What’s happening?
Primary school-aged children across Australia will take part in National Walk Safely to School Day on 22 May 2026.
The national event is led by the Pedestrian Council of Australia.
It promotes walking and active travel to and from school.
It also supports road safety, cleaner air, reduced car use and better health.
In Mackay, two schools have already signed up.
Gargett State School will meet at the local store before walking to school.
Students will then have a hot breakfast on arrival.
Fitzgerald State School will meet at the Touch fields and walk together as a school.
More Mackay schools are being encouraged to take part.
Why it matters?
The day is about building safe, healthy habits early.
It encourages children to walk more before, during and after school.
It also reminds parents and carers to reduce school-zone congestion where possible.
Research shows children who are active before school are more focused and productive.
They also perform better in the classroom.
Pedestrian Council CEO Harold Scruby said walking supports children’s confidence, wellbeing and safety.
“Walking every day builds confidence, improves concentration and establishes healthy habits for life while making our roads safer and our air cleaner for everyone,” he said.
Local Impact
For Mackay families, the day offers a simple way to talk about road safety.
It also gives children a chance to add more movement to their school day.
Gargett State School and Fitzgerald State School are already planning group walks.
Their plans may also encourage more local schools and P&Cs to get involved.
These school-led walks can help children practise safer road habits with adults nearby.
Mr Scruby said adult supervision remains important for younger children.
“Until they are 10, children must always hold the hand of an adult when crossing the road,” Mr Scruby said.
By the numbers
- National Walk Safely to School Day is now in its 27th year, showing long-running national support for active school travel.
- Childhood obesity remains a serious concern, with 1 in 4 children across Australia affected.
- Schools can win one of 28 x $250 Woolworths food vouchers by registering for publicity and sharing their local stories.
Zoom In
Schools and P&Cs are being encouraged to Host a Healthy Breakfast on the day.
The breakfast idea adds a social and practical reason for students to walk together.
It also gives schools a chance to share their local stories.
Mr Scruby said the health message remains urgent.
“The extremely concerning childhood obesity epidemic continues to affect 1 in 4 children across Australia,” he said.
He said regular activity can help make a difference for many families.
“Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Walking is the simplest way to achieve this – before school, during the day and afterwards,” he said.
Zoom Out
The national campaign links school travel with wider community benefits.
It promotes less car dependency and better use of public transport.
It also supports cleaner air around schools and safer streets for children.
For parents, teachers and carers, the message is practical.
A short walk can become part of a child’s daily routine.
What To Look For Next?
More Mackay schools may join Gargett State School and Fitzgerald State School before Friday 22 May.
Schools and P&Cs can also register their Healthy Breakfast plans.
That will give them a chance to share their local stories and be considered for Woolworths food vouchers.
