Celebrating 35 years of the Heartbeat Tournament

15 Jun 2023

In January each year, bowls clubs in Ballarat come together to run the annual Heartbeat Tournament. It was introduced in 1988 to raise funds for the cardiac departments of both St John of God Ballarat Hospital and Ballarat Base Hospital, after a number of bowlers and/or their families had treatment for heart issues. They were also helped by the Heartbeat support organisation.

This year marked 35 years of the tournament, and 35 years of raising funds for cardiac services in the region.

The tournament has been strongly supported by bowlers and clubs throughout Ballarat and surrounds, and since the first tournament, it has raised approximately $116,000 for the heart resources at both Ballarat hospitals.

Chief Executive Officer, Alex Demidov, met with Wayne, Secretary of Ballarat Highlands Bowls Region, and Heartbeat Ballarat volunteers Ross, and Jean to accept the donation from the 2023 edition of the Heartbeat Tournament. 

We thank them greatly for their continued support to improve health services in the Ballarat Region.

Image (left to right): Ross (Heartbeat Ballarat), Wayne (Ballarat Highlands Bowls Region), Alex Demidov (St John of God Ballarat Hospital), and Jean (Heartbeat Ballarat).