HeartStart Cardiac Rehabilitation
HeartStart Cardiac and Heart Failure Rehabilitation provides a comprehensive rehabilitation program supervised by our health professionals which follows recommended guidelines by the Australian Cardiac Rehabilitation Association (ACRA).

HeartStart Cardiac and Heart Failure Rehabilitation provides a comprehensive rehabilitation program supervised by our health professionals which follows recommended guidelines by the Australian Cardiac Rehabilitation Association (ACRA).
HeartStart has been providing cardiac rehabilitation services to the residents of Bundaberg and surrounding areas since 1990.
Our programs consist of Phase II(outpatient post intervention/diagnosis) and Phase III (maintenance) Cardiac and Heart Failure Rehabilitation which includes education, exercise and support to patients and their families recovering from cardiac intervention or living with heart disease or heart failure.
Our program structure provides patients with 3 exercise program options including supervised gym rehabilitation, supervised walking track program and supervised water aerobic exercise program. The Bronze Program is our Phase II cardiac/heart failure rehabilitation program comprising of 16 sessions/8weeks supervised gym rehabilitation. These are usually completed twice weekly with an education session provided monthly for patients and their carers/family to attend to improve education about heart disease and assist in secondary prevention. Patients may also choose to attend the walking track and/or water aerobic programs during this phase.
Assessment at the end of the 8 week Bronze program is performed to accurately assess and monitor recovery using internationally recognised clinical measurements and protocols.
In maintaining recommended exercise guidelines of 5-7 days/week. Patients may choose to continue supervised exercise at HeartStart in our Phase III programs which include Silver and Gold gym based supervised programs and our walking track and water aerobic programs.
HeartStart strives to assist patients with secondary prevention of heart disease and offers patients regular review appointments with our clinical nurse to assist in long term behaviour change, maintenance of exercise and healthy living.

Our Staff

Program Director / Exercise Science
Jessica Heaslip
- BHMSc 2008 – Central Queensland University
- Exercise Professional expertise in areas of strength and conditioning, sports specific and older adults exercise prescription.
- Responsible for coordination of HeartStart programs in Bundaberg since 2013.
- Member of Australian Cardiac Rehabilitation Association (ACRA) and executive committee member and Queensland Representative on national executive committee 2015-2016.

Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Lucy Ashby
Lucy graduated with her Bachelor of Exercise Science in 2013. She pursued her studies in Physiotherapy; however, found her true passion was in lifestyle modification, education and prevention of chronic diseases by using exercise as ‘medicine.’ Lucy was awarded her Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Distinction) in 2016. Lucy carries a diverse range of knowledge and understanding of the importance of a holistic approach to individual healthcare.
Lucy has had experience in private practices and multidisciplinary clinics such as the Branyan clinic. She relocated to Bundaberg in September 2017 to begin her journey at the Branyan clinic in both cardiac rehabilitation and chronic disease management. Her approach is very much individualised and she aims to create an environment that is supportive and promotes physical and emotional growth for her clients. Lucy understands that individuals are at different stages in their chronic disease journey and adjusts her approach to suit.
Lucy is the program coordinator of our newest program, Lift for Life. One of her many passions lies within diabetes management. Lucy values the importance of education (self-management) and lifelong exercise management for chronic diseases. She believes strongly in evidence-based practice.
Lucy certainly practices what she preaches. If she is not in the clinic, she is outside enjoying an active lifestyle and exploring Bundaberg. Some of her hobbies include: dragon boat paddling, walking her dog or attending the gym.
Lucy is currently an Exercise Science and Sports Science Australia member.
Qualifications:M.ClinExPhys, B.ExSci
Exercise Programs
HeartStart LungSmart GOLD Exercise
LungSmart/HeartStart GOLD Exercise is an ongoing health professional-supervised group exercise program, designed for people with stable chronic lung and/or cardiac conditions, who have completed our pulmonary or cardiac rehabilitation program within the past 12mths.
Cardiac and Heart Failure Rehabilitation
A gym based rehabilitation program is provided for cardiac and heart failure patients who require a more supervised or post-surgical exercise program.
Cornish Walking Track
Our ongoing group walking program at our Cornish Walking Track is based on a design developed by Dr Geoffrey Cornish. The walking track is a simple yet effective way to improve cardiovascular fitness.
Water Aerobics 4 Heart
Water aerobics sessions are provided for people where land based exercise is not recommended as the water reduces stress and strain on the body’s joints.