Dame Marie Bashir, a trailblazing figure and the first female governor of New South Wales, has passed away at the age of 95. Her legacy as one of the most esteemed public servants in the state is being celebrated widely.

Among those paying tribute are Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns. Premier Minns highlighted her tireless work in advocating 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 expressed in a heartfelt statement on Tuesday evening.

He further remarked, “The people of NSW held Dame Marie in high regard and affection, reflecting the trust and goodwill she earned over a lifetime of service.”

Dame Marie Bashir, born in Narrandera to a Lebanese father and a mother of Lebanese descent, began her illustrious career in medicine at two Sydney hospitals before moving into general practice. Her contributions to public life and the community have left an indelible mark.

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

She was appointed an officer of the Order of Australia in 1988 for her services in child and adolescent health.

A psychiatrist and the wife of former Sydney lord mayor Nicholas Shehadie (left), Bashir served as NSW governor from 2001 to 2014. Source: AAP / Tracey Nearmy

Barish said she didn’t extend her tenure as governor so as not to surpass Roden Cutler as the state’s longest-serving governor, a decision Minns said “reflected her humility and deep respect for those who came before her”.

“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,” Minns said.

Albanese said Australia was poorer for death and richer for her life due to 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 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.

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