Mater a great Queenslander

On Tuesday 30 May, Premier Peter Beattie officially named Mater Health Services as a Queensland Great during a ceremony at Roma Street Parkland, to celebrate Queensland Week.

For six years, the Queensland Greats Awards have recognised significant contributions to our community and development of the state, by annually honouring extraordinary Queenslanders who through their lifetime achievements have strived to make a better Queensland.

Mater was nominated to receive this award for the contribution the hospitals have made to Queensland's health care system over the last 100 years and became the first organisation to receive this honour.

Mater Health Services Chairman Mr John McAullife accepted the award on behalf of Mater. He paid tribute to the Sisters of Mercy and acknowledged all Mater staff, volunteers and supporters for their invaluable work and contributions.

“Mater has grown from one small private hospital to a world class group of hospitals, which have achieved many outstanding milestones over the last 100 years.

“These achievements include the introduction of Brisbane's first blood transfusion service during World War II, the ground-breaking development of services for HIV/AIDS patients in the 1980s and the opening of the first private children's hospital in Australia,” Mr McAullife said.

Other Queensland Greats that were named on the day, included actor Geoffrey Rush, Dr Jim Kennedy AO CBE, artist Margaret Olley AO, sportsman Greg Norman and Professor Ian Frazer.

A special plaque was presented to Mater during the ceremony and is placed alongside the other Queensland Greats in a pathway at Roma Street Parklands.

Three other Mater "Greats", Sister Angela Mary Doyle, Professor David Tudehope and Dr Richard Lewandowski, have also received this accolade in the past.