David Hay: Former six-time Manly mayor, state MP dies, aged 91

An eminent political figure who was a six-time Manly mayor, two-time local MP, and described as one of the “finest souls” on the northern beaches, has died.

Former long serving Manly mayors, and husband and wife, David and Jean Hay at Manly Beach. Picture: Adam Yip/ Manly Daily

One of the most recognisable former political and community figures on the northern beaches has died.

David Hay, who was a six-time mayor of Manly and served 23 years on the council, had two stints in state parliament as the local Liberal MP and was an influential cabinet minister, passed away in a Manly Vale nursing home on Friday evening.

His wife, Jean, who was also a long-term Manly mayor, lives at the nursing home.

Hay was 91.

Born in Manly and a student of the old Manly Boys High School, Hay went on to do his compulsory national military service in the Royal Australian Air Force.

The Hays Jewellers shop at the corner of The Corso and Darley Rd, Manly, in 1991. Picture: Northern Beaches Library

He then joined the successful family-owned jewellery business, Hays Jewellers, which had a large shop at the corner of Darley Rd and The Corso in Manly.

His father, Cecil, was the licensee of several local hotels, including the New Brighton, before taking over the jewellery shop.

A portrait of the then state Liberal MP for Manly David Hay, who served in parliament from 1984 to 1991. Picture: Supplied

Hay, who lived at Balgowlah Heights with his wife and three children — Virginia, Gretel and David — won a seat on Manly Council in 1960, aged 27, and ended up serving six terms as mayor and eight as deputy.

In 1984, while still mayor, he ran for the Liberal Party in the NSW election against the then Labor MP for Manly, Alan Stewart, and won.

Hay stepped down from the council after the victory.

During his two terms in parliament, which ended in 1991 when he was defeated by independent Peter Macdonald, he was appointed the Minister for Local Government and Planning.

Jean Hay (right) in 1972 sitting next to the then Premier Bob Askin's wife, Molly. Husband David is behind with the Premier. Picture: Supplied

As minister, he allowed a non-compulsory postal vote on the proposed secession, from Warringah Shire Council, of what eventually became Pittwater Municipal Council in 1992.

The quietly spoken Hay listed some of his ministerial achievements as re-establishing the City of Sydney as a local government body; amending council rating laws; and restructuring the management of Darling Harbour.

After the 1991 election defeat, Hay, who had an MBE for services to the community, was recruited by the new Coalition Government as chairman of the State Local Government Grants Commission.

David Hay, with his wife Jean, in 2017. Picture: Adam Yip/Manly Daily

Up until 2024, the Hays had lived, for 35 years, in an apartment with harbour views in Lauderdale Ave, Fairlight.

The current state Liberal MP for Manly, James Griffin, described Hay as a “true gentleman” who had “carved out a very special spot in Manly” and was widely respected by all sides of politics.

“He was a friend to so many and one of the finest souls you will ever find in our community,” he said.

“Every time I met him, he was so humble and had a very proud record to stand behind. He let that do the talking.

“David showed me that kindness in politics is not a liability and to always be yourself.”