Thousands gathered at Alexandra Gardens on Sunday morning for the final edition of Olivia’s Walk for Wellness, an event dedicated to supporting individuals affected by cancer. More than 3,500 participants took part in the community walk, which offered 2-kilometer and 5-kilometer routes winding through the Royal Botanical Gardens in Melbourne.
The event, founded in 2013 to honor the legacy of Australian actress and singer Dame Olivia Newton-John, drew family members including her daughter Chloe Lattanzi, her widower John Easterling, and niece Tottie Goldsmith. Attendees wore vibrant athletic gear, with some embracing retro 1980s-style tracksuits to mark the occasion.
Speaking at the event, Lattanzi described the final walk as a meaningful tribute to her mother’s philosophy on cancer care. She emphasized Newton-John’s holistic approach, noting that her mother believed treatment should address the whole person, not just the disease.
Lattanzi also highlighted the ongoing fundraising efforts supporting cancer care initiatives linked to the event, with organizers approaching a $1.2 million target. She encouraged continued donations through the month of October to sustain the programs inspired by Newton-John’s vision.
Olivia’s Walk for Wellness has served as both a memorial and a community gathering, fostering hope and connection among participants while promoting wellness for those living with cancer. Sunday's gathering marked the conclusion of a decade-long tradition that has become a staple in Melbourne’s cancer support landscape.
