Members of the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) will have learned of the sad passing of our former NSW Governor, Professor Dame Marie AD, CVO at the age of 95.
CMA Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM (Temora Shire) said the Narrandera born Dame Marie was a ‘lady who possessed dedication, warmth, compassion and grace’. “Most, if not all of our 89 Rural, Remote and Regional Member Councils had the honour of having a Vice-Regal visit from Dame Marie.”
“Dame Marie and her late husband, former Lord-Mayor of Sydney, Sir Nicholas Shehadie made a strong team and immersed themselves in our rural, remote and regional communities of NSW. Dame Marie truly cared and always made others feel good about themselves – regardless of their rank or station in life”, Mayor Firman said.
“A lady with true presence and genuine warmth, Dame Marie was the first female Governor of NSW. She was passionate about many things, especially inspiring young ladies in rural, remote and regional parts of the State,” he said.
Dame Marie was the second longest-serving Governor of NSW, being our 37th Governor of NSW. She served from 2001 to 2014. “What amplifies the integrity of Dame Marie was that we understand she did not accept re-appointment as Governor as she didn’t wish to surpass the tenure of another esteemed former NSW Governor, the late Sir Roden Cutler. This confirms all that we feel about our dear Dame Marie”, Mayor Firman added.
“The CMA Board, Members and Staff will always hold a special place in our collective hearts for Dame Marie. The thoughts and prayers of us all in the CMA remain with Dame Marie’s family,” Mayor Firman concluded.