Local walkers step up for type 1 diabetes campaign

VICTORIANS are being invited to take part in a global fundraising campaign supporting Breakthrough T1D, a leading international organisation backing type 1 diabetes research.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a lifelong autoimmune condition affecting more than 145,000 Australians of all ages and backgrounds.

Participants in the campaign raise money in honour of someone living with T1D before coming together at in-person “One Walk” events held around the country.

In central Victoria, the Bendigo walk will be held at Lake Weeroona on Sunday 15 March, followed by Ballarat’s event at Federation University on Sunday 22 March. Funds raised will contribute to Breakthrough T1D’s 2026 national target of $1.1 million.

Each year, One Walk brings together close to one million people worldwide, with Bendigo and Ballarat among more than 40 free events taking place across Australia throughout March.

The money raised supports research in areas ranging from early detection to helping the body produce its own insulin again – widely regarded as the holy grail of diabetes research.

Breakthrough T1D Australia national manager of community fundraising Tamara Aitchison said type 1 diabetes was a “24/7 condition that doesn’t stop for anything or anyone”.

“Breakthrough T1D wants to change that,” she said.

“We’re committed to creating a world without this condition by funding the best and brightest researchers to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs that improve lives and ultimately lead to a cure.

“One Walk has been helping make these breakthroughs possible for many years, and it’s also a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, connect, feel supported and, importantly, have fun.”

To register, or find a One Walk event near you, visit walk.breakthrought1d.org.au