Ita Buttrose celebrates Memory Walk & Jog’s biggest season ever in 2024

Dementia Australia Patron Ita Buttrose AC OBE encourages all Australians to show their support for people living with dementia by taking part in Memory Walk & Jog events in 2024.

Ms Buttrose said she is excited to see Dementia Australia’s largest fundraising initiative set to return with its biggest ever season of events.

“Memory Walk & Jog started as one single event but has now grown to many events across Australia,” Ms Buttrose said.

“Each Memory Walk & Jog is powerful and inspirational, offering a wonderful opportunity for people to gather in shared experience and to come away knowing we are in this together.

“I have loved attending many Memory Walk & Jogs over the years. It is always one of my favourite events of the year that I support in my role as a Dementia Australia Patron.

“I appreciate everyone who registers and participates to raise vital funds to support people living with dementia, their families and carers.”

Memory Walk & Jog raises much-needed funds to support the work of Dementia Australia in providing invaluable services, education, resources and more to Australians impacted by dementia.

In 2024 Dementia Australia will host Memory Walk & Jog events in five new locations – Dubbo, Bowral, Lorne, Forster and Redcliffe. These new locations will bring the total number of events in the series to 22 events, the largest series ever (for a full list of all 2024 Memory Walk & Jog locations and dates please refer to the end of this release).

Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM said through the 2024 Memory Walk & Jog series, Dementia Australia is aiming to raise over $2 million and to attract more than 12,000 participants from across the country.

“Each event is designed for people of all ages and abilities to walk, jog or run and to select from a variety of distances,” Ms McCabe said.

“Currently there are more than 400,000 people of all ages living with dementia in Australia.

“Without a medical breakthrough, the number of people living with dementia is expected to increase to more than 800,000 by 2058. Events like Memory Walk & Jog play an important role in funding much-needed support for Australians impacted by dementia.

“There really is something for everyone at Memory Walk & Jog, and I invite you to come along, have fun and help us fulfill our vision of an inclusive future where all people impacted by dementia receive the care and support they choose.”

Registrations are open now for 2024 Memory Walk & Jog events across Australia which start as early as February. More details can be found at www.memorywalk.com.au.

2024 Memory Walk & Jog locations and dates

Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 400,000 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.5 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.

For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au

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Media contacts: Ash Blakemore, Senior Media & Communications Advisor, 0448 170 672, ash.blakemore@dementia.org.au. Andrea Hogan, Media and Communications Manager, 0406 904 118, andrea.hogan@dementia.org.au

When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines.

Note to Editors:

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If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.