Diabetes Australia Walk to Work Day

Friday 4 October 2019

How to Participate

Now in its 21st year, Walk to Work Day, on Friday 4 October 2019, helps employers and employees build regular walking into their daily routine and, at the same time, support a worthwhile cause. This year, the event continues to support Diabetes Australia.

Diabetes Australia Walk to Work Day promotes regular walking as a healthy activity and that will help people reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes (better physical, mental and social health) and raise funds for Diabetes Australia.

It's easy to get involved!

Just follow these 2 simple steps to support the campaign:

  1. Get walking! Walk as much as you can on Walk to Work Day – Friday 4 October 2019.
    If you can't walk all the way, use public transport and get off the bus, train, tram or ferry a few stops earlier and walk the rest of the way to work or take a half-hour walk at lunchtime.
    Walk in a group or individually – all walking helps support this important message.
  2. Spread the word! Ask your family, friends and work colleagues to do the same.
    The more people that walk, the more we can support Diabetes Australia and the 1.7 million Australians living with all types of diabetes.
    Management can also Host a Healthy Breakfast for those employees who take part!

Fact Sheet

Top ten walking tips for busy people:

Walking regularly is the simplest and most practical way of increasing your daily exercise. Now is a great time to put your feet first and step into spring and build walking into your daily routine.

  1. Walk some or if you can, walk all the way to work.
  2. Get off the bus, train, or tram a few stops earlier.
  3. Leave the car at least 1km away from work and walk the rest of the way.
  4. Set your alarm 30 minutes earlier to fit in a walk to work.
  5. Organise a walk at lunchtime with colleagues.
  6. Walk all or part of the way to meetings rather than driving or catching taxis
  7. Schedule a "walking meeting” (a Walking Workshop) instead of sitting down. Walk and talk and you’ll get double the benefit.
  8. Ensure you get up from your desk at least once an hour and walk around the office.
  9. Wherever possible, use the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator.
  10. Host a healthy breakfast to reward those who participate.

Did you know:

  • One Australian develops type 2 diabetes every 8 minutes.
  • 12 Australians develop diabetes every hour.
  • 280 Australians develop diabetes every day.
  • Regular walking can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and help manage diabetes for people already living with the chronic condition.
  • Two million Australians are currently at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
  • Diabetes shares risk factors with cancer, heart disease and kidney disease.
  • Type 2 diabetes can be prevented in up to 58% of cases in the high risk population, through lifestyle modification such as; healthy eating and regular physical activity.
  • You can take the test to see your risk of developing type 2 diabetes at diabetesaustralia.com.au/risk-calculator
PUT YOUR FEET FIRST AND MAKE WALKING WORK FOR YOU