Trailblazer and Inspirational Leader: Marie Bashir, First Female Governor of NSW, Passes Away at 95

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NSW’s first female governor, Dame Marie Bashir, has died aged 95, and she’s being remembered as one of the state’s most respected public servants.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns are among those to have paid tribute to her, with the latter reflecting on her advocacy for mental health, education and social inclusion.

“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,” Minns said in a statement late on Tuesday.

The people of New South Wales have long held Dame Marie Bashir in high esteem, a testament to the trust and goodwill she cultivated throughout her dedicated service to the community.

Bashir was born to a Lebanese father and a mother of Lebanese descent in Narrandera, in south-western NSW, and worked at two Sydney hospitals before taking up general practice as she commenced her medical career.

She then studied psychiatry and worked in senior positions within NSW Health before her ascent to governor.

In recognition of her significant contributions to child and adolescent health, she was honored as an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1988.

Governor of NSW, Dame Marie Bashir, and her husband Sir Nicholas Shehadie

Dame Marie Bashir, a respected psychiatrist and the spouse of former Sydney Lord Mayor Nicholas Shehadie, served diligently as the Governor of New South Wales from 2001 until 2014.

Despite her impactful tenure, Bashir chose not to extend her time as governor to avoid surpassing Roden Cutler as the longest-serving governor of the state. This decision, as noted by Chris Minns, highlighted her profound humility and respect for her predecessors.

Sydney MP Alex Greenwich honoured her support for the LGBTIQA+ community, which included her and her husband being named chiefs at the 2015 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras for their work to combat 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 is to be held at a later date.