Peter Sheridan - Australia's Art Deco Picture Palaces

Most of these wonderful picture palaces have disappeared. Those few remaining deserve preservation before we lose that part of our cultural and architectural heritage.

For At the Podium in April, Dr. Kay Leiper presents her research on Lane Cove's war veterans. 

From the Boer War to the battlefields of the Somme, from Kakoda to Kuwait, this ANZAC commemoration details many of the Lane Cove residents who interrupted their family life to go and fight in Australia's conflict zones. 

Some were residents of Carisbrook Historic House, a few became national heroes; others never returned home.

To support aspiring entrants to the 2026 Lane Cove History Prize, we are conducting a free workshop.

Need a little help with your research? This workshop will give you all the best tips and inspiration. We'll cover:

• Where to find the best research sources

• How to make your entry look professional

• What makes a winning submission

Plus, this year we are including a special session on how to create oral histories.

Based on her highly commended entry for the 2025 Lane Cove History Prize, Barbara Palmer presents a unique study of social history by examining the creation and the effect of social connection in one street in the Riverview Estate.

Join Kent Blackmore, Australia’s leading magic historian, as he uncovers the earliest magicians to tread our boards, sharing rare photos, vintage posters, and incredible stories of triumph and tragedy.

Join us for a fine performance of all-time favourites from musical theatre. Presented by the talented members of Normanhurst Uniting Church Musical Society, this delightful concert features songs from their recent stage success, My Fair Lady.

Enjoy the twilight with beautiful music, wine and cheese.

Please join us to find out who is the winner, to learn all about the winning entry, and to meet our judges.

Awarded this year in honour of the late Dr Frances Christie, past president of Lane Cove Historical Society.

The prize is worth $1,500 and was first awarded in 2016.

This is a free event. All welcome.

Reg Mu Sung is President of the Gore Hill Memorial Cemetery Society and will speak on the cemetery's history.

You are invited to come in costume and indulge at a champagne garden party hosted by our very own Queen Victoria.  Think bonnets, corsets, tailcoats and top hats!  Queen Victoria herself will be there - come and have a photoshoot in the house or in the surrounding gardens.

It's Middlemarch, Jane Eyre, Great Expectations and Sherlock Holmes. 

Carisbrook Historic House will be open to provide a unique backdrop to this Victorian-era party.  Enjoy time in the house and gardens, meet Queen Victoria, play games on the front lawn and then promenade down to the Lane Cove River.  

Dr Kay Leiper and Margaret Bergomi will report on their research into Lane Cove House and its surrounds.

Lane Cove House has a story that spans the pioneering beginnings of the suburb to a large medical facility that tested the mental health controversies of the twentieth century.

Ian Burnet will speak on his new book, “Dangerous Passage - A Maritime History of the Torres Strait”.

WAL WALKER talks on his new book The Squatters’ Grab- Where It All Went Wrong.

Aspiring history writers are invited to participate in a History Writing Workshop presented by Dr Sarah Luke. This workshop is free and open to all – but you must register.

It is also specially timed for anyone planning to submit an entry for the LCHS Lane Cove History Prize.

Register for the History Writing Workshop at Eventbrite or via this QR code.

Karen Smith will speak on the story of her ancestor, Maria Lock, an Aboriginal woman (c.1805-1878).

Maria lived a remarkable life, and is still remembered by her descendants with affection, esteem, and great pride. Learn about her enduring story.

CANCELLED

ANZAC Special

Speaker Denis Smith OAM tells the story of WWII fighter pilot, Nat Gould, Australia’s unsung flying ace.