Geelong heart patient shares journey with Marles

A Geelong heart patient and artist has shared his special health journey with Deputy Prime Minister and Corio federal member Richard Marles.

Newtown resident Chenery recently discussed his story of heart complications as well as his special heart paintings and recent exhibition with Mr Marles in Geelong.

Murray had bypass heart surgery in the middle of 2023 and continues to advocate for stronger patient voice in Australia’s health system.

His most recent exhibition of 22 heart paintings supported the Barwon Health Foundation and patients in the Greater Geelong region.

Outside of his painting, Chenery volunteers with Heart Support Australia (HSA) and is its Geelong Peer Support Group Leader.

HSA helps those impacted by heart conditions transition from hospital to home, focusing on helping patients live a better quality of life.

In his role, Chereny holds monthly meetings of heart patients to help them manage their condition.

The group also helps patients fill a service gap if they cannot access specialists, cardiac rehabilitation, and mental health support.

At the moment, cardiovascular disease kills one in four Australians, and nearly 600,000 are admitted to hospital annually.

If nothing changes, HSA expects 1.37 million Australians will experience a cardiovascular event between 2020 and 2029.

“There is no better time for the Australian government to identify practical steps to help reduce the health and economic burden of cardiovascular disease,” Chenery said.

“There are growing calls for earlier and more consistent engagement with consumers across the lifecycles of medicines. The average time it takes for innovative medicines to go from Therapeutic Goods Administration registration to PBS reimbursement is 466 days, which is too long.”

“A person who is sick today needing a specific new test or treatment, which is subject to an ongoing Health Technology Assessment, cannot wait.”

 

Chenery’s first message for people is that if you have chest pain, go to hospital immediately.

Secondly, the mental challenges with heart disease are as big, if not bigger, and people should recognise this if they need extra support.

“Coming from the corporate world, I was a ‘striver’ for big businesses where I had to deliver on KPIs. But the singular focus of just waking up after heart surgery is the most satisfying achievement. This was one KPI to cherish and celebrate,” Chenery said.

Mr Marles said he was delighted to spend time with Mr Chenery and learn more about Heart Support Australia.

“The contributions Murray is making to our community here in Geelong are a testament to his strength and spirit, which is also on show through his art.

“We know the devastating impacts heart disease has on Australians, which is why Murray’s work to share his journey and supporting others in our community, is so important.”

Chenery hopes to continue raising awareness about heart disease and how patients can better manage their recovery by continuing to volunteer and giving back his time to critical causes.

He can be phoned on 0408 598 180 or emailed at [email protected]