Mater has been built on a tradition of giving—from the Sisters of Mercy who gave their time and compassion, the doctors and nurses who gave their expertise and knowledge, to the members of the community whose donations built the first hospitals.

Today, Mater Foundation (formerly Mater Hospital’s Trust) is a continuation of that tradition, harnessing the community's goodwill for the hospitals and MMRI.

Annually, more than 500 dedicated volunteers also give the gift of their time at Mater, providing vital support services and comfort to our patients, their families and friends.

Milestones

Over the last 100 years countless people have given their time, skill and money in support of Mater, making advances in exceptional care possible and changing the health care landscape through research and new technology.

1905

William Naughton, a grazier from Gin Gin, donates A£500 to the Sisters to establish their own hospital.

1908

The Foundation Stone of Mater Private Hospital—South Brisbane is laid. The large crowd readily responds to the call for donations and contributes A£4000.

1911

Many doctors volunteer to serve at the Public Hospital. In its first ten years, Mater attracts many of Brisbane’s distinguished doctors to its honorary staff.

1920

Mater receives the welcome news that it will receive part proceeds of the government’s Golden Casket Art Union.

1936

The Mater Ball is extensively advertised on radio and on the screen at suburban cinemas.

1948

The first fashion parade is held at Princes Café. The queue for tickets causes a traffic jam in Queen Street.

1954

Queensland’s first real estate art union, Mater Prize Home, is established.

1960

During the 1960s and 70s several fundraising committees form to support Mater, including the still-active Mater Mothers’ and Mater Adult Hospitals Auxiliaries.

1971

Queensland Newspapers, under chairman Reg Leonard, become strong supporters of Brisbane’s two children’s hospitals, making them beneficiaries of the Radio station 4BK’s Good Friday appeal.

1989

Mater Hospitals’ Trust (now Mater Foundation) is established.

1989

Mater Special Events Committee is established by Betty McGrath, a long term Mater supporter.

1991

Sr Pamela Barker is appointed as Mater’s first Volunteer Coordinator and volunteers are immediately busy supporting patients.

1996

Cecilia McNally leaves a bequest of A$1.3 million to Mater Children’s Hospital.

2002

Sister Angela Mary Doyle visits Master Cheng Yen of the Tzu Chi Buddhist Compassion Relief Foundation. By 2002 Tzu Chi had donated A$1.2 million to Mater.

2003

Bill Siganto and family donate A$1 million to establish Mater Prostate Cancer Research Centre.

2004

Tony and Lisa Teng donate A$800,000 to cancer care and research.

2005

The Taiwan Takechi Foundation pledges A$1 million to the new Mater Mothers’ Hospital.