Support for the Northern Heart Centre

Media release: 25 September, 2024

Heart Foundation welcomes the Australian Government’s commitment to Northern Heart Centre

The Heart Foundation welcomes the Australian Government’s $120 million commitment today to help build the Northern Heart Centre in Launceston.

The commitment by the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, and Federal Health Minister, Mark Butler, builds on the State Government’s announcement earlier this year to ensure that northern Tasmania will have a dedicated heart centre by 2029.

Dr Joce Nettlefold, Heart Foundation General Manager for Tasmania, said:

“We strongly welcome the Australian Government’s support of the Northern Heart Centre given the pressing need to improve the state’s heart health,” Dr Nettlefold said.

With the Northern Heart Centre four years from completion, the Heart Foundation is calling on northern Tasmanians to prioritise their heart health as soon as possible.

“The Heart Foundation urges all Tasmanians aged 45 or over, or 30 if First Nations, to speak with their GP about a Heart Health Check,” Dr Nettlefold said.

“Cardiovascular disease is Tasmania’s leading cause of death yet is largely preventable through healthy eating and regular exercise.

“Tasmania has 32 walking groups located in different regions around the state that people can join to ensure they get their recommended 30 minutes of exercise each day.

“And more information about Heart Healthy Eating Habits can be found on the Heart Foundation website.”

Follow these links for more information about Heart Health Checks, Heart Healthy Eating Habits, and Walking Groups.