With only a few sleeps to go, walkers, joggers, runners and volunteers are getting ready for the 2026 Geelong Memory Walk & Jog.
More than 650 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 Geelong 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 Geelong on Sunday 3 May for the 2026 Memory Walk & Jog, Professor Buchanan said.
“It is inspiring to see the Geelong 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.
“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.”
Geelong local, Michael Stevenson, will be participating this weekend in memory of his mum, who was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and passed away last year.
“Since Mum’s diagnosis in 2022, we’ve taken part in the Geelong Memory Walk & Jog each year,” Michael said
“It usually falls around Mum’s birthday, so it’s become a meaningful way to honour her and everything she went through. We didn’t realise the 2024 walk would be the last one she could participate in,; that’s something I’ll never forget.
“There’s a powerful sense of shared humanity when people come together for an important cause. , Whether dementia has touched your life directly or not, it’s a really special community event to be part of.
“I’m looking forward to being surrounded by people who understand the impact of dementia. Running was a big outlet for me while supporting Mum, so I’m also looking forward to the run itself!”
The Geelong 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/geelong
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: Molly Bryan Senior Media & Communications Advisor, [email protected] 0457 851 765
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.
