Branch network/coffee mornings
To enable families to offer support to each other in their local community, HeartKids Victoria has established a number of branches within Victoria and Tasmania. Each branch has a co-ordinator who is happy to receive a call from you. Where possible, the co-ordinator may arrange regular coffee mornings and other support events. If a branch does not exist near your home, please contact the Support Administration Coordinator, Lynette, by phoning (03) 9333 1586 or email . She will keep your details and advise you when a local branch is formed in your area.
Some of our coffee mornings organised by our branches are held in play centres. The entry is free as HeartKids pays for your child and siblings to attend. Food and drinks are at your cost. Other coffee mornings are held in member’s homes or at parks.
For contact details for our local co-ordinators, please click here : HeartKids_Victoria_Branches.pdf
Why join a local branch?
- share information and experiences
- support each other
- know that you are not alone
- allow your child to grow up with other Heart Kids
- build bonds with other families
Some of our coordinators have some news to share about their branches : –
- BALLARAT Ballarat_News.pdf
- BENDIGO Bendigo_News.pdf
- GEELONG Geelong_News.pdf
- HOBART Hobart_News.pdf
- TULLAMARINE Tullamarine_coffee_morning_schedule_2008_-_2.pdf Tullamarine_coffee_morning_-_photo_gallery.pdf
- KNOX/WANTIRNA Knox_coffee_morning_schedule_2008_-_2.pdf
Surgery cancellations at RCH
It was reported in The Age newspaper on Monday 14th April, as well as on radio and television that day, an escalating problem with the cancellations of surgery at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH). We have found that normally there are about 7 surgeries cancelled each week (about 340-360 pa). However this year it is running at 16 cancellations per week (about 190), and for the first two weeks of April it was already at 30 cancellations.
The 30 surgeries that have been cancelled are due to shortage of open ICU beds. The RCH claim that this is due to a shortage of trained nurses. This statement was supported by the Premier on the day.
HeartKids knows that cancellation of surgery causes distress to children and families, and the huge difficulty in re-scheduling your life to work around rescheduled operations (especially for country families and the increasing number of interstate families that come to the RCH). HeartKids also has concerns about the medical impact of these cancellations.
As a result of this level of surgery cancellations, HeartKids has written to the State Government Ministers, State Opposition, Department of Human Services and the RCH.
HeartKids will be working on this matter actively. We believe this is an important matter for meeting today’s requirements, but also is a serious issue in relation to the new RCH.
We encourage Heartkids families to prepare themselves for the fact that they may be facing surgery cancellations, and possibly many times. If you find yourself in this position, please don’t hesitate to contact us for any assistance or advice we may be able to provide. Additionally, we recommend that members that do find themselves in this position write to their local State Member as well as the following Ministers:
Hon John Brumby, Premier, Level 1, 1 Treasury Place, East Melbourne VIC 3002
Hon Daniel Andrews, Minister for Health, Level 22, 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Maxine Morand, Minister for Children & Early Childhood Development, Level 1, 2 Treasury Place, East Melbourne VIC 3002
Mr Ted Baillieu, Office of the Leader of the Opposition, Parliament House, Spring Street, East Melbourne VIC 3002
Helen Shardey, Shadow Health Minister, Suite 1/193 Balaclava Road, Caulfield North VIC 3161
Wendy Lovell, Shadow Minister Children & Early Childhood Development, 138 Welsford Street, Shepparton VIC 3630
If you would like to add your support to this issue, we encourage you to write to these Ministers.
HeartKids community join Run Melbourne event on 22 June
Sunday the 22 June proved to be a very enjoyable, albeit damp and cool day for some heartkid children and their families and friends. Thirty eight people braved the drizzle to participate in The Age Run For Melbourne supporting Heartkids as their primary charity of choice.
The enormous red heart shaped helium balloons floated above the throng of people and put many a smile on not only our Heart children’s faces but also many spectators and entrants all asking “what charity are you supporting” and it was wonderful to hear people shout out loudly in reply “HEARTKIDS”.
