More than 12,300 Australians stepped up for Soldier On’s biggest annual fundraising campaign, raising an extraordinary $3.25 million to help veterans and their families thrive.
Communities from all corners of Australia came together in record numbers this March, with people lacing up their shoes to walk, run and march in solidarity with those who have served.
From city streets to regional towns and more remote communities, individuals, families, schools, workplaces, Soldier On’s proud corporate partners and community groups all played a part, making March On 2026 a truly national show of support.
Making a lasting difference
This year’s campaign delivered a remarkable increase on last year’s $2.16 million, while participation surged from 7,087 in 2025 to 12,300, making it the most successful March On campaign to date.
Importantly, every dollar raised through March On goes directly towards Soldier On’s life-changing mental health and wellbeing programs for veterans and their families, including psychological support, social connection services, education pathways and employment assistance.
It’s an extraordinary result that will make a significant and lasting difference, helping more veterans and family members access the support they need to thrive.
Generosity and commitment
A special congratulations also goes to this year’s standout fundraisers, whose extraordinary efforts helped drive March On to new heights.
Leading the way as the highest individual fundraiser was Brett Cook, who raised an incredible $40,000 in his very first March On.
Motivated by a desire to ‘support mental health to help our heroes’, Brett’s remarkable effort reflects the generosity and commitment that defined this year’s campaign.On the team leaderboard, long-time supporters The Milk Drinkers once again led the charge, topping the corporate and team fundraising table as one of the campaign’s most committed defence teams.
Having supported March On for the last few years, their continued dedication is a powerful example of the camaraderie and spirit at the heart of this campaign.
Paul Singer says the campaign’s extraordinary success is a testament to the compassion and generosity of Australians everywhere.
‘March On continues to show the incredible strength of community across Australia. Seeing more than 12,300 people from all walks of life come together in support of veterans and their families is both humbling and deeply inspiring,’ he says.
‘Every step taken and every dollar raised helps Soldier On continue delivering vital services that empower veterans and their families to thrive. On behalf of all of us at Soldier On, I want to sincerely thank every person who marched with us this year. Your support is making a real and lasting difference.’
Celebrating the power of community
Campaigns and Events Manager Tegan Primmer-Sciberras says the extraordinary growth reflects both increased awareness and the power of community.
‘With each year that passes, the word continues to spread. People are telling their friends and family, and more people are getting involved through those connections,’ she says.
This year, Soldier On significantly expanded its outreach efforts, engaging with businesses, schools and emergency services organisations nationwide, supported by a broad communications campaign across television, radio and social media.
Beyond the record-breaking figures, it has been the personal stories and shared experiences that have made this year’s campaign so meaningful.
For Tegan, the most memorable part of March On has been hearing directly from participants about why they signed up and who they were marching for.
‘People share their experiences, their reasons for signing up, and the family member or friend they are trying to support. Hearing those stories has been really heartwarming,’ she said.
Many supporters took part in honour of a partner, parent, sibling, friend or mate who has served, while others fundraised to help ensure veterans and families can access the support they need.
That spirit has also been evident across the campaign’s online community, where participants have encouraged one another through messages, shared stories and donations to each other’s fundraising pages.
‘It’s the human element of it – connecting with people, hearing what they want to share, and seeing people help each other. It’s just lovely. It’s a really nice community,’ Tegan says.
To every person who joined us this March – whether in a major city, regional community, workplace, school or from home – thank you.
Because of you, this year’s campaign will help change lives and ensure veterans and their families receive the support they need, when they need it most.
You can still donate to this year’s March On challenge, to help us create an even bigger impact for veterans and their families.
