May 28 2026
Calvary Kogarah Hospital celebrates 60th Anniversary
For the past sixty years Calvary Health Care Kogarah has played a vital role in serving the local St George and Sutherland Shire regions in southern Sydney.
On Friday 22 May, the hospital marked the significant milestone of its 60th anniversary of providing compassionate care and community service.
The day began with a staff gathering and the cutting of a special 60th anniversary cake by staff member Jane Dooley, who has been part of the hospital community since 1987.
Celebrations continued with a Mass of Thanksgiving led by Bishop Danny Meagher, music from the Bethany College Hurstville choir, followed by a lunch for invited guests.
“This is a significant day of celebration for Calvary Kogarah as we stop and pause to reflect the enormous achievements that have been made by many,” said Acting General Manager Jodie Wason.
“Sacrifice, dedication and personal commitment have been demonstrated by many, from the initial land bequest by Sarah Fitzgerald, to the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary who established the newly built hospital in 1966.” Ms Wason said.
As Australia’s first dedicated palliative care hospital, the 99-bed hospital has evolved over the decades and now provides extensive rehabilitation services alongside specialist in-patient and community services.
Bishop Danny Meagher said the celebrations acknowledged the many lives touched, of service given and of ‘being for others’ lived out each day.
“It is a story shaped by many hands and hearts; those who founded the hospital, those who have served within it, and those who have been cared for along the way,” Bishop Meagher said.
“There have been countless quiet acts of care that have shaped the compassionate care provided to over generations.
“We give thanks for the vision that began this work, for the dedication that has sustained it, and for those who continue to serve with generosity and skill,” he said.
Descendants of the original site bequestor Miss Sarah Fitzgerald, Moya Martin and Denis Fitzgerald shared some insight into their father’s generous relative, while historical author Margaret Clark, gave a social and historic overview of the hospital’s origins and the Little Company of Mary Sister’s foray into venturing from Lewisham Hospital to Kogarah.
Support the future of care at Calvary Kogarah
Calvary Health Care Kogarah has cared for our community through life’s most important moments, delivering compassionate palliative care, rehabilitation and support to generations of patients and families across southern Sydney for sixty years.
As we celebrate this significant milestone, we invite our community to help shape what comes next through our 60 for 60 anniversary campaign.
Through donations, fundraising initiatives and community support, you can help provide compassionate care, vital equipment and programs that enhance comfort, dignity and wellbeing for patients and their loved ones.
Every contribution, big or small, helps ensure Calvary Kogarah can continue its mission of caring for others for generations to come. Donate today.
