Digby Dunn - Director

Stacks/The Law Firm, Forster

Forster

Since he joined Stacks/Forster in 1993, Digby has specialised in Environment & Planning law, particularly disputes, for local Councils, companies and individuals, and workers compensation and personal injury claims for plaintiffs. He has built a strong practice and reputation for his work, particularly on landmark and high profile cases.

Before joining Stacks, Digby had a series of jobs around the world, including with adventure travel companies, a gas drilling business, and as a deckhand on a prawn trawler. As well as Australia, Digby has lived in Canada, Austria and Germany. Digby’s travel and work experience give him an empathetic view of life which helps him to build client relationships.

Following often traumatic experiences, Digby’s clients appreciate his empathetic nature and ability to make them feel at ease. Digby acted for Stuart Diver in his claim for compensation following the Thredbo landslide, and he is currently acting for the family of Shannon Rankin, who drowned in a spa pool. In the area of Workers Compensation, Digby acted for the plantiff in Higgins v Galibal (Hotel Nikko) which succeeded in the Court of Appeal despite serious and wilful misconduct. In this case, the insurers’ special leave application to the High Court was refused.

Digby also acted for the plaintiff in landmark workers compensation case, Dyktynski v BHP Titanium in the Court of Appeal.

Digby’s environment and planning expertise is sought after by local Councils, companies and individuals. He works mostly on disputes, both prosecuting and defending. He excels at clarifying complex issues and devising creative strategies to resolve the cases.

Among Digby’s clients are local Councils, which he assists with strategy and advice on prosecutions for environmental damage. He has acted for the Great Lakes Council and for Greater Taree City Council, including pursuing a prosecution the NSW Land & Environment Court.

Digby also advises companies and individuals that are being investigated or prosecuted for environmental damage by local Councils or the Department of Environment and Climate Change.

For example, Digby defended Cliftleigh Haulage in the action brought by Byron Shire Council. Starting in the local court, the case progressed to the NSW Land & Environment Court, and the Court of Criminal Appeal, where Digby was successful in winning a costs order against the Council for improper prosecution.

Digby loves to spend time with his family. He is the father of three young children, and on summer Sunday mornings you will usually find him at the beach assisting the Nippers with their surf life-saving skills. Digby also enjoys cycling and regularly cycles to work.

A Director of Stacks/Forster, Digby is a focused lawyer whose attention to detail is greatly valued by his clients.

Community involvement includes:

• President, YMCA
• Great Lakes Surf Life Saving
• Inflatable Rescue Boat driver