HeartKids NSW – A History

1980’s

  • August 1984 – a heart mother is interviewed on the “Ita Buttrose Radio Show” and a support group is developed. First meetings were held at Baulkham Hills Private Hospital rooms. Approximately 10 -12 members.
  • Fundraisers and events such as, ‘Rock & Roll Nights’ and ‘Black and White Nights’ and a Float in the Baulkham Hills Orange Blossom Fair,’ occurred with money raised donated to the ‘Heart Ward’ at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children at Camperdown.
  • 1989 – ‘The Heart Kids Family Support Group’ joined with families from Newcastle to extend the group across the region.

1990’s

  • Telephone Support and Regional Coffee Mornings began in committee member’s homes.
  • The first HeartKids Newsletter is developed.
  • 1994 – the first HeartKids Family Support Group Annual Camp was held at Camp Breakaway on the Central Coast
  • 1997 – the South West Region was formed of HeartKids Family Support Group after active advertisement.
  • 1998 – ten families from the ACT joined the Group.
  • September 1998 – HeartKids Family Support Group was incorporated and became known as HeartKids NSW Inc.
  • February 1999 – the first official HeartKids NSW email address was set up.

2000 and beyond

2000

  • HeartKids NSW given their own meeting place at Westmead Children’s Hospital.
  • Deductible Gift Recipient status is granted by the ATO.
  • Membership increases to over 100 families throughout NSW.

2001

  • Westmead Children’s Hospital ward coffee mornings are up and running.
  • February – HeartKids NSW Inc has its own telephone number.
  • Talks for members began and include, Dental, Cardiac specialisations and paramedical talk, which all impact on Heart Children.
  • September – a new website was launched.
  • The first computerised membership database is designed by a committee member.
  • HeartKids NSW has its first Pro Bono volunteer, an auditor.

2003

  • July – contact is established with Randwick Children’s hospital and negations for ward visits begin.
  • A library of books, videos and pamphlets has commenced for membership to borrow.

2004

  • HeartKids NSW attend the first HeartKids NationalConference.
  • September – Ward coffee mornings begin at Randwick Children’s Hospital.

2005

  • HeartKids NSW first employee was engaged.
  • HeartKids NSW and other state groups take the momentous steps to form a National group, HeartKids Australia begins.
  • HeartKids NSW has 6 regional groups in addition to the greater metropolitan area.
  • Our first patron – Dr Gary Sholler – was appointed.

2006

  • February – HeartKids NSW adds to its employees, we now have two Family Support Coordinators, one to work out of Westmead and the other Randwick Children’s Hospitals.
  • HeartKids NSW youth have participated in and now attend the seventh national ‘teen camp’.
  • August – HeartKids NSW hosts the annual HeartKids Australia conference.
  • Official launch of HeartKids Australia
  • A HeartKids NSW Board member is appointed Chair for HeartKids Australia.
  • Our current national logo was developed by a Heart parent.

2007

  • HeartKids NSW has been able to make a tremendous investment in the future of HeartKids Australia wide with a $50,000 donation to HeartKids Australia.
  • 2007 – HeartKids NSW to hire its fourth employee a part time administrative assistant.
  • HeartKids NSW employ’s its fifth employee, a part time operations manager.
  • Our 6th employee, Fundraising Events Manager, is employed – HeartKids NSW now has 6 part time employees.
  • October – New website launched.
  • November – E-Newsletter Launched.

2008

  • HeartKids newsletter is revamped by volunteer Graphic designer and journalist
  • Board takes a more active role in the running of HeartKids as State Manager resigns
  • Tiny Tickers Ball is a success and allows HeartKids to develop a strategy to ensure our future
  • Family Camp in March, 36 people attending

HeartKids NSW would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the enormous contribution of the following people in bringing to fruition not only a strong and proactive organisation, but the vision of a National organisation:

  • Ryan Payne
  • Allan Bruty
  • Peter Sherlock
  • Erron Palmer
  • Dawn Everingham
  • Kim Evans
  • Maggie Frawley
  • Dom Frawley
  • Donna Carder
  • Cecily Waterworth
  • Sally Thurlow
  • Denise Sillery
  • Terri Bennett
  • Donald Brown
  • Carolyn Alleyne
  • Wanda Greenaway
  • Katrina West
  • Liane Unmack
  • Lisa Stenberg
  • Gina Scott
  • Michelle Rowsell
  • Francie Lambourne
  • Trudi Rees
  • Tenielle Davis
  • Jane Randall
  • Tanya Lawrence
  • Michelle Kludas-Carpenter
  • Marueen Gatt
  • Nicole White
  • Andrea Pringle
  • Vicky Davey
  • Meredith Snowden
  • Louise Higgins
  • Trudi Eden
  • Csilla Wood
  • Eyleene Hancock
  • Kathryn Meekings

It is difficult, given the passing of time and the changes to the organisation over that time to recall every name but we hope we have captured a great number of the very important people who in one way or another contributed to the development of HeartKids. We thank these individuals for their commitment, time, and at times their struggle to bring HeartKids forward.

To you all THANKYOU – no matter how large or small, your contribution is appreciated.