Recently a number of people who work at Mater Misercordiae Limited, Central Queensland Corporate Office in Rockhampton, were recognised for their years of loyal and dedicated service to the Mater and Mercy Aged Care Services here in CQ.

The presentation of Long Service badges to these long serving staff members took place in the beautiful and historical Middle Hall on the Range site in Rockhampton.   

Special guests for the occasion were Sr Marie Riddel, a former Mater Rockhampton CEO and Sr Joanne Molloy, the current Archivist for the ISMAPNG Northern Community.     

The presentation of the Long Service Badges took place at a Mercy Day celebration held on Tuesday 22 September and commenced with a beautiful liturgy prepared by Pastoral Care Coordinator, Caroline Humphreys. Following the presentation of the badges the celebrations ended with “a comfortable cup of tea” enjoyed by all present.  

Six of the staff who received Long Service badges had a combined total of 145 years of service to the Health and Aged Care Ministry of the Sisters of Mercy that commenced in this region with the opening of the Mater Hospital Rockhampton in 1915. Included among the Badge recipients were:   

• Caroline Humphreys for 10 years of dedicated service
• Rachel Chadwick for 20 years of dedicated service
• Belinda Bauman for 20 years of dedicated service
• Maree Duke for 30 years of dedicated service
• Marcia Healy for 30 years of dedicated service
• Patsy Bunney for 35 years of dedicated service

The presentation to these long serving staff members was mirrored in other Mater Ministries throughout the State and such ceremonies are an appropriate way to recognize, congratulate and thank people for their exceptional record of service to the Ministry of health and aged care.

More than a few tears were shed as people reflected on how much their Mercy journey had meant to them and on the wonderful people they had met along the way.

Phillip Bauman