Dementia Australia’s largest annual fundraising event, Memory Walk & Jog, is heading back to Bendigo to help raise much-needed funds in support of people living with dementia, their families and carers.
This year walkers, runners and joggers will set off on Saturday 3 May at Bendigo Botanic Gardens, Bendigo to raise money, awareness and to get active for their brain health.
Dementia Australia Ambassador Takaya Honda laid down a challenge for the community of Bendigo calling on more people than ever to get involved in Memory Walk & Jog by either walking, running, volunteering, donating or supporting 2025 participants.
“The Victorian community should get involved in Memory Walk & Jog because dementia is a disease that touches so many lives—mine included,” Takaya said.
“My mother passed away from dementia in 2023, and I saw firsthand how devastating and isolating the disease can be, not only for the person living with it but also for their family.
“For those affected, Memory Walk & Jog is more than a fundraiser, it’s a place to connect with others who truly understand the journey. For me, it was comforting to share space with people who had walked similar paths, offering a sense of community in what can often feel like an isolating experience.
“When you join us, you’re helping to create hope, connection and change for families like mine. Your support means the world to so many of us.”
This year Dementia Australia hopes to have a record-breaking number of people sign up to participate across Australia, helping to raise more than $2 million to fund invaluable support, education and services for people living with dementia, their families and carers.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said that communities participating in Memory Walk & Jog play an integral role in helping to deliver services and increasing awareness of dementia.
“There are more than 2,330 people living with dementia in the Greater Bendigo region,” Professor Buchanan said.
“Not only does Memory Walk & Jog help raise vital funds but it is an important opportunity to continue a national discussion about dementia and for everyone to get active and socially connect– two key things we can do to help reduce our risk of dementia.”
Registrations are open now for the 2025 Memory Walk & Jog event in Bendigo and across Australia. More details can be found at www.memorywalk.com.au/event/bendigo.
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Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 421,000 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.6 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
Media contacts: Ash Blakemore, Senior Media and Communications Advisor, 0448 170 672, [email protected]
When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines.
Note to Editors:
Photos and video of previous Memory Walk & Jog events for publication are available for use.
We request, where possible, details for the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 appear alongside news stories about dementia, as these stories often prompt questions or concerns:
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.
