With only a few sleeps to go, walkers, joggers, runners and volunteers are getting ready for the 2026 Illawarra Memory Walk & Jog.
More than 530 people have already signed-up - but there’s always room for more. Online registrations are still open, and participants are welcome to turn up and register on the day.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said it was inspiring to see Illawarra locals unite to support Australians living with dementia, while also taking positive steps for their own brain health.
“We are thrilled to be back in Illawarra on Sunday 22 March for the 2026 Memory Walk & Jog. It is inspiring to see the Illawarra community come together to support the 446,500 Australians living with dementia, and 1.7 million family members, friends and carers who support them every day,” Professor Buchanan said.
“Memory Walk & Jog is a great way to help raise funds and awareness for one of Australia’s biggest public health, disability and aged care challenges.
“Whether you walk, jog, run or volunteer, your support helps Dementia Australia fund vital services, support, education and world-leading research.”
The Illawarra event is one of 14 Memory Walk & Jog events which will be held across Australia in 2026.
Participants can register as an individual or teams – in memory of a loved one, or in support of a loved one who is currently living with dementia.
Each event offers the opportunity for people impacted by dementia and their supporters to come together, connect, and walk or run at any fitness level, while raising money for a meaningful cause.
Sign-up to participate in Memory Walk & Jog or volunteer by visiting https://www.memorywalk.com.au/event/illawarra/home.
Can’t attend Memory Walk & Jog but want to be involved? Organise your own group or individual walk or jog, with a MyWay event. Choose your own date and location and register at www.memorywalk.com.au/get-involved/mw.
Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 446,500 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, [email protected], 0423 383 564
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.
