Prevention Is Everybody's Business.
Our researchers were excited to join leaders in research, policy and practice for Asia-Pacific Society of Physical Activity 2025 in Newcastle, Australia. It was a vibrant forum sharing evidence, building partnerships and driving real-world impact across the Asia-Pacific. An added bonus was it was co-hosted by the Australian Walking and Cycling Conference which meant seamless integration of physical activity topics.
Presentations
Three oral presentations showcased the 10,000 Steps program during the conference, the full abstracts can be found on our Research Papers page.
- Every Minute Counts: Evaluating Physical Activity Change in 10,000 Steps Program Participants
- Still Stepping: More than 20 Years of Evolution in the 10,000 Steps Program in Supporting Australians to be Active
- Step into Nature – A Nature-Based Physical Activity Campaign Delivered Through the 10,000 Steps Program
Congratulations to all of the ASPA Committee, organisers and presenters. A special shout out also to our very own Professor Corneel Vandelanotte on being appointed as the ASPA Vice-President at the AGM.
Research Papers
Connection
Face to face really is quite special.
We connected with many friends and colleagues at the conference, including Professor Mitch Duncan who was one of our original researchers and used to lead the 10,000 Steps program, and Associate Professor Morwenna Kirwin who helped us design and evaluate our original mobile application back in 2009 as a part of her pHD!
Leaders in the local government and environment space - Professor Tracy Kolbe-Alexander and Melinda Covey-Hansen.
The amazing Heart Foundation's Liz Calleja who gave us a sneak peak of the Blueprint for an Active Australia (fourth edition), Kaitlin Bonner who showcased findings from the impactful Heart Foundation Walking program, and Dr Rona Macniven who shared her work on priority populations during a walk.
The Heart Foundation's Queensland and Active Living Manager Sheree Hughes, and Kristin Clark have been long term advocates in physical activity and for 10,000 Steps, and it was also great to discuss the role of health professionals and the referral into programs such as ours and the Heart Foundation Walking with Abhai.
Our CQUniversity physical activity group was represented by myself, 10,000 Steps program leader Professor Corneel Vandelanotte, Step into Nature Project lead Dr Stephanie Shoppe and colleague Dr Stephanie Alley presenting to a full room.
Exploring
Congratulations Newcastle on creating places and spaces which invite and welcome people to walk, wheel and stroll! A 9am Conference start was very beneficial in allowing us to start the day with some steps. It was great to reflect on Queensland Walks Elements of a Walkable Place and report we were able to experience all 9 during our walks around Newcastle.
