Welcome
As we move beyond the winter months and reflect on the significant work undertaken across our ministries during this past season, we feel refreshed and renewed in our commitment to supporting ministry efforts and living out our shared values of compassion, justice, respect, and hope.
We continue to draw energy and inspiration from the dedication and impact demonstrated throughout the winter period, as our ministries work to help shape a world where God’s healing, liberating, and life-giving mercy is truly experienced.
In this newsletter edition, we are delighted to share:
- A reflection on the Mercy Partners value of respect and how it underpins the compassionate, person‑centred support delivered across Mercy Community’s wide range of services, from aged care through to families and young people.
- An insight to our annual Education Leaders Gathering, hosted by St Rita’s College, where we brought together the Principals and Deputy Principals of Teaching and Learning to strengthen their strategic relationships, facilitated the sharing of expertise and promoted collaboration across the ministry network.
- Over the past three months, Mercy Partners Formation work with ministry Boards has continued to return to a central question: Why? Why do Boards gather for Formation amid full agendas and complex responsibilities? Why does mission remain essential to governance? Read how our Formation program is helping Boards attend not only to what decisions are made, but to the spirit and processes through which those decisions are discerned.
- Details on the six successful recipients of the 2026 Nudgee Trust Grant Round are shared along with the projects their ministries are now able to implement as a result of the funding received through the Nudgee Trust.
- An example of a powerful demonstration of healing, reconciliation and hope as a local community courageously shared their stories and committed to building stronger futures through faith, connection and mutual support at the Passing the Flame event held at St Teresa’s Parish in Townsville at the conclusion of Reconciliation Week 2026.
- Connections made by the Mercy Partners Boad and Executive to strengthen our ties with our ministries, working together to support the ministries in meeting their canonical and civil responsibilities.
- Inspiring stories from our ministries that show how they honour their founders’ legacy, carry it into the future, and inspire others to place mission at the heart of their work.
In addition, we are delighted to share with you some recent updates at Mercy Partners and across our ministries.
40 Years of Service with Holy Cross Services
In June, Holy Cross Services proudly celebrated a remarkable milestone as staff member Rosalita marked 40 years of dedicated service.
Rosalita began her journey with Holy Cross Services in 1986 at Wooloowin, working alongside supported employees. She fondly recalls the leadership of Sr Mary, Sr Margaret and Sr Lauren, describing them as exceptional leaders who treated everyone with kindness, respect and humility.
To recognise this significant achievement, Mercy Partners Board Directors, Cath Bartolo and Cheryl Caughley, along with Director of Formation, Kate Garrone, joined the Holy Cross Services team in celebrating Rosalita’s outstanding commitment, dedication and contribution over the past 40 years.
Reflecting on her four decades with Holy Cross Services, Rosalita has thoroughly enjoyed her time at Holy Cross Services, and she feels proud to have been part of its journey for the past 40 years.
Mercy Community welcomes new CEO
Mercy Partners is delighted to welcome Ms Leonie Fowke as the new Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Community, who commenced in the role on 6 July 2026.
An accomplished executive leader, Leonie brings more than two decades of experience spanning aged care, community services and healthcare. Her extensive background includes leading organisations through significant sector reforms, including the implementation of the new Aged Care Standards and Support at Home framework. Leonie’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Nursing, a Master of Critical Care (Honours) and a Master of Business Administration.
Leonie is recognised for her values-driven leadership, with a deep commitment to person-centred care, compassion and service. Her approach strongly reflects Mercy Community’s mission and identity, making her an excellent addition to the Mercy Community leadership team.
Changing of the Guard at Whitefriars College
As Whitefriars College celebrates its 65th year, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr Margaret McKenna, who concluded her service as Board Director and Chair at Whitefriars College on 30 June 2026. With more than 40 years of leadership in Catholic education, Margaret brought exceptional experience, wisdom and a deep commitment to mission. Throughout her time at Whitefriars, she exemplified the Carmelite values of contemplation, courage, community and compassion, guiding the College with grace and integrity.
Margaret’s leadership was instrumental during the College’s significant 2024 transition to incorporation and canonical sponsorship under Mercy Partners, helping secure a strong future while keeping the wellbeing of students at the centre of every decision. Above all, Margaret will be remembered for her genuine care for the Whitefriars community and her enduring dedication to its people. As the College looks ahead to its next chapter, it does so with deep gratitude for Margaret’s outstanding contribution and lasting legacy.
