Since being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2021, rugby league legend Royce Simmons has turned his personal battle into a mission to find a cure for dementia. In 2022, he launched the inaugural Royce’s Big Walk, trekking 300 kilometres from Gooloogong to Penrith and raising significant funds for dementia research and awareness.
What began as a single fundraising event quickly became an annual movement. Royce has since completed walks from Dubbo to Bathurst in 2023, continued the campaign in 2024 around Sydney, and walked from Penrith to Mudgee in 2025. Along the way, thousands of supporters, local communities, rugby league legends and business partners have rallied behind the cause.
Across the first four Big Walks, more than $2 million has been raised to support dementia research, awareness and support services. Now entering its fifth year in 2026, Royce’s Big Walk continues to inspire Australians to take meaningful steps towards a future without dementia.
The Royce Simmons Foundation is currently welcoming sponsorships, partnerships, and hosting events along the way. To request our partnership options, please email Peter Tracey at peter.tracey@bdo.com.au or call 0417 673 392.
Disclaimer:
Please expect the final dates and locations for this year's walk to be announced in July.
Day 1
Monday, August 24, 2026
Gilgandra to Eumungerie
Day 2
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Eumungerie to Brocklehurst
Day 3
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Brocklehurst to Obley
Day 4
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Obley
Day 5
Friday, August 28, 2026
Obley to Baldry
Day 6
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Baldry to Parkes
Day 7
Monday, August 31, 2026
Parkes
Day 8
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Parkes to Eugowra
Day 9
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Eugowra to Gooloogong
Day 10
Thursday, September 3, 2026
Gooloogong to Cowra
Day 11
Friday, September 4, 2026
Cowra
