Despite threatening skies, the Hunter community turned out in force at the weekend to raise $82,000 for people impacted by dementia.
The annual Memory Walk & Jog (MW&J) attracted more than 680 people to Speers Point Park on Sunday 23 March as rain hovered to put a dampener on the event.
Those participants then walked, ran or jogged to support a great cause.
In excess of 433,300 Australians live with dementia, with over 1.7 million people involved in their care.
So, any funds raised are truly welcomed.

Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan extended her gratitude to all who took part, spread the word and donated.
“There was an outstanding show of support from the Hunter community… again,” she said.
“It was great to see everyone backing Dementia Australia by raising funds and awareness of dementia as well as moving for their brain health, which research shows can help reduce our risk of dementia.”
Professor Buchanan also acknowledged those who volunteered at the Hunter Memory Walk & Jog.
“It is only through the hard work of our wonderful volunteers that the success of this event is possible,” she said.

The Lake Macquarie MW&J was one of 28, which took place across Australia in 2025.
“Each event offers a wonderful opportunity for people impacted by dementia and their supporters to come together, walk or run, at any fitness level, and to raise money and share stories,” Professor Buchanan said.
“But, you can 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.”
- If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, phone the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.
For more community stories:
- Emma’s Warriors chips in to make Sleapy’s PICU project a reality
- Empowering Women’s Health at Peak Physio
- Newcastle library opens new ‘zine’ collection
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.




