CQUniversity researchers and staff from the Institute for Health and Social Science Research have been awarded a 2012 Opal Award for their project 10,000 Steps.

10,000 Steps is a freely accessible physical activity promotion project that has helped many Australians increase their physical day-to-day activity.

The 10,000 Steps team are congratulated by CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman for their Opal Award. It was a year of celebrations for the 10,000 Steps team, with the project reaching over 200,000 members and recording a combined total of more than 112 billion steps.

The program has secured its 11^th year of funding from the State Government.

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Community & Engagement) Professor Pierre Viljoen said the project earned a CQUniversity Opal Award for Engaged Research and Innovation.

"The 10,000 Steps project is a prime example of how our University staff are making a difference to their communities far and wide," Professor Viljoen said.  

Lead researcher Dr Mitch Duncan said the project was gaining momentum over time as the team continuously looked to improve processes. 

"10,000 Steps will continue to promote physical activity to individuals as we have done for over a decade," he said.

"We will also be increasing our work with employers to increase the physical activity levels of their workers. Being active in the workplace, regardless of occupation, is vital to employee health, well-being and productivity."

For more information about 10,000 Steps, visit http://www.10000steps.org.au/.