When Nicholas Tremaine set off from Sydney's Bondi Beach on New Year's Day, few could have predicted the overwhelming response his pedal-powered mission would generate across the country.
Nine months into his gruelling 40,000-kilometre journey around Australia, the 34-year-old farmer from Kangaroo Island has become a beacon of hope for the hundreds of thousands of Australian families touched by dementia.
With his mother Marilyn diagnosed with dementia in 2019 and moved into full-time care by 2020, Nicholas knows firsthand the heartbreak that accompanies this devastating condition.
But rather than letting grief consume him, he's channelled it into what he calls his 'Distance 4 Dementia' tour—an ambitious quest to raise $1 million for Dementia Australia while cycling the equivalent of Earth's circumference.
A son's love powers epic endurance
By June, Nicholas had reached the halfway point of his 365-day mission at Kakadu National Park, having already conquered some of Australia's most challenging terrain.
From carrying his bike for six hours along stone tracks at Tasmania's Mount Wellington to enduring 300 kilometres of corrugated roads in the Territory's far north, every pedal stroke is fueled by memories of the woman who once was 'the life of our family.'
'If she was able to, I know she would be at the finish line to see me finish'
Starting from Bondi Beach on January 1st, Nicholas set himself the challenge of covering 40,075km in 365 days—an average of 110 kilometres daily, rain or shine.
His route will take him to Cape York and Darwin, then to Broome, Perth and the Nullarbor before eventually arriving back at Sydney's Bondi Beach on December 31.
The hidden scope of Australia's dementia crisis
While Nicholas battles headwinds and steep climbs, the statistics driving his mission paint a sobering picture of dementia's impact across Australia.
It's estimated that in 2023, there were 411,100 Australians living with dementia—a number that without a medical breakthrough, is expected to increase to more than 812,500 by 2054.
Australia's dementia reality
- 411,100 Australians currently living with dementia (2023)
- Expected to reach 812,500 by 2054 without breakthrough
- 267,700 people with dementia living in the community (67 per cent of total)
- $3.7 billion direct healthcare system expenditure (2020-21)
The financial burden is staggering, with residential aged care services accounting for $1.8 billion (49 per cent) of the total direct healthcare expenditure on dementia, and community-based aged care services requiring just over $741 million (20 per cent).
For many Australian seniors, particularly in regional areas, the challenges are even more pronounced. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's 2022 report, dementia was the second leading cause of death for all Australians after coronary heart disease, and the leading cause of death for women.
Hearts and homes opened along the way
What's captured public attention isn't just Nicholas's physical endurance, but the extraordinary community response his journey has generated. Random strangers have offered him places to stay, with some willing to give him a bed while others offer 'a patch of grass to put up my tent'.
The testimonials on his fundraising page reveal the deeply personal nature of his mission's impact. One supporter wrote: 'I lost my Mum to dementia 6 years ago', while another shared: 'My first husband was 46 when diagnosed with early onset Dementia.
We loved & cared for him at home for 7 years and in care for 8'.
Lions Clubs across Australia have embraced his cause, with Coffs Lions providing dinner, accommodation, and a $200 donation raised from Park Beach Bowls club members.
As a member of the SA Country Shows executive committee, Nicholas has made it his mission to visit 16 shows during spring season, combining his fundraising efforts with his love of rural communities.
Regional communities bear heavier burden
Nicholas's focus on country shows isn't just about convenience—it reflects a troubling reality about dementia's disproportionate impact on regional Australia.
Rural communities face higher rates of dementia, partly due to 'higher tobacco use and social connection might be more challenging to maintain' in these areas.
Dr Ashleigh Smith from the University of South Australia is conducting research specifically into this issue, with 'phase two working with rural communities to identify where the pain points are for dementia in their communities and phase three developing a dementia risk prevention toolkit'.
Support is available for Australian seniors
While Nicholas pedals towards his December 31st finish line, his journey has also highlighted the extensive support network available for Australian families dealing with dementia. The good news is that help exists, and much of it is government-funded.
