About the team

Councillor Kathy Bryla

I am an independent councillor for Lane Cove Council's Central Ward (see map).

With 25 years of experience in the architecture profession, I have a proven track record as a team player, having worked for large international firms in Australia and China. In adition to my role with Lane Cove Council, I run my own business in Lane Cove, focusing on sustainable building practices and hold positions with the Union of International Architects and the Sutherland Shire Council Design Review Panel.

Entering the role of Councillor in 2021 launched me into a new area of work. To quickly "skill-up", I completed the UTS Executive Certificate for Elected Members. During my time on Council, I have served on many of the Lane Cove Council committees and cherish the opportunity to deal with a wide range of our community.

I was elected as a member of the Labor Party but soon realised that major party politics presented challenges in local government. I am now, as an independent, able to represent the people of Lane Cove more authentically and effectively.

Since moving to Lane Cove 12 years ago, I've enjoyed being involved in the local community. I participate in local school and sporting clubs, attend Lane Cove Theatre Company productions, and visit exhibits at the Lane Cove Gallery. I volunteer for Bushcare and the 1st Lane Cove Scouts and am involved with the Lane Cove Sustainability Collective Group.

Our family lives in an original cottage in Riverview, which we expanded to become our "forever home" a few years ago. Our property overlooks the adjacent bushland reserve, which we treasure and respect. We have a beloved dog, Mia, who happily makes friends with everyone during our walks around the Lane Cove centre.

Positions held in Council (committees)

• Sustainability Action Group
• Bushland Management Advisory Committee
• Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee
• Traffic Committee - Chair (first half of term)
• Lane Cove Festival Committee
• Lane Cove Performance Space Committee
• Dog Advisory Committee

Community Involvement (outside council role)

• Lane Cove Bushcare
• Lane Cove Sustainability Collective
• 1st Lane Cove Scout Group

I am thrilled and grateful to have these two dedicated community members working with me in the upcoming election campaign. They are both long-standing and committed members of the Lane Cove community.

Trent Gardiner

Trent passionately serves the Lane Cove community, where he has lived and actively participated all his life.

With 25 years of experience in education, he has worked in both independent and public sectors and is currently a Principal with the NSW Department of Education. His two children are the third generation of his family to attend Lane Cove Public School, where he now serves as Vice President of the School Council.

Trent has built strong community connections over many years. He has received three Lane Cove Council Citizenship Awards for Young Achievement, Arts/Culture/Music, and Leadership, along with a special award from Lane Cove Council in 2008 for his numerous contributions. He is a former chairperson of the Lane Cove Council Cultural Advisory Committee and a current member of the Lane Cove Theatre Advisory Group.

As a Life Member and Founding Member of the Lane Cove Theatre Company, Trent has held various positions over the past 30 years. His passion for the local cultural community drives his strong advocacy for a dedicated performing arts space in Lane Cove.

A champion for equality, Trent is committed to ensuring residents have access to cultural opportunities and community facilities. He strives to reduce living costs for young families and promote transparency and integrity within local government. He is dedicated to reducing bureaucracy and ensuring integrity and transparency from local representatives.

Dr Tanya Phillips

Tanya loves Lane Cove and is dedicated to preserving its beauty and resources for future generations. She has been a resident of the local community for many years, living with her family in Longueville.

Deeply family-oriented, Tanya maintains close ties with her parents and brother, who also reside in Lane Cove. As an Australian-born Chinese, she values hard work, family bonds, and respect for elders, honoring her heritage through traditional customs.

As a veterinary professional and small animal general practitioner, Tanya champions the benefits of the human-animal bond, helping families care for their pets and ensuring their well-being. She serves on the Lane Cove Dog Advisory Committee, promoting community harmony, health, and mutual respect.

A committed volunteer, Tanya actively participates in school, church, and sporting committees, especially during her children’s time at St Michael’s, Lane Cove. She is a founding member of a local charity for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, honoring the memory of a cherished local friend.

Through these and many other efforts, Tanya demonstrates her community spirit, advocating for transparency, clear communication, and integrity. She is passionate about protecting our shared spaces, waterfront, and bushland, and supporting local businesses.