Getting to the heart of the matter: Cardiac screening tool strengthens local capacity in the Pilbara
The Strong Hearts on Ngurra (Country) project recently delivered novel rheumatic heart disease (RHD) screening at local primary and secondary schools in the Pilbara, in partnership with the Clontarf Foundation and Stars Foundation.
As one of five WA Country Health Service projects that successfully received funding for Telethon grants in 2026, Strong Hearts on Ngurra (Country) aims to empower local and Aboriginal health professionals to perform handheld echocardiography on Country with place-based training and supervision from cardiology experts.
Working in partnership with Aboriginal communities to improve equitable access to echocardiography screening and reduce health disparities is a key element of building capacity for the early detection, prevention and management of RHD among children aged 5-17 years.
The project is a partnership initiative between WA Country Health Service, Perth Children’s Hospital, Menzies School of Health Research, and local Aboriginal health leaders and community organisations.
The most recent screening event ran in late May and involved seven non-expert echo scanners from WA Country Health Service and Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service participating across the Pilbara region.
This four-day program – which provided basic echo screening for RHD to 176 students – consisted of two theory days and two community screening days. The event was delivered under the direct supervision of five specialist clinicians and educators, including Cardiologists and Cardiac Sonographers from Perth Children’s Hospital, WA Country Health Service, and Menzies School of Health Research.
Clinical Lead for the Strong Hearts on Ngurra project Alicia Bellotti said the success of the screening event could be attributed to the support, commitment and hard work of the local and expert teams over the four days.
“We are incredibly excited to lead the rollout of this project across the Pilbara, working alongside Aboriginal communities to improve early detection, prevention, and ultimately the elimination of rheumatic heart disease,” Alicia said.
“The students received heart scans in an environment that was culturally safe, welcoming, and supportive.
“Every child in WA deserves the chance to grow up with a strong, healthy heart.”
The team also expressed appreciation for Dandelions WA for their generous donation of hygiene packs for every student and participant at each screening event.
The project was recently showcased by Pilbara Director Strategy, Change and Service Development Chantelle Pears at a recent Hanrine Foundation event, as a philanthropic sponsor of the Telethon Trust.
“It was a privilege to share the progress of the Strong Hearts on Ngurra project with the Foundation and Telethon, and showcase the incredible work being undertaken locally to improve outcomes for children disproportionately impacted by RHD in the Pilbara”.
With Telethon funding currently secured until the end of the year, the team has planned further screening activity for Onslow, Hedland and Newman in the second half of 2026.