Wellness in Motion: 30 Years of Walking with Heart

If you’d told me years ago that walking would become one of the most powerful tools we have to fight heart disease in Western Australia, I might’ve smiled politely and asked for the research. Today, I don’t need convincing. I’ve seen it. I’ve walked it. And I’ve watched thousands of West Aussies transform their lives - one step at a time.

This year marks a huge milestone for us: 30 years of Heart Foundation Walking. Across Australia, more than 780 walking groups are now part of what we affectionately call the “red army” - a growing community of people walking their way to better heart health. And here in WA, we’re proud to be part of that movement – with 4795 registered walkers, 63 Heart Foundation walking groups, and more than 40,000 people following our individual walking plans. 

It’s a one step at a time approach, but walking can play a vital role in reducing two alarming statistics in Western Australia: each year, more than 4000 lives are lost due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), with Indigenous Australians facing a significantly higher risk -being 2.4 times more likely to die from CVD compared to non-Indigenous Australians.

The Heart Foundation envisions an Australia where heart health is a reality for everyone, regardless of language, location or background. In practical terms, we’re working towards ensuring that people live the best lives possible by avoiding CVD through lower rates of obesity, cholesterol, and greater physical activity. 

The good news is, we recently recorded our 400,000th walker registration nationally. That’s one in every 70 Australians who’ve been supported to get moving. It’s a number we’re incredibly proud of - but what really matters are the stories behind it. Gerry Ligtermoet from Baldivis is just one. 

At 78, Gerry isn’t just walking - he’s leading. Eight years ago, he was facing a serious health battle with amyloidosis, a rare disease where abnormal proteins build up in organs. Gerry underwent a stem cell transplant, which improved his health and his outlook – but he still needed something more. He joined a walking group in Rockingham, then decided to start his own closer to home.

That’s how the Baldivis Pole Walking Group for Seniors was born. It’s a small group - some weeks six people show up, other weeks ten - but it’s mighty. They walk laps around the local oval, each person going at their own pace. Some do one lap, some do twenty. What unites them isn’t just the exercise - it’s the connection.

Once a month, they grab a coffee and have a proper chat. They walk through the pain, and they talk through it too. Gerry’s health challenges are ongoing, but having a connection to and helping other people in the same situation is a great support. 

Gerry’s story is a reminder that walking isn’t just about fitness - it’s about resilience, community, and heart.

That’s the beauty of Heart Foundation Walking. It’s not about elite fitness or fancy gear. It’s about getting moving - however you can. Whether you’re a parent pushing a pram, a senior with walking poles, or someone recovering from illness, there’s a place for you.

We’ve got walking groups in shopping centres, aged care facilities, prisons, and multicultural communities. We’ve seen people join after losing a loved one, looking for connection. Others have moved interstate and found their footing - literally - through walking groups. People come for the walk, but they stay for the talk.

And the science backs it up. Walking for just 30 minutes a day can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by 35%, and Type 2 diabetes by 40%. Even starting with 10 minutes a day makes a difference. The key is moderate intensity - getting your heart rate up while still being able to hold a conversation.

Here in WA, we’ve got a unique landscape - vast distances, regional communities, and a culture that values the outdoors. Walking fits right in. It’s accessible, low-cost, and flexible. And it’s helping us tackle one of our biggest health challenges: cardiovascular disease.

We know starting is often the hardest part. That’s why we make it easy. You can join a local Heart Foundation Walking group or download a free Personalised Walking Plan from our website. No pressure, no judgment - just support.

As WA’s General Manager for the Heart Foundation, I get to see the impact of this program every day. I hear the stories, I meet the walkers, and I see the difference it makes - not just in physical health, but in mental wellbeing and social connection.

In a world that can feel increasingly disconnected, walking together brings us back to what matters: movement, conversation, and community.

So, if you’re reading this and thinking, “Maybe I should give it a go,” my answer is simple: yes. Start small. Start slow. Just start. Because every step you take is a step toward better health - and you won’t be walking alone.

For more information on how to register for a free Personal Walking Plan, join a local walking group, or sign up as a walking group host organisation, visit walking.heartfoundation.org.au