Narrandera-born Professor Bashir told the crowd at the Leeton Visitors Information Centre about the delight of visiting Leeton as a child.

“I am filled with happiness to be here, it has always been a real treat to visit Leeton,” she said.

“Leeton people are very generous-spirited and everything is looking so beautiful despite the drought.”

Professor Bashir gained a Bachelor of Medicine at the University of Sydney before gaining influence and key positions in the fields of mental health, indigenous health and juvenile justice.

She has since gained an honorary Doctorate in Medicine at the University of Sydney and become a chancellor at the university.

She told the crowd not of her medical career, but her pride in being bestowed with membership to the Master Plumber’s Association.

“There are three indispensible professions; teaching, nursing and plumbing,” Professor Bashir said.

“Plumbers save more lives than doctors.”

She also told of the pride of being Australian and in her beginnings in rural Australia.

“Every day I am grateful to have been born in the country, where people help each other,” she said.

Professor Bashir said she did not feel held back in her opportunities growing up in a rural environment.

“Australians are very aware of the importance of giving educational opportunities and not just in cities,” she said.

“I had wonderful teachers at Narrandera Public School and I had a sense of freedom, joy and self esteem growing up in the country.”

She said the multicultural beginnings of the town and the embracing of Italian immigrants has in some way been used as a model for the rest of Australia.

Outgoing Leeton Shire mayor Joe Burns described Professor Bashir as a “trailblazer”, the first woman to occupy the position of Governor in 2001.

Professor Bashir was reinstated in the role last year and will remain governor until 2012.