Lane Cove Council - Councillors

Council is made up of nine Councillors, including a Council elected Mayor. The nine Councillors each represent one of the three wards that make up Lane Cove. Councillors are voted in by the local community to represent them on local public issues.

Councillors are not paid for the job that they do; many Councillors have a full-time job on top of being an elected member. However, they do receive an allowance. The allowance amount is determined each year by Council, though it must be between the limits set by the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal.

Contact details and other information relating to the nine Councillors are outlined below (in alphabetical order).

Councillor Scott Bennison Ward: West Email: sbennison@lanecove.nsw.gov.au Phone: 0402 406 241
Councillor David Brooks-Horn Ward: East Email: dbrookshorn@lanecove.nsw.gov.au Phone: 0450 288 072
Councillor Kathy Bryla Ward: Central Email: kbryla@lanecove.nsw.gov.au Phone: 0414 638 837 Interests Since moving here 10 years ago we have embraced the local community with all it has to offer. I am an enthusiastic bush walker, a member of the Lane Cove Bushland and Conservation Society and an art admirer come amateur painter. I offer my architectural skills to charitable housing organisations, contributing to delivering affordable housing projects in remote parts of the country. Background Our family has been living in Lane Cove for 10 years where we have raised our children and have embraced the local community with all it has to offer. I studied Architecture at the University of Queensland moving to Sydney shortly after graduation. Following a career working in commercial architectural firms and having the opportunity to travel for projects in Melbourne and across Asia, I established my own practice in 2019. I currently balance residential project work with parenting and community commitments. Why I stood for Council I love my local community and wanted to be directly involved in working with the community to create an even better Lane Cove (if possible), a sustainable Lane Cove, inclusive, diverse and healthy for us now and for future generations. I am honored to be elected and to have this opportunity to serve the residents of Lane Cove. Organisations Australian Labor Party (Lane Cove Branch) Lane Cove Conservation and Bushland Society Australian Institute of Architects NSW Habitat for Humanity NSW
Councillor Rochelle Flood Ward: West Email: rflood@lanecove.nsw.gov.au Phone: 0480 300 836 Interests I love being outdoors in the sun. Since moving to Lane Cove, I have embraced bushwalking– particularly along the many great riverside tracks Lane Cove has to offer. In my spare time I'm an avid reader, and I enjoy going to the theatre. Other hobbies include aerial arts – I regularly take Lyra and Sling classes at a local Sydney studio. Background I grew up between the Central Coast and Newcastle. I completed an undergraduate degree with Honours in theatre at Newcastle University. My performance projects focused on using community based theatre to work with refugee women who had survived domestic abuse. During my time as a student in Newcastle, I was actively involved with refugee groups, as well as environment and sustainability groups in the Port Stephens region. I moved to the Lane Cove area in 2015 when I started a postgraduate degree specialising in Environmental Law at Macquarie University. I graduated from Macquarie with a Juris Doctor at the end of 2021. I also currently work full time as a Campaign Manager at an animal welfare organisation based in St Leonards. My work focuses on helping to protect and advocate for the wellbeing of animals in farming systems across the country. Why you stood for Council I stood for Council because I love Lane Cove and the vibrant community we have here. We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world, and we need to do all we can to protect what we have, and work to make sure it’s even better for generations to come. I want to help protect and expand our green spaces, as well as to deliver more affordable housing and key services like affordable and accessible council run childcare. I have valuable experience with a background in environmental and planning law, that will place me in good stead for the work that lies ahead. As a member of the Greens, I’m a passionate believer in grassroots democracy. Community input in decision making is crucial – and it’s something I want to help improve here in Lane Cove. I want to be an advocate for the community, to help amplify your voices. Organisations NSW Greens (Lower North Shore Group) Climate Justice Alliance Sydney Australian Services Union (ASU) Previous Affiliations Amnesty International (Newcastle) GetUp! March in March Unity in Diversity
Councillor Bridget Kennedy Ward: Central Email: bkennedy@lanecove.nsw.gov.au Phone: 0411 808 274 Interests Art and Design, sustainable environments and communities, sailing, gardening, permaculture. Background First lived in Lane Cove in 1987 and returned in 2001. 2018 Lane Cove Citizen of the Year. Why I stood for Council A committed and passionate advocate for people and the environment, I devote my spare time to initiatives that foster community connection. I ran for council because I want to serve and truly represent Lane Cove and am ready to be a participant rather than a bystander. Organisations Instigator and co-founder, Sydney Library of Things Instigator and co-founder, Sydney Edible Garden Trail Founding member, Repair Café Sydney North Board Member, World Crafts Council Australia (Treasurer) Member, Lane Cove Bushland and Conservation Society Previous Affiliations Board Member, Australian Design Centre Committee Member, Jewellers and Metalsmiths Group Australia (NSW)
Councillor Katherine Mort Ward: Central Email: kmort@lanecove.nsw.gov.au Phone: 0438 442 113 Interests Travel and exploring Sydney, the stunning harbour and natural environments, reading, especially biographies, gardening, art and current affairs. I enjoy volunteering and have a particular interest in supporting our older residents. Background After graduating in Physiotherapy at The University of Queensland I worked across several Australian states and the UK before settling in Sydney. I loved practising as a hospital physiotherapist and the enormous range of people I came across, both patients and colleagues. We lived on the upper north shore before moving to Lane Cove ten years ago, with my children attending schools locally. More recently I have been employed in an engineering firm working with Australian manufacturers to reduce their energy consumption and utilise more energy efficient practices. I continue to use my allied health experience in volunteering, and would advocate for more facilities and infrastructure to encourage sport and physical activities for all ages. Why you stood for Council Lane Cove is a wonderful place to live and I am continually inspired by the people I meet here. I stood for council to consult with and represent the residents and contribute to further improving outcomes for all. I am grateful to the residents of Lane Cove for the opportunity and the privilege to represent them on local council. Organisations Registered Physiotherapist (N/P) NSW APHRA Member The Liberal Party (NSW Branch) Member NSW Art Gallery Previous Affiliations Lane Cove Council Access and Inclusion Committee (2017-2021)
