Earlier this month, mayor Alex Makin, on behalf of the council, accepted the 2009 Walktober highest level of community engagement (Melbourne metropolitan council) award at a ceremony held at the Department of Transport.

Walktober challenges all councils, community groups and organisations to set the pace by being the local council area with the most walking events registered with Walktober.

Last year, more than 600 events, 70 organisations and 69 local councils were involved in the challenge.

Maroondah's 55 registered walks during October won the community the inaugural award.

Details: www.maroondah.vic.gov.au