Volunteer

At Calvary Health Care, we believe that “being for others” is at the heart of everything we do. As a volunteer, you’ll be part of a dedicated team bringing comfort, dignity, and support to people when they need it most.

Whether it's offering a listening ear, providing companionship, helping with administrative support, or simply sharing a smile, your time can make a powerful impact.

• Be part of a compassionate, mission-driven health care team
• Support patients, families, and staff in a meaningful way
• Develop new skills and grow personally and professionally
• Experience the deep rewards of giving your time and heart

At Calvary Mater Newcastle volunteering opportunities are available in:

• Patient and visitor assistance
• Aged Care support
• Diversional therapies which includes board games, arts and crafts
• Spiritual care and companionship
• Administrative and behind-the-scenes roles

From humble beginnings, the hospital first commenced as a 34-bed hospital in a single building known as Enmore Hall situated on Edith Street, Waratah. In 1927, through a 10,000 pound donation from Mr W Longworth, a children’s block was built at the rear of the existing hospital. Then almost a decade later, at a cost of 78,000 pounds, raised by the local community, a new Mater Hospital was built and officially opened on 7 April 1935. This grand building was three storeys high with accommodation for 32 private and 60 public patients.

A staple in Newcastle’s history, the Mater famously survived the earthquake of 1989 and ‘the Mercy on the Mater campaign’ where the public successfully campaigned to keep the Mater a public hospital to be rebuilt on its current site in Waratah.

In 2006 the hospital transferred ownership from the Sisters of Mercy (Singleton) to Little Company of Mary Health Care. With the most public symbol of a new beginning for the hospital being the name change to Calvary Mater Newcastle in 2007. The hospital then underwent redevelopment under a Public Private Partnership, which was completed in 2009.

Fast forward to today, the hospital is now a 215-bed facility, employing over 1,300 staff and caring for more than 460,000 outpatients a year and 17,000 inpatient services. Calvary Mater Newcastle provides specialist medical care in a range of cancer services, palliative care, and toxicology. As well as serving the local community through its critical care, medical and surgical services. The Mater is recognised as a leading research centre and the main centre for cancer clinical trials in the Hunter region.

The Mater has a long and proud history of being at the heart of the Hunter community. While the people may have changed, the values have continued to guide and inform staff’s ongoing commitment to serve the people of the region through their expertise and compassion.

Calvary Mater Newcastle would love to hear from you, please contact

Kellie Goldsworthy Director of Mission Integration

Kathleen.goldsworthy@calvarymater.org.au

(02) 4014 4733 or 0439 060 124

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