The 10,000 Steps Rockhampton Project in conjunction with the Rockhampton City Council has just been announced as the overall State Winner for the 2003 Heart Foundation Kellogg Local Government Awards.

Sponsored by Kellogg, the 2003 Heart Foundation Kellogg Local Government Awards recognise and promote excellence in local government initiatives that encourage healthy lifestyles, and promote heart health.

The 10,000 Steps Rockhampton Project is an innovative community program funded by Queensland Health and based at Central Queensland University, aimed at increasing the physical activity levels of residents to improve their heart health.

A key risk factor for developing heart disease is not getting enough physical activity each day. Walking is one of the safest forms of activity and the goal of this project is to encourage people to walk up to 10,000 Steps per day. A feature of 10,000 Steps Rockhampton is the widespread dissemination of step-counting pedometers. Wearing a pedometer to count steps increases a person’s awareness of their daily accumulation of physical activity including everyday activity such as walking to the bus, climbing stairs and vacuuming. Environmental changes are also needed for a community to become more physically active.

The Rockhampton City Council has provided vital infrastructure in support of the project by constructing new pathways, cycleways, and installing signage and pavement markings. Environmental changes to support physical activity have also been written into the newly released Rockhampton City Health Plan. Heart Foundation Executive Director Mr Cameron Prout commended the10,000 Steps Rockhampton Project and the Rockhampton City Council's award winning efforts to work with their local community to encourage healthier lifestyles: “Heart disease and stroke continue to be Australia’s biggest killers, but by working with initiatives such as Queensland Health’s 10,000 Steps Rockhampton project, local councils can demonstrate that they can make a difference to the health of their residents.” Accepting the award, 10,000 Steps Project Leader Associate Professor Dr Kerry Mummery and Councillor Margaret Strelow, Mayor of Rockhampton said that the Project & Council was honoured to gain the recognition of a prominent health organisation such as the Heart Foundation.

“This program has achieved what it set out to achieve with an increase in health related physical activity in the community,” Assoc Prof Mummery said.

“Prior to this program, 60% of women and 50% of men lacked sufficient physical activity for health benefits. With the continuation of 10,000 Steps Rockhampton, we hope to further improve these levels of activity.” ENDS For details: Emma Larsen, 10,000 Steps Rockhampton 49306410 or via e.larsen@cqu.edu.au Patty Stevenson, Rockhampton City Council Corporate Communications Officer, 49368251 or stevens.p@rcc.qld.gov.au Renae Gordon, Qld State Coordinator, Heart Foundation Kellogg Local Government Awards, 4721 4686 or Renae.Gordon@heartfoundation.com.au