Despite being only 9km from Sydney CBD, Lane Cove is not only a bustling community of people but offers expansive bushlands that are also home to an impressive array of birdlife. And you need only take a look in your Lane Cove backyard or go on a bush walk through one of the many parks or reserves to find them. There are plenty of options for birdwatching and photography enthusiasts in Lane Cove. Tim Riding, our cover feature photographer, has shared with us some tips on where to go to find sightings of your feathery friends. In Lane Cove, Tambourine Bay Park is a must for nature lovers and is not only a large foreshore park but also the start point for the bush walk into the Warraroon Reserve. Here you will find plenty of birdlife, including great egrets and willy wagtails. The great egret (ardea alba), is usually located along the waterways and rivers, stalking its prey along Tambourine Bay sand flats at low tide, which is a great time to look out for them. The willy wagtail (rhipidura leucophrys), is more likely to be found on a low-hanging tree branch looking for insects, or simply listen out for the chortle of its chatty-like conversation. Common wherever you see red flowering gums is the rainbow lorikeet (trichoglossus moluccanus). These birds travel in lifelong pairs and are brightly marked, making for a colourful image. The kookaburra (dacelo novaeguineae/leachii), comes in four species, two of which find their homes in Australia - the laughing kookaburra and the blue winged kookaburra. You will find kookaburras in bush reserves all around Lane Cove. Kookaburras are strictly carnivorous, so you’ll know there are also small rodents, reptiles and insects in the area if you find one. If you are making a trip to the Aquatic Park at Longueville Reserve look out for the channel-billed cuckoo (scythrops novaehollandiae), or should we say listen out. You can hear their distinctive call or follow the activity of other birds to find them. Noisy miners will try to escort the large bird out of their territory and host birds like the currawongs will dive bomb the cuckoo to try and stop it from laying eggs in their nest. Lane Cove National Park is the perfect destination for the Australian wood duck (chenonetta jubata). Be sure to visit in spring with the kids, when the hatchlings come out. These medium-sized ducks adapt well to most conditions and this national park is the perfect habitat for them. The male duck can be distinguished from the female by its darker head. When it comes to Lane Cove, even your own backyard can be the perfect place for birdwatching. If you have a Eucalyptus tree in, or surrounding, your property, it’s fun to watch the Pacific baza (aviceda subcristata), which you will find there chasing insects. The Pacific baza used to be regarded as rare vagrants in Sydney, however more recently they have been recognised as established residents in the forested areas throughout the region. There are plenty of birdwatching and photography groups in Lane Cove that you may like to connect with if you are an enthusiast. There is also BirdLife Southern NSW, who have more extensive information and who publish online content to help you identify different species. They host a number of events and activities for enthusiasts, so its worth looking them up if you are looking to take your passion to the next level. BirdLife Southern NSW https://www.birdlife.org.au/locations/birdlife-southern-nsw Tim Riding Insta @tima7rii/

