Putting health and wellbeing first
When it comes to health and wellbeing, women need to place more importance on themselves.
Over the past 27 years, this national walk/run has attracted more than 1.7 million participants Australia-wide, raising funds for vital research into breast and ovarian cancer.
In addition to HESTA’s traditional Mother’s Day Classic on-site activations, fundraising efforts, and participation on the day, we’re also proud to support the volunteer program in 2025.
This much-loved event would not go ahead without the dedication and commitment of hundreds of volunteers who give up their time to help on the day, share their stories as community ambassadors, host their own local events, or join an organising committee.
It’s our privilege to support the generous Australians who make this event possible.
More than 80% of our members are women. And since 12 Australian women die each day from either breast or ovarian cancer, many members know the illness too well: personally, through loved ones, or through their work.
The Mother’s Day Classic takes the fight against breast and ovarian cancer to the streets — literally. Founded by Women in Super (a group HESTA helped set up) it raises funds for research that could transform the future for those fighting today so tomorrow’s women won’t have to.
Walking (and running) from strength to strength
From small beginnings in 1998, the Mother's Day Classic has grown into one of Australia's largest national charity events and an integral part of Mother's Day. Each year, more people (including the HESTA team) walk, run, or volunteer at events across the country.
Most importantly, the Mother’s Day Classic has raised $47.3 million to fund life-saving breast and ovarian cancer research.
It’s more than a fundraiser. The Mother’s Day Classic brings the community together: to remember, to support, to celebrate. It’s emotional, inspiring, and a direct way to help beat breast and now ovarian cancer.
Never experienced a Mother’s Day Classic? It might be time to pull on your trainers, grab a few buddies and sign up. You can also volunteer on the day or join an organising committee that works year-round.
You’ll be repaid with fun, fitness and pride in helping our next generation look forward to a healthier future.
HESTA CEO Debby Blakey with ACSI CEO and Mother’s Day Classic co-founder Louise Davidson and Mother’s Day Classic CEO Zara Lawless
When it comes to health and wellbeing, women need to place more importance on themselves.
HESTA's Jen Harding joined the Prime Time podcast in November 2024 to talk about the most common questions HESTA members ask as they're approaching retirement.