Become a walk organiser
Heart Foundation Walking groups are powered by volunteers in the community, known as walk organisers.
With support from the Heart Foundation, walk organisers bring community members together leading them on the path to better health in a social and supportive way.
When you become a walk organiser, you’ll reap the benefits of regular physical activity — when your group walks, you walk too! You’ll also see how members benefit — physically, emotionally and socially — from being part of a like-minded community of walkers.
What do walk organisers do?
Decide where, when and how often your group walks
Attend walks and welcome new walkers
Promote the group and encourage others to join
Submit walking attendance records so we can reward your walkers
What do walk organisers receive?
Flyers and resources to promote your group
Training, practical tips and insurance
Support from the Heart Foundation
Free Heart Foundation Walking merchandise
Who can become a walk organiser?
If you’re enthusiastic, welcoming and over 18 years old, you can start and lead a Heart Foundation Walking group — no experience or qualifications required!
You’ll need to abide by the Heart Foundation values and walk organiser terms & conditions. These include completing relevant background checks (including a National Police Check) when you apply to lead a group and every five years thereafter. The Heart Foundation will cover the cost of completing this check.
What walk organisers say
I was inspired to volunteer with the Heart Foundation as they have done tremendous work to improve the health and wellbeing of Australians. I find volunteering is such a special and rewarding thing you can do to make a positive difference to people’s lives and make the world a better place.
Gladyss, Rooty Hill Multicultural Walking Group
I wanted to be associated with something that was really positive and the Heart Foundation has an aura about it. Leading a group has opened new worlds to me. I have supported, and been supported by, dozens of people of all ages and cultures.
Phillip, Sydney Walk Eat And Talk (SWEAT) group
I became a walk organsier in 2010 after not knowing many people in my local neighbourhood. The walkers in our groups love coming because of the happiness and companionship. I'm so lucky to have a group of people who are caring and look out for each other.
Bev, Point Cook Walkers
Partner with us to get your community moving
Become a host organisation to support walking groups in your community. We work with organisations passionate about helping their communities to become more active and provide everything you need to set up and manage a group.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the responsibilities of a walk organiser?
- Attending walks and welcoming new walkers.
- Promoting their group walks and encouraging people to join.
- Reporting any hazards and safety concerns to the relevant body (e.g. council or the property owners).
- Reporting incidents, risks, near misses and safety concerns to the Heart Foundation Walking team.
- Planning the walk.
- Keeping the walking group and contact details up to date.
- Submitting attendance records so your walkers can see their progress and receive rewards.
How much time do I need to commit as a walk organiser?
Can I recruit other people to help me as a walk organiser?
Yes! You can invite others to register as a volunteer walk organiser too. We encourage team efforts, so having a few people to help with the walk logistics and administration can help make the experience more enjoyable and manageable. If you know someone who would like to support you in your role, encourage them to register as a walk organiser. Once they've completed the training and been approved, you will be able to add them as a secondary walk organiser for your group.
