Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) is deeply saddened by the passing of Dame Marie Bashir AC CVO, an extraordinary Australian and a cherished member of the MCRI community.

Dame Marie was an inaugural member of MCRI’s Council of Ambassadors, serving with dedication until 30 June 2018. From the Council’s earliest days, she brought wisdom, generosity of spirit and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children and families.

Image: (L-R) Dame Marie Bashir with fellow Council of Ambassadors member Dame Quentin Bryce, Lisa Wilkinson, Director of MCRI Professor Kathryn North and Global Ambassador Sarah Murdoch in 2015

A tireless advocate for health, education and social justice, Dame Marie’s leadership was marked by compassion, integrity, and a profound belief in the power of research to create lasting change. As a distinguished psychiatrist and longest-serving Governor of New South Wales, her guidance and advocacy helped strengthen MCRI’s mission and extend its impact, both in Australia and internationally.

Dame Marie’s legacy in adolescent mental health, community engagement and reconciliation, together with her astute and respected leadership will continue to inspire our work and the values that underpin it. We are deeply grateful for her service, her counsel and her enduring support of children’s health and medical research.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and all who were privileged to know and work alongside her.