Essential dementia support contacts for Australian seniors
Dementia Support Australia: 1800 699 799 (24-hour helpline for behaviour management support)
My Aged Care: 1800 200 422 (Government-subsidised aged care services)
Carers Gateway: 1800 422 737 (Information and support services for carers)
National Dementia Helpline: 1800 100 500 (Dementia Australia information and support)
The National Dementia Support Program, delivered by Dementia Australia, provides information, education, services and resources that aim to improve awareness and understanding about dementia, empowering people living with dementia and their carers to make informed decisions.
The government is also establishing 35 Specialist Dementia Care Program units nationally, with additional units expected to become operational across 2025 for those with very severe behavioural symptoms.
The finish line draws closer
As Nicholas has discovered through his fundraising, 'almost every Australian knows someone that has dementia'. With less than 7,000 kilometres remaining until his New Year's Eve finish at Bondi Beach, his message resonates more strongly than ever: 'You're not alone. There're others going through the same situation and there is always someone to talk to.'
His journey represents more than just an extraordinary feat of physical endurance—it's become a symbol of hope and community support for the more than 400,000 Australians living with dementia and their families.
What This Means For You
Whether you're inspired by Nicholas's determination, seeking support for a loved one with dementia, or simply want to contribute to this vital cause, his Distance 4 Dementia tour shows us that sometimes the longest journeys begin with a single pedal stroke—and the support of an entire nation.
What are your thoughts on Nicholas's incredible journey? Have you or your family been touched by dementia, or do you have experience with the support services available for Australian seniors? Share your stories and encouragement in the comments below.
Original Article
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09...australia-dementia-fundraising-trip/105730642
Cyclist Nic Tremaine tackles 40,000km for dementia | The Land | NSW
Cited text: But Nic says his mother Marilyn—who was diagnosed with dementia in 2019—is his big motivator to not give up.
Excerpt: With his mother Marilyn diagnosed with dementia in 2019 and moved into full-time care by 2020
https://www.theland.com.au/story/8905309/cyclist-nic-tremaine-tackles-40000km-for-dementia/
One man’s crusade to raise awareness about dementia | Whitsunday News
Cited text: Seeing his mother’s health declining with dementia since her diagnosis, in 2019, which forced a move into full-time care before the end of 2020, inspi...
Excerpt: With his mother Marilyn diagnosed with dementia in 2019 and moved into full-time care by 2020
https://whitsundaynews.net.au/one-mans-crusade-to-raise-awareness-about-dementia/
Distance 4 Dementia Australian Tour reaches half-way point at Kakadu | The Islander
Cited text: (Supplied) Endurance cyclist Nicholas Tremaine from Kangaroo Island has reached the half-way point of his 365-day mission to cycle around Australia.
Excerpt: By June, Nicholas had reached the halfway point of his 365-day mission at Kakadu National Park
https://theislanderonline.com.au/ne...ralian-tour-reaches-half-way-point-at-kakadu/
Cyclist Nic Tremaine tackles 40,000km for dementia | The Land | NSW
Cited text: Since setting off from Sydney's Bondi Beach on New Year's Day, the ride has already thrown him plenty of gruelling climbs, headwinds and even snow.
Excerpt: Starting from Bondi Beach on January 1st, Nicholas set himself the challenge of covering 40,075km in 365 days
https://www.theland.com.au/story/8905309/cyclist-nic-tremaine-tackles-40000km-for-dementia/
Fundraiser by Nicholas Tremaine : Distance 4 Dementia: The Australian Tour
Cited text: Starting on January 1st this year I set off from Bondi Beach on a 365 day journey across Australia, with the goal of covering 40,075km.
Excerpt: Starting from Bondi Beach on January 1st, Nicholas set himself the challenge of covering 40,075km in 365 days
https://www.gofundme.com/f/distance-4-dementia-the-australian-tour
Distance 4 Dementia Australian Tour rides into Coffs—News Of The Area
Cited text: Nicholas’ journey will take him to Cape York and Darwin, then to Broome, Perth and the Nullarbor before eventually arriving at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on...
