JAMIESON heart patient and artist Murray Chenery met with Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, recently to share his heart journey, showcase his heart paintings and exhibition, and advocate for a stronger patient voice in Australia’s health system.
Murray underwent bypass heart surgery in mid-2023 and turned this life-defining event into an opportunity to express, through his paintings, the vivid feelings and emotions he experienced before, during, and after surgery.
“Meeting with the Deputy PM allowed me to share the real-life experiences of a heart patient, what it means to support fellow heart patients, and the need for patients to provide a critical voice in our health system,” Murray said.
Murray told the Deputy PM that he owes his successful recovery to several key factors, including participation in a strong rehabilitation program, daily exercise through walking, better nutrition, monitoring his vital signs, and taking therapeutic time to paint his heart journey and exhibit his artwork.
Murray, who is also a Board Member of MACE, shares his time between Jamieson and Geelong.
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In 2024, he exhibited 22 heart paintings and donated the sale proceeds to the Barwon Health Foundation.
He also opened his art studio as part of the Mansfield Open Studio Trail (MOST) in November 2024, where he featured a range of his heart paintings.
“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," he said.
"This was one KPI to cherish and celebrate.
“Cardiovascular disease kills one in four Australians."
"Nearly 600,000 people are admitted to hospital annually with heart disease, and over four million Australians live with a heart condition."
Murray’s first message is clear—if you have chest pain, go to hospital immediately.
His second message is that the mental challenges of heart disease are just as significant, if not greater, than the physical ones.
Recognising that additional support may be needed can be critical to a successful recovery.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles acknowledged Murray’s contributions.
“It was a delight to have had the opportunity to meet Murray," he said.
"The contributions Murray is making to the community 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 in sharing his journey and supporting others in our community is so important."
Murray volunteers his time with Heart Support Australia (HSA) as a peer group support leader.
HSA helps heart patients transition from hospital to home, focusing on improving quality of life while reducing the likelihood of a repeat cardiac event.
HSA peer groups fill a service gap for heart patients who struggle to access specialists, cardiac rehabilitation, and mental health support.
Many heart patients are left to manage on their own after hospitalisation and rehabilitation, as GPs often lack the time for holistic patient care.
HSA also trains volunteers to provide bedside support for heart patients in hospital.
Murray said that HSA reduces the burden on the healthcare system by delivering significant return on investment (ROI) to the government.
Cardiovascular disease costs Australian taxpayers more than $11 billion each year.
“There is no better time for the Australian government to identify practical steps to help reduce the health and economic burden of cardiovascular disease,” Murray said.
Murray’s meeting with Richard Marles followed his presentation at the Patient and Parliamentary Summit at Parliament House, Canberra, in late November 2024, where he represented HSA as a consumer advocate.
The summit focused on reducing the time it takes for medicines to be assessed and listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
“There are growing calls for earlier and more consistent engagement with consumers across the lifecycles of medicines," he said.
"The average time it takes for innovative medicines to go from Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) registration to PBS reimbursement is 466 days, which is too long.
“A person who is sick today and needs a specific new test or treatment, which is subject to an ongoing Health Technology Assessment (HTA), cannot wait.
"Cancer patients need the right tests and treatments at the right times for optimal outcomes."
Murray hopes to continue raising awareness about heart disease and help patients better manage their recovery through ongoing volunteer work and advocacy.
