Heart Foundation
Mr ALISTER HENSKENS (Wahroonga) (23:12): As part of National Heart Health Week, I was happy to see the Heart Foundation in Parliament a few weeks ago. Our heart health is vital. Our heart is a natural pump responsible for circulating blood and oxygen around our body, which is why we must look after ourselves and should receive regular heart checks. I met the CEO of the Heart Foundation Australia, David Lloyd, who spoke to me about the importance of taking care of yourself before a heart condition presents itself. I even pulled out a skipping rope and competed against a far younger and fitter Heart Foundation staff member. The member for Coffs Harbour and The Nationals Whip gave me a run for my money as well. The Heart Foundation runs Jump Rope for Heart, which is a skipping and fundraising program, in Australian schools throughout the year. I was delighted to hear that Pymble Public School in my electorate was the top fundraiser in New South Wales, raising a cumulative total of $250,000 for the Heart Foundation in 2023, with 550 students skipping for a healthy heart. I congratulate the Heart Foundation on everything it does, and I encourage everyone in the Wahroonga electorate and elsewhere to look after their heart.