Dame Marie Bashir, the first female governor of New South Wales and a distinguished psychiatrist, has died at the age of 95. Her death was confirmed on Tuesday by NSW Premier Chris Minns, who expressed condolences on behalf of her family and the people of the state.
Premier Minns described her as an 'extraordinary Australian' who served with 'immense dignity and compassion' during her tenure as governor from 2001 to 2014. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute, noting her 'powerful sense of duty' and 'abiding passion for helping others', and praised her as both a pioneer and an inspiration.
Born in Narrandera, NSW, in 1930, Bashir graduated in medicine and surgery from the University of Sydney in 1956. She later worked as a clinical professor of psychiatry and served as the university's chancellor from 2007 to 2012. She was also the first person of Lebanese descent to be appointed NSW governor and the third woman to hold a state governorship in Australia.
Bashir was married to Sir Nicholas Shehadie, former lord mayor of Sydney, for 61 years. The couple had three children and six grandchildren. Former NSW premier Bob Carr, who recommended her appointment, called her 'the most compassionate person I think I've ever met', highlighting her focus on adolescent psychiatry.
She was a strong advocate for the LGBTIQA+ community, having served as parade marshal for the 2015 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Independent MP Alex Greenwich thanked her for her support 'from the Aids crisis to the marriage equality campaign'.
A state funeral will be held in her honour. Premier Minns noted her decision not to extend her tenure beyond 14 years out of respect for former governor Sir Roden Cutler, reflecting her humility.
