3. About HFW Australia’s largest free walking network
A social, fun, free and easy way for people to walk and be active
Based on the successful Heart Foundation “Just Walk It” program
Important for health and community cohesion
Helps participants meet the National
Physical Activity Guidelines
Over the last 21 years, more than 82,000 Australians have participated in the Heart Foundation’s walking groups stepping out on over 5 million walks!
82,000 participants in 21 year history
Social, Fun and Free

4. Over 23,000 participants
Over 1100 groups
Over 1500 Walk Organisers
Work in partnership with Host Organisations to establish walking groups
Volunteer Walk Organisers lead walking groups
Individuals can join our online virtual walking community
Aims to make regular walking enjoyable and easy, especially those not used to being active.
Groups can be any size, and walk at various times, days, places, durations and levels of difficulty.

5. Why Walk? it’s easy, free and accessible needs no expensive equipment
can be done almost anywhere
it’s good for the environment
low impact on joints
can save you money
Added benefits of walking in a group
provide extra incentive and motivation
It’s social you can meet new people and make friends
safer
more fun

6. Benefits of being a volunteer Walk Organiser
Quality training and preparation for your role
Insurance coverage under the Heart Foundation’s Policy for volunteers
Ongoing support from your Local Coordinator
Access to a personal page on the Heart Foundation Walking web site
Free merchandise as a thank you when you join
High quality resources at your finger tips
Free quarterly newsletters in which you & your group can feature
Annual workshops
Incentives at various milestones if you are part of the Walker Recognition Scheme
Annual competitions to enter with prizes to win 6

7. Benefits of being a walker
It’s free
Walker’s kit upon registration
Option to join the Walker Recognition Scheme (Milestones recognised are 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 walks)
Heart Foundation Walking newsletters
The chance to participate in group walking events e.g. Heart Week Walks and Park Walks
Social engagement and opportunity to make new friends
Note: Participation in the Walker Recognition Scheme is optional. Only walks conducted with a HFW group are recorded as part of the Walker Recognition Scheme.
Monthly prize draw – any walker who registers a walk is automatically entered into prize draw – pedometers, cookbooks etc.

8. HFW in Numbers

9. 6 months = 83%
1 year = 71%
2 years = 62%
3 years = 59%
Retention Rates
Typical community based physical activity programs have a six month retention rate of 50%.
HFW consistently demonstrates retention rates well above this – even at the three year mark.
“I stay because it is good for my heart, I make new friends and it makes me feel
happy. Thank you.”
Walker

10. Craig Riley – Virtual Walking Superstar
Lost 17 kgs
Craig Riley – Virtual Walking Superstar
No sign of type 2 diabetes
“I started posting every time I was doing a walk on social media and found people commenting publicly and private messaging me. The feedback was really spurring me on and now, I have friends in every state walking each day and challenging each other, holding each other accountable”
Feeling healthier and happier
Craig uses the Virtual Walking component of HFW by walking individually and tracking his activity online via his HFW profile.

11. “I like walking as it is a great stress reliever and find exercise is a great way to improve mental health”
Damien Ryan – Walk Organiser and Alice Springs Mayor
How can I get involved?
Sign up your place of employment as a Host Organisation, become a Local Coordinator and get access to our great resources
Start a Workplace walking group
- Become a volunteer Walk Organiser and start a group within your community where walkers are rewarded for being active!
- Talk about HFW to anyone who might be interested
- Promote to your patients/colleagues/networks

12. Website: walking.heartfoundation.org.au
Facebook:
Instagram: heartfoundationwalking