Social Value & Community Impact
Award Finalist
2025 AUSactive National Awards Program
AUSactive member Catherine Ashley assisted in developing a cancer-specific walking and running program, co-designed with stakeholders and piloted alongside major fun runs, to support physical activity after cancer. The initiative addresses long-term survivorship needs, enhances wellbeing, and creates inclusive community participation pathways beyond hospital settings, promoting fitness, connection, and improved quality of life.
Proud to be able to say that Can Walk Can Run, co-designed, piloted and delivered by Dr Chris Swain (Victorian Cancer Agency Fellow, University of Melbourne), Melanie D’Souza and Catherine Ashley alongside cancer survivors, clinicians and community partners, has been named a finalist in the Social Value & Community Impact Award category at the 2025 AUSactive National Awards.
Co-design and Inclusivity at the Core
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Diverse stakeholder workshops shaped the programme’s values and delivery
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Low-cost, accessible model in public parks with easy transport links and minimal equipment
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Tailored activities offering walking-only and graduated exercise intensities
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Welcoming communication, e.g. “Thank your body for coming today,” to foster support
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Remote engagement via social-media groups and newsletters for those unable to attend in person
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Peer support encouraged by inviting friends and family to join
By embedding co-design and inclusion from day one, participants feel valued, empowered and connected, key ingredients for lasting engagement.
Awareness, Impact and Growth
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Social-media & radio campaigns drove sign-ups from diverse backgrounds
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Educational blogs & newsletters provided evidence-based insights on exercise benefits
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Media partnerships with Breast Cancer Network Australia and Mother’s Day Classic amplified our reach
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Leadership and aspiration; under Dr Swain’s guidance, the long-term goal is a sustainable hybrid model, expanding beyond breast-cancer cohorts, adding new sites and blending in-person with remote participation
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Future funding; pursuing support from the University of Melbourne and allied partners to refine, expand and rigorously evaluate the programme, backed by ongoing research and peer-reviewed publications
2025 Finalists: Social Value & Community Impact
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Can Walk Can Run (VIC)
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City of Melville LeisureFit (WA)
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Fall Prevention and Gentle Exercise Program (QLD)
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Healthy Cities Australia (NSW)
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Indigenous Marathon Foundation (ACT)
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Rainbow Roos AU
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SHARE (NSW)
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Strive Motion (NSW)
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Studio Drew (NSW)
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Thriving in Motion – Kids + Teens (WA)
By prioritising co-design, accessibility and evidence-based practice, Can Walk Can Run is setting new standards for community-centred exercise programmes, empowering survivors and strengthening social connection across Australia.
Authors & Acknowledgements
Christopher Swain, Marlena Klaic, Mel D’Souza, Catherine Ashley, Harriet Koorts, Melissa Moore, Rebecca Bergin, Brigid Lynch, Linda Denehy
Development of Can Walk Can Run: Iterative piloting for programme optimisation
Catherine Ashley