The Malinauskas Labor Government has again partnered with Shane Warne Legacy, SiSU Health and Flinders University to deliver free Shane Warne Legacy Health Checks during the AFL Gather Round Festival, running from Thursday to Sunday across Adelaide and Norwood.
Now in its third year, the initiative encourages footy fans and the local community to 'know their numbers', helping identify early risk factors for heart disease and type 2 diabetes – two of Australia's most serious and often silent health conditions.
This year, the Shane Warne Legacy will be represented by AFL great Dermott Brereton, a close friend of Shane Warne. Brereton was the inspiration behind Warnie's iconic number 23, and while Warne chose the number because of him, Brereton has often said he idolised Warne.
Their deep friendship lives on through this legacy – sparking powerful conversations about health, mateship and looking after each other.
Across five festival locations, 52 SiSU Health Stations will deliver the Shane Warne Legacy Health Check – making this one of the largest community health activations in the country.
The health checks will be available at:
- The Footy Festival at Elder Park
- Adelaide Oval – Southern Concourse
- Rundle Mall (near the AFL Store)
- Norwood Oval Memorial Gardens
- Norwood Food & Wine Festival
Flinders University medical scientists will be onsite to offer optional finger-prick blood tests for cholesterol and long-term blood sugar (HbA1c), providing deeper insight into cardiovascular and diabetes risk.
Results from the 2025 Gather Round Health Check Report show these checks are doing far more than raising awareness; they are identifying serious, previously hidden risk and prompting real action.
- More than 9,100 people participated in 2025
- One in three participants were advised to follow up with their GP due to elevated heart or diabetes risk
- Over half had not had their blood pressure checked in the previous 12 months
- More than 60 per cent of survey participants reported making, or planning to make, lifestyle changes after their check
Participants also reported increased confidence in understanding their health, and many encouraged family and friends to get checked.
The SiSU Health Station is a self-serve health check providing instant insights into key health metrics, including:
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Weight, height and BMI
- Body composition
- Type 2 diabetes risk
Results are available immediately via the SiSU Health mobile app, with prompts to follow up with a GP where risk is identified.
For more in-depth health insights, clinician-led quick and easy finger-prick blood checks will also be available.
Optional clinician-led finger-prick tests provide:
- HbA1c (average blood sugar over 2–3 months)
- Full cholesterol profile
- Non-fasting, rapid results
- On-the-spot discussion with a clinician
As put by Blair Boyer
As we enter the third year of Shane Warne Legacy Health Checks at Gather Round, the evidence is clear – these checks are identifying hidden risk early and helping people take action.
Last year alone, more than one in three participants were advised to follow up with their GP – many for the first time.
We're proud to partner again with SiSU Health, the Shane Warne Legacy and Flinders University to deliver free, accessible preventive healthcare – and we know preventive healthcare works when people can access it easily.
These community-based screenings are empowering South Australians with their own health information, driving real medical follow-up and lifestyle change.
As put by the Shane Warne Legacy Chief Executive Helen Nolan
Since starting the Shane Warne Legacy, we've learned so much.
One of the simplest, and most confronting lessons is that high blood pressure has no symptoms, yet it's one of the biggest risk factors for heart attack.
And still, more than half of people haven't had their blood pressure checked in the past year. When you stop and think about that, it's quite staggering.
Shane's passing was a heartbreaking reminder that none of us are invincible.
As put by Shane Warne Legacy Ambassador Dermott Brereton
Shane and I shared number 23 and a deep respect for each other.
If Warnie could help even one person take their health seriously, he'd say it was worth it.
This is about looking after your mates, your family and yourself.
