In 2025, the 10,000 Steps Program continued to grow, introducing new features, resources, and opportunities to support Australians in staying active. From launching organisation memberships to expanding educational content through blogs and campaigns, the program worked to make physical activity more accessible and engaging.
Key highlights included the Step into Nature series, updated Coordinator Hub, large-scale Health Challenges, and research presentations at the ASPA Conference. Renewed funding from Health and Wellbeing Queensland ensured ongoing support for participants across the state.
2025 Overview
Health and Wellbeing Funding Renewal
In 2025, Health and Wellbeing Queensland renewed its funding for the 10,000 Steps program, which will see the program support Queenslanders to move more for over 25 years. This continued investment ensures free access to all program features for individuals and organisations across Queensland, including priority support, Challenges, Tournaments and resources via the Coordinator Hub.
Organisation Membership Subscriptions
In November, 10,000 Steps introduced Organisation Memberships, extending the availability for workplaces and community groups outside Queensland to access premium features including unlimited tournaments, dedicated dashboards, tailored resources, and priority support. This change allows organisations to provide their members with the same support and features previously available only to funded regions.
Queensland Health Steps Challenge Highlights
Held from 4 August to 14 September, the Queensland Health Steps Challenge (QHSC) encouraged Queensland Health staff to increase physical activity and improve wellbeing. Delivered in partnership with Health and Wellbeing Queensland, the challenge supported Hospital and Health Services and Health Agencies to connect teams and promote movement in any form - walking, swimming, sports, or gym activities. Participants joined teams, logged steps via the 10,000 Steps platforms, and contributed to statewide totals. North West HHS led the leaderboard, followed by Gold Coast HHS and the Department of Health.
Australasian University Health Challenge Achievements
The 2025 Australasian University Health Challenge (AUHC) ran from 18 August to 28 September, engaging universities across Australia in a fun, competitive initiative to boost physical activity among staff and students. Participants logged steps and other activities like cycling or swimming to contribute to their university’s total and average step count. The challenge aimed to create healthy habits and foster wellbeing through small, achievable changes. University of Western Australia took first place, followed by University of Sydney and University of Technology Sydney.
Insights from the ASPA Conference
In November, CQUniversity researchers connected with leaders in research, policy and practice at the Asia-Pacific Society for Physical Activity Conference in Newcastle. See photos and a recap and the three 10,000 Steps abstracts our team presented:
- Every Minute Counts: Evaluating Physical Activity Change in 10,000 Steps Program Participants – Associate Professor Corneel Vandelanotte examined how active new members are and how program participation influences overall activity levels.
- Still Stepping: More than 20 Years of Evolution in the 10,000 Steps Program in Supporting Australians to be Active – Project Manager and Senior Research Officer, Anetta Van Itallie reflected on two decades of program growth, innovation, and impact.
- Step into Nature – A Nature-Based Physical Activity Campaign Delivered Through the 10,000 Steps Program – Dr. Stephanie Schoeppe showcased new project articles, features and toolkits that support members and Coordinators being active in nature.
Connecting with Nature
The 10,000 Steps, Step into Nature Project encourages Queenslanders to be active outdoors by promoting nature-based physical activity. Its goal is to improve physical and mental wellbeing by helping people move more in natural environments. The project worked with councils and communities to provide resources and toolkits that can be used to make outdoor activity easy and appealing.
Key Features:
- In Your Area Today displays the total steps logged by members in your postcode and state on the dashboard.
- Interactive Steps Map showing activity by region.
- Nature-based Activity Directory for all 79 Local Government Areas.
- Communications Toolkit with ready-to-use promotional materials - available now in the Coordinator Hub.
Fresh Learn and Discover Articles
In 2025, the 10,000 Steps program linked to more partners and published practical, evidence-based blogs to support active, healthy living:
- Healthy Shiftwork
- Better Heath Coaching
- QCWA Country Kitchens
- Physical Activity for Shiftworkers
- The Benefits of Being Active in Nature
- How to Get Started Being Active Outdoors
- 12 Ways to Get Your Steps up in Nature
- Embracing Nature: Accessible Physical Activity for All Abilities
- Move More, Lower your Cancer Risk
Smarter Coordinator Hub Navigation and Tools
- New Top Navigation – Quick switching between individual and coordinator views for better usability.
- Coordinator Blog – Short articles with practical tips for workplace and community physical activity.
- Updated Coordinator Resources – Improved navigation, redesigned pages, and dedicated landing pages for communities and workplaces. New layouts for Tournament and Implementation guides plus fresh social media graphics to simplify planning and promotion.
- Tournament Dashboard – Centralised graphs, stats, resources, and support for easy tournament tracking and management.
What's New in on the App
In 2025, the 10,000 Steps app (available on iOS and Android devices) introduced several updates to improve usability, functionality, and user experience.
Key Updates:
- Optional notifications to guide and support users on their journey.
- Upgraded the syncing to manage when no steps were recorded for the day.
- Improved calculation for required daily challenge steps.
- Enabled sorting of members by average steps in Timeout Tournaments.
- Enhanced navigation between challenge and tournament types.
- Updated Android's HealthKit permission indicator for more accurate status display.
- Ability to move between days in the Step Log for easier tracking.
FEATURED: 10,000 Steps 3D USB Activity Tracker
Launched in late 2024, we have continued to see uptake of the new 3D USB Activity Tracker, designed to make step tracking simple and reliable. Compact and versatile, it’s ideal for anyone who wants a dedicated step counter without relying on a phone or smartwatch. HOT TIP: especially popular with health professionals and seniors.
Key Features:
- Advanced 3D sensor technology for accurate step counting in any position.
- ~30 day battery life with convenient rechargeable battery via USB.
- Compact design for easy portability.
- Multiple wearing options, slip into a pocket, wear on our lanyard, or clip to your waist.
- Reset button to clear daily steps - simply pair with our free mobile app to log your steps in 10 seconds!
Order yours today and keep your steps on track!
Share Your 10,000 Steps Journey
Have you achieved a milestone, discovered a new way to stay active, or inspired others through the 10,000 Steps program? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your story and help motivate others to move more.