Queensland
Place:   Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Gordon Street, Mackay
Threat: Demolition for site development

Significance of Place
The Mater Misericordiae Hospital has substantial social significance for Mackay residents because there has been a hospital on this site since 1911, so the site is associated with the health of four generations of Mackay families.

Built for the sisters of Mercy, and designed by the architectural firm of Hennessy & Hennessy, the first wing opened in front of the existing buildings in 1936.

The Hospital has architectural significance as Mackay’s first three storey building, and because it is built from the distinctive red Pindi Pindi bricks. It also contains Mackay’s first lift, a ‘cage style’ with a sliding metal folding door, believed to be the only one of its type in regional Queensland.

The building also has aesthetic significance for its Spanish Mission façade, with its two gargoyle water-spouts, maple rail and open balustrade in the stairwell, and terrazzo floors in the foyer.

Description of Threat

The building ceased to function as a hospital in 2003 and was sold. It is now at imminent risk of demolition as the site is required for re-development.

Action Required

The Hospital should be included on the Queensland Heritage Register as a matter of urgency, with preparedness to issue a ‘Stop Work Order’ if it becomes necessary to prevent destruction of the Hospital.