Mater Private Hospital Bundaberg’s Madonna Davitt has been recognised for her compassionate support of patients, families and staff at this year’s Mater People Awards.
Ms Davitt received the Mercy in Action Award for her role in providing pastoral care as the hospital’s Mission Integration Manager.
Speaking after receiving the award at a presentation evening on Friday, Ms Davitt said she saw her role as caring for the heart of Mater.
“Being able to offer emotional and spiritual support through pastoral care and knowing that even the smallest gesture can make a difference, brings me real joy and purpose,” Ms Davitt said.
“I believe Mercy comes alive in the small things, such as the kind word to a patient, the genuine smile to a colleague, the moment we stop and truly listen.
“These are the acts of compassion that build our culture of care.
“When we take the time to notice and name them, we not only celebrate the goodness in others, but we strengthen what makes Mater so special — a community grounded in compassion, healing and hope.”
Ms Davitt joined Mater after almost four decades of teaching in Mackay and Bundaberg.
She retired in 2020 after serving as principal at both St Joseph’s and St Mary’s Catholic Primary Schools in Bundaberg.
She said what drew her to Mater was its Mission and Values because they resonated with her own.
“After more than 40 years in Catholic Education, both in teaching and leadership, I felt I had not just the experience, but a deep desire to be part of a place that lives out compassion and mercy, not just excellence in care,” she said.
“What really sealed it for me was the warmth and sincerity I felt from the staff when I first joined as a pastoral carer. I felt seen, appreciated, and knew that what I did mattered.”
Mater Private Hospital Bundaberg General Manager Catherine Hackney paid tribute to Ms Davitt and the impact she has had on providing compassionate support and care for patients and their families.
“Ms Davitt embodies Mater’s Mission, Values, catholic identity, and Catherine McAuley’s legacy and we are thankful for everything she does for everyone in our Mater community,” Ms Hackney said.
“Our work is not just about providing top quality medical care and services to people but also genuine support to our patients, their families and all our staff.”
The Mater People Awards recognise excellence across Mater’s hospitals in Brisbane, Springfield, the Redlands, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and Bundaberg, as well as the Mater Research, Mater Education and Mater Foundation subsidiaries.