Councillor David Roenfeldt Ward: East Email: droenfeldt@lanecove.nsw.gov.au Phone: 0466 949 145 Interests David’s hobbies are learning about other science disciplines, such as space, geology, History (England in particular), the natural world and beekeeping. He also plays guitar and loves 70’s to 90’s rock and pop music. Background Originally from the Riverland in South Australia, David grew up in Mildura, NW Victoria. A fruit growing/farming region on the Murray River. Spent early working life after moving to Melbourne in Retail Warehousing before returning home to Mildura in 2000 to repeat Senior High School as a mature aged student. He returned back to Melbourne in 2002 for university studies. David first moved to Lane Cove in 2012 and fell in love with the area. The open spaces and close vicinity to bushland and national parks and the safe and friendly atmosphere makes it a great place to live. David works in Castle Hill validating products to Australian and International Environmental testing standards. 2011 to present – Environmental Test Engineer, 2009 Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering RMIT University 2004 Advance Diploma of Engineering – Mechanical (Aerospace), RMIT University 2002 VCE, Mildura Senior College 1988 to 1998 Retail Warehousing Why I stood for Council Representing one's peers, being a strong voice and achieving positive outcomes for others is something that continually inspires me. There is no better feeling of satisfaction when one’s personal involvement achieves positive outcomes for others. Organisations President, Lane Cove Labor, 2017 - present
Councillor Merri Southwood (Deputy Mayor) Ward: East Email: msouthwood@lanecove.nsw.gov.au Phone: 0412 361 331 Interests Time with and for my family members, from a 2 year old grandchild to a 96 year old mother, is a priority. I'm a news addict. Time permitting, I enjoy reading and walks along the bushtracks near the Harbour. Beach walks and joining my husband in beach fishing, especially on beautiful Boomerang Beach, are a highlight. I enjoy cycling but have been a bit time poor for a while. And, to relax, knitting – my moments of mindfulness. Background I have a BA and a LLM with a major in Dispute Resolution. For 20 years until my retirement in September 2020, I worked with TAFENSW as:- as a Commercial Law teacher governance trainer to communities in Redfern and Yarra Bay. International Student Coordinator to provide pastoral and academic assistance to students to navigate their way through issues like visa compliance, poor working conditions and unsatisfactory rental accommodation. I also took an active role on P&C Associations, School Councils and Foundations at the schools our children attended – Greenwich and Artarmon Public Schools, North Sydney Boys' and Girls' High Schools and Sydney Grammar. Why you stood for Council I am honoured to have been elected as a Councillor for East Ward. I will work to ensure that Lane Cove Council achieves an appropriate balance between high-density development and the preservation of the amenity and natural beauty that we enjoy in our LGA. I will work to ensure that Council adopts a more collaborative approach in its decision making and that this starts in the early stages of a proposal. Community input should be informed by accessible, complete and current online resources. And it should also be reported on in an objective manner and without bias. The St Leonards/Crows Nest Precinct is controlled by three Councils - Lane Cove, Willoughby and North Sydney. This precinct is impacted by major development (mainly residential) and infrastructure, particularly open and recreational space, is demonstrably inadequate. I will work towards greater collaboration between the Councillors of the three LGAs to provide joint facilities to meet the needs of the increased population in the precinct. Organisations I have lived in Greenwich for over 30 years and I have been actively involved with many community and school organisations throughout this time. My most recent community involvement has been 8 years as President of the Greenwich Community Association Inc. Previous Affiliations Former financial but inactive member of the Australian Labor Party.
Councillor Andrew Zbik (Mayor) Ward: West Email: azbik@lanecove.nsw.gov.au Phone: 0411 894 788 Interests Raising three young children with my wife keeps life interesting in itself. When I do get some time to relax I enjoy woodworking and woodturning. Since 2002 I have been an active rower on the Lane Cove River and still get out on the water to row 1-2 days per week. I am currently a member of North Shore Rowing Club. Cycling is another way I can mix commuting to work in the city and fitting in a bit of exercise. Background I moved to Lane Cove in 2006 originally with my sister. It was a convenient location for work and pursing my interests such as rowing. I have lived here since. My wife and I got engaged the day after my first election campaign for Council in 2012 (So I guess she knew what was ahead of her). In 2013 we got married and the choice on where we would settle to raise a family was easy - Lane Cove. Professionally I work as a Senior Financial Adviser where I own and operate a Professional Services Firm based in the Sydney CBD and Leichhardt. My qualifications include: Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Laws (Macquarie University). Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (The College of Law). Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning) (Kaplan). Accredited SMSF Specialist with the SMSF Association. Tax (Financial) Adviser with the Tax Practitioners Board. Why I stood for Council This role is a great way to serve our community. Naturally I am a person who takes responsibility and works to make life better for our community. Since I joined the Scouts as a 10-year-old, I have always been involved in some form of community service. Serving as a Councillor is another way I can serve. Organisations Lane Cove Branch of the Australian Labor Party (NSW Branch) SMSF Association Financial Services Union North Shore Rowing Club Previous Affiliations Rotary Club of Crows Nest Business Networks International (Enterprise) Scouts Australia Macquarie University Rowing Club