The former GP, who worked at the Durri Aboriginal Corporation Medical Service in the 1990s, paid tribute to those dedicating their time to flood relief.

“I’ve very grateful to have the opportunity to see with my own eyes the extent of the flooded region and the wonderful efforts of local people in the SES and Rural Fire Service,” Prof Bashir said.

“It has been very sobering to see the extent of floodwaters, not just in outlying areas, but also in school playgrounds and sporting fields.”

The governor spoke of her fondness for Kempsey and said the ability for voluntary rescue services to come together in an integrated fashion was inspirational.

Prof Bashir and her entourage spent more than an hour at the SES’s North St headquarters, where she was greeted by mayor Liz Campbell and council directors, and shown around by unit controller May Gill.

She shook hands and spoke with SES volunteers, toured the operations room, and took afternoon tea.

Mrs Gill welcomed the governor’s visit.

“It’s a privilege to have her here and to have her recognise the contribution SES volunteers make,” she said.

“We’ve had SES crews from Broken Hill and Menindee, as well as about 60 volunteers from our Kempsey, Gladstone and South West Rocks units.

“They’ve been supported by other units from elsewhere in NSW.”

Mrs Gill told Prof Bashir two volunteers in their late 70s had been among those involved in this week’s local SES operations.

“That’s wonderful,” Prof Bashir said.

“I believe when you retire, don’t sit at home watching TV, that’s the worst health risk. Just get out and volunteer.”

Cr Campbell welcomed Prof Bashir’s visit.

“It gives significance to what the people of the Macleay have been through,” she said.

“For someone so busy, with so many priorities, to see for herself exactly what we go through creates understanding and boosts morale.”