Some lives are measured in positions held or honours received. Others reveal themselves in the tenderness of a handwritten note or shared meal, moments forever remembered by those around them.

The late Dame Marie Bashir was blessed with both kinds of legacy: public service of the highest order, and a profound, personal generosity of spirit.

In the early 1990s Dr Bashir was a highly respected psychiatrist. At a time when mental health was too often marginalised, Marie spoke with clarity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to justice, particularly for the most vulnerable.

She understood that the wellbeing of children was not a side issue, but foundational to the health of families and society. Her voice carried weight, not because it was loud, but informed, principled and humane.

In March 2001 Marie was appointed governor of NSW – the first woman, and first woman of Lebanese heritage, to hold the office.

Upon her retirement in 2014, The Sydney Morning Herald observed that Marie was “her own governor – and a governor for everyone”.

While cherishing her heritage, she recognised that she held a role that belonged to all Australians. She understood instinctively that belonging is central to human dignity, and she had the rare gift of making people feel seen.

Dame Marie believed in the value of education to humanise, once remarking that “the three most important vocations in this state are teachers, nurses and plumbers”.

Raised in a family where every child was expected to make the most of their schooling, her belief was that learning should cultivate mind and heart, nurturing curiosity, empathy and wonder. Knowledge alone was not enough; the formation of the whole person was essential.

As governor, Marie used her responsibilities to encourage compassion, justice and change.

Supported by her loving and distinguished husband Sir Nicholas, Marie was in every sense a great Australian because she embodied the values that define us as a nation. 

In her public and private life, she was profoundly Christ-like: reaching out to those on the margins, listening with patience, and gently challenging society to recognise the dignity of every person.

Members from VRA Rescue NSW, including commissioner Brenton Charlton, paid their respects with a humbling guard of honour alongside defence personnel and fellow emergency services members at her funeral to pay respects for an incredible women and as tribute to her lasting legacy.

From VRA Rescue NSW SRG Metro Squad to the Narrandera VRA Rescue Squad from her hometown, and every other Squad in between, her dedication to mental health and regional communities left a lasting impact for the people of NSW.