Australian Relief Organisation (ARO), in partnership with Advocates for Dignity (AFD), will host the annual Walk & Ride for Water event on Sunday 1 November 2026, inviting families, groups and individuals across Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide to lace up their shoes or hop on their bikes for a cause that runs deeper than fitness.
The community fundraiser aims to build sustainable water wells across Africa and Asia, while also funding a clean water project for a regional school in Australia. Millions of children in developing countries walk up to six kilometres a day just to collect water that is often unsafe to drink, a daily burden that keeps them out of classrooms.
ARO has already built more than 260 water wells worldwide, giving thousands of children and families access to safe water. This year’s event will push that number higher while extending the mission closer to home. “Access to safe water shouldn’t depend on where you live,”
Participants can choose from a 5km walk or rides of 10km, 55km or 70km, depending on the city. Beyond the physical challenge, the day will be “a family-friendly day of purpose, learning, and joy.”
The event is designed to bring families and children together to understand the reality faced by those who struggle daily for clean water, while still enjoying meaningful time outdoors as a community.
After the walks and rides, children will take part in interactive awareness activities, including a “Water Bucket Challenge,” where they carry small buckets of water to experience, in a small way, what children in need go through every day.
Refreshments and social time will follow, giving participants a chance to relax, share stories, and connect with fellow supporters before heading home.
Getting involved is straightforward. Participants register individually or as a team, then set up a fundraising page with ARO’s support before sharing it with friends, family and workplaces.
Supporters can then join in person on the day, or take part virtually from anywhere. Every registered participant receives a digital certificate, and top fundraisers go into the running to win prizes.
The event is being organised in partnership with Advocates for Dignity (AFD), whose collaboration with ARO underpins the coordination of the day across all four cities.
Local businesses and schools have also thrown their support behind the event as sponsors, including Amity College, Sirius College, Fountain College, Pinnacle College, Galaxy Foundation and Selimiye Foundation.
Businesses interested in sponsoring a water well outright, or contributing in-kind support, are encouraged to contact ARO directly to discuss opportunities.
For a community still feeling the effects of global water scarcity, and for a regional Australian school now set to benefit as well, ARO’s Walk & Ride for Water offers a simple message: that a few kilometres on foot or on two wheels can help carry clean water to those who need it most.
Registration for Walk & Ride for Water is open.
For more information and to register, visit aro.org.au/walk-and-ride.
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