The Newcastle community collectively took a major step forward in the continuing battle against dementia by easily surpassing its target of $120,000.
The 2026 Newcastle Memory Walk & Jog raised $120,585 on Sunday for Dementia Australia as 894 participants in 59 teams braved the early chilly conditions at Stockton's Griffith Park.
The Memory Walk & Jog brought together friends and families of all ages, and even a few pooches, for the 2.5-kilometre walk, 5km walk/jog, or the 9.5km timed run.
Stu Bryan was the biggest individual fundraiser in Newcastle, contributing $4662, and said he walked for his father Peter and the 433,300 Australians living with dementia.
Mr Bryan was also part of the leading team, In Memory of Pete, which raised $14,198, more than double the next-best group.
Other notable fundraisers were Georgia Delahunty ($4089) and David Hardaker ($3870).
Dementia Australia CEO Tanya Buchanan said dementia was the leading cause of death in Australia and the Memory Walk was much more than a fundraiser.
"In 2025, an estimated 446,500 Australians are living with dementia, including more than 3,004 in the Newcastle region," Ms Buchanan said.
"Without a significant intervention, the number of Australians living with dementia is expected to exceed one million by 2065.
"Each Memory Walk & Jog event helps raise awareness and funds but also encourages people to get active and socially connect - two simple, evidence-based things we can all do to help reduce our risk of developing dementia."
