Local Government and Planning Law

Over 30 years, Paul has built a reputation as one of the most effective Commercial and Property lawyers on the Central Coast.

Paul is sought after to act in substantial property and commercial transactions. Paul has extensive experience in commercial and business advice, leasing, finance, property transactions, estate planning, hotel and motel transfer, liquor licensing, trusts and litigation. He represents clients locally, nationally and internationally.

Paul was founding past president of the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. He is also a past Deputy Chairman and former Director of Central Coast Area Health Service, past Chairman of the Woy Woy Peninsula Catholic Parish Council, former Director of Loreto Normanhurst, former Chairman of the Central Coast Local Health District and a former Director of SCG Cricket.

Currently, Paul is a Director of Bluewave Living Aged Care Facility, Deputy Chairman of Employment and Training Australia Limited and honorary solicitor to a number of local sporting and social clubs. Paul is an active member of the business community and a director of a number of private investment companies.

In 2015, Paul was named Gosford Council’s Citizen of the Year for his dedication and passionate advocacy to ensure the Central Coast community has the best possible public health services.

Paul joined Tonkin Drysdale Partners in 1991 after a 5 years association with Herbert Smith & W. B. Phillips in Sydney. Paul was admitted to the partnership in 1992 on the same day as retirement of his father, the late Philip Tonkin who founded our firm in 1958.

Paul and his wife Anne-Maree have four adult children and his time away from the office is usually spent with his family enjoying a variety of sporting interests.

Dominic is a third-generation partner at Tonkin Drysdale Partners. He leads our Civil Litigation team and is sought after to act in wills and estate disputes.

Dominic also has significant experience in Employment Law, Commercial Law, Personal Injury Law, Environment and Planning Law, and other civil disputes. Dominic is well regarded for estate planning, and residential and commercial conveyancing services.

Dominic conducts matters in the NSW Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, Federal Court, District Court, Federal Circuit and Family Court, Fair Work Commission, Personal Injury Commission, Land and Environment Court, NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal and the Local Court.

Dominic’s grandfather Philip founded the firm in 1958 and his father Paul is a current Partner.

Dominic is a Director of SCG Cricket and honorary solicitor to a number of local sporting and registered clubs.

Away from the office, Dominic enjoys time with his wife Megan and their young family at the Coast’s great beaches, cafes and restaurants, or keenly supporting one of his many sporting interests. Dominic is a member of the Australian Lawyers Cricket Council and represented the successful Australian team at the 2019 Lawyers Cricket World Cup in New Zealand.

Joining the firm in 2023, Kurtis is part of our Commercial, Employment and Personal Injury Law and Civil Litigation teams at Tonkin Drysdale Partners and brings a wide range of knowledge and experience to the firm.

Kurtis has previously gained experience in litigious and non-litigious matters in commercial, insolvency and employment law. Prior to commencing his legal studies, Kurtis moved to London at the age of 19. During this time and upon settling back in Australia, Kurtis obtained experience in a range of industries prior to commencing his legal career, including construction and hospitality. Kurtis believes this makes him approachable whilst providing informed and calculated advice to clients.

Outside of work, you will find Kurtis playing golf on one of the Coast’s many courses, watching cricket in the summer months and following the Newcastle Knights in the winter months.