then given time to reach informed consensus and recommendations.

The residents invited to participate in the forum will be selected randomly so look out for your invitation in the post in the coming month.

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

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO, GILL BATT

As we mark the 30th anniversary of The Village Observer, (TVO), I thought I’d take a walk down memory lane and see when and how Sydney Community Services began, and how it has changed since its inception, as well as over the past 30 years.

When TVO was first published we had already been operating as the Lane Cove Community Aid Service (LCCAS) for over thirty years and we were dedicated to the welfare needs of the local community of Lane Cove. In 1993 our services had already expanded since the organisation began in 1961. Services have been introduced over time as needs were identified. Meals on Wheels began in the early 1960s, with the Lane Cove Club providing a limited service. The Home Companion Service, forerunner of the current nursing service, also started at this time. Welfare counselling was introduced in 1982, and in 1983 the Friends of Community Aid Shop (FOCAS) began fundraising with their monthly craft sessions.

As demand increased, more services were introduced. The Home Maintenance and Modification Service was added in 1987 and a gardening service was added in 2002, in-home podiatry in 2003, and a linen service in 2004.

The organisation was then funded to extend its services to clients living in the local government areas of Lane Cove, Mosman, North Sydney and Willoughby. Along with this expansion, LCCAS underwent a name change to Lane Cove & North Side Community Services, with a mantra: ‘We care for you.’

In 2010 Lane Cove & North Side Community Services, purchased TVO. The Board recognised the purchase as a good opportunity. The publication would be able to offer an additional source of income and also provide a mechanism to keep the

local community updated about the important work of the organisation.

Sydney Community Services, as we are now known, began operating on 1st July 2017. The organisation was formed as a result of a merger between Lane Cove & North Side Community Services (1961-2017), and Hunters Hill-Ryde Community Services (1966-2017).

Finally in January 2021, Sydney Community Services again merged. This time with the Meeting House in Lane Cove North, an organisation long known for its children’s and family services, as well as seniors’ services.

TVO has become an important avenue of communication for Sydney

Community Services. Each month in TVO you can find out what is on at all three of our hubs: Lane Cove, the Meeting House, and the Hunters Hill-Ryde hub. We keep you up to date with all our activities, volunteer requests, job vacancies, special events, the services offered, and any relevant news. We may have changed our name over the years and expanded our services, but Sydney Community Services will always be committed to the local community wherever you are on life’s journey. We look forward to another thirty years of community involvement, and along with TVO, continue reporting on local issues, people, places and events in Lane Cove and surrounding suburbs.

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.

We are looking for volunteers for the following positions:

 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

Reconnect Seniors Community Social Wellness Program

Free

4-week program

Join

and information

• Art programs

• Board games

• General information such as;

• Road safety

• Library services

• Multicultural services

• Carer Gateway

• Council Bushlands

When: Every Friday 13 October – 3 November 2023

Time: 9:30am – 11:30am

WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2023

Spring

Book Club

Monday 16 October 1.30-2.30pm

Cost: $5 inc book and afternoon tea

Movement Matters

Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Accepting expressions of interest for Term 4. Contact us for more details. NEW CLASS: Fridays, 10am-11am All abilities class.Call for details.

Mah Jong

Wednesdays 1.00-3.45pm

Cost: $5 inc afternoon tea.

Social Bridge / Solo / Rummikub

Thursdays 12.30-3.30pm

Cost: $5 inc afternoon tea

Scrabble

Thursdays 5 and 19 October 10am-12noon

Cost: $5 inc morning tea

Table Tennis

Fridays, 12.00-4.00pm

Cost: $5

Bookings Essential P: 9427 6425 E: support@sydneycs.org

Seniors Hub

All-day tailored program for seniors, from Monday to Friday. Includes excursions, picnics, and wellness activities. Door-to-door transport and nutritious meals and snacks catering for all dietary requirements are included. This month visit Swains Nursery, enjoy fish & chips at Balmoral Beach, a picnic at Apple Tree Bay and more. Cost: $35

Contact us for a monthly program.

E: rliu@sydneycs.org

Seniors Shopping Bus

Tuesdays and Thursdays

Return trip from your home to Lane Cove shops. Cost: $12

P: 9003 1399

E: jvenn@sydneycs.org

Seniors Social Support:

For Afghan, Chinese, Iranian, Italian, and Spanish seniors

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

Senior Services

Seniors Social Bus Outings

Mondays and Wednesdays. This month several outings are planned such including a visit to Canada Bay Museum, BBQ at Bobbin Head, an Innovations Showroom visit, plus more.

