Iconic Aussie landmarks light up red for Heart Foundation’s 24-hour fundraising challenge

Some of Australia’s most famous and recognisable landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House, will light up red tonight in support of the Heart Foundation’s annual 24-hour fundraising challenge, Give with Heart Day, which takes place tomorrow (Wednesday 15 September 2021).

As the sun sinks below the western horizon this evening, the Opera House’s iconic sails will glow red – the Heart Foundation’s signature colour – along with about a dozen other notable landmarks in cities across the country. (Click here for a full list.)

People living in locked-down cities should not leave their homes to view the illuminations. The Heart Foundation will post photos and videos on its social media channels for everyone to enjoy, including:

Melbourne

• Bolte Bridge
• AAMI Park Stadium

Brisbane

• Gateway Bridge
• Queensland Parliament House
• Story Bridge
• City Hall

Adelaide

• Adelaide Oval

Perth

• Optus Stadium

Canberra

• Old Parliament House
• National Carillion
• Malcolm Fraser Bridge
• Light Rail stops

Darwin

• Parliament House

Launceston

• Launceston Town Hall

Heart Foundation interim Group CEO, Professor Garry Jennings, said the illuminations will represent an incredible show of support from across Australia for Give with Heart Day, which aims to raise $1.5 million to help fund life-saving heart research. 

“COVID-19 has divided our nation in so many ways over the past 18 months. We are thankful and humbled that the states and territories have come together in this way, lighting up their treasured landmarks in a show of united support for the Heart Foundation on the eve of Give with Heart Day,” Professor Jennings said. 

“Tonight’s illuminations will be not only visually spectacular; they will shine a light on heart disease and serve as a reminder that more Australians die of heart disease each year than any other single cause. Every day, 50 Australians lose their lives to heart disease, tearing families apart.

“Give with Heart Day rallies supporters throughout Australia to help raise money for heart disease research. Through life-saving research funded by the Heart Foundation, many Australians are given a second chance at life, keeping families together.”

Some other venues will be lighting up red tomorrow night, on Give with Heart Day itself. These include Canberra’s Telstra Tower; Queensland Parliament House; and the Town Hall and Footbridge in Adelaide. 

This is the fourth year that the Heart Foundation has run Give with Heart Day. “Give with Heart Day has grown from a small telephone drive involving only Heart Foundation staff into one of the most important events on the national fundraising calendar. Year on year, more and more Australians have been getting behind us and donating on this important day,” Professor Jennings said.

“We are so grateful for this support. The Heart Foundation is Australia’s largest non-government funder of research to improve heart disease prevention diagnosis and support, and we rely almost entirely on donations from hardworking Australians to continue this work.

“We’re asking all Australians to come together on Give with Heart Day and help the Heart Foundation make a real difference to families all around the nation who are impacted by the devastating effects of heart disease.”

To donate, visit www.givewithheartday.com.au

Media enquiries 
Fleur Jacobs, Senior National Media Adviser 
M: 0427 591 638 E: fleur.jacobs@heartfoundation.org.au