New report shows free Shane Warne Legacy Health Checks are changing lives

Latrobe Health Services, a not-for-profit member-owned health fund, has partnered with the Shane Warne Legacy since 2023 and is proud to be the Legacy’s Founding Partner, supporting the delivery of free health checks to communities across Australia.

Together with Health Partner, Diabetes Australia, the partnership has supported Shane Warne Legacy to deliver free health checks across the country, raising awareness of cardiovascular and type 2 diabetes risks.

The Shane Warne Legacy Health Check program has brought more than 490,000 free, accessible health checks into places where people already go such as major sporting events, Priceline Pharmacies, workplaces and community events, making early action in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes easier.

Recent research commissioned by Latrobe Health, in collaboration with IPSOS, surveyed over 1,224 people aged 18 to 65 from diverse demographics and metro and regional locations, comparing those who have undergone health checks with those who have not.

The findings reveal critical insights into health literacy, motivations and behaviours surrounding the health checks.

Results of the research show:

• 85% of health check participants took action as a result of their health check

• 78% of health check participants felt more able to take proactive steps to prevent serious health issues (84% for those participants with a risk factor)

• 52% of health check participants believe the health check improved their health, with regional participants (60%) more likely to agree with this statement

• 39% of health check participants felt the health check was the single most important thing they had done for their health in 12 months, jumping to 43% for regional Australians and 45% for those with a risk factor

• 20% of health check participants booked an appointment with a healthcare provider

• 94% of participants would recommend the health check to others

Additionally, the research indicates that the vast majority (85%) of Shane Warne Legacy Health Check
participants went on to do something good for their health, from improving diet and increasing exercise to seeking medical advice. For those at higher risk, that number is significantly higher at 91%, with many taking more proactive steps such as booking follow-up appointments with their doctor or researching their health further.

As a not-for-profit health fund, Latrobe Health Services is all in on improving inclusivity and equity in healthcare, especially for those in rural and regional areas. Regional participants, in particular, valued the Shane Warne Legacy Health Checks as a practical solution where health services can be harder to reach.

The primary motivator for taking a health check was it being free, followed by curiosity about personal
health, particularly in regional areas where access to health information and services is often limited.
Regional participants demonstrated proactivity post-check, notably in improving diet and scheduling
follow-up health appointments.

“This research confirms what we’ve always believed: when barriers to health screening are removed, people engage with the screening and act on their results. Shane Warne Legacy Health Checks are helping more Australians understand their health, act on potential risks sooner and take meaningful steps towards a healthier future,” said Ian Whitehead, CEO of Latrobe Health Services.

“The outcomes for people taking advantage of the free health checks are clear – they only take five minutes and can spark positive changes in your life,” added Whitehead.

The checks, conducted on SiSU Health Stations, are non-invasive, fast, and free. They include
measurements of blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index (BMI), diabetes risk, and estimated heart age – crucial indicators of cardiometabolic health.

“This research confirms what we’ve seen on the ground since day one. People don’t avoid their health
because they don’t care, they avoid it because it’s hard to access and harder to understand. Strip away those barriers and give people clear answers, and they act. That’s the whole idea behind Shane Warne Legacy, and these results tell us we’re just getting started,” stated Rob Tassie, CEO of Shane Warne Legacy.

“Almost half a million health checks and counting. But the number that matters most to me is 85 per
cent, that’s how many people did something about their health as a result. That’s real impact, and it’s
why we’ll keep pushing to get these checks in front of more Australians,” added Tassie.

“Shane Warne Legacy Health Checks are a powerful tool in the prevention of type 2 diabetes, and this
report demonstrates the powerful impact they are having in the community,” said Justine Cain, Group
CEO of Diabetes Australia.

The Shane Warne Legacy Health Checks exemplify the critical importance of bringing healthcare to
where people are. With the right technology and partnerships, lives can be changed in mere minutes.

Thanks to support from Latrobe Health Services and Diabetes Australia, these life-changing health
checks are available for free across Australia, marking a new model for nationwide health intervention.