On 12 May 1971 a fire erupted in the ceiling and roof structure of the university section at the rear of Mater Children’s Hospital. Each one of the 119 young patients was evacuated in a calm, purposeful manner and newspapers provided extensive coverage of nurses carrying children out of the hospital. The media coverage inspired the community, with many donations and offers of help received.
Queensland Newspapers, particularly its chairman, Reg Leonard, took a close look at the needs of Brisbane’s two children’s hospitals. His first step was to make the hospitals beneficiaries of the Good Friday Appeal conducted by 4BK, which was owned by the newspaper group. This impetus created the perfect climate to present a major submission to the government on the urgent needs of both the Adult and Children’s Hospitals. Furthermore, the Sisters began making long-term plans for Mater’s future.
In late 1971, construction on a three floor extension commenced at the Mater Children’s site.