In a rare radio moment, two of our local female political leaders were interviewed back-to-back on “Monday Morning Matters” on the 27th of October.  

Monica Tudehope MP, state member for Epping was up first, celebrating the first anniversary of her victory in the Epping by-election.  

Mayor of Lane Cove, Merri Southwood later joined us, to bring the audience up to speed on all things Lane Cove, including celebrating the achievement of the suburb being named the most liveable place in Australia! 

“I know from that kind of professional experience, the role that Government can play in shaping our lives- sometimes for good, sometimes for not so good in my opinion,” said Tudehope about the importance politicians bring to our local communities.  

When asked what sparked her ambition to work in politics, Tudehope happily replied, “Once I had children, I guess I had this very real sense of wanting- how do I make their lives better?…I channelled that into getting into politics because I really wanted to make sure that I was giving them the best possible future, in terms of being able to afford a house, get a good job, having a really liveable city.” 

As the cost of living continues to soar, Tudehope said, “From a State Government perspective, just last week in the lower house, at least the New South Wales coalition joined with the Labour party to pass some pretty significant planning reforms. Those reforms still have to go through the upper house, but they’ve been through the lower house, and those planning reforms hopefully should make some changes around supply.” 

Merri Southwood similarly made a comment on the housing market, “We’re well aware that you get to a point when the needs of your family require a bigger home. It’s very hard for people to stay in Lane Cove and that’s very sad.” 

She furthered, “We haven’t got the diversity of housing that we need to allow families; growing families to stay in the area.” 

Unfortunately, as to how to fix the issue, Southwood said “That is something we’re well aware of. How we solve it, just don’t know.” 

On the much happier news, Lane Cove is in its last developments for their Sport and Recreation centre called ‘Galuwa’ which should be opened to the public shortly.  

As for things to do this weekend, On Sunday, Lane Cove is hosting a food and wine festival from 11am-5pm at Burns Bay reserve. Live music, stalls, wine tasting and delicious food will fill the reserve, so make sure to check it out! 

It is recommended you catch public transport to avoid congestion on the roads.

On another note, for Saturday and Sunday Lane Cove is also hosting the ‘Greenwich Village Arts Trail.’ 

Resident painters, sculptors and artists will be opening their homes, garages and studios to exhibit and sell their art!