Contact us for the full program.

P:

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: rliu@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.

For more details contact Rosemary

P: 9427 6425

E: rliu@sydneycs.org

ENQUIRIES AND BOOKINGS FOR ACTIVITIES: 9427 6425

Social Tennis Group

Join us every Thursday at Lane Cove Tennis Club, Central Park, Kenneth St, Longueville. Cost $5. Every Thursday 9 -11am

Whether you’re an experienced player or just starting out, this is your opportunity to be part of a vibrant tennis community!

All players must register prior to playing – please call Julie 9427 6425. We look forward to seeing you on the court!

Older Women

Exercise Class

Tuesdays

Strength and balance exercise

Time: 9.45am - 10.45am

Cost: $12.00

E: ccampion@sydneycs.org

Contact us to join the waiting list.

Social Bus Outings

Tuesdays

Join us every Tuesday and visit a new destination.

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 October 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

HOURS OF OPERATION: 8.30am - 4.30pm I Monday - Friday

www.sydneycs.org

Friday 20 October, 9.30am-10.30am Living and Learning Centre, 180 Longueville Rd

Join Sally Castel for a Movement Matters class. All ability levels. Keeping people active and healthy. P: 9427 6425

Disability

Supports Group community access activities from Monday – Friday in centres and community.

Activities include drama ensemble, creative movement, full and halfday excursions, Sailablity, art groups and virtual meetups.

Open Day at Hunters Hill-Ryde Hub Thursday 5 October 2023, 1pm - 2pm

Dont miss out on all the fun

Time: 9.00am - 4.00pm

Cost: $25 (Bus only)

Meeting

COME ALONG AND JOIN IN

Cost: based on the NDIS pricing schedule. Individual support, including transport, daily living activities and community access available on request. gstarkey@sydneycs.org or

E: hheggie@sydneycs.org

TUESDAYS

Meeting House Playgroups 2023

Come along to the Sydney Community Services open day at our Hunters Hill-Ryde Hub. Our friendly staff would love to welcome you and chat about our services and don't miss the FREE petting zoo.

House

PLAYGROUPS: 0-5 years, 9.30am-11.30am

Arts, Craft, Music and Story Playgroups

Supported by Early Ed fortnightly

THURSDAYS

Arts, Craft, Music and Story Playgroups

TERM COSTS

- $10 per casual visit

- $60 per term for one session per week

- $100 per term for multiple sessions

along and Email: support@sydneycs.org All playgroups run during term time only. MEETING HOUSE PLAYGROUPS ARE SUPPORTED BY LANE COVE COUNCIL AND DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITIES AND JUSTICE Thursdays EarlyEd is and early intervention service for young children with disabilities & delays in their developments. For more information please visit: www.earlyed.com.au Supporting your local Lane Cove Community Hub 0 - 5 years 9.30am to 11.30am Supported by Early Arts, Craft, Music and 0 - 5 years 9.30am to 11.30am GROUP TIMES 2023 Tuesdays ALL INGREDIENTS INCLUDED Sydney Community Services Phone: 9003 1399 Email: support@sydneycs.org playgroups run during term time only. MEETING HOUSE PLAYGROUPS ARE SUPPORTED BY LANE COVE COUNCIL AND DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITIES AND JUSTICE Lane Cove North Thursdays EarlyEd is and early intervention service for young children with disabilities & delays in their developments. For more information please visit: www.earlyed.com.au ENQUIRIES TERM COSTS $10 per casual visit $60 per term for 1 session per week $100 per term for multiple sessions Arts, Craft, Music and Story Playgroups 0 - 5 years 9.30am to 11.30am Supported by Early Ed Fortnightly Arts, Craft, Music and Story Playgroups 0 - 5 years 9.30am to 11.30am Meet local parents & children of a similar age GROUP TIMES COME ALONG AND JOIN IN

P: 9427 6425 E: support@sydneycs.org

Playgroups

Early Ed is an early intervention service for young children with disabilities and delays in their developments. For more information please visit: www.earlyed.com.au

