Earlier in the year, we heard of Mater’s generous donation of neonatal equipment to hospitals in need across the Timor-Leste region and now, some of our very own have been recognised for their efforts in leading this donation—acting in true Mater spirit.

After returning from a trip to Timor-Leste which uncovered the heartbreaking results of insufficient medical resources for babies in need of critical care shortly after birth, Mater Education's Head of Learning and Development, Katherine Jackman  connected in with Mater’s Biomedical Engineering Manager, Chad Mercer, and the team at Mater Mothers’ to source and transfer neonatal equipment through to hospitals in Timor-Leste.  

As part of a celebration by the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Canberra, Katherine and Chad were recently officially recognised for their efforts by Ambassador of Timor-Leste, Her Excellency Ms Ines Maria De Almeida.

Ambassador Ines recognised a range of volunteers for acquiring, delivering and distributing a collective 11 tonnes of much-needed medical supplies and equipment to Timor-Leste throughout COVID-19, presenting recipients with a certificate and letter in recognition of their work.

Mater’s donation which included incubator cribs for neonatal care and general hospital supplies including alcohol swabs for better hygiene are already making a lifesaving difference to both Timor Leste’s National Referral Hospital and Maliana Hospital in the regional Timor-Leste District capital.