Narrandera’s own Dame Marie Bashir passes away

Narrandera Shire Council has extended its deepest condolences on the passing of Dame Marie Bashir AC CVO, a remarkable Australian and one of Narrandera’s most distinguished local-born citizens. Born in Narrandera, Dame Marie Bashir went on to lead an extraordinary life of service, becoming one of Australia’s most respected medical professionals, advocates and leaders. Her achievements were many, including her historic role as the 37th Governor of New South Wales and the first woman to hold that office. Her lifelong commitment to education, public health, social justice and community wellbeing left an enduring impact not only across New South Wales, but nationally and internationally. She was widely admired for her intellect, compassion, humility and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others. NSW Premier Chris Minns described her as “an extraordinary Australian and one of New South Wales’ most respected public servants”. He announced a state funeral would be held for the “deeply loved mother of three children and six grandchildren”. “On behalf of the people of New South Wales, I extend my deepest condolences to Dame Marie’s family, friends and all those who were inspired by her remarkable life,” the premier said. “Dame Marie Bashir served our state with distinction as the first female Governor of NSW from 2001 to 2014, bringing to the role immense dignity and compassion.” Mr Minns said that Dame Marie had chosen not to extend her tenure beyond that point, despite being widely respected, because she did not wish to surpass Sir Roden Cutler as the longest-serving governor. He said it was a decision that reflected her humility and deep respect for those who came before her. Despite her global achievements, Dame Marie never lost her connection to her roots, and Narrandera was always proud to count her as one of its own. Her legacy stands as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through determination, service and a deep sense of responsibility to community. On behalf of Narrandera Shire Council and this community, Narrandera Mayor Neville Kschenka extended sincere sympathy to Dame Marie Bashir’s family, friends and all those whose lives were touched by her remarkable contributions. Her memory will live on in Narrandera, where the town’s main park on the highway is named in her honour. Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Mayor Rick Firman also acknowledged the sad passing of former NSW Governor, Professor Dame Marie at the age of 95. He said the Narrandera born Dame Marie was a ‘lady who possessed dedication, warmth, compassion and grace’. “Most, if not all of our 89 Rural, Remote and Regional Member Councils had the honour of having a Vice-Regal visit from Dame Marie. “Dame Marie and her late husband, former Lord-Mayor of Sydney, Sir Nicholas Shehadie made a strong team and immersed themselves in our rural, remote and regional communities of NSW. Dame Marie truly cared and always made others feel good about themselves – regardless of their rank or station in life”, Mayor Firman said. “A lady with true presence and genuine warmth, Dame Marie was the first female Governor of NSW. She was passionate about many things, especially inspiring young ladies in rural, remote and regional parts of the State,” he said. Dame Marie was the second longest-serving Governor of NSW, being the 37th Governor of NSW. She served from 2001 to 2014. “What amplifies the integrity of Dame Marie was that we understand she did not accept re-appointment as Governor as she didn’t wish to surpass the tenure of another esteemed former NSW Governor, the late Sir Roden Cutler. This confirms all that we feel about our dear Dame Marie”, Mayor Firman added. “The CMA board, members and staff will always hold a special place in our collective hearts for Dame Marie. The thoughts and prayers of us all in the CMA remain with Dame Marie’s family,” mayor Firman concluded. The State Library of New South Wales also paid tribute stating that Marie Bashir was a great friend of the library and an inspiration to so many. Her warmth, curiosity and great passion for Australian history, including her deep respect for First Nations people and culture, resonated throughout this library. The library’s Macquarie Street reading room was renamed in her honour in 2014. At the time, she said: “The State Library of New South Wales has been for me a source of inspiration, as well as a treasury of enlightenment since my years of adolescence.” Such was her love of this institution, she said: “if ordered in the most catastrophic of times imaginable to save just one man-made structure in Australia from destruction, I would immediately nominate the Mitchell Library and all of its contents.” In December 2025, the Bashir Reading Room re-opened following a major seven-month refurbishment. It stands as a lasting reminder of her civic leadership, commitment to education and unwavering belief that knowledge belongs to everyone. The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW was also deeply saddened by her passing. As patron of the RAS during her tenure as Governor of New South Wales, Dame Marie’s warmth, grace, and enduring support for rural communities and agricultural excellence were an inspiration to us all. She was born in 1930 in Narrandera to Lebanese Australian parents (her maternal family had come to Australia in the 19th century). She firstly studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, becoming a proficient violinist before going on to study medicine completing her degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in 1956 at the University of Sydney. She later became Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Sydney in 1994. The Museums of History NSW is deeply saddened by the passing of Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO, a remarkable leader devoted to the people of New South Wales. Marie Bashir had a long association with its predecessor institutions, including NSW State Archives and Records and Sydney Living Museums. In 2018, she was featured in its exhibition ‘Blaze: Working Women, Public Leaders’, which explored stories and experiences of women trailblazers in the NSW public sector. When interviewed for this exhibition, she said: “If I was talking to young people about leadership, I would tell them that above all, being a good listener to others is critical. Hear what others are saying… And in terms of visible leadership, be honourable, be honest, be seen to be doing what you should be doing.” She was the Patron of Northcott from 2001 to 2014 and a spokesperson described her as a champion of inclusion, dignity and opportunity for people of all abilities. She married the then rising rugby player, Nicholas Shehadie, in 1957. Sir Nicholas (he was knighted in 1976) became Lord Mayor of Sydney in 1973 and died in 2018. They had three children. Marie Bashir was created a Dame of the Order of Australia in June 2014, a few months before her retirement in October that year. She was the second longest serving governor of NSW after Sir Roden Cutler VC, who served as governor for 15 years from 1966 to 1981. The phrase ‘her like will never be seen again’ aptly reflected the remarkable character and extraordinary service of Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO, according to Philip Benwell National Chair, Australian Monarchist League. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said “our nation is poorer for the passing of Dame Marie Bashir and Australia is richer for her life”. In a post on social media, he said “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. “As the first woman to serve at Governor of New South Wales she was both a pioneer and an inspiration. “In all she did, Damie Marie Bashir blended dignity with warmth and intellect, and empathy.

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