Deputy Head of College News
Ms Danielle Greig - Deputy Head of College (Acting)
This year’s Walkathon is scheduled for Sunday 9 August 2026 and is a proud long-standing Marist tradition which continues to be our largest Marist Family event of the year. Supporting this event, we are proudly partnering with our neighbours, the Australian Defence Force and Gallipoli Barracks.
In keeping with College tradition, the Walkathon is set to raise funds for the Marist College Ashgrove Parents and Friends Association who will use the funds to support the College to enhance facilities and improve the educational journey for all Marist College Ashgrove students, now and into the future. In recent years funds have contributed to upgrades to the Flats fields, fans in the Champagnat Centre mezzanine, the purchase of the College Coffee Van, upgrades to the Music Centre and upgrades to playground basketball facilities and upcoming upgrades to Cameron Oval change rooms, shade and seating areas for students and spectators. This year’s funds will be going towards new terraced seating for Cameron Oval.
Fundraising will be achieved through community sponsorship of students’ participation in the Walkathon. Students are encouraged to collect sponsorship to walk on the day through a cashless donation system where parents, family and friends can donate online here.
The following prizes will be awarded:
| Competition | Prize | Conditions |
| Major Prize | State of Origin Tickets 2027
| All students who have donated will go into the draw |
| Primary best fancy dress | $50 tuckshop voucher | Years 5-6 |
| Secondary best fancy dress | $50 tuckshop voucher | Years 7-12 |
| Community best fancy dress | $50 eftpos voucher | Parents, Carers, Staff, other non-student community attendees |
| Completing the Walkathon | Primary students will go into a draw for lunch with Primary Admin | Years 5-6 |
| Students who raise $150 or more | Sports ball $20 Rebel Voucher | Years 5 - 6 Years 7-12 |
| Pastoral Group with the most funds raised | Pizza party | Years 7-12 |
| Primary class with the most funds raised | Pizza party | Years 5-6 |
Student participation on Sunday 9 August 2026 is compulsory. All students will be required to walk the 10km course; however, if a student cannot complete the course due to medical or mobility reasons and they wish to participate, they are able to complete the 4km All Abilities Course. If for any reason your son cannot attend, please ensure that you communicate this with his Head of House or the Year 5-6 Pastoral Leader prior to the event. Any student unable to walk on the day will be expected to complete the Make-Up Walkathon on Tuesday afternoon, 11 August.
As in past years, family members are invited to join in the walking. If you or members of your family would like to join either the full walk (10km) or the All-Abilities Walk (4km) be sure to register on the following link here.
Parent and guardian help is very important in running the Walkathon and any assistance you can provide on the day will be greatly appreciated. Please register here before 9:00am Thursday 6 August if you can assist.
Parents and family members who are not into walking, are invited to relax at the Grandstand and enjoy a coffee and our quality canteen products whilst you get ready to enjoy the mighty Battle of The Bands.
Below is an overview of the Walkathon & Battle of the Bands:
| TIME | COLLEGE WALKATHON |
| From 7.45 am | Students to arrive and check in using student ID card Year 5 and 6 students are to meet at Primary School Podium area and await further instruction. Year 7 to 12 students are to meet in the Main Yard and have their names recorded by checking in at the following classrooms:
|
| 8.00 am | Fancy dress competition judging (Primary School in Primary Courtyard; Secondary School at Podium) |
| 8.10 am | Cross Country Students Depart (Meet at Grandstand) |
| 8.15 am | Years 5, 6 and 12 House Leaders depart from St Marcellin Centre |
| 8.30 am | Years 7-11 students depart from the Podium |
| 8.35 am | Parents and All Abilities Walkers depart from Grandstand |
| From 9.15 am | Students will start returning to the College. |
| 9.30 am | Battle of the Bands commences |
| 11.00 am | All students/Community Members should have completed the Walkathon and have left the Barracks |
| 11.50 am | Battle of the Bands judging and finish |
Important information for walkers:
- We require names of all walkers (except Marist College Ashgrove students who will register through the school).
- Please wear appropriate footwear, clothing and sun protection, and bring a water bottle.
- Both courses potentially have some uneven/unstable grounds.
- The All-Abilities course will be conducted on closed roads within the Barracks
- Pets and recreational mobility devices (bikes, scooters, skateboards etc) are not permitted.
- Prams and mobility aids (such as wheelchairs) are welcome on the All-Abilities course only.
- There will be no vehicle transportation within the Base (unless in case of emergency).
- Please make appropriate consideration of your health, fitness and capabilities in your decision to register as a walker.