Mater Private Hospital Bundaberg staff Gayle Knickel, Monica Mooney and Leo Mulkearns have been recognised for their contribution and service to the health sector.
The locals were awarded as part of this year’s Mater People Awards, an annual state-wide event that recognises and celebrates outstanding achievements.
Long-time Mater Private Hospital Bundaberg hospitality manager Gayle Knickel was presented with the Catherine McAuley Mater Lifetime Contribute Award for more than 38 years of dedicated services.
The award, named in honour of the founder of the Sisters of Mercy Catherine McAuley, recognises a Mater person for their outstanding lifetime contribution as well as their commitment to M ater’s values and mission to address unmet community need and deliver excellence in care.
Mrs Knickel, who also volunteers her time to provide pastoral care to staff and patients, said it was a ‘privilege to be able to work at Mater’.
Mater Private Hospital Bundaberg’s perioperative and patient care manager Monica Mooney won the Leadership Excellence Award for her ongoing efforts to improve patient services and experiences through consumer engagement and feedback.
The Supporter of the Year Award went to Engineering Services Manager Leo Mulkearns for his tireless work pursuit of operational efficiencies across the hospital.
A record 400 nominations were received across Mater’s state-wide hospital network for this year’s Mater People Awards, with 65 finalists selected and invited to attend the gala evening at Princess Theatre in South Brisbane on Friday 14 October.
The Awards provide an opportunity for Mater employees to recognise the passion, commitment and achievements of their colleagues from across the state.
Winners of 15 Awards were announced on the night, including the Lifetime Contribution Award.
MPHBg Executive Officer Catherine Hackney, who won the Emerging Leader Award last year, said the event was a calendar highlight for Mater staff across the state.
“Bundaberg is probably the smallest team of Mater’s 11 hospitals across the state, but we achieve big things,” Ms Hackney said.
“I’m incredibly proud of everyone in our team, and would like to congratulate Gayle, Leo and Monica for the high esteem in which they are clearly held by their peers.
“They each epitomise the Mater values and mission to deliver compassionate care and address unmet community needs.”