Northern Beaches Mayor Michel Regan has expressed his condolences to the family and friends of Robert Dunn OAM, former Mayor of Pittwater Council, who passed away on 17th September.

Former solicitor Robert Dunn was the first elected Mayor of Pittwater Council following its secession from Warringah Council in 1992.

Cr Regan said Mr Dunn served as a Councillor from 1992-1999 and prior to the secession, served on Warringah Council as a Councillor from 1987-1991.

“Robert believed passionately in serving his community and also ran as an independent candidate in the Pittwater State by-election after the departure of John Brogden.

“Robert reasoned strongly against the amalgamation of the now three former councils of Pittwater, Warringah and Manly in 2015.

“While we stand here today, as one Council, I think we need to remember the incredible commitment and passion demonstrated by Robert so tirelessly for so many years.

“We will always remember Robert Dunn for his work for our community and it is fitting there is a tribute already established at Robert Dunn Reserve, a park alongside Mona Vale Beach.

“The park will stands to remind us of the efforts of people like Robert Dunn who have worked so hard to protect our beautiful environment.

“Our thoughts are with Robert’s family and friends at this very difficult and sad time and on behalf of my fellow Councillors and the Northern Beaches community, I extend our deepest sympathies.

“Sadly, this is the second former Pittwater Mayor we have bid farewell to, with the passing of Lynne Czinner two weeks ago.”

The Pittwater Community Alliance released the following statement on Robert Dunn’s passing:

Pittwater identity and former Mayor Robert Dunn has passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. He died at Northern Beaches Hospital on Thursday 17 September. He was 78.

Robert served as inaugural elected Mayor of Pittwater Council from 1992 to 1994, following a number of years as a councillor on Warringah Council (Eric Green was the interim Mayor of Pittwater Council until elections could be held). In 2004 Robert ran against Bronwyn Bishop for the Federal seat of Mackellar and in 2005 he ran as an Independent in the Pittwater state by-election.

Robert also had a long and distinguished career as a local solicitor, founding Dunn Legal in Mona Vale. He was a long-time member and past President of the Newport Resident’s Association.

In 2013 he released Pittwater Uprising!: A Secessionist's View, his personal account of the formation of Pittwater Council. This entertaining book documents the events that occurred leading up to Pittwater becoming an independent Council.

In recent years, Robert split his time between his beloved Pittwater and Narooma on the NSW south coast, serving on several community committees.

Robert's significant and long-lasting achievements in local government, the law, politics and community work made him a wonderful role model for us all, and he will be greatly missed.

This has been a tragic week for Pittwater; our community has lost two former Mayors of Pittwater in the same week, in Lynne Czinner and Robert Dunn. This is a very sad time for everyone in the Pittwater community.