When David was announced as the winner at the 2022 Celebration of Service, held on Thursday 17 November, a massive applause echoed throughout the Mater Lecture Theatre and many an eye was dabbed when David took to the stage to accept his award.

David was amongst an impressive line-up of nominees who were congratulated for their rich and varied contribution to the Mater through ‘Being for Others’. Our very deserving 2022 nominees were: Dr Patricia (Trish) Ostwald, Lead Medical Physicist – Operations, Radiation Oncology; Fiona Harris, Senior Social Worker Palliative Care; Stephanie Wrightson, Radiation Therapist, Radiation Oncology; and Paris Bagnall Undergraduate AIN, Casual Pool.

Throughout David’s years of service he has been described by his colleagues as the “Heart of the Mater,” and is known to be a role model of ‘Being for Others’.

David has worked at the Mater for 44 years. Progressing up through the ranks as a cleaner, porter, wardsman, leading and deputy manager before landing his current role as Support Services Supervisor. David leads a team of dedicated people who are here to service and assist the patient journey.

He is dedicated to his team and will ensure he is there to suport team members, night or day. He is caring and compassionate and will go out of his way to lend a hand.

David is described as “always willing to go the extra mile for staff and management” and that he regularly “goes beyond the contract.” He is praised as being an innovative thinker who is always looking for solutions with no challenge being too big for him and his team. In his own words, “Impossibilities we do immediately, miracles give us half an hour.” A catch phrase his colleagues only know all too well.

Cheryl Cooley, Nurse Manager Surgery and 2020 Mary Potter Award recipient, was on hand to present David with his award and congratulate all nominees.

When a clearly shocked and overwhelmed David took to the stage his team members were the first to be thanked and praised for the sterling job they do. Commenting on the win, David says,

“I’ve had a marvellous career at the Mater, and over the years it has always been about the spirit of the people for me, not just the great place the Mater is. Thank you, I’m more than chuffed to have won this award.”

Calvary Mater Newcastle’s Celebration of Service was also a chance to applaud our loyal and dedicated staff, celebrating years of service badges ranging from 10 years to 40 years. This year staff were treated to a special limited edition Centenary years of service badge in tribute to our special centenary year. With Robyn Blackman, Ann-Maree Meredith and Kathleen Treloar, receiving a 40 years of service badge.