The Every Day Hero Website assisted the Finnis, Tyrrell, Catania, Woodhouse and O’Shaughnessy families to raise just over $7,300 which was a wonderful effort and will be put to good use in helping Heartkids continue to do its important work. A huge thank you must be extended to our Heartkid families for participating and also for involving their families and friends. A special thank you to all of the family and friends and members of the community who sponsored our dear children for this event. Keep your eyes posted for the training schedule for next year’s event!!!!! We are on a roll now.
Road works on Flemington Road
As part of the new RCH building program, road works are scheduled to commence on Wednesday 10th September along Flemington Road directly outside the RCH.
The purpose of the road works is to build the new main services trench which will begin on the western boundary of the new RCH site, and finish at Gatehouse Street. Road works are expected to be complete by November 2008.
- From 10th September, city bound traffic will be affected with the closure of one lane on Flemington Road between the western boundary of the new hospital site and Gatehouse Street.
- The speed limit for traffic will be restricted to 40kph.
- In the first week of October, some areas of the hospital will be affected including the loading dock, the main entry drop-off zone and the car park exit onto Flemington Road. Alternate drop off points will be established and appropriate signage put in place.
HeartKids Get-Together September School Holidays 24 September 2008
Come and have lunch with other HeartKids families while also giving heart kids and siblings a chance to play and interact in the children’s indoor climbing playground.
Lunch will be at your own cost.
When: Wednesday 24th September
Where: Moreland Hotel
Cnr Moreland and Sydney Road, Brunswick
(Car park at rear of hotel, in Moreland Road)
Time: 11:30 am
See flyer for further details Heartkids_Get_Together_in_Sept_School_Holidays.pdf
HeartKids Christmas party - 29th November 2008
HeartKids Christmas party is open to all of our HeartKids families and is always a fun day out. This year, we have chosen the Melbourne Zoo for our Christmas party venue. We have booked a couple of pavillions for us to use when having lunch together. Santa will be there to say hello to your children and will be giving presents out to the younger children. We also hope to have some extra entertainment activities organised.
Details of this years Christmas party are being finalised and will be advertised in our Spring newsletter. Registration will be organised at that time. Keep Saturday 29th November free so you can join in all the fun! More information will be provided on this site at a later date.
Myuna Farm Day - 9th November 2008
HeartKids families are invited to spend a fun day out at Myuna Farm. 10am to 4pm
(As this event has become very popular, it is restricted to immediate family (the heart kid, siblings and parents).
Entry to Myuna Farm is by gold coin donation (per family).
Farm is open 10am to 4pm. Arrive and leave when you wish, however many of the extra activities may be completed by 2pm.
LOCATED at 182 Kidds Rd Doveton Victoria. (Melways ref: 90, H7)
Website : – http://www.casey.vic.gov.au/myunafarm/
COME AND ENJOY – pony rides, train rides, Myuna maze, farm animals, touch and feed the young animals in the nursery.
BYO drinks for walking around the farm
Free sausage sizzle lunch at 12 noon
In case of bad weather – eating area and animal nursery are under cover
Don’t forget to bring a camera!
Places are limited so please reply as soon as possible to secure a place.
R.S.V.P. by 17th October 2008
Please complete the RSVP slip : – Myuna_Farm_Day_2008.pdf
Further enquiries, contact Lynette 03 9333 1586, mobile 0418 548 879 or email
Box Hill Miniature Train Day - 11th October 2008
12 noon – 3 pm
If your heart kid is 10 or under, we invite your family to come & ride on the Box Hill Miniature Trains
Corner of Elgar & Belmore Roads, Box Hill North. Melways ref: 47 B4.
Enter car park from Belmore Road. There is also parking available in Belmore Road.
We will have a Sausage Sizzle lunch at 12 noon courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of Whitehorse.
Sausages, bread & sauce for all plus cordial for the children will be provided.
BYO tea & coffee, chair.
The trains will be running from 1pm – 3pm, just for our HeartKids families.
Please note: no open-toed shoes, sandals or thongs to be worn.
A LIMITED NUMBER OF PLACES ARE AVAILABLE, SO PLEASE RSVP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
We will confirm your position by mail after the reply date. Please make sure you advise us of your contact details.
