Call to rename aerotropolis region after the late Dame Marie Bashir

Macarthur, MP, Dr Mike Freelander has reached out to the NSW Premier calling for the aerotropolis to be renamed in honour of Dame Marie Bashir who passed away January 20, 2026 at the age of 95.

Dame Marie Bashir was the 37th Governor of NSW for 14 years from 2001-2014 and as Dr Freelander described "...was an ornament of our state, who lived a life of service.

“From her incredible work as a child psychiatrist to being the first female Governor of NSW... Dame Marie was a remarkable person.

“I have made these representations to the NSW Government as I believe Dame Marie’s significant contribution to our state should be recognised for many generations to come, and so renaming this area of the aerotropolis to Bashir would achieve this.”

Dr Freelander said before service Dame Marie provided distinguished public health support through her work as child psychiatrist.

It was the then Berejiklian NSW Government in 2021 that selected the name Bradfield for the aerotropolis after Dr John Bradfield.

Dr Freelander acknowledged that Dr Bradfield was a remarkable engineer and left a tremendous mark on NSW, but he believes that Dr Bradfield already has several accolades. These include the Bradfield Highway, the electorate of Bradfield and Bradfield Senior College.

Further, as Western Sydney Airport is named after another significant female leader, the late Nancy Bird Walton, he believes it is appropriate to rename it reflect Dame Marie’s similar level of influence.

Dame Marie Bashir was the 37th Governor of NSW and former Chancellor at Sydney University. Photo Sydney University.