Members of the Country Mayors Association of NSW have paid tribute to former NSW Governor Dame Marie Bashir, who has died aged 95, remembering her as a leader of warmth, integrity and deep commitment to rural and regional New South Wales, including communities across the Western Plains.

CMA chairman Rick Firman, Mayor of Temora Shire, said the Narrandera-born former governor was held in high regard by councils throughout the state.

“Most, if not all, of our 89 rural, remote and regional member councils had the honour of a vice-regal visit from Dame Marie,” Mayor Firman said.

He said Dame Marie and her late husband, former Sydney Lord Mayor Sir Nicholas Shehadie, were known for fully immersing themselves in the communities they visited.

“They made a strong team and genuinely connected with people across rural, remote and regional NSW,” he said.

“Dame Marie truly cared and always made others feel valued, regardless of their rank or station in life.”

Dame Marie’s connection to western New South Wales extended well beyond ceremonial duties.

During her term as Governor, she travelled extensively through outback NSW, including visits to Dubbo, where she inspected essential regional services supporting communities across the Western Plains.

Dame Marie Bashir was made a Dame of the Order of Australia in the 2014 Queen’s Birthday Honours. This recognised her “extraordinary and pre-eminent achievement and merit” in public service, medicine (especially mental health), education and international health collaboration.

As joint patron of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Dame Marie visited the RFDS base in Dubbo as part of a broader regional tour, gaining firsthand insight into the vital role aeromedical services play for people living in remote and regional areas.

Mayor Firman said those visits reflected her genuine interest in the wellbeing of country communities.

“She didn’t just visit - she listened, she learned, and she took a real interest in the challenges and strengths of regional NSW,” he said.

Mayor Firman said Dame Marie carried herself with quiet authority and compassion, noting her place in history as the first woman to serve as Governor of New South Wales.

“She was passionate about many causes, but she was especially committed to inspiring and encouraging young women in rural, remote and regional parts of the state,” he said.

Dame Marie was the 37th Governor of NSW and the second longest-serving, holding the role from 2001 to 2014.

Mayor Firman said her integrity was exemplified by her decision not to seek reappointment, out of respect for the tenure of another highly regarded former governor, the late Sir Roden Cutler.

“That decision alone speaks volumes about the character of Dame Marie and reinforces why she was held in such esteem,” he said.

Mayor Firman said Dame Marie would always hold a special place in the hearts of country mayors and councils across New South Wales.

“On behalf of the CMA board, members and staff, our thoughts and prayers are with Dame Marie’s family at this sad time,” he said.