Tuesdays ALL INGREDIENTS INCLUDED Sydney Community Services Phone: 9003 1399 Email: support@sydneycs.org All playgroups run during term time only. MEETING HOUSE PLAYGROUPS ARE SUPPORTED BY LANE COVE COUNCIL AND DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITIES AND JUSTICE WHEN: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9.30am to 11.30am WHERE: At the Meeting House Hub, 23a Stokes St, Lane Cove North Thursdays EarlyEd is and early intervention service for young children with disabilities & delays in their developments. For more information please visit: www.earlyed.com.au ENQUIRIES TERM COSTS $10 per casual visit $60 per term for 1 session per week $100 per term for multiple sessions Supporting your local Lane Cove Community Hub Arts, Craft, Music and Story Playgroups 0 - 5 years 9.30am to 11.30am Supported by Early Ed Fortnightly Arts, Craft, Music and Story Playgroups 0 - 5 years 9.30am to 11.30am Meet local parents & children of a similar age Meet local parents and children of a similar age ROOM AVAILABLE FOR HIRE

@ The Meeting House Hub 23a Stokes St, Lane Cove North Large double room. Outside area Plus kitchen. Cost: $55 ph incl GST For pricing and info contact: P: 9003 1399 E: support@sydneycs.org

Fire Safety this Summer

As we gear up for another summer of heat, sweat, sports and beaches it is important to ensure families are safe and have implemented their necessary home fire precautions before the start of, what looks like, a nasty summer fire season.

I recently met with some of our fantastic local Firefighters, who explained all of the programs and services that they provide, aside from their heroic active firefighting duties.

One of the most important areas of their job is public education and advocating for proper fire safety precautions to be in place within every household. Fires can be managed; however, it is the risk of lives being lost that is the greatest concern.

CLR SARKIS YEDELIAN OAM CITY OF RYDE MAYOR

P: 9952 8222

E: mayor@ryde.nsw.gov.au

Festival’s core appeal

The biggest event on the City of Ryde calendar is taking place on Saturday 21 October when the annual Granny Smith Festival transforms the Eastwood CBD into a fun-filled, all-day carnival ground. The festival – which honours the legacy of Maria Ann Smith, the Eastwood local who created the famous apple that bears her name – has been running since 1985 and from humble beginnings it is now recognised as one of Sydney’s biggest and best family street parties.

Running from 9.00am-8.30pm, it’s a day packed with highlights, beginning with the famous parade and its colourful and vibrant marching bands, dance groups, cultural performers, and festival floats.

Fire Safety this Summer

It culminates with a special performance by the multi-talented Ricki-Lee, who is a much-loved Australian TV and radio star as well as being an internationally acclaimed pop singer.

As we gear up for another summer of heat, sweat, sports and beaches it is important to ensure families are safe and have implemented their necessary home fire precau:ons before the start of, what looks like, a nasty summer fire season.

Early warning of a house fire by a smoke detector, even a matter of seconds, can give a family the precious time to reach safety. With a total of 16 lives lost this past winter, Firefighters are concerned that fire safety has been dropped from communities’ priorities.

I recently met with some of our fantas:c local Firefighters, who explained all of the programs and services that they provide, aside from their heroic ac:ve firefigh:ng du:es.

Fire and Rescue NSW run ‘The Safety Visit Program’ that offers some simple but critical personalised home fire safety information and tips on issues such as kitchen fires, heaters, open fires, electrical safety and even advice on best protecting your home in the event of a bushfire. During their visit they offer the opportunity to test the residents’ smoke alarms (whilst on site). The main purpose of the Program is to interact with our most ‘at risk’ communities. Research has shown that the best way to communicate with this ‘at risk’ group is face-toface in their own homes.

In between, there’s a kids show and meet and greet with JJ from CoComelon, a K-pop dance competition, the return of the apple pie eating competition, a Youth Zone where people aged 12-24 can enjoy music and art, camel rides on the oval, and plenty of food and drink options.

So, get your friends and family together and head to Eastwood to celebrate a fascinating slice of horticultural history. Details: www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/gsf

One of the most important areas of their job is public educa:on and advoca:ng for proper fire safety precau:ons to be in place within every household. Fires can be managed; however, it is the risk of lives being lost that is the greatest concern.

But that’s not the only festival being staged in Ryde during what will be an action-packed month.

Early warning of a house fire by a smoke detector, even a maDer of seconds, can give a family the precious :me to reach safety. With a total of 16 lives lost this past winter, Firefighters are concerned that fire safety has been dropped from communi:es’ priori:es.

