Australians are being encouraged to lace up their walking shoes for Walk to Function Day on Friday, March 27, 2026, with the annual event this year focused on raising funds for mental health initiatives through the Black Dog Institute.
The Pedestrian Council of Australia, the driving force behind Walk to Work Day, has partnered with the Black Dog Institute to highlight the link between physical activity and improved mental wellbeing. The campaign aims to encourage individuals, workplaces, and communities to incorporate walking into their daily routines, although simultaneously supporting vital mental health research, and services.
According to the Black Dog Institute, mental illness carries a significant economic burden, costing Australian businesses over $39 billion annually due to lost productivity, absenteeism, and staff turnover. Despite this, almost half of those experiencing mental illness do not seek professional help.
“Engaging in exercise has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of depression, including major depressive disorder, with studies finding that walking for an hour a day can reduce the risk of major depression by up to 26 per cent,” said Laura Edwards, Fundraising Director at the Black Dog Institute. “Exercise promotes positive changes in the brain, including neural growth, reduced inflammation and new activity patterns that support calm, focus and overall wellbeing.”
The campaign is not simply about the physical act of walking, but also about fostering mentally healthy work environments. Edwards emphasized the role workplaces can play, stating that initiatives like Walk to Work Day are “a simple and cost-effective way for organisations to prioritise wellbeing while supporting positive, sustainable habits with their employees.” She added that such initiatives can lead to a happier workplace and “significant savings to your bottom line.”
Harold Scruby, CEO of the Pedestrian Council of Australia, echoed this sentiment, noting the natural synergy between the campaign’s goals and the Black Dog Institute’s mission. “Given the benefits a simple walk can have on mental health issues like anxiety, depression and stress – we hope this simple reminder will go a long way in getting Australia’s working population to walk more, not just on Walk to Work Day, but every day,” he said.
Participants are encouraged to integrate walking into their commutes by parking further from their workplaces, disembarking public transport a stop or two early, or utilizing lunch breaks for walks. Workplace teams are also encouraged to form walking groups, introduce walking meetings, and set personal or team step challenges. Fundraising efforts will directly benefit the Black Dog Institute’s work in developing and delivering mental health treatment, education, and digital services.
Now in its 27th year, Walk to Work Day aims to promote walking as an accessible and beneficial activity for all Australians. Further information on how to participate and fundraise can be found at www.walk.com.au.
