Councillor Scott BennisonWard: West Phone: 0402 406 241 Public Email: sbennison@lanecove.nsw.gov.au Interests:When I am not attending to council matters, I enjoy playing tennis, riding around on my Harley Fat Boy, and love setting off fireworks (pyrotechnics). I also have a personal interest in closing the gap for Aboriginal people and currently work closely with a number of Aboriginal communities assisting them with Native Title, employment and business ownership strategies. Background:I am a country boy at heart, born and raised in the inland town of Wellington NSW. At the age of 17, I left school to begin my first job at the Dubbo abattoirs. I then moved to Melbourne in 1983 where I completed my HSC before moving to Newcastle in 1986. Arriving in Sydney in 1988, I began my professional career in accounting, completing an Accounting degree and Professional Year Program with the Institute of Chartered Accountants. Moving to Lane Cove with my wife Julia in 1996, I then became a partner in a Lane Cove based financial services firm, Infinity Financial in 2001. My keen interest in civil service then led me to become a member of the Lane Cove Chamber of Commerce in 2002. There I was elected Treasurer and subsequently President in 2005. I also ran for Council in 2004 and was successful in my second running in 2008. I was delighted to serve during these times as Councillor for Central Ward. One of the reasons I ran for Council in 2004 was in support for the proposed Market Square complex consisting of a Woolworths’ supermarket, new specialty shops, new library and additional car parking. I am a small business owner, Lane Cove resident and qualified business and accounting professional. I believe as a Liberal candidate, I can make a positive difference to residents of Lane Cove providing for local needs such as more amenable car parking and community facilities. Why I stood for Council:I stood again for council in 2008 because like many other residents was frustrated with the lack of car parking in Lane Cove and the decline of small business in Lane Cove. As a Liberal we support small business and understand that small business is the backbone to our community. Lane Cove needs facilities and infrastructure that support small business and meet the needs of its residents. I believe that with my skills and qualifications I able to contribute to the community to support small business and make Lane Cove the best place for residents to live. Memberships:Institute of Chartered Accountant Liberal Party of NSW Count Financial Ltd – Authorised Representative
CEFA (Constitutional Education Foundation Association) Education:Bachelor of Business (major in Accounting) Professional Year Program – Institute of Chartered Accountants Diploma in Financial Planning Professional Qualifications:Chartered Accountant Financial Planner Registered Company Auditor (ASIC) Justice of the Peace Registered Tax Agent Licensed Pyrotechnical Operator | 
