The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has expressed its sadness at the passing of former NSW Governor, Professor Dame Marie Bashir AD, CVO, at the age of 95.
CMA Chairman, Temora Shire Mayor, Rick Firman OAM 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,” said Chair Firman.
“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.
“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 state’s first female Governor and the second longest-serving – 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.”
