Priority populations
Supporting communities who need us most
Heart disease can affect anyone, but we know that it does not affect everyone equally. Many people and communities across Australia have strong cultures, knowledge, and ways of caring for each other. At the same time, some face barriers that can make it harder to stay healthy. These barriers can include limited access to health care, distance from services, language differences, or social and economic disadvantage. Often, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, women, people living in rural and remote areas, and people experiencing social or economic disadvantage are at risk of poorer health outcomes. We call these communities priority populations.
Why is this critical?
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in Australia, and priority populations are disproportionately affected. Language barriers, cultural stigma, limited access to healthcare, and lower health literacy can delay diagnosis and treatment. Many people from diverse backgrounds experience higher rates of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes-related complications. Providing culturally safe, multilingual, approachable resources and support, shaped by the lived experiences of these priority populations, is essential to ensuring equitable, accessible care.
At the Heart Foundation, we believe everyone deserves the chance to live a heart-healthy life. Our vision is that by 2050, heart health will be achievable for everyone in Australia. Through our Every Heart Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, we are committed to advancing health equity, so no one is left behind. We work alongside communities, listening and learning, to build on strengths and support what already works. Together, we design programs and resources that are inclusive, culturally safe, and shaped by lived experience, so heart health support is accessible, relevant, and meaningful for all.
How we support priority populations
Our initiatives are designed to meet people where they are and provide support that is meaningful, accessible, and culturally safe. This includes:
- community-led health promotion programs
- outreach and mobile services
- culturally safe education and resources
- support groups and peer-led programs
- advocacy and referral pathways
- training for staff to ensure inclusive, trauma-informed practice
- geo targeted campaigns.
We’d love to hear from you.
Tell us what you’d like to see more of, how you’d like to get involved, or what support would be most valuable to you. Your feedback helps us design programs that truly meet the needs of our communities.
You can contribute by:
- sharing culturally tailored heart-healthy eating ideas and recipes
- helping to raise awareness and advocacy around heart health in culturally and linguistically diverse communities
- contributing to our newsletter by sharing your lived-experience story
- volunteering in your community, for example by coordinating a walking group in your neighbourhood
- suggesting other ways you’d like to participate.
Dr Radhika Arunkumar, Population Health Equity Lead
Dr Radhika Arunkumar leads Heart Foundation work to improve heart health equity across Australia. Her focus is supporting priority populations through fair access to care.
Read more about Radhika
For collaboration and partnership opportunities please get in touch priority.populations@heartfoundation.org.au
Disclaimer
The term culturally and linguistically diverse is used in Australia as a broad descriptor for people whose cultural background, language, or ancestry differs from the mainstream Anglo-Celtic or First Nations populations. It is not a single identity but an umbrella term that encompasses many communities with distinct experiences, needs, and strengths.
Last updated15 March 2026