Walk for a Bloke Seeks New Leaders to Keep Men Talking
Community-based initiative Walk for a Bloke is calling on new leaders to help expand its grassroots movement across the country in 2026.
The walk encourages men to come together in their local communities to walk, talk, and check in with each other — a simple but powerful formula aimed at breaking down stigma around men’s mental health.
In 2025, more than 2,500 men took part in the 25km event, supported by over 150 volunteers across cities including Sydney, Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Hobart.The organisers say they are now seeking expressions of interest from individuals who can help host or support walks in their community — especially in new locations, and in Melbourne where growing numbers mean additional crew are needed.
While the event is designed to bring men together, walk leaders don’t need to be men themselves. Anyone with a passion for connection and community is encouraged to get involved. The call for support comes against the backdrop of an alarming statistic: seven of the nine suicides that occur each day in Australia are men.
Mental health advocates say small, grassroots events like Walk for a Bloke can play a vital role in suicide prevention by fostering open conversations and reducing isolation.“I saw this online and I thought it would be a great opportunity to get with my mates,” said one previous participant. “Have a walk in some open air. It really came to light when my dad came to me and said he was struggling."
The event is the centrepiece of the Spoke to a Bloke calendar and aims to raise awareness and funds for men’s mental health initiatives. Organisers provide a framework and support for local leaders, who take on responsibilities such as route planning, safety coordination and rallying support within their communities.
With plans to grow the walk’s reach globally in 2026, organisers say new leaders are key to ensuring the event continues to have a real and lasting impact. “It's a long walk but it's worth it,” said another volunteer.
Expressions of interest are now open for anyone keen to lead or support a walk in their local area.