Our history
Founded by Dr Victor Chang and transplant recipients
AHLTA began in 1984 at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, when Dr Victor Chang and a small group of early heart transplant recipients came together with a simple and powerful idea: that people going through transplant should have support from others who truly understand it.
In the early days, it was practical, person-to-person support. Chats and phone calls after clinic, providing a shoulder to lean on when it mattered.
As transplant medicine evolved and more Australians began living full lives after heart or lung transplantation, AHLTA grew too. What started as a small club became a national community, run by volunteers, shaped by lived experience, and focused on what matters most: connection, information, and practical help.
Who was Dr Victor Chang?
Dr Victor Chang (21 November 1936 - 4 July 1991) was one of Australia’s most gifted heart surgeons, a pioneer of modern heart transplant surgery and a humanitarian.
Read more about Dr Chang and his legacy at victorchang.edu.au
Key milestones
1984
AHLTA’s story begins as the Heart Transplant Club, founded by early transplant recipients at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, at the instigation of Dr Victor Chang.
1986
The club became the Australian Heart and Lung Transplants Association (AHLTA), reflecting a growing community and broader transplant support.
1991
AHLTA was registered as a tax-deductible gift recipient, strengthening our ability to raise funds and support members.
1998
A year of significant growth as more members joined and the community expanded.
2006
AHLTA House officially opened after fundraising and donations, in partnership with the Trustees of St Vincent’s and Mater Hospitals. It was created primarily to support regional and rural recipients who needed to stay near the hospital for extended periods immediately after transplantation.
2012
AHLTA introduced a financial assistance program to further support members experiencing hardship.
2014
AHLTA celebrated 30 years of supporting heart and lung recipients and their families.
Today
AHLTA remains committed to supporting heart and lung transplant recipients, people waiting for transplant, carers and families, to help people live healthy and active lives.
AHLTA House: a practical turning point
One of the most significant chapters in our history is AHLTA House. For many transplant recipients, the weeks after surgery involve frequent appointments and check-ups, often far from home. AHLTA House was created to ease that burden by providing accommodation close to St Vincent’s Hospital, particularly for people travelling from outside Sydney.
It stands as a reminder that support is not only emotional, it’s logistical. Sometimes the most meaningful help is simply making it possible to be where you need to be.
The story continues
AHLTA’s history is written in the lives of recipients, families, carers and donors, and in the generosity of people who fundraise, volunteer, share information, and show up for each other.
We’re proud of where we started, proud of what has been built since, and committed to what comes next: staying connected, staying practical, and staying beside our community through every stage of the transplant journey.