This is a test
Greg Page's second chance
"Without bystanders who knew how to do CPR and had access to an AED, I wouldn’t be here."
Greg Page, a founding member of The Wiggles, woke up in the hospital to hear the shocking words, "You had a heart attack that caused a cardiac arrest" after performing on stage at a Wiggles concert in 2020. Thanks to the quick action of an audience member and the availability of an automated external defibrillator (AED), his life was saved.
Learn more about Greg's inspiring story and what that experience has led him to do.
Our history: 65 years of achievement
A legacy of life-saving impact
1959
A movement begins
The Heart Foundation is founded to combat heart disease, Australia’s leading cause of death, through research, education, and prevention.
1960s
Pioneering heart care
- Cardiac rehab, pacemakers and coronary care revolutionised post–heart event treatment.
- Australia’s first heart transplant and coronary care ambulance introduced with Foundation support.
1970s
Public health breakthroughs
- Triple Zero (000) becomes a free emergency number following Foundation advocacy.
- Mandatory cigarette warnings and a ban on tobacco ads position Australia as a world leader in tobacco control.
- Blood pressure medication research shapes treatment guidelines.
1980s
Preventing heart disease early
- Jump Rope for Heart gets millions of kids moving.
- Passive smoking risks are exposed.
- Heart Foundation Tick empowers shoppers to choose healthier food.
1990s
Turning the tide
- Heart disease deaths drop 86% from their 1968 peak.
- Smoke-free dining laws protect public health.
- Heart Foundation Walking and Helpline launch.
- Long-term statin study transforms cholesterol treatment access.
2000s
Equity and prevention front and centre
- Smoking bans expand to cars, playgrounds, and public venues.
- Rheumatic heart disease guidelines and vaccine research launched for First Nations communities.
- Graphic pack warnings, Go Red for Women, and the Heart Attack Warning Signs campaign help save lives.
- National cardiovascular disease risk guidelines support GPs to better aid in prevention.
2010s
Smarter choices, stronger systems
- Kilojoule labelling and Health Star Ratings make healthy choices easier.
- Plain packaging for tobacco becomes law, a world first.
- Heart Maps and new clinical guidelines help target support efforts.
- Medicare funded Heart Health Checks help to save lives.
2020s
Innovation, equity, and advocacy
- Over $80 million invested in heart health research from 2020 to 2024.
- One million Heart Health Checks expected by the end of 2025.
- Government funds new remote community laundries to help reduce rheumatic heart disease rates.
- Launch of new national clinical guidelines and the CVD Risk Calculator.
- Professor Sandra Eades appointed as Chief Medical Officer, First Nations Health.
- Catalyst Partnership Grants launched to support bold, equity-driven heart health solutions.
