TAKE A SEAT: IT’S TIME TO GET SIT DONE FOR MUSCULOSKELETAL HEALTH

Media Release September 2026

• Musculoskeletal Health Australia will host the third annual ‘World’s Biggest Sit in’, raising awareness and vital funds for the 7.3 million Aussies living with musculoskeletal conditions[1]
• The 30-minute chair-based movement event will be led by WBSI ambassadors AFLW player and physiotherapist Libby Birch, chef and health and wellness expert Luke Hines and community pharmacist Gerald Quigley

Melbourne, Australia – September 2026: Australians are being encouraged to pull up a chair and get moving this October, as Musculoskeletal Health Australia brings back The World’s Biggest Sit (WBSI) In for its third year.

More than 7.3 million Australians live with at least one of over 150 musculoskeletal conditions[2], including arthritis, osteoporosis, back pain and fibromyalgia. These conditions can have a significant impact on everyday life, affecting everything from work and sleep to exercise, social connection and independence. Yet musculoskeletal health can be easy to overlook until pain, or reduced mobility gets in the way.

To put movement – and musculoskeletal health – firmly on the national agenda, Musculoskeletal Health Australia (MHA), proudly supported by Peninsula Hot Springs, Mounties Care, Glen Eira City Council and the City of Gold Coast, will host its third annual World’s Biggest Sit In on Monday, 12 October.

Led by WBSI Ambassadors AFLW player and physiotherapist Libby Birch, chef and health and wellness expert Luke Hines, and community pharmacist Gerald Quigley, the event centres on a fun, accessible 30-minute chair-based exercise class designed to encourage Australians to prioritise movement and improve their musculoskeletal health.

Musculoskeletal Health Australia CEO Helen Jentz said the event was designed to bring greater visibility to conditions that can affect almost every part of a person’s life.

“Musculoskeletal conditions may not always be visible, and they affect people across all ages, genders and socioeconomic backgrounds. Their impact can be profound – affecting people’s ability to work, care for their families, participate in their communities and remain independent,” Jentz said.

“The World’s Biggest Sit In shows that looking after our musculoskeletal health doesn’t have to start with a gym membership or an intensive workout. Movement can start with a chair, 30 minutes and a decision to make your health a priority – ideally before pain begins.”

Chair-based exercise offers an approachable way for people to introduce movement into their day. Seated movements can help build strength, support joint mobility, improve balance and maintain confidence in moving, while being adaptable for different ages, fitness levels and physical abilities.

Drawing on her experience as both an elite athlete and physiotherapist, Libby Birch said strength and movement should be seen as foundations for long-term health, rather than something reserved for athletes.

“Musculoskeletal health is something we can all take steps to support every day, regardless of our age, ability or current fitness level,” Birch said.

“Too often, people don’t think about their musculoskeletal health until pain starts affecting their work, exercise, sleep or everyday activities. But movement doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. Starting with small, achievable changes can help people build confidence and create habits that support how they move and feel over the long term.”

The World’s Biggest Sit In will take place from 10:30am-11:00am AEDT at the Broadbeach Cultural Centre Auditorium on the Gold Coast, with the event also livestreamed via Zoom so Australians can join from their homes, workplaces and community groups around the country.

Participants can make it a team effort by getting colleagues, friends or community groups involved, while those unable to attend can still take a seat for the cause by securing a virtual fundraising seat from $20.

Funds raised through The World’s Biggest Sit In will support MHA’s work providing free, evidence-based services, information and support to Australians affected by musculoskeletal conditions.

Register to attend on the Gold Coast or Caulfield in Melbourne, join the event online, register a workplace or community team, or secure a seat go to our virtual stadium and register at www.wbsi.org.au.

ENDS

For further information:

DEC PR | muscha@decpr.com.au

Event details:

Date: Monday, October 12, 2026
Time: 10.30am AEDT / 9.30am AEST / 10.00am ACDT / 7.30am AWST / 9.00am ACST
Location: Broadbeach Cultural Centre Auditorium, 61 Sunshine Blvd., Mermaid Waters, Queensland OR Caulfield Park Pavilion, 280 Balaclava Rd, Caulfield North, Victoria
Online: Livestreamed via Zoom across Australia
Registration: www.wbsi.org.au

About Musculoskeletal Health Australia (MHA):

Musculoskeletal Health Australia (MHA) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the musculoskeletal health of all Australians. MHA delivers evidence-based, free services and support, including its National 1800 Helpline, staffed by health care professionals, across Australia, helping people make their musculoskeletal health a number one priority. Through consumer empowerment, education and advocacy, MHA helps people build health literacy, increase understanding and awareness of musculoskeletal conditions, and access trusted, evidence-based information that allows them to be in charge and better manage their overall health and

[1] https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/musculoskeletal-conditions/contents/summary

[2] https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/musculoskeletal-conditions/contents/summary