Excerpt: His route will take him to Cape York and Darwin, then to Broome, Perth and the Nullarbor before eventually arriving back at Sydney's Bondi Beach on December 31
https://www.newsofthearea.com.au/distance-4-dementia-australian-tour-rides-into-coffs
One man’s crusade to raise awareness about dementia | Whitsunday News
Cited text: Nicholas’s journey will take him to Cape York and Darwin, then to Broome, Perth and the Nullarbor, before eventually arriving at Sydney’s Bondi Beach,...
Excerpt: His route will take him to Cape York and Darwin, then to Broome, Perth and the Nullarbor before eventually arriving back at Sydney's Bondi Beach on December 31
https://whitsundaynews.net.au/one-mans-crusade-to-raise-awareness-about-dementia/
Dementia in Australia, Prevalence of dementia—Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Cited text: There are ongoing efforts to improve the accuracy of estimates of the number of Australians with dementia · It is estimated that in 2023 there were 41...
Excerpt: It's estimated that in 2023, there were 411,100 Australians living with dementia
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dem...th-impacts-of-dementia/prevalence-of-dementia
Distance 4 Dementia Australian Tour rides into Coffs—News Of The Area
Cited text: Without a medical breakthrough, this number is expected to increase to more than 812,500 by 2054.
Excerpt: without a medical breakthrough, is expected to increase to more than 812,500 by 2054
https://www.newsofthearea.com.au/distance-4-dementia-australian-tour-rides-into-coffs
One man’s crusade to raise awareness about dementia | Whitsunday News
Cited text: Without a medical breakthrough, this number is expected to increase to more than 812,500 by 2054.
Excerpt: without a medical breakthrough, is expected to increase to more than 812,500 by 2054
https://whitsundaynews.net.au/one-mans-crusade-to-raise-awareness-about-dementia/
Dementia in Australia, Prevalence of dementia—Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Cited text: Based on AIHW estimates, there were an estimated 267,700 people with dementia living in the community (as opposed to cared accommodation) in 2022 (102...
Excerpt: 267,700 people with dementia living in the community (67 per cent of total)
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dem...th-impacts-of-dementia/prevalence-of-dementia
Dementia in Australia, Health and aged care expenditure on dementia—Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Cited text: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2024, Dementia in Australia, viewed 21 July 2025, https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dementia/dementia-...
Excerpt: $3.7 billion direct healthcare system expenditure (2020-21)
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dem.../health-and-aged-care-expenditure-on-dementia
Dementia in Australia, Health and aged care expenditure on dementia—Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Cited text: The health and aged care system expenditure directly attributable to dementia was mainly for: residential aged care services—$1.8 billion or 49 per cent of ...
Excerpt: The financial burden is staggering, with residential aged care services accounting for $1.8 billion (49 per cent) of the total direct healthcare expenditure on dementia, and community-based aged care services requiring just over $741 million (20 per cent)
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dem.../health-and-aged-care-expenditure-on-dementia
Distance 4 Dementia Australian Tour rides into Coffs—News Of The Area
Cited text: The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s 2022 report states dementia was the second leading cause of death of all Australians after coronary h...
Excerpt: According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's 2022 report, dementia was the second leading cause of death for all Australians after coronary heart disease, and the leading cause of death for women
https://www.newsofthearea.com.au/distance-4-dementia-australian-tour-rides-into-coffs
Parndana cyclist spurred on by his mother in 'big loop' around Australia | Stock Journal | SA
Cited text: 'I have already had random strangers offer me places to stay, I will be really happy to be offered a patch of grass to put up my tent but some have be...
Excerpt: Random strangers have offered him places to stay, with some willing to give him a bed while others offer 'a patch of grass to put up my tent'
https://www.stockjournal.com.au/sto...n-by-his-mother-in-big-loop-around-australia/
Dementia Australia—Distance 4 Dementia—The Australian Tour
Cited text: I lost my Mum to dementia 6 years ago.
