Dementia Australia’s biggest annual fundraiser returns to Ballarat to raise much-needed funds to support people living with dementia, their families and carers.
On Saturday 2 May 2026, walkers, runners and joggers will set off from Lake Wendouree Gardens, Ballarat to raise money, boost awareness and to get active for brain health.
Dementia Australia CEO Tanya Buchanan said the Ballarat 2026 Memory Walk & Jog is more important than ever with dementia now the leading cause of death for Australians.[1]
“Memory Walk & Jog is more than a fundraiser,” Professor Buchanan said.
“In 2025, an estimated 433,300 Australians are living with dementia, including more than 2,185 in
Ballarat.
“Without a significant intervention, the number of Australians living with dementia is expected to exceed one million by 2065.[2]
“Each Memory Walk & Jog event helps raise awareness and funds, but also encourages people to get active and socially connect – two simple, evidence-based things we can all do to help reduce our risk of developing dementia.”
This year, Dementia Australia aims to break participation records for Memory Walk & Jog and raise more than $2.5 million to help fund essential support, education and services for people living with dementia, their families and carers.
Anyone can get involved, whether it is through running, walking, volunteering or donating to a participant you would like to support.
Registrations are open now for the 2026 Memory Walk & Jog event in Ballarat and across Australia. More details can be found at www.memorywalk.com.au/event/ballarat
Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 433,000 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.7 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: Teresa Cong, Senior Media & Communications Advisor 0423 383 564 [email protected]
Molly Bryan, Senior Media & Communications Advisor 02 8875 4624 [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.
