What’s happening?
Mater has appointed Julia Strickland-Bellamy as its new Chief Executive Officer, continuing the organisation’s legacy of female leadership. The announcement was met with praise from former Mater Administrator and Queensland Great, Sister Angela-Mary Doyle. Strickland-Bellamy, currently CEO of Aurora, will take over from Dr Peter Steer after Easter and lead Queensland’s largest not-for-profit healthcare provider.
Why it matters?
Strickland-Bellamy’s leadership comes at a critical time for Mater and the wider private healthcare sector, which faces significant challenges. Her extensive experience in both public and private healthcare positions her to drive growth while maintaining high-quality services. Mater Board Chair Patrick Brady highlighted her expertise, stating:
“Julia has the experience and expertise this role demands and we are delighted she is joining us. Private healthcare especially faces a number of challenges, but Julia has demonstrated great skill in navigating those issues and delivering both business growth and high-quality health services.”
Strickland-Bellamy, who began her career as a nurse, brings more than 20 years of senior executive experience, including roles as CEO of Healthecare Australia’s specialty hospitals and Chief Operating Officer of 35 Healthecare private hospitals.
Local Impact
As the head of Mater, Strickland-Bellamy will oversee hospitals and services across Queensland, including key regional centres such as Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, and Bundaberg. She will also lead Mater Education, Mater Research, and Mater Foundation, expanding her impact beyond hospital management.
Speaking about her new role, she said:
“Mater has a special place in the hearts of Queenslanders, many of whom were born in Mater hospitals, so it’s an honour to be appointed its Chief Executive Officer.”
By the numbers:
- 11 hospitals: Mater operates a statewide network of public and private hospitals.
- 10,800+ staff: One of the largest workforces in Queensland’s healthcare sector.
- 250,000 inpatients per year: Patients admitted annually to Mater hospitals across Brisbane, Redlands, Springfield, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, and Bundaberg.
Zoom In
Strickland-Bellamy’s leadership at Aurora, where she oversaw 16 private hospitals nationwide, has prepared her for the complexities of leading a healthcare provider with a dual public-private model. Her appointment continues Mater’s transition from religious leadership—the organisation was originally founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1906 and led by Sister Administrators until 1987.
Zoom Out
The appointment comes as Australia’s healthcare system faces increasing pressures, including workforce shortages, rising operational costs, and evolving patient care demands. The challenge for Strickland-Bellamy will be balancing Mater’s commitment to compassionate care with financial sustainability.
What to look for next?
Strickland-Bellamy will commence her role after Easter, with a key focus on navigating private healthcare challenges and expanding Mater’s impact across Queensland. Stakeholders will be watching how she steers the organisation in the face of ongoing sector reforms and increasing demand for services.
