South Australian families impacted by congenital or childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD) will have guaranteed access to vital medical and support services, following a significant funding boost from the Malinauskas Labor Government to children's charity HeartKids.
The organisation will receive an additional $500,000 over four years, bringing the State Government's total investment to $1.5 million to support families across South Australia. This funding will ensure continued access to critical services, including comprehensive mental health support, expanded regional outreach, and targeted early childhood intervention programs.
It will also enable HeartKids to expand its teen transition program, supporting an estimated 500 teenagers living with CoHD across the state.
As part of this expansion, HeartKids will introduce teen camps in South Australia for the first time, giving young people the opportunity to build confidence, form meaningful peer connections, and receive support as they transition to the adult healthcare system.
The expansion will also directly benefit families like that of HeartKids parent Ben McDonnell, whose son Harvey is expected to access the new teen camp program in the coming years.
Harvey was born with Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA), a congenital condition that causes narrowing of the aorta, restricting blood flow and forcing the heart to work harder. Following surgery early in life, eight-year-old Harvey is now doing well. His family remains grateful for the guidance and support provided by HeartKids.
Since 2022, HeartKids SA has delivered direct and ongoing support to 385 people through its programs. The organisation has also conducted 57 educational sessions for children, families and carers, and facilitated 123 regional referrals.
These programs are designed to support early symptom recognition, encourage medication adherence, and provide practical lifestyle guidance – outcomes that contribute to fewer hospital admissions and reduced emergency department presentations.
In South Australia, approximately 200 babies are born with CoHD each year, with around 16,000 people currently living with the condition. A further 64,000 South Australians are impacted through family connections.
Nationally, a baby is born with CoHD every three hours, making it one of the leading causes of death among infants under one year of age.
CoHD refers to a range of structural abnormalities of the heart, including defects of the heart walls, valves, or major blood vessels. These conditions may be present at birth or develop during childhood and can vary significantly in severity and complexity.
As put by Blair Boyer
We know that living with congenital or childhood-onset heart disease can place enormous pressure on young people and their families.
This investment ensures South Australians have access to the support they need, no matter where they live.
By expanding programs like mental health services and teen transition support, we're helping young people navigate both their health and their future with confidence.
We're proud to be committing a further $500,000 investment to HeartKids to make sure key programs can be accessed by those who need it.
As put by HeartKids CEO, Sami Glastonbury
The SA Government's support of HeartKids and the work we do is deeply important because it has the power to genuinely change the trajectory of a family's experience as they navigate their child's lifelong heart condition.
To now see South Australia hold its first ever teen camp is incredibly meaningful. It gives teens and young people living with congenital heart disease the chance to connect with others who truly understand their journey.
For many, it's the first time they don't feel different, they can simply be themselves, build friendships and find comfort in a community that understands them.
As put by Ben McDonell, Harvey's father
Harvey and his twin brother Paxton are now happy eight-year-olds, but those early months when Harvey was first diagnosed were incredibly emotional.
We're so grateful for HeartKids, they really do an amazing job. For us, we always knew someone was watching and we weren't alone.
Harvey is doing really well, and he really enjoys all the events HeartKids put together.
You can see the camaraderie and the connections that are built through these programs, and as a parent, it's great to know Harvey can access a teen camp when he's old enough and interact with kids who have been through similar challenges.
As put by Member for King, Rhiannon Pearce
In what would be one of the most challenging of times - HeartKids provide such an important support to young people and their families.
It's a cause my local community has been proud to support over the years. And I thank all the families, businesses and volunteers who give their time to help raise funds for such an important cause.
It has been a delight helping support it to becoming bigger and better each year. And a pleasure to share that the State Government is backing them in.
As put by Member for Newland, Olivia Savvas
We have been incredibly proud to support HeartKids in our community for many years, raising much-needed money and awareness for their important work supporting children and teenagers with heart disease.
One of the great privileges of events like 'Heroes for Heartkids' is the opportunity to meet with the Heartkids themselves – girls and boys with heart conditions connecting with other children facing similar challenges.
I am proud to be part of a Government supporting the incredible work of HeartKids. This additional funding will support HeartKids to introduce teen camps for those living with CoHD – an important investment so that South Aussie HeartKids can connect connect with each other, build relationships and stay active.