Lochie Beh is the president of the Lane Cove Theatre Company (LCTC). 2066 caught up with Lochie and quizzed him on their new production, Steel Magnolias. Can you provide us with a brief introduction to who you are and your background? Thanks for asking, I’ve been in theatre for as long as I could walk! Performing in some way or another. With Lane Cove Theatre Company, I’ve been lucky enough to work with some of the most outstanding talent and personalities in the industry. Tell us a little about the Lane Cove Theatre Company? LCTC has been in existence for 26 years. In that time we have had world premiere productions, new original works staged, classics and cult productions. We have welcomed seasoned performers as well as beginners. We encourage all aspects of theatre to be involved, from stage to tech, bands to front-of-house, costumes to set design. Can you provide a brief introduction to Steel Magnolias and how it came about showcasing at the Lane Cove Theatre? A beautiful, bittersweet comedy set in America’s deep south, Steel Magnolias chronicles the lives and friendships of six women in Chinquapin, Louisiana. Supporting each other through triumphs and tragedies, they congregate at Truvy’s Beauty Spot, to ponder the mysteries of life and death, husbands and children. Despite their differences, beautiful and impulsive Shelby, her strong-willed mother M’Lynn, beauty parlour owner Truvy, elegant widow Clairee, sharp-tongued Ouiser and mousy newcomer Annelle enjoy a friendship that spans the boundaries of age and status. Sharing each other’s strength and loyalty, these six remarkable women survive the cycles of life, birth and death to emerge stronger, closer and still laughing! Trent Gardiner (director) has always had a connection to this play, and we felt it would be a great addition to our 25th season in 2020. Steel Magnolias was originally scheduled to show in 2020 what happened, and how did this make you and the cast feel? Three weeks into rehearsals in 2020 we had to cancel due to the global [Covid-19] pandemic. We were determined this production would go ahead, so we included it in our 2021 season. The cast and crew were devastated to have to cancel but felt it was the right decision, based on the current situation in March 2020. We were hopeful that it would go ahead as all the cast felt it deserved to be on stage. With the support of LCTC that will now be a reality. Were any changes necessary for the delayed Steel Magnolias production? One cast member had to be replaced due to scheduling conflicts, however we are now well into rehearsals, and it is going great. The Cast are working on their southern dialects, and busy work shopping hairstyles. Rehearsals are full of emotional roller coasters, lots of pink and a whole lot of fun. Are there any up-and-coming stars in this production/theatre company we should be looking out for? There is always new talent coming through the doors of LCTC. The previous production showcased just the amount of talent that is coming into Lane Cove. In Steel Magnolias we have 6 incredibly talented ladies that will take you on a journey of laughter through tears and a whole lot of emotion. What's the best thing you love about Lane Cove? It’s a vibrant, eclectic community that embraces the performing arts. A lovely village atmosphere surrounded by beautiful nature. What do you recommend for budding actors or actresses keen to get on stage that they do to kick-start their career in theatre? The best advice we can offer is that age doesn’t matter. You are never too young or old to get involved. Do your research into what you would like to do and what you love. Also production work: on-stage, technical, costumes, front-of-house, directing, stage management.... the list is endless. This year LCTC is offering Masterclasses with renowned masters of their craft. What is on the horizon for you and are there any new productions in the pipeline? A Streetcar Named Desire is headed for the stage in August, and in November we will have our children’s production - Hercules. In September we will also stage our 10x10 minute short plays - In a Nutshell. Stay tuned to our website or Facebook for further details.

I’m Louie - aka, King Louie, Lou, Louis, Slug, Handsome, Rouie. If you’ve got any frankfurts or bacon - you’ll be my favourite person in the room. When I’m not stalking my Mum around the house, I am SLEEPING because how good is sleep!? I can sleep anywhere - couch, bed, on your face while you sleep - it depends on my mood. Walks are okay to I GUESS - as long as it’s not too long? Like at all, these little legs get tired!

It’s a little-known fact that nestled in the southern corner of St Ives is 8 acres of land that has seemingly been untouched by time! Mimicking the orchards and rural properties from the 1960’s, Rosedale Farm is still home to over 8 horses, including 2 mini-ponies, some chickens and a couple of beehives. We spoke with Mike and Jenny, who have had the property in their family since 1977, when it was all rolling green hills (and a stark lack of pesky privet trees!). It’s believed that previously, the Victa Lawn Mowers family owned the property, and, prior to them, the family behind Farley & Lewers pink cement trucks. The property has been used for horse agistment since before the current owners purchased the land. Jenny, previously living in a house on the far side of the property, fondly remembers the days she could wander out her back door and see her pony, Milly, in the stable adjacent to the backyard - what a dream! Unfortunately, due to land-tax impositions, Mike and Jenny have been forced to sell the land for development. However, they are fully committed to ensuring the outcome of this little slice of paradise will be something that the local community are proud of, and something that continues to support the local environment.

Smudge is a 13-week Lagotto Romagnolo He is a beautiful little pup very chilled most of the time and had a fantastic breeder and a really positive environment as a young pup! He has fitted in perfectly with my 13 1/2 year old Groodle (Doogall) He loves laying in strange places, ‘helping’ in the garden, trying to get his old brother to play and especially loves to eat. Very much a part of our lives already!

