Collection SummaryJean Manuel was an elected member of Sutherland Shire Council, a community worker and advocate for social welfare in Sutherland Shire.BiographyJean Manuel was born in 1922 to parents Julia and Michael Smythe. She was the eldest of three. Jean was educated in Belmore. She married Ken Manuel in 1946. Her work experience includes the Red Cross Blood Bank and from 1955 to 1963 working as an infants teacher at St Joseph's School Oyster Bay. She was also a tireless worker for charity and the community. She was the first female elected councillor to Sutherland Shire Council in 1965. This included becoming the first woman deputy President of Sutherland Shire Council from 1968 to 1971. She served on many local community committees as founder, committee representative and patron. From 1978 to 1979 she became the first female Shire president. In January 1978 she was bestowed with the honour of the order of member of the British Empire (MBE) for her service to local government and associated activities. She was an advocate for social welfare particularly for women and highly regarded by all. She passed away in 2001.
