Mater

Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1906, Mater is Queensland’s largest Catholic not-for-profit healthcare network, bringing together our collective expertise and resources across Mater Health, Mater Education and Mater Research to improve the health of our community.

Mater is guided by the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy who established Mater in 1906 when they built the first Mater Private Hospital in Brisbane. With just 20 beds, it was staffed by five Sisters and two lay nurses who treated 141 patients in its first year.

The Sisters of Mercy built Mater on a foundation of collaboration and a shared vision as a Catholic ministry to meet unmet community need. As they continued to expand their ministry, they established hospitals throughout South East, Central and North Queensland.

On 1 July 2020, these state-wide ministries officially united as one Mater, united in a shared commitment to our Mission and Values.

Mater incorporates Mater Health, Mater Education, Mater Research and Mater Foundation under a single, unified banner, enabling us to combine our services and skills to deliver innovative solutions and take new opportunities as we adapt to the changing needs of our community.

Mater Health’s internationally-acclaimed network of hospitals throughout South East, Central and North Queensland supports thousands of people each year. Our patients are at the centre of everything we do and we are committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care to our patients at all stages of their healthcare journey.

Mater Education is committed to supporting quality healthcare service delivery through excellence and expertise in education and the continuing professional development of healthcare staff and students.

Mater Research is committed to discovering new ways to prevent and treat conditions to help our community lead healthier lives. Working closely with Mater Health and Mater Education and a growing network of collaborating partners, we turn scientific discovery into the best possible treatment, care and outcomes for patients and the wider community.

Community support has been fundamental to Mater since its beginning in 1906. Mater Foundation is a community-based fundraising organisation that supports the work of Mater Health, Mater Education and Mater Research, by harnessing community support and philanthropic partnerships to enable Mater’s provision of healthcare, education and medical research.

Mater Misericordiae Rockhampton, Bundaberg and Mackay regional hospitals were entrusted to the care of Mercy Partners by the Sisters of Mercy Rockhampton Congregation (now incorporated into the Institute of Sisters of Mercy Australia and Papua New Guinea) on 12 October 2011.

Mater Misericordiae Townsville hospitals were entrusted to the care of Mercy Partners by the Sisters of Mercy Townsville Congregation (now incorporated into the Institute of Sisters of Mercy Australia and Papua New Guinea) on 18 November 2011.

Mater Misericordiae South-East Queensland hospitals were entrusted to the care of Mercy Partners by the Sisters of Mercy Brisbane Congregation on 23 April 2013.