Red Feb 2026: Fighting Heart Disease with Local Sydney Events

According to data from the 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics Census, 3.4 per cent of people living on Sydney’s North Shore reported having heart disease. Across New South Wales, the average lands at 3.9 per cent, reflecting the North Shore’s higher socioeconomic profile and access to healthcare.

The census data is based on self-reported diagnoses, meaning the prevalence of heart disease may be higher.

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death nationwide. Nationally, around one in six Australians lives with some form of cardiovascular disease.

Though with the documented aging population in the region, North Shore residents must continue to remain vigilant. Heart disease risk increases significantly with age.

This February, Red Feb spotlights heart health. A community awareness initiative encouraging Australians to focus on cardiovascular wellbeing, the event aims to spark conversations about risk factors such as high blood pressure, poor diet, physical inactivity and stress, while promoting early detection and healthy lifestyle choices.

‘Every 9 minutes someone suffers a heart event. That’s 157 per day,’ the team at RED FEB explain.

During RED FEB, Australians can wear red to spread awareness and raise funds. The campaign kicks off on January 31st with the Dee Why to Manly Beach Sun Run and the Manly Cole Classic Ocean Swim, both fundraising for the cause.

The goal for 2026 is for the campaign to raise $50,000 for research into prevention, treatment, and diagnosis of heart disease. Donations will support world first research projects and help fund PhD and early career scholarships for Australia’s budding researchers.