Every step counts in Rockhampton when the target is 10,000. A partnership between the University of Central Queensland, Rockhampton City Council and the State Government saw the development of 10,000 Steps Rockhampton, a program that encourages the Rockhampton community to be physically active.
Walking groups, using step counting pedometers, work toward the individual 10,000 step goal as part of this multi strategy, community wide initiative that successfully reported a 95 per cent recognition rate for the project after only one year. 10,000 Steps Rockhampton surpassed six other national winners from Moonee Valley City Council, Townsville City Council, Launceston City Council, Dorset Council, Holbrook Shire Council and Balonne Shire Council to clinch the $10,000 national overall award at the 2003 Heart Foundation Kellogg Local Government Awards.
The awards recognise excellence in encouraging heart healthy lifestyles and promote the fight against heart and blood vessel disease, Australia’s number one killer, and our biggest health problem.
The National Heart Foundation and Kellogg offer $30,000 in awards to assist Local Governments to continue to work towards improving the heart health of their communities. Awards are given in each of seven categories at national and state/territory levels for policy, nutrition projects, physical activity projects, recreation facilities, projects by community organisations, rural and remote projects and projects with limited resources.
For more information about the awards, heart health and the work of the National Heart Foundation, contact Australia’s national helpline for heart health, Heartline on 1300 362 787 or visit www.heartfoundation.com.au
