Patron 

Professor The Hon Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO

Professor Marie Bashir graduated from the University of Sydney in 1956 with the degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. She then pursued a career in adolescent psychiatry. In 1988 Professor Bashir was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for her services to child and adolescent health. In 1993 Bashir was appointed the Clinical Director of Mental Health Services for the Central Sydney Area Health Service. She has also served as the Chancellor of the University of Sydney (2007–2012).

In March 2001, Professor Bashir was appointed the first female governor of New South Wales and was also made a Companion of the Order of Australia. She was one of the State’s most loved Governors, and retired on 1 October 2014.

Professor Bashir has a great interest in music and studied violin at the NSW Conservatorium of Music. She has been a great supporter of the NSW Doctors Orchestra and has played in the orchestra to the great delight of all.