Our History

Our beginnings

Our history began in 1895 when eight sisters traveled from Ireland to Australia to care for people in Western Australia.

Soon after, more women joined the Sisters in Australia, which led to the opening of hospitals in Western Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales, establishing St John of God Health Care.

The Sisters' commitment to giving back to the community and delivering high quality healthcare services led to the establishment of St John of God Foundation, which continues the legacy of the Sisters to this day.

Recent history

Collaborating with St John of God Health Care, the Foundation strives to improve health outcomes and quality of life for patients, families and communities by raising funds to support new patient therapies, state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and personalised treatment options, as well as advancing discoveries in medicine to better diagnose, treat, and cure disease through excellence in medical research.

Celebrating 25 years of support

On 3 June 2019 St John of God Foundation recognised a significant milestone, recognising its 25^th year anniversary.

Since 1994, the Foundation has raised over $40 million to deliver major improvements in healthcare and social welfare. Read more about our previous projects below.

Over the past 25 years, the Foundation has raised over $40 million to support the delivery of major healthcare improvements, including:

$ 5.7 million raised to provide advanced palliative care for patients in the community.

$21.2 million raised to provide excellence in diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of cancer through medical research.

$2.8 million committed towards comprehensive cancer and cardiac care services for this state-of-the-art hospital.

11 homes established across Western Australia and Victoria to provide supported, transitional housing for youth and young mothers at risk of homelessness, before the service was transferred to St John of God Social Outreach Services in 2010.

$3 million raised towards the South West Coronary Cancer Service at St John of God Bunbury Hospital.

Leading medical research

With support from the Foundation, St John of God Health Care carries out important medical and health research to give hope to thousands of patients across Australia

Personalised patient treatment

Through your support we can continue to advance new patient treatment in areas of greatest need, giving access to transformational healthcare when it is most needed.

Gifts of Hope. A life-changing health initiative.

A Gift of Hope is a gift of financial support provided to in-need Australians suffering from a life threatening condition, such as cancer.