Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, has a deeply personal reason for endorsing the Shane Warne Legacy Heart Screen Programme, which launched in Gilmore recently.

Phillips said that the program resonated with her on a personal level due to the loss of her father, a Nowra dairy farmer, to heart disease when she was only 21 years old.

“My dad was 54 when he died - the same age I am now. He never saw me marry, and his grandchildren never met him,” she said.

“Every sunrise and sunset is a reminder to be thankful for being alive. That’s why I start each day walking with my dogs, riding my bike, and enjoying our beautiful outdoors. I also cherish our fresh local produce made with heart and soul from the South Coast community.”

“Tragically, one Australian dies every 12 minutes from cardiovascular disease. We can change that,” she said. “It might be too late for my dad, but if we can help save more lives across rural and regional Australia, that is definitely worth it.”

The Shane Warne Legacy Heart Screen program will reach regional areas with free heart screenings at various locations in Nowra, Ulladulla, and Batemans Bay.

The free heart screenings include a finger-prick blood test measuring full cholesterol (Lipid Panel), a four-minute SiSU Health Check, and a results discussion with a clinician, including follow-up actions or advice.

The consultation is quick and convenient, with immediate results covering blood pressure, heart rate, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, cholesterol, lifestyle advice, and diabetes risk.

Helen Nolan, CEO of Shane Warne Legacy, said Shane would be “so proud of the awareness we are bringing to communities. Out of such a tragic event, we have discovered a silver lining. Through raising awareness of his passing, we are making a positive difference in people's lives.”