A Nation Bids Farewell to a Trailblazing Governor: Dame Marie Bashir Remembered
Sydney’s St James’ Church on King Street was the setting for a poignant state funeral on Wednesday morning, honouring the life and legacy of Dame Marie Bashir, the 37th Governor of New South Wales. Dame Marie, a figure renowned for her distinguished career in public service and psychiatry, passed away last month at the age of 95. Her passing marks the end of an era for the state she served with such dedication and distinction.
As the hearse departed the church, a moving tribute unfolded above. A 737 NSW Rural Fire Service Air Tanker, fittingly named in her honour, performed a flyover along Phillip Street, a symbolic gesture acknowledging her profound impact and the communities she championed.
The service drew a significant gathering of prominent Australians, reflecting the widespread respect and admiration Dame Marie commanded. Among those present were former Prime Ministers Scott Morrison and John Howard, alongside a constellation of ex-NSW Premiers, including Gladys Berejiklian and Mike Baird. The current NSW Premier, Chris Minns, joined Governor-General Sam Mostyn and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Andrew Bell in paying their respects.
A True ‘Country Girl’ at Heart
Dame Marie’s daughter, Alexandra Shehadie, shared heartfelt memories, emphasising her mother’s deep-seated connection to the NSW bush. “Mum was immensely proud to be a country girl,” she told the congregation. “She loved the bush and marvelled at the resilience, the resourcefulness and the generosity of rural people and communities at Narrandera Public School.” This sentiment resonated deeply, highlighting the grounding influence of her country upbringing on her public life.
The family also unveiled a more personal side of Dame Marie, sharing anecdotes about her eclectic tastes. Her granddaughter, Francesca, recounted how the family home was a treasure trove of curiosities, even featuring a life-size sculpture of a Penrith Panther. Ms Shehadie also reminisced about a memorable family outing to see Stanley Kubrick’s iconic film, 2001: A Space Odyssey, noting with a chuckle, “We were grateful for the candy bar.” The juxtaposition of her serious public persona with these personal anecdotes painted a rich portrait of a multifaceted individual.
A Community Watches From Afar
The impact of Dame Marie’s life extended far beyond the confines of Sydney. In Narrandera, her childhood home, approximately 600 kilometres away, residents gathered in Marie Bashir Park to watch the service via live stream. Around 20 people filled the park’s facilities, some of whom had known the former governor personally. Local resident Jan Strong spoke of Dame Marie’s enduring humility and grace, qualities that marked her throughout her long and distinguished life. “I hope people will reflect on this lovely park … and I’m sure her lifetime will be recalled by many over the years,” she remarked, underscoring the lasting impression she left on her hometown.
A Groundbreaking Career in Service
Born in 1930 in the regional NSW town of Narrandera, Dame Marie’s journey into public service began with a career in medicine at St Vincent’s Hospital in Darlinghurst. Her early dedication to juvenile mental health laid the foundation for a career marked by compassion and innovation. This commitment led to her appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia. Furthermore, her profound interest in Indigenous health saw her travel to remote communities across Central Australia, the Kimberley, and Arnhem Land, demonstrating a deep commitment to serving all Australians.
In 2001, then-Premier Bob Carr recognised Dame Marie’s exceptional qualities of compassion and humility, recommending her for the significant role of the 37th Governor of NSW. Her appointment was a watershed moment, as she became not only the first woman to hold the office but also the first person of Lebanese descent.
Paying tribute to her groundbreaking achievements, Mr Carr noted that Dame Marie “broke through more than one glass ceiling.” He elaborated, “There was this sense that she didn’t have to prove anything as the first female government governor, that she simply assumed this high office,” a testament to her inherent gravitas and capability.
Throughout her illustrious career, Dame Marie amassed an impressive collection of accolades, including more than 70 awards and various titles. Her elevation to Dame of the Order of Australia in 2014 was a fitting recognition of her unwavering dedication to public service and her tireless advocacy for mental health.
Dame Marie Bashir is survived by her three children, Michael, Alex, and Susan, whom she shared with her late husband, Sir Nicholas Shehadie. She passed away peacefully on January 20, surrounded by her loving family. Her legacy as a pioneering figure in Australian public life, a compassionate healer, and a dedicated public servant will undoubtedly endure.
