- Health and Wellbeing Queensland prevention partner 10,000 Steps encouraging Queenslanders to move more in statewide challenge
- Walking is an accessible and free activity for many people
- 5000–7000 steps per day linked to a wide range of positive health outcomes
- The Move Together Challenge runs from 3 August to 13 September, 2026
Health and Wellbeing Queensland prevention partner 10,000 Steps is encouraging Queenslanders to find ways to increase physical activity as part of The Move Together Challenge.
The statewide challenge runs from 3 August to 13 September 2026 and encourages Queenslanders to get moving in a way that suits them — whether it’s walking, gardening, doing housework, or any other everyday activity.
Finding ways to move more every day is vital for maintaining health and wellbeing. Walking, in particular, is an accessible and free activity for many people, and research shows it is associated with many health benefits.
A 2025 review1, that gathered evidence from 57 studies published between 2015 and 2025, found daily steps relate to a wide range of positive health outcomes, including heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, brain health, and mental health, with the sweet spot around 5000–7000 steps per day.
Health and Wellbeing Queensland Chief Executive, Dr Robyn Littlewood, said ‘Sometimes the simplest things have the greatest impact.’
‘Walking offers remarkable health benefits and doubles as a great way to connect with others. What could be better than catching up with a friend while making meaningful improvements to your health?’
Participants can also convert other types of physical activity into steps, so every movement and step you take adds to a shared statewide total, with all physical activity logged in your 10,000 Steps account automatically contributing to the Challenge.
According to the report of the Chief Health Officer Queensland, in 2024, physical inactivity accounted for 2.1% of the total burden of disease.2 Tackling this challenge requires practical solutions that make it easier for people to stay active.
‘We all know being active is good for us, but actually doing it day in and day out can be hard sometimes. That’s where programs like 10,000 Steps and the Move Together Challenge come in,’ said Prof Corneel Vandelanotte, 10,000 Steps and Physical Activity Research Group Leader, CQUniversity.
‘They help to motivate, encourage, connect, and challenge each other, and that makes things much easier and more enjoyable. Knowing that you’re not all by yourself trying to meet your activity goals is so important.’
10,000 Steps is delivered by CQUniversity and funded by the Queensland Government through Health and Wellbeing Queensland. The Move Together Challenge is delivered in partnership by CQUniversity, Health and Wellbeing Queensland and The Health and Wellbeing Centre for Research Innovation at The University of Queensland.
Learn more and sign up at the 10,000 Steps Challenge page
Media contact: media@hw.qld.gov.au | 0439 599 210
