This week we fondly farewelled our Managing Director, David Maher.
A special tribute event celebrated David's 20 years with Catholic Healthcare, with the past 10 years as Managing Director. Over 140 staff, friends and colleagues gathered at the Deckhouse, Woolwich to thank and acknowledge David for his contribution to Catholic Healthcare. David is pictured above left with his wife Gita and David Robinson, Chair of the Catholic Healthcare Limited Board.
The night's formalities commenced with a farewell speech from David Robinson. He described David as someone who has been instrumental in shaping Catholic Healthcare's culture, by embodying and living our core Values. He paid tribute to David's "outstanding contribution and leadership over the last 20 years".
"David is approachable, sincere, caring and highly interested in people… and importantly 'never loses it'. On behalf of us all, thank you for all you have done for Catholic Healthcare and we wish you every success in the next phase of your career."
As a thank you gift, Mr Robinson presented David with artworks by Aboriginal artist, Anthony Walker. The two paintings depict turtles on a journey through the past, present and future. One of the paintings will feature in Catholic Healthcare's reception at Macquarie Park, with the second painting gifted to David as a special reminder of the connection between us.
In a moving speech. David described his time at Catholic Healthcare as an "incredible journey".
Many accomplishments during David's time as Managing Director include more than doubling the size of Catholic Healthcare; increasing our services to special needs groups through our Homelessness, Hoarding & Squalor, and aged Mental Health programs; establishing the CHL Foundation for Research and Innovation; and an ongoing commitment to staff with the introduction of the annual scholarship program, emerging leaders program and Gold Dove Awards.
"Shared purpose and many wonderful Catholic Healthcare companions have inspired me on our journey together". David graciously acknowledged and thanked his Leadership Team, Staff, Board members and Trustees.
David will be greatly missed. We acknowledge and thank him for the major contribution he has made to Catholic Healthcare and wish him every future success!
A selection of photos from the Farewell evening are below.