Planning began in 2015 so it’s been a long wait, but the new skatepark in Federal Park is due to open very soon and local board riders can’t wait. Federal Park Reserve butts against the harbour at the end of Rozelle Bay and at the bottom of Glebe. It’s a very scenic park to walk through and also includes lots of amenities such as a dog park, children’s playground, sports fields, walking/cycling path and, any minute now, a big new skatepark. Located at the foot of the viaduct that now serves the light rail, the skatepark incorporates the historic arches into its design. The concrete and brick-paved plaza covers a fairly large area and includes ramps, basins, slopes, platforms, and rails, as well as being impressively landscaped. It came about thanks to lobbying led by Sydney Skateboard Association, locals, and skateboarders and is part of a wider redevelopment project in Federal Park which includes: new recreational open space, west of the Glebe railway viaduct a new, larger playground shared paths for people walking and riding bikes throughout the park groves of native trees and large lawn areas picnic areas with seating and barbecues conservation works to the Glebe railway viaduct. In conjunction with the park renovations, Sydney Water is conducting naturalisation work on Johnstons Creek which will return it to a more organic waterway. The work includes: replacing the old concrete banks with sandstone and native plants creating a natural planted stormwater system (wetland) in Federal Park near Dalgal Way expanding the salt marsh around the creek and creating intertidal rock pools creating a boardwalk, paths and new seating replacing the old footbridge near Dalgal way. Works are expected to be completed early in 2021. For more info visit: www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au and www.sydneywatertalk.com.au/johnstonscreek

With a great grilled and fried selection of everything from flathead, John Dory, salmon and octopus, this is the place to get your seafood fix in Turramurra. So if you haven’t had a potato scallop for a while and take out is on the agenda, check out this great local favourite.

There is so much to say about 12 year old Ragdoll x Domestic Shorthair Willow, AKA Willow the Weirdo - despite being blind and hard of hearing, she is living her best life. She is an expert communicator - constantly letting her owners know when her water bowl is empty, she’s hungry or when she wants a tummy rub. Willow proves that cats have 9 lives - surviving a fall from a 2nd storey roof onto concrete, 2 dog attacks, a cat attack, and 2 rounds of near-fatal tick bites.

Lisa Novak is no stranger to the real estate industry, but it wasn’t until 3 years ago at the age of 46 that she moved into the sales team at Novak Properties and made her mark shooting to fame and being awarded Australia’s Most Innovative Person in Real Estate in 2020. Lisa saw a massive gap in the industry where social media was being underutilised, or simply “not being used for the right reasons” she says, which led her to develop her own style of real estate sales and marketing. She found that many sellers didn’t have thousands of dollars to spend on testing the market for their property and wanted to give them an option to gain confidence without any initial outlay. Using her own social media channels, she developed her $0 Marketing Strategy. This strategy allows sellers to showcase their property on her social media pages, rather than going straight to a real estate portal such as Domain or RealEstate.com, and without spending any money upfront. She produces live, raw and authentic video content of the properties she is helping to sell and posts via various channels, such as Instagram and Youtube. There is no fancy lighting or trick photography either, it’s just Lisa with her iPhone, so what you see is what you get. Her main area of focus is residential properties primarily across the Northern Beaches, selling everything from1 bedroom apartments to luxury multi-million-dollar homes. Using this strategy, Buyers too, get the opportunity to see what’s available before it hits the market, something that wasn’t available to the general public before. She calls this her Pre-Market Strategy. So using social media she has created a winning combination for both sellers and buyers. But it’s not all about selling, and something that has been key to Lisa developing and bringing this strategy to life, is her ability to help people that genuinely need it. In her words, “Not every seller wants a huge auction style campaign. They have their own set of needs & it’s important as an industry and as agents that we listen to those. I sold for a lovely vendor once who was terminally ill, given just a few weeks to live. The last thing he wanted was hundreds of buyers coming through his property & an auction campaign that would run for 3-4 weeks. I sold his property off Facebook for an incredible price within days of launching it. It was incredibly stress free for him & his family.” Using her two pronged strategy, Lisa has built a massive following across all her social media channels from the Northern Beaches and afar, with nearly 6,000 followers on Instagram, 4,000 on Facebook and over 136,913 views on Youtube. So where to from here for this ambitious real estate celebrity? Well selling more properties is definitely on the horizon and in her view the Northern Beaches is hot right now as Buyers are looking for a sea and beach change. “In fact the Northern Beaches is out performing many other markets in Sydney as proximity to the CBD is no longer a key selling point for properties, as people can now work remotely.” So if you’re in the market for a property in the Northern beaches, its worth jumping online and checking out Lisa’s social media pages. It’s a quick and fast moving industry, but at least you know that with Lisa, you will get first access to the newest properties.