If you find you need to cancel or would like further information, please ring Lynette on (03) 9333 1586
or 9513 9030 or email :
RSVP by 27th September, by completing the reply form : – Box_Hill_Miniature_Train_Day_2008.pdf
HeartKids Spectacular 16 May 2008
On Friday 16th May the second HeartKids Spectacular Ball was held at L’Unica on Parkville.
Driven by Maureen Kear the ball was organised by the tireless commitment of members of the North West Combined Service Clubs. Over 300 guests spent a night of fun, laughter and the serious business of fundraising.
Over 300 guests spent a night of fun, laughter and the serious business of fundraising.
Our special guest Dr Michael Cheung, Acting Director of the Cardiology Department at the Royal Children’s Hospital, reminded everyone just why we were there with information on childhood heart disease. This was followed with speeches by HeartKids President Scott Reinke and his young daughter Sabrina who gave an account of her own journey as a heartkid.
A three course meal was complemented by a performance by the sensational Silvie Paladino, then after dinner the reason for the evening really began with an auction of dozens of generously donated items.
WestPoint Kia Sponsors Jennifer & Ross Cunadri, Silvie Paladino, Gala Event Promotions Rtn Conrad D’Cunha
The night was a great success in many ways but most importantly, over $20,000 was raised for our charity.
PP Rtn Maureen Kear, Lynne Lloyd, Silvie Paladino, Rotary District Governor 9790 PP Rob Lloyd
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to:
Kia Westpoint
Mirrabella
L’Unica on Parkville
PIRES Band
Louie & Stephanie Chiodo Architects
Rick Massese Sportz3
Essendon Football Club
Mary & Steve Zaccaria from Dominant Musical Instruments
TGA Unlimited
Alliance Broking Services
Bredgar Medical Clinic
Kruegar Transport
Maureen Kear Talent
GL Pro Sound
Leader Newspaper
And to all others who donated in various ways making this such a successful event.
Don’t miss our third Gala Spectactular. Mark the date in your diary now – Friday evening 15th May.
Nelson Alexander opens their Heart to HeartKids
The staff at real estate agents Nelson Alexander in Regent Street, Preston, have certainly proven they have plenty of heart, by donating the full commission from the sale of one of their properties to HeartKids, the charity for children with heart disease.
The three-bedroom renovated California Bungalow at 2 Rowan Street, West Preston, was auctioned at 12 midday on 19 April, and sold for more than $600,000, generating $11,800 for HeartKids.
HeartKids wishes to thank Nelson Alexander for this generous donation.
Media Release April 2008
Biggest User Group of RCH have concerns with New Hospital Plans
Issues raised in today’s The Age and on programs such as Jon Faine on ABC 774, regarding the level of patient care at the current and proposed RCH, mirror the concerns of the biggest user group of the RCH – children with heart disease.
Media Release 7 March 2008
Little Hearts A Focus this Valentine’s Day
All around Australia, people are thinking about Valentine’s Day on February 14 …. but for HeartKids it’s ‘Zippa Day’, a chance to celebrate a different kind of ‘affair of the heart’.
Media Release 14 February 2008
Children Give HeartKids a Hand at Christmas
This time last year, 18 month old Eli was in hospital recovering from surgery to implant a permanent pacemaker. This Sunday, 16 December, Eli will be celebrating with more than 230 other children at the HeartKids Christmas Party.
HeartKids Enjoy New RCH Ward
A visit to hospital is never much fun, but children with cardiac conditions now have a much brighter, more spacious ward to call home when they visit the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.
Every day six babies are born in Victoria with heart disease …….
Media Release May 2007
Mothers Day 11 May 2008
To help brighten Mothers Day for families with children in hospital HeartKids distributed Mothers Day gift bags to Mums in 7West and ICU. Thank you to Kit Cosmetics , Femail.com.au and Sweet As for donating products for our gift bags.
Nathan & Tracy distributing our Mothers Day gift bags
International Nurses Day 12 May 2008
International Nurses Day is an annual world-wide celebration of nursing.
Across the globe nurses, other health professionals and members of the community come together on 12 May – the day of Florence Nightingale’s birth – to acknowledge the importance and value of nursing.
