Queensland rugby league legend and Dementia Australia Ambassador Wally Lewis AM is urging the Gold Coast community to rally together for the 2025 Memory Walk & Jog, the organisation’s largest annual fundraising event.
“Queenslanders have always stuck together during the hard times, and it doesn’t get much harder than watching someone you love impacted by dementia,” Wally says.
“Memory Walk & Jog provides a day where family and friends can come together in a fun environment to promote good health and support each other, especially those living with dementia.”
Set to take place on Sunday, 1 June at Pratten Park, Broadbeach, this year’s event aims to raise awareness, promote brain health, and generate much-needed funds to support people living with dementia, their families, and carers.
“With dementia being the leading cause of death for women and the second leading cause for men in Australia, many Queensland families will unfortunately be touched by dementia in some way,” Wally continued.
“Raising awareness and providing support, not only for those living with dementia but for their family and friends, is essential. Memory Walk & Jog is a fantastic opportunity to do just that.”
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan highlighted the importance of community participation in helping to deliver crucial services and increasing awareness.
“There are more than 10,665 people living with dementia in the Gold Coast region,” Professor Buchanan says. “Not only does Memory Walk & Jog help raise vital funds, but it is an important opportunity to continue a national discussion about dementia and encourage people to stay active and socially connected—two key factors that can help reduce the risk of dementia.”
Dementia Australia hopes to achieve record-breaking participation numbers this year and raise more than $2 million nationwide to fund vital support, education, and services for those affected by dementia.
Participants can walk, run, volunteer, donate, or support the 2025 event in any way they can. Registrations are now open for the Gold Coast Memory Walk & Jog, as well as events across Australia. More details can be found at www.memorywalk.com.au/event/gold-coast.
