Australians are being encouraged to prioritise their mental health when Walk to Work Day returns on Friday 27 March 2026, with a refreshed national focus on wellbeing and workplace fundraising.
Now in its 27th year, the initiative, championed by the Pedestrian Council of Australia, is supporting Black Dog Institute in 2026, shining a spotlight on the powerful mental health benefits of regular walking. The updated campaign reinforces that simple, everyday actions — like walking — can play a meaningful role in reducing stress, lifting mood and improving focus and connection at work.
Mental illness continues to have a significant impact on Australian workplaces, with costs estimated at more than $39 billion each year through lost productivity, absenteeism and staff turnover. Around one in five Australians experience a mental illness annually, yet many do not seek professional support. Research shows that walking for an hour a day can reduce the risk of major depression by up to 26 per cent, highlighting how accessible physical activity can support positive changes in brain health and overall wellbeing.
Walk to Work Day encourages Australians to build walking into their daily routine — not just on one day, but every day. Participants can walk all or part of their commute, get off public transport a few stops early, organise lunchtime walks, host “walking meetings”, or simply take regular movement breaks throughout the working day. Walking together as teams can strengthen workplace connection while reinforcing sustainable healthy habits.
As part of the refreshed campaign, individuals, teams and organisations are encouraged to register and fundraise in support of Black Dog Institute. Funds raised will help translate research into real-world clinical care, deliver evidence-based education programs and expand digital tools that support mental health nationwide.
WHAT: National Walk to Work Day supporting Black Dog Institute
WHEN: Friday 27 March 2026
WHERE: Workplaces across Australia
Encourage your workplace to get involved, register and fundraise at:
www.walk.com.au
Event Venue
Workplaces across Australia, Melbourne, Australia
