Over a period of years the Heritage Committee has been methodically, steadily and meticulously sorting through past photos of the Mater and cataloguing them to ensure memories are preserved for future generations to come.

The hospital’s Centenary was the committee’s main focus and it was with this in mind that the committee worked together to curate a photograph display that is now proudly displayed on the level 2 corridor, either side of the Day Treatment Centre main entrance.

The photographs on display were selected to recall memories of the Newcastle Mater Misericordiae Hospital, including some significant milestones, which may otherwise fade into obscurity.

Sections within the display include historical events for both Newcastle and the Mater including the Newcastle earthquake and the fight for radiotherapy and oncology services at the Mater.

The display covers many moments in time at the Mater. It looks back to a time when nurse training, paediatric care and midwifery and obstetrics were located on site. It provides a detailed and rich history on how the palliative care service evolved. It also references the Women’s Auxiliary and allied health and support services.

Dr Pam Harrison OAM spear headed the project, with assistance and expertise provided by committee members Pat Barrett, Mary Ringstad, Helen Ellis, Kay Fordham OAM, Lyn Davies, Rosemary James, Kim Whitehead and Kellie Goldsworthy.

Mark Jeffrey, General Manager, comments,

“My thanks go to this committee and for everyone who contributed along the way, for persevering with this project, the end result is a wonderful testament to the team that can be enjoyed by members of our community for many years to come.”