Latest News


  • Heartmoves gets funding

    28 July, 2010

    Heartmoves gets federal funding

    Commonwealth funding enables Heartmoves to expand nationally

    Heart Foundation Heartmoves will be expanded nationally thanks to funding from the Australian Government as part of the Healthy Communities Initiative.

    The grant of $1.09m over three years is aimed at reducing overweight and obesity by increasing participation in healthy lifestyle programs.

    Heartmoves is a gentle physical activity program specifically designed for people with lifestyle risk factors and those living with stable health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and bone or joint problems.

    The program is currently available in more than 160 localities across Australia.

    "This funding will enable the Heart Foundation to extend the reach of our Heartmoves program to eventually become a truly national program," said Tony Thirlwell, Heart Foundation CEO - NSW.

    "What this means is Australians with pre-existing medical conditions or those who haven't been active for a while will increasingly have access to an affordable exercise program led by accredited exercise professionals."

    "The Heart Foundation has been leading community based physical activity programs for more than 15 years. It's testimony to the success of these programs to date that the Heart Foundation was able to secure funding to assist in delivering these programs to the Australians who need them most."

    "And we know they make a difference to the thousands of Australians who take part. Our Heartmoves participants tell us that they join for health reasons but stay for social reasons," Mr Thirlwell added.

    Physical inactivity is a major health problem for Australia. More than half of Australian adults (54%) are not sufficiently active to gain health benefits.

    Physical inactivity costs the health budget an estimated $1.5bn a year; causes 16,000 premature deaths a year; increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, colon and breast cancer and is a critical factor in Australia's obesity epidemic.

    "But with this terrific funding boost, we're now a step closer to helping more Australians live a healthier, more active life." said Mr Thirlwell.

    New training dates have just been added to accommodate Queensland and Victoria. To find more Click Here to download the registration form.