From parrots and pythons to rabbits and reptiles, this Inner West veterinary clinic specialises in the animals that often need a little extra care. With Sydney’s Inner West becoming increasingly urbanised and apartment living on the rise, more people are welcoming unique companions into their homes. From rabbits and birds to reptiles and other exotic pets, these animals are becoming beloved members of the family - and thankfully, The Wild Vet in Glebe is here to help. Dr Emma Hall from The Wild Vet Animal Hospital has built a reputation for caring for some of Sydney’s most unusual pets, offering specialist veterinary treatment for creatures that don’t always fit the traditional dog-and-cat mould. Caring for Exotic Pets in Glebe The term “exotic pet” refers to small animals outside the usual cat and dog category — including rabbits, birds, reptiles and more. While these animals may require different care, they can form incredibly strong bonds with their owners and bring just as much joy into a household. Bearded dragons, for example, can be surprisingly interactive companions when their environment is properly maintained. Parrots and rabbits are known for their intelligence and affectionate personalities, while reptiles such as snakes can suit owners looking for a lower-maintenance pet. However, just like cats and dogs, exotic pets can experience health problems too. Specialist Veterinary Care for Unusual Animals Many exotic animals are experts at hiding signs of illness or discomfort, meaning subtle changes can sometimes be easy to miss. The team at The Wild Vet Glebe understands the unique needs of these animals and provides specialised care tailored to each species. From treating a python with a tumour to helping a bird recover from injury or caring for small mammals with dental issues, the clinic is equipped for a remarkable range of veterinary challenges. At The Wild Vet, no two days look the same. One day might involve caring for a parrot, while the next could involve emergency treatment for a reptile - including some of Australia’s more unusual species. Supporting Wildlife Across Sydney Beyond caring for beloved pets, The Wild Vet also plays an important role in supporting native wildlife. A portion of the clinic’s profits contributes towards wildlife treatment, helping injured and orphaned Australian animals receive the care they need. Dr Emma Hall and the team regularly assist native animals in need, including orphaned possums and flying fox pups, ensuring that Sydney’s wildlife is not forgotten. For Inner West residents with a feathered, furry or scaly family member, The Wild Vet offers something rare: specialist knowledge combined with genuine compassion for every creature that walks, crawls, flies or slithers through the door. The Wild Vet Animal Hospital 📍 22A Bridge Rd, Glebe 📞 1300 945 383 🌐 wildvet.com.au

It's never good to start a review with the word "rustic" and "family-friendly", but there are no better terms to describe the vibe of Newtown’s favourite piece of Italy. Nestled in the middle of King Street's noise and bustle, The Italian Bowl has become renowned for their home-made cuisine, their family-owned and run ethos, and the endless cues that seem to snake up the narrow footpath. The interior itself, if you're lucky enough to snag a table, is reminiscent of a country-side villa decorated with out-door lights and low-hanging archways - it's the closest any Aussie can get to the charming appeals of Florence…for now. However, what they lack in pedestrian-convenience, they more than make up for with some of the best pasta in the southern hemisphere. Let alone the fact you get to pick and choose the pasta and sauce that works best for you. Upon recommendation from a sales assistant at Elizabeth's Bookshop, I choose to opt for their Gnocchi with Carbonara sauce. While some might say that creamy Gnocchi is much-too-heavy for the beginning of an Australian summer, and would typically be correct, this Gnocchi is different. Dangerously light, yet deliciously carby pieces of potato that go down as smoothly as a shot of Korean soju. But just like soju, this Gnocchi will catch up with you quickly if you manage to finish your bowl - beware the Christmas-level food coma that follows! The Carbonara sauce… wow. For something that's only comprised of bacon, eggs, cream and shallots, this sauce is so rich and flavourful, while also being incredibly more-ish. For someone who considered themselves a connoisseur of all that is creamy and cheesy, this carbonara takes the cake. I cannot stress this enough though: pace yourselves. I walked in with an empty stomach and left with what felt like a second-trimester baby-bump - and all for a pretty affordable price. I'd say that The Italian Bowl is a perfect place for second-dates, students on pay-day, or any foodie who values 'substance' over 'style' in their home-style cooking. 255 King St, Newtown theitalianbowl.com.au

With a mission to ‘inspire community activity’, Lane Cove Aquatic Leisure Centre is the place to be. The state of the art aquatic and gym facilities will remove all barriers to achieving your health and fitness goals. Offering a variety of water activities including: lap swimming, Learn to Swim classes, leisure swimming and warm water programs. Jump from the pool to total tranquility in sauna, steam room, and spa facilities designed for relaxation and rejuvenation. The Health Club features premium equipment and a diverse range of group fitness classes including functional training & reformer pilates. Guided by our Fit Journey, you will get the best tools and support you need to help maintain a healthy, active lifestyle! 2 Little St, Lane Cove - 9418 8888 - www.lanecoveaquatic.com.au