Australia farewelled an extraordinary public servant recently with the passing of Professor Honourable Dame Marie Bashir, former Governor of New South Wales, aged 95.
A medical leader, a visionary in mental health and a constitutional figure of integrity and intellect, Professor Bashir leaves one of Australia’s most distinguished legacies. Among her many achievements, her deep and enduring connection with Greece and Greek culture stands out as especially significant.
Professor Bashir’s public achievements are remarkable by any measure. A pioneering psychiatrist, she transformed mental health care in Australia with compassion, scientific rigour and a belief in the dignity of every person. Her historic appointment as the first female Governor of New South Wales, and the first Governor of Lebanese descent in any Australian state, reflected both her distinguished career and Australia’s commitment to diversity. But she was remembered most for her warmth, curiosity, humour and her gift for making everyone feel valued.
Professor Bashir’s bond with Greece was a lasting aspect of her public life. Beginning as a student in the 1950s, she developed a lifelong passion for classical civilisation, immersing herself in Greek history, mythology and political philosophy and building close relationships with scholars, cultural organisations and Australia’s vibrant Greek community.
This long-lasting affinity led to substantive contributions to Australia’s cultural and educational links with Greece. As President of the Australian Archaeological Institute at Athens (AAIA), established in 1980 by the late Professor Alexander Cambitoglou at the University of Sydney, Professor Bashir championed research that elevated Australia’s standing in classical scholarship. Her active involvement, including in support of the AAIA’s excavations at Zagora on the island of Andros, one of the best-preserved settlements of the 8th century BC, underscored her commitment to academic collaboration and the crucial role of cultural diplomacy in Australia’s international engagement.
As Australia’s ambassador to Greece, I had the privilege of welcoming Professor Bashir to Athens in May 2012 for the AAIA’s international conference on the Zagora excavations. Her visit, at the height of the Greek debt crisis and amid political and economic turmoil, left a strong impression on Greek officials, academics and community leaders alike. She recognised the significance of standing with Greece during a time of uncertainty, embodying respect and reaffirming the enduring ties between the two countries. Professor Bashir honoured the profound legacy of Greek civilisation, acknowledged the achievements of modern Greece and celebrated the Greek diaspora’s vital contributions to Australia’s cultural and economic life.
Her connection with Greece reflected the core principles of her public life: a sincere commitment to multiculturalism, an unwavering belief in the power of education to change lives and an exceptional ability to build understanding and respect across cultures. These qualities made her a powerful representative for Australia internationally and earned her deep trust and admiration at home.
Professor Bashir’s legacy extends well beyond her distinguished roles, leaving an indelible mark on medicine, public service and civic life. Her strong and long-lasting ties with Greece not only exemplified her broad interests and global perspective, but also substantially enriched Australia’s relationship with Greece. Though her remarkable life has ended, the institutions she strengthened and the relationships she nurtured will carry her leadership and influence forward for years to come.
*Jenny (Polixeni) Bloomfield served as Australia’s ambassador to Greece from 2011 until 2014. She is the author of the forthcoming book Australian Ambassador, to be published by Carlow Books, an imprint of Black Inc.