Due to extreme wet weather conditions impacting various regions, several Million Paws Walk events have been cancelled or postponed.
The following walks have been cancelled and will not be rescheduled:
- Sydney – Village Green, Bicentennial Park
- Taree – Taree Showground
- Port Macquarie – Tuffins Lane Sportsground
The following walks have been postponed to Sunday, 29 June 2025:
- Illawarra – Reddall Reserve
- Shoalhaven – Lions Park, Burrill Lake
These locations are experiencing heavy rainfall and flooding, resulting in unsafe conditions. Registrants of cancelled events will have the option to donate the cost of their ticket for a tax-deductible donation or receive a full refund.
We know how disappointing this news is for our loyal supporters, who have been by our side, walking to fight against animal cruelty since our first Million Paws Walk event over thirty years ago.
Although this is not the outcome we had hoped for our last ever Million Paws Walk celebration, the safety of our animal loving community, four-legged attendees, volunteers and staff is our number one priority.
Despite the cancellation of our Sydney, Taree, Port Macquarie and Illawarra events, the following six walks are scheduled to proceed on Sunday:
- Broken Hill event at Sturt Park, Broken Hill
- Bathurst event at Bicentennial Park, Bathurst
- Albury event at Hovel Tree Park, Albury
- Goulburn event at Scout Hall, corner of Bourke Street and Addison Street Goulburn
- Dubbo event at Sandy Beach, Dubbo
All registrants are encouraged to keep an eye out for any updates from the RSPCA NSW team relating to their local walk over the weekend.
Thank you to everyone who has attended, fundraised, volunteered, and celebrated this special event with us. While we can’t control this unpredictable weather, one thing is certain – the positive impact you have directly had on the lives of thousands of animals through your generosity, kindness and compassion these past three decades.
For those who can no longer attend their local walk, we hope you can still participate in our final lap, your way. Whether it’s around the block or in your backyard, take a snap of you and your pooch taking a stroll and and tag us @rspcansw with #MyLastLap to share the love and show your support.
We can’t wait to see photos of your muddy gumboots and paws!
For more information and updates, visit: www.millionpawswalk.com.au
FAQ's
How do I receive a refund for my ticket?
Each ticketholder will receive communication from the Million Paws Walk team on how to apply for a full refund. Alternatively, you can transfer your ticket cost to your fundraising page and we will create you a tax-deductible receipt to use this tax time.
How long will it take to receive my refund?
Our team need to action each refund individually; we are aiming to complete the process within 7 business days.
I have questions about the refund process. Who do I contact?
Please email our lovely team at mpw@rspcansw.org.au and they will be able to answer any of your enquiries.
Can I donate the cost of my ticket to RSPCA NSW instead of receiving a refund?
Yes, thank you! We will add it as a gift to your fundraising page and send you a tax-deductible receipt.
We will reach out to all ticket holders and offer this as an option.
Is there a way I can still participate on Sunday even if my local walk has been cancelled?
Yes! Let’s turn this Sunday into a statewide show of love for animals. Grab your best four-legged friend, hit the pavement, and walk wherever you are – because every step counts in the fight to end animal cruelty.
📸 Snap a pic, share your walk, and tag @rspcansw with #MYLASTLAP
Let’s turn every footpath, park and driveway into a symbol of hope. Wherever you are, walk proud — we’re still walking, still fighting, still united for animals.
Is my local event postponed or completely cancelled?
- Sydney event at Village Green, Bicentennial Park – Cancelled and will not be rescheduled
- Taree event at Taree Showground, Taree – Cancelled and will not be rescheduled
- Port Macquarie event at Tuffins Lane Sportsground, Port Macquarie – Cancelled and will not be rescheduled
- Illawarra event at Reddall Reserve, Illawarra – Postponed to 29 June 2025
- Shoalhaven event at Lion Park, Burrill Lake – Postponed to 29 June 2025
Why aren’t you rescheduling your Sydney event, especially given it’s the final ever Million Paws Walk?
We explored every option to postpone the event, but unfortunately, the venue provider has refused to honour the charity discount for a rescheduled date. This decision significantly increases costs and makes holding the event financially unviable. As a charity, we know our supporters would expect funds raised goes towards helping animals in need and not towards additional venue expenses – so we simply cannot justify the additional expense.
What if I can’t attend the rescheduled dates?
You can either donate the cost of your ticket/s for a tax-deductible receipt, or organise a refund through emailing our team at mpw@rspcansw.org.au
What about the people who have signed up for volunteering on Sunday. Can they help at other walks that haven’t been cancelled?
Yes, our next to closest walk locations are Bathurst and Goulburn. Volunteers are welcome to reach out and attend either event.
Is my ticket transferable to a different Million Paws Walk event that is still going ahead?
Yes, you are welcome to attend another walk on Sunday. All you need to do is attend the new location with your original confirmation email, and the organisers will welcome you in. The next closest walks in Sydney are Bathurst and Goulburn.
I have pre-purchased my Sydney Olympic Parking. What should I do?
FAQS regarding parking at Sydney Olympic Park can be found on their website here – https://www.sydneyolympicpark.nsw.gov.au/parking-faqs
Why was this the last/final MPW?
Since the pandemic in 2020, the community fundraising landscape has dramatically changed, and events are becoming increasingly difficult to host due to the rising costs significantly impacting fundraising viability. Coupled with current cost of living challenges, RSPCA has tried to find ways to incentivise and reduce ticket costs to encourage fundraising and participation across the country in recent years.
However, the financial strain on animal lovers and increasing event costs has meant Million Paws Walk is no longer able to provide what it once could – maximum funding going directly towards vital RSPCA services to care for tens of thousands of animals every year.
For more information, read our announcement post here: https://www.millionpawswalk.com.au/one-last-lap
