Memory Walk to step out again in April

Locals are getting ready for the return of the Geelong Memory Walk & Jog in 2022, which will be held at Barwon Valley Park on April 3.

This year, events will be hosted in Ballarat and Bendigo on the same weekend as the Geelong event, so Dementia Australia is encouraging people in all three regional Victorian cities to join in the fun and see which city can get together, get active and raise the most funds.

Dementia Australia chief executive officer Maree McCabe said Dementia Australia was excited to see the Memory Walk & Jog event return to Geelong in 2022.

“The Memory Walk & Jog series is Dementia Australia’s biggest fundraising initiative, and helps the organisation provide invaluable support, education and resources for people living with dementia in Australia, their carers, families and friends,” Ms McCabe said.

“It has been my pleasure to take part in many Memory Walk & Jog events across Australia over the years, and I attest to how enjoyable and rewarding they are. They really do offer fun for all the family.

“These events are so important, not just from a fundraising perspective, but also because they are opportunities for people impacted by dementia to gather, to get active and to share stories with people in similar circumstances.

“Together, we can make the world look brighter for people with dementia. Let’s show them they are not alone.”

In 2022, there are an estimated 124,700 people living with dementia in Victoria.

Without a medical breakthrough, the number of people living with dementia is expected to increase to an estimated 301,000 people by 2058.

Events like Memory Walk & Jog play an important role not only in funding support, but also in raising awareness of dementia.

There are 19 Memory Walk & Jog events planned across Australia in 2022, which represents the series’ largest event program to date.

Each event offers fun for people of all ages and abilities. The course is family-friendly, and suitable for all levels of fitness.

Each event is designed for people of all ages and abilities to select whether they take part in a 2.5km, 5km or timed 9km course.

Participate as an individual, get a team together, or even come in fancy dress.

The safety and wellbeing of Memory Walk & Jog participants, volunteers and staff is Dementia Australia’s top priority at these events.

The team is constantly monitoring the evolving situation with COVID-19, and remains in communication with the relevant federal, state and local authorities.

A COVIDSafe plan has been tailored for each event and will be adapted as needed.

Register for the Geelong Memory Walk & Jog event now, or find out about the other events planned across Australia at the Memory Walk website.

If you can’t attend one of the planned events in the series, why not consider organising your own group or individual walk or jog, with a My Way or Walk & Jog Impossible Challenge?

For support, phone the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 from 8am-8pm, Monday to Friday. An interpreter service is available.

People looking for information about dementia and can also head to the Dementia Australia website.