The Mater Foundation is the proud inheritor of a charitable tradition that stretches back to the founder of the Sisters of Mercy, Catherine McAuley.
Starting with her decision to use an inheritance to build Mercy House in Dublin in 1824, charity has been an integral part of the development of the Mater Hospitals.
Philanthropy, and looking for funds to help people in need, is in the DNA of the Mater. In 1906 the Sisters of Mercy opened the first Mater Private Hospital in Brisbane’s North Quay and thanks to a large donation, the Sisters of Mercy were able to buy the land at Mater Hill.
From the very beginning, the Queensland community has been with the Sisters of Mercy and tradition continues today through the public's support of the Mater Foundation.
Over 100 years later Mater Health Services seven hospitals and its 8,000 staff and volunteers provide exceptional care to some 500,000 people each year.