About Us
Our Approach
For over 40 years, HeartKids has been Australia’s champion for those impacted by childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD), including congenital heart disease (CHD), acute rheumatic fever (ARF), and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). With around 250,000 Australians affected by CoHD, including nearly 6,400 with RHD in regional and remote areas, HeartKids plays a vital role in supporting these communities.
HeartKids provides lifelong support, resources, and advocacy for individuals and families. With a team of over 40 staff and volunteers—many with lived experience—HeartKids partners with more than 30 key organisations to deliver care and support in hospitals, clinics, and communities nationwide.
Our History
From a group of WA parents supporting each other through tough times, to a national organisation supporting the needs of hundreds* of families daily, HeartKids has continued to grow over the last 40 years and is now the leading authority on support and care for CoHD in Australia. We’re determined to support and advocate for all those impacted by childhood-onset heart disease in all States and Territories across Australia, improve the standards of care for all Australians impacted by CoHD, and continue fighting for more lives well lived.
Our Governance
As a charitable institution and Company Limited by Guarantee, HeartKids Limited is reliant upon community and corporate goodwill to achieve its goals.
As a community organisation, HeartKids also has considerable legislative, administrative and other accountabilities that need to be maintained to a high standard.
The Board is comprised of twelve Directors who bring expertise in congenital and acquired heart disease medicine, medical science and research, governance and executive management, finance, marketing and communications, not-for-profit administration, as well as extensive networks with the corporate, public and government sectors as well as the broader community.
Our People
The HeartKids team is dedicated to fighting for more lives well lived by providing the vital and essential support to every Australian impacted by CoHD.
- We have committed support staff located in hospital, clinic and communities across Australia, providing essential support when families are at their most vulnerable.
- Our board of directors continuously devote a huge amount of professional and personal time towards our vision.
- Our direct team work hard to support and advocate for our HeartKids community.
- Our ambassadors play a crucial role in helper to raise awareness of CoHD in the wider Australian community, while promoting the care and support of HeartKids
Our Partners
We are incredibly fortunate to partner with organisations that help us reach our goals. HeartKids would like to recognise and thank their generosity in helping us see more lives well lived.