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 		 Heartbeat Victoria Incorporated is an entirely voluntary organisation of ex-cardiac patients who, in appreciation for being given a second chance, desire to do something positive for the support and assistance of others.

The aims of Heartbeat Victoria Inc. are to:
 
  • Promote friendship between ex-patients through meetings and social events. 
  • Assist in the further development of cardiac units by raising funds to provide additional equipment and services.
  • Give support and reassurance to people and their families when corrective surgery has been or may be necessary.

Families and friends become involved in all these activities.

Heartbeat commenced in Victoria in 1984 when a group of ex-patients under the leadership of Mr Henry Nathan established a group at Epworth Hospital. This was soon followed by the Sunraysia group being formed at Mildura and another at St Vincent’s hospital in Melbourne. 

By early 1987 other groups had been formed at Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong and Shepparton and it was decided that an ‘umbrella’ co-ordinating body be formed. So, Heartbeat Victoria Council was established with each group becoming an affiliated branch. There are now 18 individual branches of Heartbeat in Victoria.

Heartbeat Victoria Inc. is affiliated with Heartbeat groups in South Australia and Tasmania. The Zipper Cardiac Support Club in New Zealand and The Mended Hearts, Inc. in the U.S.A. are similar organisations.