New South Wales Governor, Marie Bashir, has confirmed she will be stepping down from the role in September next year.

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell announced that he had accepted the decision late last week.

“Professor Bashir has been one of this State’s most loved Governors and it is with regret I accept her decision to stand down next year,” Mr O’Farrell said.

“She is an inspiration to everyone she meets, from children in schools, business leaders, visiting Heads of State, to those affected by natural disasters and members of our ethnic and Indigenous communities,” he said.

Professor Bashir has served as the state’s 37th Governor since March 2001, with her commission due to end in February next year – however, the Premier hgad requested to extend her commission until September.