Excerpt: 'I lost my Mum to dementia 6 years ago'
https://fundraising.dementia.org.au/fundraisers/nictremaine/cycle-around-australia
Dementia Australia—Distance 4 Dementia—The Australian Tour
Cited text: My first husband was 46 when diagnosed with early onset Dementia. We loved & cared for him at home for 7 years and in care for 8.
Excerpt: 'My first husband was 46 when diagnosed with early onset Dementia. We loved & cared for him at home for 7 years and in care for 8'
https://fundraising.dementia.org.au/fundraisers/nictremaine/cycle-around-australia
Distance 4 Dementia Australian Tour rides into Coffs—News Of The Area
Cited text: “My parents Mervyn and Marilyn are founding members of Lions Club of Western Kangaroo Island, so when planning my tour, I reached out to Lions Clubs A...
Excerpt: Lions Clubs across Australia have embraced his cause, with Coffs Lions providing dinner, accommodation, and a $200 donation raised from Park Beach Bowls club members
https://www.newsofthearea.com.au/distance-4-dementia-australian-tour-rides-into-coffs
Cyclist Nic Tremaine tackles 40,000km for dementia | The Land | NSW
Cited text: Nic—who is on the SA Country Shows executive committee—was at Lucindale on the weekend and plans to cycle into Mundulla Show this weekend, followe...
Excerpt: As a member of the SA Country Shows executive committee, Nicholas has made it his mission to visit 16 shows during spring season, combining his fundraising efforts with his love of rural communities
https://www.theland.com.au/story/8905309/cyclist-nic-tremaine-tackles-40000km-for-dementia/
Parndana cyclist spurred on by his mother in 'big loop' around Australia | Stock Journal | SA
Cited text: Nic—who is on the SA County Shows executive committee—was at Lucindale on the weekend and plans to cycle into Mundulla Show this weekend, followed...
Excerpt: As a member of the SA Country Shows executive committee, Nicholas has made it his mission to visit 16 shows during spring season, combining his fundraising efforts with his love of rural communities
https://www.stockjournal.com.au/sto...n-by-his-mother-in-big-loop-around-australia/
Distance 4 Dementia Australian Tour rides into Coffs—News Of The Area
Cited text: “As I put my body to the test over the next year I will document my journey every step of the way, driving awareness for the need to fight for a bette...
Excerpt: 'phase two working with rural communities to identify where the pain points are for dementia in their communities and phase three developing a dementia risk prevention toolkit'
https://www.newsofthearea.com.au/distance-4-dementia-australian-tour-rides-into-coffs
Dementia in Australia, Overview of dementia support services and initiatives—Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Cited text: These include: National Dementia Support Program—external site opens in new window—an Australian Government initiative delivered by Dementia Austr...
Excerpt: The National Dementia Support Program, delivered by Dementia Australia, provides information, education, services and resources that aim to improve awareness and understanding about dementia, empowering people living with dementia and…
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dem...verview-dementia-support-services-initiatives
Specialist Dementia Care Program (SDCP) | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Cited text: · We aim to establish 35 SDCP units nationally. · The SDCP units currently operating across Australia are outlined below with additional units expect...
Excerpt: The government is also establishing 35 Specialist Dementia Care Program units nationally, with additional units expected to become operational across 2025
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/specialist-dementia-care-program-sdcp
Cyclist Nic Tremaine tackles 40,000km for dementia | The Land | NSW
Cited text: Nic says he may have a personal connection with his mother and uncle but since starting fundraising, he has realised 'almost every Australian knows so...
Excerpt: As Nicholas has discovered through his fundraising, 'almost every Australian knows someone that has dementia'
https://www.theland.com.au/story/8905309/cyclist-nic-tremaine-tackles-40000km-for-dementia/
Parndana cyclist spurred on by his mother in 'big loop' around Australia | Stock Journal | SA
Cited text: Nic says he may have a personal connection with his mother and uncle but since starting fundraising, he has realised 'almost every Australian knows so...
Excerpt: As Nicholas has discovered through his fundraising, 'almost every Australian knows someone that has dementia'
https://www.stockjournal.com.au/sto...n-by-his-mother-in-big-loop-around-australia/
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