Olivia’s Walk for Wellness 2026 - virtual challenge

Cause

Olivia’s Walk for Wellness supports whole-person cancer care at Austin Health’s Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre. A cancer diagnosis can affect much more than physical health. It can create emotional, social and practical challenges for patients and the people close to them. The ONJ Centre combines medical treatment and research with clinically informed, evidence-based wellness therapies designed to help people throughout treatment and recovery.

Money raised through the challenge helps keep these wellness services free and accessible for patients. The programs can include exercise physiology, psychology, oncology massage and support groups, all working alongside medical treatment. Community fundraising also helps the centre expand access as demand grows, evaluate existing services and develop new approaches that respond to the changing needs of people living with cancer. By registering, walking and fundraising, participants help ensure more people feel supported, resilient and connected during a life-changing experience.

What to Expect

This virtual challenge allows you to take part from anywhere in the world and complete your walk in your own time. There is no set course, fixed distance or required location. You might walk along a beach, explore city streets, follow a local trail, visit a park or simply move around your neighbourhood. You can choose an activity that feels meaningful and achievable for you, then complete it any time from 11 June to 31 October 2026.

Walk on your own with a favourite playlist, invite friends and family to join you, or organise a local activity with colleagues or a community group. Because the virtual format is flexible, people of different ages, abilities and locations can participate at their own pace. Wherever and however you walk, you will be part of a global community moving together to improve cancer care and honour people affected by cancer.

How to Participate

1. Register for the free virtual challenge through the official Olivia’s Walk for Wellness registration page.
2. Create and personalise your fundraising page so friends, relatives and colleagues understand why you are taking part.
3. Choose when, where and how you would like to walk before 31 October 2026. There is no compulsory distance, so you can set a goal that suits you.
4. Invite others to walk with you or share your fundraising page with your network. A workplace team, family outing or solo walk can all make a valuable contribution.
5. Complete your chosen walk and celebrate knowing that your steps and fundraising are helping people living with cancer access whole-person support.

Participants can walk anywhere in Australia or overseas. Consider planning a safe, accessible route, checking local conditions and carrying water and sun protection where appropriate. If you are walking with children, a group or someone with limited mobility, select a route and pace that allow everyone to participate comfortably.

Cost

Virtual registration is completely free. You still need to register through the official event website so the organisers know that you are taking part and can connect your participation with the wider campaign. There is no mandatory ticket fee for virtual walkers. Fundraising is encouraged because donations directly support free wellness therapies and the continued development of cancer wellness care at the ONJ Centre.

Milestone Rewards

Every registered virtual fundraiser who raises at least $300 AUD will receive a commemorative Olivia’s Walk for Wellness medal. The medal will be mailed after the event as a thank-you for supporting patients and helping move cancer care forward. Participants should ensure their registration and mailing details are accurate and that eligible donations are recorded through their official fundraising page.

The greatest reward is the collective impact created by people walking and fundraising across different communities. Whether your chosen walk is short or long, social or solo, every step can start a conversation about cancer wellness and help sustain care that addresses the physical, emotional and practical needs of patients. Register for free, choose your walk and complete it by 31 October 2026.