Robert Dunn, former mayor, solicitor and founding father of Pittwater Council, dies suddenly

Robert Dunn’s daughter has spoken of her heartache at the sudden and unexpected loss of her father and how two of his children won’t be able to attend his funeral, as tributes pour in for the founding father of Pittwater.

Pittwater's first elected mayor Robert Dunn and his wife Carolyn. Pictured at Pittwater 20th celebrations socials at Mona Vale Library.

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Two of Robert Dunn’s children living overseas will be unable to attend his funeral because of restrictions around the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hannah, 34, who is doing a masters at Cambridge University in England, and Edwina 39, who is a lawyer and folk singer in Berlin, are hoping to reunite in London to watch the funeral on YouTube.

Ms Dunn, said they had come to the conclusion it was unlikely they’d be able to get to Australia in time for the funeral expected to be on October 2 at Mona Vale.

Robert Dunn, far left on back row, with four children and partners, wife, Carolyn, and grandchildren. Picture: Supplied.

Only family will be allowed at the church service because of COVID, but others are expected to gather at other locations to pay their respects for Mr Dunn.

He was one of the founding fathers of Pittwater, with Robert Dunn Reserve in Mona Vale named after him.

Ms Dunn told the Manly Daily from London overnight that his “sudden and unexpected death from natural causes was really awful” and that he had been playing golf and swimming until it happened last Thursday.

This week tributes have been pouring in for Mr Dunn, 76, who was best known for helping to establish Pittwater Council in 1992, a breakaway authority from the old Warringah Council.

He was also Pittwater’s first elected mayor.

The father-of-four later wrote a book called ‘Pittwater Uprising! A Secessionist’s View’, which was about the story behind the forming of the new council.

Robert Dunn pictured in 2004. Picture: Simon Dean

The council was later amalgamated, along with Manly and Warringah councils to create Northern Beaches Council, in 2016.

Mr Dunn, also set up Dunn Legal, a firm of solicitors, where his son Simon, 44, of Warriewood, still works.

He also leaves behind another son Angus, 40, of Manly, who works for Commonweath Bank, and his wife Carolyn, 69, who he married in 1973.

He had five grandchildren.

Robert Dunn and family, left to right: Robert, Carolyn, Hannah, Angus, Edwina and Simon. Mr Dunn always taught his children to do the right thing. Picture: Supplied.

Tributes have come in from many, including his political colleagues, who remember him as someone who “had an unwavering compass for what’s right”.

His daughter Ms Dunn, said her dad always did what was right and told his children, “The long way is the short way” and “Do it right, do it once”.

She said he was ahead of his time, organising a climate change rally in Mona Vale 10 years ago and collecting rubbish whenever he was out and at the beach.

Ms Dunn said when she was young, every Sunday the family would have Chinese and he would take his glass Tupperware down and insist they put the food in the dishes to save on takeaway boxes.

A young Hannah Dunn patiently waiting for her father to finish his speech. Picture: Supplied.

He swam at Newport pool every day, even throughout winter, and would take all four children when they were young.

“Because he was on the beach every day he could see the impact of pollution,” she said.

“He would always take a garbage bag out with him and collect rubbish at the beach and on the way back.

“For dad it was the environment that he was so passionate about, which resulted in him having a real interest in local development.

“He wanted more representation at a local level.

“He was a grassroots politician, he wanted to achieve from the bottom up, rather than the top down.”

By election forum held at Prince Alfred Yacht club in the Pittwater Room with Robert Dunn speaking in 2005. Picture: MARTIN LANGE

She said he was a long-time Liberal who quit over its stance on the Kyoto Protocol and ran as an independent in 2005.

He was involved in the federal campaign opposing the sitting Liberal member Bronwyn Bishop on the issue of the Liberal Party’s failure to adopt the Kyoto Protocol on climate change.

Robert Dunn's election pamphlet from 2005. Picture: Supplied.

At the time he wrote: “We must look at the clean renewable energy alternatives. Burying the problem for future generations is not only impractical but morally unacceptable”.

She said he showed a lot of courage in politics and suffered a lot of criticism, but had a strong sense of self-belief and assurance.

Ms Dunn said he was a mentor to Pittwater MP Rob Stokes, as well as her cousin — and Mr Dunn’s nephew — Wentworth MP Dave Sharma and many others.

Mr Sharma, Federal MP, today paid tribute to his uncle.

MP Dave Sharma. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“I first learnt the art and thrills of politics from Robert,” he said.

“I have many memories of letterboxing on his behalf during council campaigns, the intrigues around the Pittwater secession campaign, and the rowdy celebrations when Robert had a victory. In my own career he was a great source of advice and inspiration.

“I’ll miss him dearly.”

Former Pittwater MP Jim Longley, Rob and Sophie Stokes and Robert Dunn with Rob Stokes after his inaugural speech.

Mr Dunn has been remembered by Mr Stokes for his astute knowledge of local issues, diligent work ethic, moral conscience and compassionate nature.

“No one displayed more passion and pride for Pittwater than Robert Dunn,” Mr Stokes said.

“Robert had an unwavering compass for what’s right, and this was matched by his determination to achieve it.

“Very few people share Robert’s drive and tenacity – he was unique in many ways.

“Robert’s biggest enemy was always his watch. There were never enough hours in each day – but he certainly made the most of them.”

Cr Kylie Ferguson said Mr Dunn was gentle, “a lovely man, really kind and nurturing”, who she went to for guidance when she decided to run for council in 2012.

“He tucked me under his wing,” she said.

“He was most down to earth and he did things not for the glory but because it was right.”

Hairdresser Joanna Penhorwood, 52, now on the Central Coast, remembers Mr Dunn for his professional work as a solicitor.

After opening Jo’s Hair Extreme in Newport she was sent a huge bill for signage that she had already put up and paid for.

“Robert went to court for me pro bono,” she said. “I was so nervous I could hardly swallow. “After a visit from the bill sender, who swore loudly and consistently at us, Robert so cool and calm said to me, ‘Mmm, not someone to take home to meet mum huh’.

“We won that day and business went on.

“This is just one memory I have of Robert Dunn. He was my guiding light.”