The Allan Labor Government is backing the Shane Warne Legacy to save lives with free heart health checks during the Boxing Day Test.
Premier Jacinta Allan today announced a grant of $400,000 to the Shane Warne Legacy to deliver additional medical grade machines that can complete free four-minute heart health checks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the Test, following the success of the campaign last summer.
Australia's most renowned cricketer and leg-spin bowler, Shane Warne, suffered a fatal heart attack in 2022, aged 52. The Shane Warne Legacy recognises his impact and honours his life by raising awareness about cardiovascular health.
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death and impacts one in six people Australia wide. Cardiometabolic disease, such as heart disorders, diabetes, obesity and chronic kidney disease, impacts many Victorians but early detection can help save lives.
Victorians can access preventative heart health checks at their GP, but the Shane Warne Legacy is making it even easier for cricket fans to get a free checkup.
Last year, more than 33,000 people received a free Shane Warne Legacy Heart Health Check, with 7,732 checks completed at the Boxing Day Test cricket match alone - around 1 in every 20 attendees.
The Allan Labor Government opened Australia's first specialist cardiac hospital, the Victorian Heart Hospital, in March last year.
The hospital's cardiac emergency department saw 3,303 presentations in its first six months of operation. More than half of these patients were men, with a median age of 65.
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
"Warnie continues to inspire millions, but his biggest legacy will be helping to save lives."
As stated by Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
"Heart disease is Australia's biggest killer, one Australian has a heart attack or stroke every four minutes - that's why we are offering free heart checks during the Boxing Day Test."
As stated by Shane Warne Legacy CEO, Helen Nolan
"We know Shane would be so proud to see his legacy of giving back to the community continue. Losing him at just 52 was far too soon, but heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia. If anything good can come from this tragedy, it's the chance to help improve the health of Australians, and we are doing it!"
As stated by Cricket Australia CEO, Nick Hockley
"Thousands of fans took a Shane Warne Legacy Health Check last year and we encourage all those attending this year's Test Match to do the same."
"Shane is a cricketing and sporting icon, and it is great to see the Victorian Government getting behind Shane Warne Legacy to help to continue his incredible impact, both on the game and the health of Victorians."
