Record wave of recruits joins Mater’s healthcare frontline

A record-breaking intake of new nurses and midwives are putting their hearts into healthcare at Mater, including 34 graduates from Mater Education's Diploma of Nursing.

Two hundred and eleven graduate nurses and midwives in total are starting their first jobs at 11 Mater private and public hospitals this week – up from 156 last year. 

Across the state, the Queensland Government estimates that an extra 21,300 new nurses are needed by 2032 to cope with growing patient demand and a wave of senior nurses approaching retirement. 

Mater’s new recruits are joining hospitals in South Brisbane, Springfield, Redland, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and Bundaberg. 

Having graduated the Diploma in January of this year, Rebecca Finegan, 37, (pictured) is looking forward to starting her role as an Enrolled Nurse in Mater Private Hospital Brisbane orthopaedics ward.

"I'm quite proud of myself to get to this point," Mrs Finegan said. 

"My sister is a nurse, and my cousin is a paramedic so it's a family thing to help other people. I'm eager to give back to others."

Mater Group Chief Executive Julia Strickland-Bellamy said the new recruits, which include new Registered Nurses, Registered Midwives and Enrolled Nurses, would be at the forefront of caring for almost 700,000 Queensland patients this year. 

“Demand for hospital and health care in Queensland is continuing to grow, and Mater’s frontline workforce is growing to meet that demand,” Ms Strickland-Bellamy said. 

“Our nurses and midwives are at the heart of the service we provide to the community. 

“They combine compassion with clinical excellence.  

“We set high standards for our staff, but I’m certain the class of 2026 will more than meet them.”