On Sunday 22 October, the inaugural Iranian Music Festival is being held at the North Ryde School of Arts between 11.00am and 7.00pm.

This is a free program that has NO COST to residents.

The below Fire and Rescue NSW QR Code provides a link to book your own Safety Visit and provides some key messages regarding Total Fire Bans and extreme fire danger areas as we approach the start of this summer fire season.

You’ll be able to immerse yourself in an exhibition honouring some of the most influential post-Dastgah era musicians and enjoy six musical performances that will showcase the evolution of Iranian musical genres from traditional melodies to modern compositions.

Details: www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/IranianMusicFestival

Fire and Rescue NSW run ‘The Safety Visit Program’ that offers some simple but cri:cal personalised home fire safety informa:on and :ps on issues such as kitchen fires, heaters, open fires, electrical safety and even advice on best protec:ng your home in the event of a bushfire. During their visit they offer the opportunity to test the residents’ smoke alarms (whilst on site). The main purpose of the Program is to interact with our most ‘at risk’ communi:es. Research has shown that the best way to communicate with this ‘at risk’ group is face-to-face in their own homes.

This is a free program that has NO COST to residents.

The below Fire and Rescue NSW QR Code provides a link to book your own Safety Visit and provides some key messages regarding Total Fire Bans and extreme fire danger areas as we approach the start of this summer fire season.

For something a bit different, why not join our resident historian Tom Sweeney on a walking tour to discover stories of some the remarkable lives within Macquarie Park Cemetery, including former Prime Minister Billy Hughes, and silent film star Lottie Lyall.

Tom’s next tour is happening on Thursday 26 October, meeting at the café from 10.00am.

Details: www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/CemeteryTour

Finally, if you’re like me, then you love a school fete – and Putney Public School’s famous Putney Palooza is taking place on Saturday 28 October between 10.00am-4.00pm on the school grounds.

It’s a terrific opportunity to come together and celebrate a wonderful school community and raise funds to help support its students.

Details: www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/PutneyPalooza

Note that Council elections would have happened in Ryde by the time of print, and there will be a new Mayor

MILES HUNTERS HILL MAYOR

P: 9879 9400

E: mayor@huntershill.nsw.gov.au

Play for All

Hunters Hill is fortunate to have so many sporting clubs with long, successful histories of nurturing our local sporting talent and helping our community stay active, healthy and connected.

On the back of another great season for one of our longest running sports clubs, the Hunters Hill Rugby Union Football Club, our efforts to improve our recreational facilities to accommodate all our local athletes and clubs have progressed.

Work is under way on the new Sports and Community Facility at Boronia Park.

Buffalo Creek Reserve now includes a new three-point hardstand court which will provide the community a new and exciting facility for training and shooting hoops. It is great to see local basketballers already putting this new court through its paces.

Basketball as well as netball and pickleball players will soon have another great, enhanced location to stay active and connected following the delivery of new courts at Boronia Park. Two existing netball courts will be resurfaced and given multi-sport line markings to help meet the needs of growing sporting interests in our local area.

Commenced works for a field upgrade, on-grade drainage, new juniors training fields and significant lighting upgrades at Gladesville Reserve will also help to improve the experience and safety of users. It will also bring the reserve to a competition standard natural turf surface- a huge step forward for our clubs and recreational users.

We look forward to delivering these significant projects to our community and hopefully in time for the 2024 winter sporting competitions!

Art on show

This month in Hunters Hill, our Council is gearing up for our signature art shows, the Hunters Hill Art Exhibition and Young In Art. The Hunters Hill Art Exhibition is well known for its quality of works and 2023 is set to be no different. Attracting creatives from outside the Hunters Hill local government area whilst also nurturing and appreciating our incredible local talents, this highly regarded show is sure to impress once again when it is staged in the Hunters Hill Town Hall from 13 – 22 October.

Every year we are blown away by the works submitted, so I am looking forward to seeing what is produced for the community to enjoy this year.

Be sure to buy your tickets to the opening night now – all the event information can be found at www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/hunters-hill-art-exhibition.

Splitting my time between our electorate and Parliament House in Canberra provides me with a unique insight into how local issues translate at the national level.

With the Voice debate well underway, and community commentary running hot on how we speak to each other, discussions during the most recent parliamentary sitting fortnight centered on parliamentary behaviour, integrity and transparency around decision making, and whistleblower protections.

