September 28th, 2026Australians to take steps in support of families with premature babies – helping to raise funds and awareness through annual walk

The annual Walk for Prems will be held in nine locations across Australia during the month of October to raise vital funds and awareness for the 48,000 babies born premature or sick in Australia each year.

Now in its 17th year, Walk for Prems is the largest fundraiser for the Life’s Little Treasures Foundation – Australia’s foremost charity dedicated to supporting the families of babies born sick or before 37 weeks gestation – and is proudly presented by Baby Bunting.

This year, the event is being held in Perth, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Shepparton, Bendigo, Ballarat and Melbourne.  A virtual walk option is also available, offering registrants the freedom and flexibility to participate, regardless of their location.

Over the past sixteen years, Walk for Prems has raised $5.7 million, without any significant funding from the government, and this year Life’s Little Treasures Foundation hopes to raise $600,000 for families in need.

Australia has 24 level three neonatal intensive care units (the highest level of care) and more than 100 special care nurseries which are used by the approximately 40,000 premature and sick babies needing care.

“Each year, 1 in 7 newborn babies require life-saving care in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or Special Care Nursery, and as the cost-of-living increases, it is growing substantially more difficult for parents to tackle the heavy financial demands of having a baby in a neonatal unit,” CEO of Life’s Little Treasures Foundation, Felicia Welstead said.

“Walking for Prems will allow parents of premature babies to receive vital support to relieve both the financial and emotional pressures of caring for a premature or sick baby.  Funds will go towards providing families with educational resources and practical support through items such as fuel, accommodation, and food vouchers. Parents are also offered emotional support through our in-hospital morning tea sessions and online support groups.”

“Even as little as $10 goes a long way, enabling us to provide a family with a set of tailored milestone cards to help them celebrate the special moments ,” said Felicia.

Walk for Prems provides an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for all ages and brings together families of sick and premature babies (both past and present) as well as those who feel strongly for this worthwhile cause.

“We’re very excited to celebrate 17 years of this truly supportive community event throughout October. We welcome attendees of all backgrounds to join in on the range of entertainment on the day,” says Ms. Welstead.

Funds raised from the annual Walk for Prems can go a long way

• $25 –will provide educational resources and tip sheets tailored to parents and extended family.
• $40 –will provide parents with a Little Treasures Welcome Pack brimming with products suitable for welcoming a premature or sick baby
• $100 –will provide families with a voucher to cover petrol, groceries or accommodation while their baby is in neonatal care
• $250 –will provide 2 weeks of emotional support via an online support group.
• $500 –will provide catering for 5 peer support parent groups
• $1000 –will provide 300 copies of our ‘My Colourful Journey’ booklet supporting siblings.
• $5000 – will provide a part-time staff member to run our NICU Connections playgroup events for 12 months.
• $10,000 –will provide a part-time staff member to run our NICU Connections in-hospital events for 12 months.

HOW TO REGISTER: People can register themselves, a team or sponsor a friend at www.walkforprems.org.au.

Each registrant receives a race bib and a 2026 Walk Medal. Merchandise such as T-shirts, branded shoelaces and drink bottles will be available for purchase online and on the day.

DONATE: If you’d like to make a donation to Life’s Little Treasures Foundation, visit www.walkforprems.org.au. All donations $2 or more are tax deductible.

EVENT DETAILS

• 9:00 am – Event Opens
• 9:45 am – Official speeches and Remembrance ceremony
• 10:30 am – Walk for Prems lap begins
• 11:15 am – Post walk entertainment begins
• 1:30 pm – Event concludes

LOCATIONS

• Shepparton – Saturday 3 October – Victoria Park Lake, Shepparton
• Perth – Sunday 4 October – Burswood Park, Perth
• Bendigo – Sunday 4 October – Lake Weeroona, Bendigo
• Sydney – Sunday 11 October – Haliday Park, Five Dock
• Ballarat – Sunday 11 October – Lake Wendouree, Ballarat
• Adelaide – Sunday 18 October – Point Malcolm Reserve, Semaphone Park
• Brisbane – Sunday 18 October – Decker Park, Brighton
• Canberra – Saturday 24 October – Black Mountain Peninsula, Canberra
• Melbourne – Sunday 25 October – Palm Lawns, Albert Park Lake

Note: Brisbane event timings are one-hour earlier than noted above

HOW LIFE’S LITTLE TREASURES FOUNDATION HELPS FAMILIES:

In 2024/2025, Life’s Little Treasures Foundation:

• Distributed 6,887 Hospital Milestone Gifts
• Distributed 2,951 NICU & SCN guidebooks
• R Distributed 1194 Little Treasures Welcome Packs and 1020 ‘Little Bag of Calm’ to parents
• Hosted 49 weekly virtual ‘NICU Connections’ events facilitated by trained peer support staff; and
• Delivered 46 weekly NICU Connections events to parents and carers in hospitals around the country.

By registering for Walk for Prems 2026 or donating, participants will be assisting Life’s Little Treasures Foundation in continuing to provide essential products and services to families in need in 2026/2027.

THE WALK FOR PREMS THANKS ITS EVENT PARTNERS:

• Presenting Partner: Baby Bunting
• Major Sponsors: Britax, Furphy, Aspire Early Education and Kindergarten, Comfy Koalas
• Sponsors: Thread The Word, Genesis Health and Fitness, Can Print Communications
• Friends: Haakaa, Earlybirds