Helen Monkivitch RSM AO

Over the past 50 years, Sister Helen Monkivitch has made an exceptional contribution to health and aged-care services throughout Victoria.

Inducted:
2014
Category:
Honour Roll

In 1988, Sister Helen was appointed as the first female President of the Australian College of Health Service Executives. In 1995, she was one of the founding members of the Caroline Chisholm Centre for Health Ethics, which remains in operation today.

In 1997, Sister Helen was instrumental in the creation of Mercy Health. Her vision was to bring together the various health and aged care ministries of the Sisters of Mercy under one governing structure to ensure their long-term sustainability. Today, Mercy Health is a highly regarded provider of public health, residential aged care and community-care services across Victoria, southern New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Sister Helen continues to provide her exceptional knowledge and service in her current role as Executive Director Leadership and Mission, Mercy Health.

Sister Helen was an inaugural board member and a key driver in the establishment of Catholic Health Australia. This organisation is now arguably Australia's foremost advocacy voice focused on better health and aged-care outcomes, particularly for marginalised and disadvantaged people.

In 2006, she was awarded an Officer of the General Division of the Order of Australia in recognition for her service to the community, through the establishment of major health, aged and palliative-care facilities in Victoria, and to the Catholic Church. In 2010, Sister Helen shared her wealth of knowledge and expertise in hospital administration to assist with the establishment of the medical, nursing and administrative structure of a new 100-bed Mother of Mercy Hospital in Tacloban City, Philippines.

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