WalkWest 2025 – every step counts!

On Sunday, 23 February 2025, the Western Health community hit the track at Footscray Park for the Foundation’s flagship event, WalkWest. More than 600 people—families, local business owners, avid runners, Western Health staff, volunteers, corporate partners and a fair few four-legged companions—turned up for a day of fun, fitness, and fundraising.

This year, WalkWest was all about bringing robotic-assisted surgery to Western Health. This state-of-the-art technology means quicker recoveries, less pain, and better outcomes for patients.

Western Health CEO, Professor Russell Harrison, summed up the vibe, saying “WalkWest is fantastic – it brings our staff and community together for a great cause, and it gets you active on a Sunday morning!”

With 3km, 5km, and 10km walking and running routes, there was something for everyone. The 10km race winner, Solomon Melekote, clocked in at 36.16 and said, “I do WalkWest every year and bring more friends each time. It’s a great event, and they do a fantastic job.”

One international runner shared their reason for joining, “I’m doing WalkWest because I can run right now, but there are people waiting for that robot. I came all the way from Canada for this, and I’m proud to be part of it – thank you, Australia.”

After the race, participants grabbed a well-earned smoothie from the Bike n’ Blend tent, courtesy of our generous WalkWest Premium Partner Plenary Health. As participants waited, they shared what brought them to WalkWest—a young woman looking to get fit, a dad cheering on his daughters in the 5km race, and an older gentleman who called it “the best fun run in Melbourne – and in such beautiful surrounds!”

The WalkWest Village kept the energy high with table tennis, a photobooth, face painting, a jumping castle, live music, and food stalls.

One of the 30 volunteers helping to keep things running smoothly said, “It’s amazing to see so many smiles – there’s so much joy here today.”

Western Health staff got in on the action, with one participant saying, “we’re here to raise money for the hospital, and it’s a fantastic team-building activity – we’ll be back next year for sure!” Another, a surgeon who uses robotic-assisted surgery, added: “I see first-hand how this technology benefits patients, so I’m here to support the cause.”

In addition to the wonderful support of Premium Partner Plenary Health, we must shout-out our Major Event Partner, Fernwood Fitness, who led the much-loved warm-ups before each race. After the event, they shared on social media, “Team Fernwood had an amazing time at WalkWest! We are so proud to have walked, connected, and raised over $800 for the Western Health Foundation. Every step counts!”

Another valued supporter, Alison from Victoria University, highlighted their contribution: “We have our physiotherapy students here today, providing therapy to participants before and after the walk – it’s a fantastic learning experience for them and a way for us to give back to the community."

Thanks as well to our water sponsor Greater Western Water, and sponsors BankVic, Maxxia and Qube who participated on the day.

Together, we raised an incredible $151,074—a huge step toward securing robotic-assisted surgery at Western Health. Thank you to everyone who made it happen!

A big congratulations to Western Health’s Urology Team, this year’s top fundraising team with an outstanding $35,868! 🎉

10km run

Women’s top 3:
🥇 Gabriella Fitzpatrick – 47:27
🥈 Stacey Matthews – 48:16
🥉 Jennifer Alldis – 49:02

Men’s top 3:
🥇 Solomon Melekote – 36:16
🥈 Tim Chiu – 37:43
🥉 Gareth Symons – 41:07

5km run

Women’s top 3:
🥇 Aliya Hussen – 22:43
🥈 Iman Hussen – 25:05
🥉 Jane Doan – 28:33

Men’s top 3:
🥇 Tristen May – 21:47
🥈 Richard Grygiel – 22:10
🥉 Matthew Nikolic – 25:33

3km run

Women’s Top 3:
🥇 Jodie Knott – 11:36
🥈 Alison Whan – 11:57
🥉 Ella Dunstan – 13:47

Men’s top 3:
🥇 Imran Houli – 11:12
🥈 Dael Cook – 11:36
🥉 Nezor Houli – 17:40

And for a bit of fun…

🐶 Best WalkWest Dogs: Roxy, Mavis and Billy (pictured below)!