Every Heart – our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy
Our equity, diversity and inclusion approach
The National Heart Foundation of Australia’s strategy for improving equity, diversity, and inclusion – 2024 to 2029
Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) is integral to the Heart Foundation’s vision towards an Australia free of heart disease.
By embracing an EDI approach in what we do, and who we are as an organisation, we can better address the unique needs and experiences of the diverse populations and communities across Australia.
Our Every Heart equity, diversity, and inclusion strategy reflects the Heart Foundation’s unwavering commitment toward achieving our objective to ensure that our work positively impacts heart health outcomes for people across Australia.
We’re proud to be recognised as an Inclusive Employer for 2025–2026
This recognition from Diversity Council Australia reflects our commitment to creating a workplace where inclusion is part of how we work every day.
It’s the result of our Every Heart strategy, and over 108 initiatives identified across the organisation to support equity, diversity and inclusion.
How will we achieve our objective?
Goal 1
is to ensure that we make a positive impact.
Goal 2
is to ensure that our programs and resources are accessible, relevant and valued.
Goal 3
is to foster a culture that champions equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Why is equity, diversity, and inclusion important to the Heart Foundation?
Health equity
Heart disease can affect anyone, but we know that it does not affect everyone equally. EDI efforts are essential for addressing health inequities that exist among diverse populations and communities. We also acknowledge that multiple factors can overlap to create complex intersectionality.
Broader impact
An EDI approach broadens and maximises the impact of the Heart Foundation’s work. By recognising and addressing the diverse needs and experiences of all people in Australia, we can more effectively reach and benefit a broader portion of the population in support of our vision.
Tailored approaches
By understanding and embracing EDI, we can develop and implement tailored approaches that are culturally and contextually relevant, with consideration to unique challenges and risk factors experienced. This improves the effectiveness of programs and actions making it more likely that people will engage with, and benefit from the supports offered.
Representation and participation
By focusing on the inclusion and active participation of people from diverse backgrounds, individuals and communities can have their voice represented and be involved in decisionmaking processes. This not only brings diverse and fresh perspectives into the Heart Foundation, but also helps in the creation of policies and programs that resonate with the people they are meant to serve.
Social and ethical responsibility
Embracing EDI aligns with our social and ethical responsibility by fostering fairness, respect, and equal opportunities. Our commitment to EDI contributes to creating environments that are not only just and respectful but also ethically sound, ensuring that everyone has a chance to thrive, succeed, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Cultural consciousness
Embracing EDI allows us to develop and deepen cultural consciousness around people belonging to, and/or relating to various cultures, societies, or periods. This involves recognising and appreciating others’ beliefs, identities, customs, and values leading to greater awareness of cultural difference, more effective engagement, and communication. This further supports the journey to develop greater cultural capability and competence in all we do and offer at the Heart Foundation.
Community engagement
To effectively address heart health for all people in Australia, it is essential to engage with diverse communities and groups. Community engagement aims to build trust and understanding and allows us to work together to identify specific needs, co-create solutions, implement strategies that work and achieve sustainable outcomes.
Acknowledgements
The Heart Foundation respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which we work and live, and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, and community. We also acknowledge and respect their right to speak and care for their country in accordance with their lore, customs, and traditions. We pay our respect to them and their cultures, and Elders past, present and emerging.
We also acknowledge all people with lived experience of heart disease, as well as their carers and communities which are central to the work of the Heart Foundation. Their experience and expertise are critical to inform the development of effective strategies and programs.
We would like to thank everyone at the Heart Foundation who has contributed their time, expertise, guidance, and support to the development of the strategy. We would also like to extend thanks to our community partners for their input to the strategy.
The Heart Foundation strongly supports equity, diversity, and inclusion for all. We condemn any kind of discrimination, be it based on race, religion, ethnicity, cultural background, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.
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