Celebrating 110 years of caring for the Ballarat community

9 May 2025

St John of God Ballarat Hospital first opened its doors on 9 May 1915, in the historic Bailey’s Mansion, thanks to the courageous efforts of the Sisters of St John of God. These pioneering women travelled from Western Australia to Victoria with little more than "head, hands and heart" — driven by their mission to serve those in need through compassionate healthcare.

Over the past 110 years, our hospital has grown to become a trusted and respected part of the local landscape, offering a comprehensive range of medical and surgical services to thousands of patients each year. Our story is one of development, guided by the founding values of hospitality, compassion, respect, justice and excellence — values that continue to underpin the care we provide today.

“We honour the contribution of the Sisters of St John of God, and all those who have come after them, for the enduring legacy they built in this community,” said Chief Executive Officer Maria Noonan. 

“Today, we celebrate our journey and reaffirm our commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of Ballarat for generations to come.”

A tradition of growth and innovation

From the early days of carrying patients up the marble stairs of Bailey’s Mansion, to the purpose-built hospital facilities that began development in the 1950s, St John of God Ballarat Hospital has always evolved in response to the community's needs.

Milestones such as the opening of Marian House in 1961 — a dedicated nursing school — and its expansion in 1963, reflect our enduring focus on education and excellence in care.

More recently, our commitment to ongoing improvement has been demonstrated through significant investment in state-of-the-art infrastructure. In 2024, we officially opened the new Wexford Wing — a key component of our $80+ million redevelopment project. The expansion includes:

• a new 10-bed Intensive Care Unit and Coronary Care Unit
• two new operating theatres with associated recovery facilities
• a new 30-bed inpatient ward
• and a reimagined environment for patient and caregiver wellbeing.

These additions strengthen our capacity to deliver world-class healthcare, right here in Ballarat — ensuring our community has access to the services it needs, when it needs them most.

Looking ahead

As we reflect on 110 years of service, we acknowledge the generations of caregivers, clinicians, volunteers and supporters who have shaped our hospital’s legacy. Their dedication continues to inspire us as we look to the future.

Today, our focus remains clear: to continue building on our legacy through investment, innovation, and above all, a steadfast commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred care.