'No one does it for recognition': David Dunn named Citizen of the Year

A decades-long commitment to bringing local events to life has been honoured by the City of Launceston council.

David Dunn was named Citizen of the Year for 2025, for his involvement with major events in Northern Tasmania over 33 years. 

Mr Dunn said he was humbled by the honour.

"No one does it for recognition. You do it for the community, and to bring these events to life," he said.

Mr Dunn cut his teeth with Rural Youth Tasmania, volunteering at Agfest in 1992 before joining the event's committee the following year and ultimately becoming committee chairman in 2006.

"I volunteered to help out in the ticket box for a couple of hours, and just from there, got involved with the organising committee," Mr Dunn said.

"I grew a passion for events and the benefit they bring, not only to the local economy, but also to the people that come along."

He remains on the board of Rural Youth Tasmania, and is currently committee chairman for Festivale after joining the organisation in 2008.

Mr Dunn said while volunteers were aware they each had a "use by date", he hadn't reached that point yet. 

"I'll contribute what I can, and when I feel that there's nothing more to give then it's time to let someone else take over," he said.

Mayor Matthew Garwood praised Mr Dunn as a major contributor to the region.

Launceston legends celebrated

Mr Dunn was not the only community member honoured by the council this year.

Fifteen-year-old Nastaran Jafari and 17-year-old Jack Duncan were named joint recipients of the Youth Citizen of the Year award.

Cr Garwood said Nastaran showed "exceptional maturity, resilience, and initiative" contributing to her local community after migrating to Australia five years ago.

Nastaran is a member of the council's Youth Advisory Group, a volunteer at the Migrant Resource Centre and supports newly-arrived migrant students at her school.

"Her positive attitude, willingness to help others, and ability to lead by example make her a deserving candidate for this recognition," Cr Garwood said.

The mayor said Jack's efforts volunteering with the St John's Ambulance service, advocating for Epilepsy Tasmania and participating in the local Waste Not, Want Not sustainability program were also commendable.

Former champion golfer and coach Rodney Eiszele, who has been a continuous member of Mowbray Golf Club since 1962, received the City of Launceston Sports Award and Launceston Parkrun was named Event of the Year.