Safety – Amenity – Access – Health

 

NATIONAL WALK TO WORK DAY

 

Rarely is it closed, but the 7km causeway bridge to the navy base at Garden Island will be vehicle-free on Friday 3 October when HMAS Stirling personnel give their sea legs a workout for the annual National Walk to Work Day.  Staff from all areas of the navy will join in the day, along with The Biggest Loser runner-up Alison Braun for a morning of fitness with fun.

 

“Navy personnel aim to be fit and active, so Walk to Work Day is an ideal opportunity to make it an enjoyable experience for our staff.  Alison Braun from The Biggest Loser will walk the distance and share her weight loss journey with fellow walkers,” said Captain Brett Dowsing, the Commanding Officer at HMAS Stirling.

 

National Walk to Work Day encourages all Australians to walk to work or during their work day and develop regular walking habits. As well as preventing obesity, walking regularly also reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. Plus, walking, instead of driving helps prevent climate change by reducing greenhouse pollution.

 

“Regular physical activity, particularly walking, has been shown to greatly reduce sick-leave and improve productivity.  Walk to Work Day is also a great way for organisations to create a morale-building group event like we are doing.  We strongly support the key ideas behind the event – better health and cleaner air,” said Captain Dowsing.

 

More than half (54%) of Australian adults are either overweight or obese. It is estimated; about 75% of the Australian population will be overweight or obese by 2020. (2004-05 National Health Survey, ABS).  The Pedestrian Council of Australia, who organises the annual national event, believes Walk to Work Day is not just about one day, but encourages daily physical activity for all Australians.

 

CEO Harold Scruby said: “Never has it been more crucial for people to take preventative measures and improve their health situation for now and their future.  Senior executives should encourage all staff to walk each day.  It took human beings a million years to learn how to walk and fifty years to forget.”

 

HMAS Stirling personnel will certainly be working up an appetite during their morning walk, and local business such as Muffin Break and National Foods are providing a healthy breakfast at the conclusion of the walk.

 

The tenth national Walk to Work Day is on Friday, 3 October. Companies, businesses, councils and government agencies are encouraged to register as Corporate Ambassadors for Walk to Work Day and promote the initiative to their staff.   Individuals are also encouraged to register as Walking Class Heroes.  To register and find out more about Walk to Work Day, visit www.walk.com.au

 

MEDIA ARE INVITED TO PHOTOGRAPH AND INTERVIEW NAVY PERSONNEL WITH ALISON BRAUN IN THEIR EXERCISE PREPARATION FOR WALK TO WORK DAY ON TUESDAY 23^RD SEPTEMBER BETWEEN 10.15AM AND 11.15am.  PLEASE ADVISE  GARY  BOOTH BEFORE 9.00AM ON  PHONE 9553 5301 SO THE SECURITY DESK CAN BE ADVISED. YOU WILL NEED TO SHOW IDENTIFICATION.

For more information:

Karen Kerlin                                                                                      Gary Booth

WA PR Consultant                                                                           A/Regional Manager Walk to Work Day                                                                                         Defence Public Affairs WA: karenkerlin@karenkerlin.com.au                                                    M) 0418 223 807  T) 08 9553 2535

Ph 0414 443 964