HeartKids is constantly impressed with our wonderful nurses’ skills and commitment as they work with our children and families. We presented the nurses in 7West and ICU with gifts in appreciation of all they do and to celebrate International Nurses Day.
Hobart scrapbooking fundraiser
A big thank you to the members of the Hobart Branch, who helped to organise a scrap booking and cuppa for HeartKids on 13th July, 2008. Particular thanks to Melissa Bannister, Paul and Merran Hyland and Joanne Crossin. Thank you to St Therese’s school for the use of their hall and to all who attended
National Volunteers Week 12-18 May
HeartKids would like to take this opportunity to thank the many volunteers who give so much of their time to make a significant difference to our community. Our volunteers do such a wonderful job in supporting the HeartKids team and more importantly our families. We are only able to provide the activities and services we do with the help of our dedicated team of volunteers.
Heather Round - HeartKids SA Mum named Mother of the Year
MOTHER-of-six Heather Round not only looks after her own children but also helps the families of children with congenital heart disease.
Mrs Round, 35, was named Barnardos’ Australian Mother of the Year.
In 2002, she lost her son Max, a twin to Henry, 5, to Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome when he was just 13 days old. Children with the disease typically have to be treated in Melbourne. Mrs Round decided to set up an accommodation support network, Max’s Place, to support families facing the financial burden of living for up to six months in Melbourne. “We would have loved to be able to cure congenital heart failure in kids but, because we can’t do that, we thought we would help the families,” she said.
“She’s Wonderwoman,” Mr Round said. Tim said Heather was a devoted mother. “Her life is about our kids and everything else is second to that,” he said. She was nominated by her mother Judith Parkinson who said Heather always had put others first. “I think she’s great and she probably should spend more time on herself, but the kids always come first,” Mrs Parkinson said.
Max’s Place
Max’s place are a group of three units that Heather & Tim Round have purchased in dedication to the memory of their son Max – these units are for the use of families that have to relocate to Melbourne for life giving surgery for CHD children. Max’s Place is a one bedroom apartment, with a kitchen, living and bathroom, which is located directly opposite the Royal Children’s Hospital.
The apartments are located in the Royal Park Towers and have a security entrance. They also have car parking spaces for the families staying in the apartments to use.
National Social Work Day 7 May 2008
“Social Work – Making a World of Difference”
National Social Work Day was held on 7 May 2008 to recognise Social Workers and the amazing work they do.
Social Workers are skilled in counselling individuals experiencing grief, loss and bereavement, relationship and family issues, adjustment to change and illness, trauma and other emotional, psychological and social issues. HeartKids appreciates the partnership we have with our Social Work team and we presented Leanne, Alison, Leah and Julie with a gift to acknowledge the support they provide to the families in 7West and ICU and to the HeartKids community.
HeartKids Victoria partner with VECCI
HeartKids Victoria is pleased to advise that it has partnered with the Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) as its Charity of Choice.
HeartKids Victoria are happy to provide its community with the latest upcoming VECCI networking events throughout 2008 where participants, sponsors and speakers come from all sectors with a clear focus on the hot topics affecting business today. To view all upcoming events go to News / Events menu.
Visit VECCI at www.vecci.org.au
Deniliquin camp : 14th March - 16th March 2008
A number of HeartKids families were invited to enjoy a free weekend away at Four Post Camp, Deniliquin sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Deniliquin.
Families were pampered for the weekend, receiving free accommodation, access to the camp facilities, meals provided by Kiwanis, as well as a night out at the RSL Club in Deniliquin, while the Kiwanis members minded their children. Families enjoyed facilities such as rock climbing, fishing, swimming and mini golf.
We are definitely looking forward to next year’s camp!
Thank you so much to the members of the Kiwanis Club of Deniliquin for their generosity and caring nature!
Nelson Alexander Real Estate - Charity Auction 19 April
The staff at real estate agents Nelson Alexander in Regent Street, Preston, have certainly proven they have plenty of heart, by donating the full commission from the sale of one of their properties to HeartKids, the charity for children with heart disease.
The three-bedroom renovated California Bungalow at 2 Rowan Street, West Preston, was auctioned at 12 midday on 19 April, and sold for more than $600,000, generating $11,800 for HeartKids.
