The community has the opportunity to comment on the proposal to name a lookout in Fairlight in honour of former Mayor Jean Hay AM.

The location is in the park adjacent to the Manly Scenic Walkway, just east of Fairlight Beach.  

Mrs Hay was first elected to Manly Council in 1987. She served three Mayoral terms from 1999 to 2004, then 2008 to 12 May 2016, making her the longest ever serving Mayor of Manly Council.

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said the tribute is fitting given Mrs Hays 50 years of service to the people of Manly.

“A life-long resident of Manly, Jean Hay AM has made an enormous contribution to Manly and our community and so in recognition of her efforts this beautiful location has been chosen to commemorate her. 

“She has been awarded several accolades over her lifetime including the Member of the Order of Australia and the Centenary Medal for services to the community through local government, community action and sporting groups, and fundraising for welfare and health education programmes.” Mayor Heins said. 

In addition, Mrs Hays other contributions to the Northern Beaches community include:
•    Re-establishing the Manly District Support Committee to help less fortunate people. 
•    Redeveloping the Seaforth TAFE site with new community facilities and accelerating the construction of bus shelters at no cost to ratepayers. 
•    Beautification of the Manly oceanfront walkways. 
•    Manly Pathway of Olympians and Paralympians. 
•    Manly Andrew Boy Charlton Aquatic Centre upgrade. 
•    The successful fight to establish Bear Cottage* and laying the foundation stone (opened 17 March 2002). 
•    Raising funds for the mobile Life Education classrooms* for the Northern Beaches, now known as Healthy Harold. 
•    Helping the Sunnyfield Association fund-raise $2m for a business and training centre*.  (*Not a Council facility)

Should the proposal go ahead, Council will upgrade the existing picnic setting at the location and install an interpretative sign to further acknowledge Mrs Jean Hay AM’s contributions to our community.

To have your say on the proposal visit our website. Feedback is required by Sunday 7 April 2024. 

This naming proposal is consistent with Council’s Naming Our Reserves, Facilities and Roads Policy and does not require the approval of the Geographical Names Board of NSW.