MEDIA RELEASE FRIDAY 22 OCTOBER
End of media release.
For further information and workplaces in your area: Janine Scott, Walktober Workplace Challenge
0412 509 025 or 03 9417 2210 janine@cause-effect.com.au
And they’re off...
Active Workplaces Step Out for Better Health
Walktober Workplace Challenge starts Monday 25 October
Next week’s Walktober Workplace Challenge will see close to 300 workplaces add more
walking into their working week.
Workers will take advantage of the spring weather to add walks wherever they can – by
getting off public transport a little earlier, walking at lunchtime or walking to meetings.
They will earn points for every 15 minutes of walking and bonuses for starting new habits
like leaving the car at home.
Leaders applaud the Challenge as an easy, low-cost way to get a grip on the bigger issue of
workplace health and wellbeing.
“Our WorkHealth data shows us people may not be as healthy as they think and this could
be impacting on their quality of life, including their performance and engagement at work,”
said Greg Tweedly, Chief Executive of WorkSafe Victoria,
“Many businesses have asked us what they can do to support the health of their staff. The
Walktober Workplace Challenge is fun and provides a great incentive for us all to get active
during the working week.”
VECCI Chief Executive Wayne Kayler-Thomson confirmed the link between employee health
and productivity is now widely recognised, “Absenteeism alone costs Victoria $440 million
per annum. By introducing programs like Walktober, businesses can make a big difference
to health, motivation and productivity.”
The Walktober Workplace Challenge is delivered by Kinect Australia, funded by the Brumby
Labour Government and championed by Minister Tim Pallas.
Kinect Board Member Greg Johnson said, “We want CEOs and leaders of organisations to
apply their skills to promoting active living for their employees. Walking is one of the
cheapest and easiest forms of activity for most people and provides some of the best
medicine to prevent chronic disease.”
The good news is there are many more ways businesses can support employee health, such
as conducting WorkHealth checks, holding in-house yoga or fitness classes and delivering
NEWS 