Congratulations
Congratulations to the new Whitefriars College Chair, Simon Davies.
Simon joined the Whitefriars College Board in January 2023 and was appointed Chair effective 1 July 2026.
With a distinguished and diverse background spanning law enforcement, Catholic education, safeguarding, and organisational leadership, Simon brings a wealth of experience to the role. He is deeply committed to ensuring young people thrive in environments where they feel safe, valued, and supported.
Whitefriars’ Carmelite identity strongly resonates with Simon, and he understands the important role a school plays in shaping boys into thoughtful, respectful, and compassionate young men.
Ministry Appointments and Tenure Re-Appointments
Over the last three months, as part of their Reserve Powers for their ministries, Mercy Partners has discerned and approved the following ministry Board appointments and tenure renewals:
Ms Moran Ingham – Board Director, All Hallows’ School (re-appointment)
Ms Florence Coghlan – Board Director, Mount Alvernia College (new appointment)
Ms Donna Lynn – Board Director, Mount Alvernia College (new appointment)
Ms Kate Eggar – Chair, Mount Alvernia College (reappointment)
Ms Kristy Watkins-Chellew – Board Director, Mount Alvernia College (new appointment)
Mr Chris Townend – Board Director, Mater Misericordiae Limited (reappointment)
Dr Lisa Caffery – Board Director, Mater Misericordiae Limited (reappointment)
Prof Jody Currie – Board Director, Mater Misericordiae Limited (reappointment)
Ms Kirsten Eades – Board Director, Mount Alvernia College (new appointment)
Ms Grace Visser – Board Director, Mount Alvernia College (new appointment)
Mr Nathan Simmons – Board Director, Mount Alvernia College (new appointment)
Ms Annabel Senior – Board Director, Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College (new appointment)
Ms Erin Longbottom – Board Director, Mercy Foundation (new appointment)
Mr Simon Davies – Chair, Whitefriars College (new Chair appointment)
Ms Rochelle Hawkins – Board Director, Whitefriars College (new appointment)
Ministry Departures
Mercy Partners sincerely thanks the following ministry Board Directors and Executives who have recently completed their service. We are profoundly grateful for their leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the mission of the ministry they served.
- Ms Jaimee O’Brien – Board Director, Mount Alvernia College
- Ms Stacey Goodwin – Board Director, Mount Alvernia College
- Dr Kim Forrester – Board Director, Mater Misericordiae Limited
- Mr John Fraser – Board Chair, Saint Rita’s College
- Mr Tony Arnold – Board Director, St Ursula’s College
- Ms Margaret McKenna – Board Chair, Whitefriars College
Welcome to the Mater Private Hospital Gold Coast
1 August 2026 marked a significant milestone in healthcare on the Gold Coast, as Mater officially extended its compassionate model of care to the local community. Following months of planning, preparation and collaboration, Mater successfully completed its acquisition of the Gold Coast hospital from Healthscope and is proud to operate the facility as Mater Private Hospital Gold Coast, guided by Mater’s Mission, Vision and Values.
As the first and only Catholic, for-purpose hospital on the Gold Coast, the hospital brings Mater’s long-standing tradition of compassionate, transformative and healing care to one of Queensland’s fastest-growing regions. Importantly, the acquisition also provides long-term employment security for the hospital’s 1,400 staff members.
The acquisition reflects Mater’s commitment to sustainable growth, stronger community partnerships and the responsible expansion of mission-driven healthcare services, ensuring continued access to high-quality care for the growing Gold Coast community.
Ministry Anniversaries
Over the last three months, we have recognised the transition anniversaries of the following ministries.
We offer our heartfelt thanks to the founding Congregations and Orders for the trust they have placed in Mercy Partners. Their willingness to entrust us with the sacred responsibility of guiding the future governance of their ministries is both a privilege and a profound expression of faith in our shared mission.
The below ministries have celebrated transition over the last three months. Mercy Partners is thankful to the ministry’s founding Congregations and Orders for entrusting for entrusting their ministries to be governed by Mercy Partners into the future.
