S
outh Australian families living with congenital or childhood-onset heart disease will receive expanded support services after the State Government announced an extra $500,000 in funding for children’s charity HeartKids.
The additional investment, spread over four years, lifts the government’s total commitment to $1.5 million and will fund mental health support, regional outreach and early childhood intervention programs across the state.
The funding will also allow HeartKids to expand its transition support for teenagers moving into adult healthcare services. Around 500 South Australian teenagers living with congenital or childhood-onset heart disease are expected to benefit.
As part of the program growth, South Australia will host its first HeartKids teen camps, aimed at helping young people build friendships, gain confidence and connect with others managing similar health conditions.
Congenital or childhood-onset heart disease refers to structural abnormalities of the heart that are present at birth or develop during childhood. Conditions can range from minor defects to complex and life-threatening complications.
Around 200 babies are born with the condition in South Australia each year, while about 16,000 people across the state are currently living with it. Nationally, a baby is born with congenital heart disease every three hours.
Health Minister Blair Boyer said the funding recognised the ongoing pressure heart disease can place on children and families.
“We know that living with congenital or childhood-onset heart disease can place enormous pressure on young people and their families,” he said.
“This investment ensures South Australians have access to the support they need, no matter where they live.”
HeartKids chief executive Sami Glastonbury said the funding would strengthen support networks for young people navigating long-term health challenges.
“To now see South Australia hold its first ever teen camp is incredibly meaningful,” she said.
“It gives teens and young people living with congenital heart disease the chance to connect with others who truly understand their journey.”
Families who have accessed the charity’s services say peer support can make a difference during periods of uncertainty and treatment.
Ben McDonnell, whose son Harvey was born with Coarctation of the Aorta, said HeartKids provided reassurance during difficult periods following his son’s diagnosis and surgery.
“Those early months when Harvey was first diagnosed were incredibly emotional,” he said.
“For us, we always knew someone was watching and we weren’t alone.”
HeartKids SA says it has directly supported 385 people since 2022, delivered dozens of educational sessions for families and carers, and coordinated more than 120 regional referrals.
The organisation argues early support and education can help families better manage symptoms and treatment, potentially reducing emergency hospital visits.
The latest funding announcement comes as advocacy groups continue calling for stronger long-term support for children with chronic illnesses and their families, particularly in regional communities where access to specialist care can be more limited.
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