Thousands of Australians will be leaving their cars at home today (Friday) and donning their sandshoes to celebrate Walk to Work Day 2003 and advocate a healthier, more environmentally friendly lifestyle. The choice to walk to work will be led by His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery AC CVO MC, The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, and Her Excellency Mrs Marlena Jeffery.

 

The Governor-General and Mrs Jeffery will be encouraging all Australians to MAKE TIME to WALK EVERY DAY – and become Walking Class Heroes – as they lead a walk down Dunrossil Drive to Government House in Canberra with Senators, Secretaries of Commonwealth Departments and representatives from the medical and healthcare industries.

 

An initiative of the Pedestrian Council of Australian (PCA), Walk to Work Day is designed to raise the importance of walking as a healthy activity and increase the use of public transport, not just on Walk to Work Day, but every day.

 

The PCA is urging Australians to leave their cars at home and instead use a combination of walking and public transport to get to work in a healthier, more efficient way.  If for some this is impossible, then commuters are encouraged to leave their cars at least 1 km from work and walk the rest of the way.

 

According to the Federal Department of Health and Ageing, there has been a significant increase in overweight people in the last 20 years. Today 65% of men, 45% of women and 20-25% of children are considered overweight or obese.

 

Walk to Work Day is now in its sixth year and the PCA is inviting every Australian to become a Walking Class Hero and include 30 minutes of walking in their daily routine so they can achieve better health, cleaner air, less traffic and improved transport

 

Free broadcast quality radio grabs with Harold Scruby, Chairman, Pedestrian Council of Australia are available via www.mediagame.com.au.  A password to access these grabs can be obtained online at www.mediagame.com.au or by contacting Peter Mullen on (02) 9543-8511 or Martin Cook on (0414) 393-703.