Mater across South-East, Central and North Queensland has today come together to legally merge as one—beginning a new era in health as the state’s largest Catholic not-for-profit healthcare provider.

The merger will see Mercy Health and Aged Care in Central Queensland, Mater Health Services in North Queensland, and Mater Misericordiae Limited in South East Queensland join forces under one Mission to serve the community and provide compassionate care to those who need it most.

Having been an integral part of Queensland communities for more than 100 years, Mater’s new single collective network is set to bring great benefit for Queenslanders by collaborating the organisation’s state-wide expertise and services.

Dr Peter Steer, Mater CEO said connecting regions across the state will expand Mater’s capability for impactful change across the organisation’s four ministries—Health, Education, Research and Foundation.

“Today not only marks a significant step forward for Mater as an organisation but will see our network become stronger than ever in our ability to make a real difference to people’s lives right across Queensland.”

“Bringing together collective expertise and services in health, education, research and foundation from across the state means we will welcome greater capacity for innovative ways of providing the highest standards of care.”

Backed by the rich historic foundations built by the Sisters of Mercy, Mr Steer added that the transition marks a historic link between Mater’s longstanding heritage and a roadmap for the future.

“Since the Sisters of Mercy founded Mater in 1906, a long line of history has followed to consistently work to meet unmet community needs,” Dr Steer said.

“We are deeply proud of our heritage and will continue to honour this legacy as we welcome an exciting step forward toward finding new ways to respond to the changing needs of the communities we serve.”

“As we join forces across the regions, we come together under one Mission to empower people to live better lives through improved health and wellbeing.”

To acknowledge the historic occasion, all Mater locations will be sharing commemorative gifts with their staff and hosting a small prayer ritual to officially acknowledge the union.