Sisters of Mercy Medals

The Sisters of Mercy Medals recognise individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to Mater Research. 

The Medals are awarded annually in the areas of:

• Mater Research student supervision
• supporting Mater Research operations
• contributing to the research output of Mater Research and
• translating Mater Research research into clinical care.

Sister Eileen Pollard

Awarded to an individual who has consistently translated research into clinical practice. Sister Eileen Pollard joined the Sisters of Mercy after training as a nurse in 1942.

She became the first director of Nursing at Mater Public Hospital and was involved in the accreditation of the Mater Private Hospital.

Sister Madonna Josey

Awarded to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the operations of Mater Research.

For 15 years Sister Madonna Josey was a Nursing Superintendent at Mater Adult hospital, including during its redevelopment, and became a Fellow of the Australian Royal College of Nursing. 

Sister Madonna also contributed to Mater Governance, serving on the Mater Hospital Advisory Board and the Mater Health Services Governing board. She has maintained a close connection with many Mater People as an active participant in and supporter of Mater nursing alumni.

Sister Regis Mary Dunne

Awarded to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the research output and impact of Mater Research.

Sister Regis Mary Dunne worked in Mater Pathology for over 30 years. She was one of the first to introduce cytogenetics into a laboratory and was a former director of the Queensland Bioethics Centre 1981-94. Her inspiration and teachings assisted many of Mater’s pathology staff with their love of science and patient care.

Sister Michaeleen Ahern Medal

Awarded to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to supervising and mentoring Mater Research students.  

Sister Michaeleen Mary Ahern, who has made outstanding service contributions to Mater for more than 6 decades.

She played a pivotal role in building the Mater Private and Mater Children’s hospitals and over the years held varying positions as a surgical theatre nurse, Executive Director of the Mater Private Hospital and as Community leader at the Mater convent.

Sister Michaeleen is known for her strong leadership, delivered with care and compassion and her generosity of spirit in mentoring many Mater staff.

Sister Mary Athanasius Reardon Medal

Awarded to an individual who has made a significant contribution to Mater Research as a Research Assistant or a similar role.

Sister Mary Athanasius Reardon originally trained as a teacher, joining the Mater Laboratory in 1949 where she trained as a medical laboratory scientist. She was in charge of the Haematology Department for 30 years and was a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology. 

She was the sacristan at Mater Convent until her death.

“We were on call and we were running around the hospital collecting blood specimens and … on occasions looking after people who were sitting up in the corridor … looking quite down and out and upset, and we’d ask them if they would like a meal. So they’d come down to the laboratory and we’d feed them; and it got to the stage of being called Reordan’s Restaurant. … They’re the sort of things that built the hospital you know today.” 

Sister Pauline Mary Purtill Medal

Awarded to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the conduct, support and success of Mater Clinical Trials.

Sister Pauline Mary Purtill was a Royal Australia Air Force (RAAF) nurse in World War Two, and became a Sister of Mercy after the war. 

She was originally a ward sister, then trained in radiography. She led radiography at Mater for 31 years until her retirement in 1983. In retirement, she worked in the Public Hospital coffee shop.