The Mater was established in 1906 by the Sisters of Mercy. In 2002, Mater Health Services became an incorporated body, charged with the responsibility to continue the Mission of the Sisters of Mercy to "offer compassionate service to the sick and needy". Mater boasts more than 1,000 hospital beds and provides health care services under a not-for-profit framework to some 500,000 people each year. They claim their long-standing commitment to cancer services, women's health, paediatrics, neurosciences and orthopaedics has helped Mater to build a reputation for clinical excellence.

Pictures and text: Mater.org.au