Dame Marie Bashir: A Life of Service and Legacy Celebrated at State Funeral
Sydney bid a poignant farewell to Dame Marie Bashir, a towering figure in Australian public service and psychiatry, at a state funeral held in the heart of the CBD. The memorial service, conducted at St James’ Church on King Street, honoured the remarkable life of the 37th Governor of New South Wales, who passed away last month at the age of 95.
As the hearse departed the historic church, a moving tribute took to the skies. A 737 NSW Rural Fire Service Air Tanker, bearing the name of Dame Marie, executed a flyover along Phillip Street, a fitting nod to her deep connection with regional Australia.
The congregation within the church was a testament to Dame Marie’s extensive influence, featuring a constellation of prominent figures. Former Prime Ministers Scott Morrison and John Howard stood alongside a distinguished line-up of former NSW Premiers, including Gladys Berejiklian and Mike Baird. NSW Premier Chris Minns, Governor-General Sam Mostyn, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Andrew Bell were also present, underscoring the respect and admiration Dame Marie commanded across political and judicial spheres.
A Country Heart, A Global Impact
Dame Marie’s daughter, Alexandra Shehadie, eloquently captured her mother’s enduring affection for her rural roots. “Mum was immensely proud to be a country girl,” she shared, her voice resonating with emotion. “She loved the bush and marvelled at the resilience, the resourcefulness and the generosity of rural people and communities at Narrandera Public School.” This deep-seated connection to the land was a defining aspect of her identity, grounding her extraordinary achievements.
The family also offered intimate glimpses into Dame Marie’s personal passions, painting a picture of a woman with a rich inner life. Her granddaughter, Francesca, recounted how their home was a treasure trove of eclectic interests, even featuring a life-size Penrith Panther sculpture. The family also spoke of her eclectic musical tastes, embracing both the profound works of Bach and the iconic sounds of Led Zeppelin. Ms Shehadie also recalled a memorable family outing to see Stanley Kubrick’s science fiction epic, 2001: A Space Odyssey, humourously noting, “We were grateful for the candy bar.”
Echoes of Legacy in Narrandera
The profound impact of Dame Marie’s life extended far beyond the city’s grand avenues. Nearly 600 kilometres away, in the very town where she spent her formative years, residents of Narrandera gathered to watch the state funeral via live stream. At Marie Bashir Park, a space named in her honour, approximately 20 people convened, many of whom had personal connections to the former Governor.
Local resident Jan Strong spoke of Dame Marie’s enduring qualities, describing her as a woman who demonstrated “humility and grace throughout her long life.” She expressed a hope that the park itself would serve as a lasting reminder, and that “her lifetime will be recalled by many over the years.”
A Trailblazer in Medicine and Governance
Born in 1930 in the country town of Narrandera, Dame Marie’s journey began with a commitment to medicine. She commenced her medical career at St Vincent’s Hospital in Darlinghurst, Sydney. Her early dedication to the critical field of juvenile mental health laid the groundwork for a career marked by profound compassion and groundbreaking work. This dedication, along with her significant interest in Indigenous health, which saw her working in remote communities across Central Australia, the Kimberley, and Arnhem Land, earned her the prestigious appointment of Officer of the Order of Australia.
In 2001, Dame Marie’s exceptional character and unwavering commitment led then-Premier Bob Carr to recommend her for the role of the 37th Governor of NSW. Her appointment was a historic moment, not only for breaking barriers as the first woman to hold the position but also as the first person of Lebanese descent to assume such a high office.
Paying tribute to her groundbreaking achievements, Mr Carr highlighted her ability to “break through more than one glass ceiling.” He remarked, “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.”
Throughout her illustrious career, Dame Marie’s contributions were recognised with over 70 awards and numerous titles. In 2014, she was appointed Dame of the Order of Australia, a testament to her lifelong dedication to public service and her tireless advocacy for mental health.
Dame Marie Bashir is survived by her three children, Michael, Alex, and Susan, and was preceded in death by her husband, Sir Nicholas Shehadie. She passed away peacefully on January 20, surrounded by her loving family. Her legacy of service, compassion, and groundbreaking achievement will continue to inspire generations to come.
