Vale Sir Nicholas Shehadie AC OBE

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has offered her heartfelt condolences to the family of Sir Nicholas Shehadie AC OBE, who passed away last night.

“On behalf of the people of NSW, I extend my deepest sympathies to Sir Nicholas’s wife Dame Marie Bashir and his entire family,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Sir Nicholas contributed so much to NSW across public life, sport, media and the community and will be deeply missed.”

He was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1971, served as Lord Mayor of Sydney, and was appointed a Knight Bachelor in 1976. In 1990, he was made a Companion of the Order of Australia for his service to sport, media and to the community.

Sir Nicholas made an outstanding contribution to rugby union in Australia, as a player and captain. He played more than 100 matches for Australia, including tours of Great Britain, South Africa and New Zealand. He was president of the Australian Rugby Union from 1980 to 1987, and was instrumental to the establishment of the Rugby World Cup.

Sir Nicholas was the chairman of SBS from 1981 to 1999, as well as chairman of TAFE and the Migrant Employment and Qualification Board. He was chairman of the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust from 1990 to 2001.

“Above all else Sir Nicholas was an inspiring, caring and compassionate person and was held in such high affection by so many across the State and nation, including myself,” Ms Berejiklian said.

The NSW Government is offering his family a State Funeral.