Dee Why’s main rockpool will be renamed the Isa Wye Rockpool in recognition of a local identity whose outstanding community service was marked by 85 years of involvement with the Dee Why Ladies’ Amateur Swimming Club.

Isa Wye MBE OAM became the honorary secretary of the swimming club at just 16 and was club president for 50 years, remaining on the executive committee until her passing in 2013, aged 90.

Mayor Michael Regan said Mrs Wye and her family were a driving force in Dee Why since the early 1920s with her family helping to establish the Dee Why RSL Club and some of the Northern Beaches most successful sporting and community organisations.

“She along with several close colleagues and friends lobbied for the Warringah Aquatic Centre to be built in the late 1970s. She was also only the second Australian woman to officiate at an Olympic Games, attending the Moscow games in 1980,” Mayor Regan said.

“This is a great opportunity to recognise someone who has done so much for the local community in a way that links her name with her first love, swimming.  

“It follows on from Council passing a motion last November to rename the Palm Beach Rock Pool, the Johnny Carter Pool, after local swimming teacher and lifesaver, for his tireless work training thousands of children how to swim.”

Isa Wye was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (1973) and was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia 2002 in honour of her outstanding service to the community.

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