Associate Professor Julieann Coombes from The George Institute for Global Health has been awarded $118,596 to support the development of an emerging Aboriginal researcher through a mentoring initiative for Ms Tani Cashman, an Aboriginal Research Associate and cardiac nurse at St Vincent's Hospital Sydney who is exploring the barriers and facilitators to cardiac transplantation experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The funding forms part of the Heart Foundation's $14.5 million national investment across 67 heart research projects in 2026. Heart disease remains a significant health challenge in Australia, accounting for one in four deaths each year.
The project, Understanding Barriers and Facilitators to Cardiac Transplantation: focusing on the experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heart failure patients, will centre the experiences of patients themselves.
"I'm grateful to the Heart Foundation for supporting this work. Listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with heart failure is the first step towards a culturally safe transplant pathway.
By:Associate Professor Coombes
Program Lead, Indigenous Methodologies and Systems Change, Guunu-maana (Heal) at The George Institute
Mrs Tani Cashman is keen to carry out this important work and take strides towards better heart health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
"As a cardiac nurse, I have seen the strength of patients and families as they navigate the transplant journey. This project is a chance to learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about what good care looks like, what supports them and what helps them feel safe and respected. That knowledge can shape how transplant care is delivered.
I'm grateful to Julieann and the Heart Foundation for backing me as an emerging Aboriginal researcher. Being guided by Aboriginal leadership while working in a hospital I know well is a privilege. I hope this work strengthens care for our people and inspires the next generation of Aboriginal people to lead in health research.
By:Mrs Cashman
Heart Foundation National Manager for Research Dr Anna Calkin said the funding would empower the country's leading cardiovascular researchers to pursue breakthroughs that could improve heart health and save lives.
"Behind every one of these projects is the potential to deepen our understanding of heart disease and ultimately improve the lives of people affected by it.
By:Dr Calkin
The Heart Foundation is Australia's largest non-government funder of heart disease research, and this year's funding was made possible entirely by the generosity of its donors.
The George Institute gratefully acknowledges the Heart Foundation as the funding source for this project.
