21st Annual Marie Bashir Address delivered by ASoP CEO

ASoP CEO Dr Pramudie Gunaratne was invited to deliver the 21st Annual Marie Bashir Address at the Sydney University Medical School.

The address held particular significance as it was the first delivered since the passing of Prof. Dame Marie Bashir earlier this year. As a psychiatrist and then Governor of New South Wales, Prof. Bashir represented a unique model of leadership — one grounded in service, humility, compassion and an unwavering commitment to others.

“Everything I've Learnt About Power”

The theme of this year's address was Everything I've Learnt About Power. While no one can claim to have fully understood power, the past few years have offered many lessons about how institutions function, how influence is exercised and how meaningful change occurs.

In reflecting on those experiences, one lesson stood out above all others: Marie Bashir was a living rebuttal to many of the assumptions we make about power.

She demonstrated that power does not need to be loud to be effective, nor performative to be profound. She showed that it is possible to be both formidable and deeply kind; to hold influence without seeking attention and to pursue meaningful change without losing one's humanity.

These lessons resonate strongly with ASoP's own values. Effective leadership in mental health is not simply about authority or position. It is about stewardship, integrity, relationships and a willingness to advocate for those whose voices are too often overlooked.

We are grateful to the Sydney University Medical Society for the invitation, to the distinguished panellists who contributed to the discussion that followed and to everyone who attended to help create such a thoughtful and engaging evening.

It was a privilege to reflect on power in the shadow of someone who used hers so wisely.