Mater ChildCare is a 70 place childcare centre owned and operated by Mater to provide quality educational experiences and exceptional care for children of Mater staff. Occasional care is also offered to patient families and members of the community when available. While Mater staff have priority, any applications for permanent care in the two-and-a-half to five year age groups from members of Mater's community (tenants, students associated with Mater and UQ staff) and the general community will be considered.
The sisters of mercy and Mater's Board of Directors for many years had a vision to create an on-site childcare facility for families of Mater staff. In 2003 and 2004 Mater invested in the refurbishment of a building previously occupied by Mater Special School and added a generous playground area. Mater ChildCare opened its doors in May 2004.
Mater ChildCare is fully accredited with the National Childcare Accreditation Council and is licensed to care for children from birth to school age, on a full-time, part-time or occasional care basis.
Children are grouped according to age with group sizes and staff ratios as prescribed in Child Care Regulations (2003). Our current group structure (as of January 2008) is as follows:
| Group |
Age Range |
Number of Places per day |
| Nursery |
0 – 2 yrs |
8 |
| Toddlers 1 |
15 mths – 2.5 yrs |
10 |
| Toddlers 2 |
2 yrs – 3 yrs |
12 |
| Pre-kindy |
2.5 yrs – 3.5 yrs |
16 |
| Pre-School |
3 yrs – 5 yrs |
24 |
Please note that there are limited vacancies in the centre—please inquire with the centre about availability and waiting lists.
Mater ChildCare is located in College Hill Drive off Annerley Road, backing onto Clarence Street. Access is from the internal Mater Road (College Hill Drive) heading up between Mater Community Services Building and Mater Private Hospital Rehabilitation Building (Mother Patrick Potter Building). Free short-term parking in front of Mater ChildCare for quick drop-off and pick up is available.
If you are a Mater staff member, childcare fees can be incorporated into your salary sacrificing package as a non-reportable benefit (i.e. it does not contribute towards the $17,000 gross up figure).
Opening Times
The centre is open from 6:30 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays and the Christmas/New Year Period).
Fee Structure
Permanent Fees
$71 per child (place) per day from 4 January 2010 until further notice.
The permanent place fees include provision of a nutritious lunch time meal, healthy afternoon snack with milk and disposable nappies. Items families are required to bring: a piece of fruit per child to share for morning tea, bottles if necessary, bed linen, a hat, toothbrush and spare clothes.
Occasional Care fees*
- $71 per day
- $20 per hour
- $45 for half a day (before 12 noon or after 12 noon).
Please call as early as possible in the morning from 6:30am on the day you seek care.
* Fees are subject to alteration please inquire by contacting the centre.
Waiting List Application
To put your name down on our waiting list you will need to complete and return this form to Mater ChildCare, Mater Health Services Raymond Terrace Sth Brisbane 4101 or fax to +61 7 3163 3445.