Locals are invited to get physical next month as the Moree Muscle Muster returns. The challenge encourages businesses to bring their employees together in teams of three or more in an effort to walk the highest average number of steps throughout the month of September.

"There's so many great benefits for physical and mental health," HealthWISE dietitian Sammy Humphries said.

"Every individual can get something out of it."

HealthWISE has joined forces with the Hunter New England Health district to bring the muster back to town in an effort to encourage residents to take the lead with their health. Several organisations have already registered their interest for this year's event, keen to steal the title from last year's winners, Moree Public School.

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A chance to take locals' minds off the drought and its struggles, Sammy said the opportunity to work as part of a team and banter with other businesses in a friendly, competitive environment makes exercise more fun for everyone.

Based on team averages, it is a truly collaborative competition.

"If you did 10,000 steps and I did 0 steps, our average would be 5000 steps - so you've really got to work as a team," she said. With support from several local businesses, minor prizes will be up for grabs all month.

A Facebook page will run throughout the competition to allow teams to connect with one another and share their best exercise and health tips.

"We'll be giving people ideas of ways to increase their steps," Sammy said, noting that simple changes such as walking to see a colleague instead of calling them, can make a difference in deskbound office environments.

To indicate your interest in the Moree Muscle Muster, join the mailing list by emailing amy.sampson@healthwise.org.au or sally.lavery@health.nsw.gov.au and quoting 'MMM2019'.