HeartKids wishes to thank Nelson Alexander for this generous donation.
Nelson Alexander website www.nelsonalexander.com.au
Shepparton Picnic Day - 2 March 2008
HeartKids families and friends had another fantastic day out at KidsTown Shepparton, Shepparton on 2nd March, 2008. The day was kindly co-ordinated by Division 7 Kiwanis and Cheryl Alexander, our Goulburn Valley HeartKids co-ordinator.
The weather was hot but this did not deter everyone from having a great time. The kids had a great time with the jumping castle, Rex the Magician, two face painters and the famous and popular Harley rides and of course, they enjoyed all the facilities of KidsTown including the train rides, slides, flying fox, climbing equipment and much more. Adults enjoyed the barbecue, drinks, icypoles and Harley rides and catching up with each other.
Children were spoilt with showbags, filled with many items donated by local businesses. Any left over showbags, drinks and yoghurts were taken to families in 7 West, Royal Children’s Hospital by our Family Support Co-ordinator, Tracy Stanley.
Hope to see you there next year!
Special thanks to the following Kiwanis groups for organising a fantastic day out:
Shepparton, Shepparton Sunrisers, Mooroopna, McLennan, Echuca/Moama, Deniliquin, Cobram, Bendigo.
and to all who donated goods or helped on the day:
- Dennis Myers Racing
- Uncle Toby’s
- Nestle
- SPC Ardmona
- Lolly Man
- Rex the Magician
- Face painters
- Harley owners group
- Sev and Robyn Duhring
- Ted Kitto
- John and Jan Hyde
- Evelyn Myers.
HeartKids Victoria would like to say a special thank you to our Goulburn Valley co-ordinator, Cheryl Alexander, for helping to coordinate the day.
Manchester Unity announced as Primary Foundation sponsor
At the AGM Dr O’Reilly announced that HeartKids had been selected as its sole recipient of its philanthropic support for the next 5 years. Dr O’Reilly said HeartKids had been selected because of the significant need to address children’s heart disease.
This launch was followed by another at the Grand Conference of the Manchester Unity Friendly Societies. This conference which included Oddfellow Lodges from around the country warmly received news of the partnership with many of them expressing a desire to also assist HeartKids with its work. Whilst the majority of this money will be directed to support Research, some will also be allocated to the various State Groups to support their Family Support Coordinator positions.
Pictured is Manchester Unity CEO John Brogden, HKA CEO Neil McWhannell, Daniel and Karen Sherlock and Dr Bill O’Reilly.
Neil McWhannell and Dr Bill O’Reilly
Karen Sherlock giving her moving address on how the Manchester Unity donation will help HeartKids children and families whilst Daniel waits patiently for the cheque!
St Jude Medical supporting HeartKids
The donation by St Jude Medical has come about through a pledge to make a financial donation for every Heart Valve implanted in Australian hospitals for the past three months. This donation will assist HeartKids Australia to build capacity, fund research and raise awareness for their plight. Along with awareness, the donation will be used to fund a number of exciting research projects. These projects include:
• Working on the Genetic Causes of Childhood Heart Disease.
• Minimising risks associated with Open Heart Surgery.
• Assisting in Rural and Remote areas where there is a disproportionate number of children with Heart Disease, often resulting from Rheumatic fever.
The 3 month project has been so successful St Jude has announced a further 3 months of operation of the most generous offer.
HeartKids CEO Neil McWhannell with St Jude CEO Geoff Stevens
HeartKids Victoria Newsletters
Latest Edition:
Winter 2008 HKVicVolume18-1.pdf
- Run Melbourne – ‘Do some good for yourself while you do good for others’
- Nelson Alexander – Big-hearted Real Estate Agents
Previous Editions:
Autumn 2008 HKVicVolume17-4.pdf
- Run For The Kids – Funds raised this year to assist children with heart conditions
- VECCI Charity Golf Day – HeartKids to benefit as VECCI’s Charity of Choice
Summer 2007/2008 HKVicVolume17-3.pdf
- Zippa Campaign – HeartKids Zippa Awareness Campaign being held now in the month of February
- VECCI Partnership – Launch of the new partnership featuring HeartKids as The Victoria Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) Charity of Choice