4/08/2025 Katherine: Following strong community demand, the Deadly Heart Trek returns to the Big Rivers Region this August—a powerful step forward in tackling rheumatic heart disease (RHD), which continues to disproportionately affect Aboriginal children in remote  Northern Territory communities.  Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is a leading cause of preventable death and disability among First Nations Australians. While rare in the general population, RHD and its precursor, acute rheumatic fever (ARF), remain hyperendemic in First Nations communities—highlighting persistent structural…

Aboriginal kids in Alice Springs have some of the highest rates of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in Australia and possibly the world. The Deadly Heart Trek is excited to launch its fourth leg in Alice Springs, bringing together a coalition of paediatric cardiologists, multi-disciplinary doctors, Aboriginal cultural guides and health workers to address the critical health issue of RHD in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.  Two teams of 10 have been invited back to Central Australia by…

A group of highly experienced multi-disciplinary doctors, paediatric cardiologists, health workers, Aboriginal leaders and the local community have gathered in Alice Springs to launch the third major leg of the ‘Deadly Heart Trek’ through Central Australia.Two dedicated teams of 8 will visit 22 communities with the aim of educating, treating and diagnosing local Aboriginal communities affected by rheumatic heart disease (RHD).On the Central Australia Trek, the teams will undertake a range of activities, including:• Undertaking heart checks for children…

The Queensland Deadly Heart Trek aiming to end Rheumatic Heart Disease has finished. We received very positive feedback during the visit, and we are now following up with communities to gain further feedback.  Five communities up in the Cape and Torres region invited the Deadly Heart Trek team to visit and provide education, diagnosis, and treatment of rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Two experienced multi-disciplinary teams consisting of health workers, doctors, nurses, and community leads went on the listening…

 A group of highly experienced doctors, health workers, and First Nations leaders from across the nation gathered under the ‘Knowledge Tree’ in Cairns to begin the ‘Deadly Heart Trek’ in Queensland, aimed at helping tackle the rising rates of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. A beautiful Welcome to Country ceremony from Minjil kicked off the proceedings, followed by stories from incredibly brave families including Lynette Bullio who shared her experience with son…