Dame Marie Bashir, the first female Governor of new South Wales, has died at the age of 95.
Her passing has prompted tributes from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns, who lauded her dedication to mental health, education, and social inclusion.
NSW Premier Chris Minns stated, “On behalf of the people of NSW, I extend my deepest condolences to Dame Marie’s family, friends and all those who were inspired by her remarkable life.”
Born in Narrandera, NSW, to Lebanese parents, Dame Marie Bashir embarked on a distinguished medical career, initially working in Sydney hospitals before specializing in psychiatry. She later held senior positions within NSW Health before becoming Governor in 2001.
She was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1988 for her contributions to child and adolescent health.
Dame Bashir served as Governor of NSW from 2001 to 2014, alongside her husband, former Sydney Lord Mayor Nicholas Shehadie.She intentionally chose not to seek an extension of her tenure to avoid surpassing Roden Cutler as the state’s longest-serving governor, a decision Premier Minns described as reflecting her humility and respect for her predecessors.
Prime Minister Albanese acknowledged her significant impact, stating that Australia was diminished by her death but enriched by her life, citing her dignity, warmth, intellect, and empathy.
“Her lifetime of service to the medical profession, her community and her fellow Australians was defined by her powerful sense of duty and her abiding passion for helping others,” Albanese posted on X.
“As the first woman to serve as Governor of NSW she was both a pioneer and an inspiration.”
Sydney MP Alex Greenwich highlighted Dame Bashir’s long-standing support for the LGBTIQA+ community, noting her and her husband’s role as Mardi Gras chiefs in 2015 for their work in combating homophobia.
“Throughout her career she always supported the rights and equality of the LGBTIQA+ community from the AIDS crisis to the marriage equality campaign,” he wrote on Instagram.
A state funeral will be held to honor Dame Marie Bashir’s life and legacy. Details regarding the date and location will be announced in due course.