During the last fortnight I stood up in Parliament to call out unacceptable behavior and challenge everyone in that place do better: on that day and every day to come. That stand sparked a debate that spread well beyond the House.

This message was further reflected in our ongoing work in calling for the Attorney General to stop the prosecutions of whistleblowers David McBride and Richard Boyle. As these prosecutions proceed, they send a clear message to anyone who is considering speaking out against abuse or illegal behaviour in the public service or corporate sector, that they should not.

Meanwhile the Infrastructure and Transport Minister faced questions around how the decision was made to block Qatar Airways from taking on more flights. On behalf of North Sydney, I put a question to Minister King in writing asking her to explain what sources she had used to inform her decision. I look forward to sharing her response with you when it is received.

In each instance I was guided by the belief you get more done when you approach another person respectfully. Surprisingly, it seems this way of thinking is new when it comes to Parliamentary behaviour, but I am confident we have the capacity to change.

Respectful engagement may seem like a obvious standard: yet living it, giving it and standing up for it is something we all need to fight harder for.

ZAC

SOLD AT AUCTION

• Expansive living/dining/family rooms capture NE sunshine

• Covered deck, idyllic leafy outlooks and sun bathed backyard

• Lower rumpus has self contained bathroom and kitchenette

• Spacious bedrooms, built-in robes, pristine original bathroom

• Gas kitchen, split system air conditioning, off street parking

• Amazing opportunity to create your ideal new sanctuary

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

Monica Carollo 0491 001 539 E: monica.carollo@belleproperty.com

SOLD AT AUCTION

• Selection of living, dining/sitting rooms, ample space for families

• Living room captures glimpses of the city skyline/ANZAC Bridge

• Sunlit deck, level lawn, covered balcony, magnolia tree

• Kitchen boasts Bosch gas cooktopWestinghouse oven

• Each bedroom brimming with unique personality and original bay windows

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

Kim Walters 0499 014 886 E: kim.walters@belleproperty.com

SOLD AT AUCTION

• Sizeable for mal living/dining zones boasting ornate ceiling roses

• Seamless flow to pergola-covered entertaining area via bi-folds

• Peter Fudge gardens with water feature and sandstone paths

• Gour met induction kitchen/50mm marble island/luxe appliances

• Four oversized bedrooms include three opening to a wraparound balcony

James Bennett 0403 504 724 E: james.bennett@belleproperty.com

Steven O’Neill 0499 693 665 E: steven.oneill@belleproperty.com

SOLD PRIOR TO AUCTION

• Flexible dual level layout bathed in natural light

• Neat and tidy kitchen, leafy views and stainless gas cooktop

• Generously proportioned bedrooms with built-in wardrobes

• Separate rumpus, home office or teenagers' retreat with private access

• Large family bathroom appointed with separate bath and glass shower

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

Belle Property Hunters Hill 3/52-56 Gladesville Road, Hunters Hill 9817 7729

Belle Property Lane Cove 162 Longueville Road, Lane Cove 9087 3333

Welcome to Binet Homes’ newest luxury display home! We are thrilled to invite you to explore our stunning masterpiece located at 6 Alcorn Place in Pitt Town.

This exceptional property showcases the epitome of elegance, sophistication, and country-style charm. From gourmet kitchens and modern bathrooms to spacious family rooms and a grand alfresco area, this home has been meticulously designed with your comfort and style in mind. With its separate studio, tennis court, swimming pool, large bedrooms, home theatre, and fully landscaped gardens - this is truly a dream come true for any discerning homeowner.

Be prepared to be amazed as you step into a world of timeless beauty blended seamlessly with contemporary features.

Location nestled in the picturesque suburb of Pitt Town, Binet Homes’ newest luxury display home is perfectly situated to offer you a serene and idyllic lifestyle. Surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful

landscapes, this exquisite residence offers both tranquility and convenience. With easy access to nearby amenities such as schools, shops, and recreational facilities, everything you need is just a stone’s throw away.

Design is at the heart of every Binet Homes display home, and their newest luxury display home in Pitt Town is no exception. From the moment you step inside, you’ll be captivated by the attention to detail and modern aesthetic that flows throughout.

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Whether you’re in the market for a new home or simply seeking inspiration, this home will inspire everyone.

To find out more information about Binet Homes’ newest luxury display home at 6 Alcorn Place Pitt Town, please visit their website www.binethomes.com. au or contact them directly at info@binethomes.com.au