Advocacy in action at Parliament House - 30 years of Heart Foundation Walking
The Speaker's Courtyard came alive as we gathered to celebrate 30 years of Heart Foundation Walking-a milestone that belongs to walkers, volunteers and communities across Australia.
Hosted by Speaker Milton Dick, the anniversary afternoon tea brought together walkers, volunteer walk organisers, senators and members, and colleagues from across the health sector. It was a great example of advocacy in action, with community voices and decision‑makers side by side.
Sheree Hughes, Manager Active Living, reflected on the program's journey and its impact:
"Thirty years represents longevity with purpose - proof that people embrace prevention when it's practical and social, and that small, consistent actions, taken together, can drive national impact."
That impact is clear. Today, Heart Foundation Walking includes more than 815 walking groups, over 415,000 Personal Walking Plans and group walkers, and participants in 97% of postcodes across Australia-a powerful reminder of what sustained advocacy and investment in prevention can achieve.
Behind these numbers is the work of Heart Foundation staff across the country-supporting walking groups and volunteers, delivering initiatives like the Active Australia Innovation Challenge and Healthy Active by Design, and bringing people together through moments like this celebration.
We were especially proud to hear from Judy Brennan from the Forest Lake Mob, whose story captured the heart of the program. Volunteers like Judy show up week after week, creating connection, care and belonging through walking.
David Anderson from the Heart Foundation Board closed the event by reflecting on how far the program has come and the importance of continuing to back community‑led prevention into the future.
Most of all, the afternoon was about celebrating our walkers. They are the heart of Heart Foundation Walking, and the reason it continues to grow. Thirty years on, the program is still moving Australia forward-together, one step at a time.
