13/10/2026
Annual Memorial Walk grows in Ballarat
REMEMBERING and HONOURING those who have died.
Ballarat Branch held The Third Annual Kevin Tolhurst Memorial Walk on Tuesday October 6th with retiring Heartbeat Victoria Board member Vivien Williamson present.
Held annually in the first week of October Heartbeat Ballarat’s memorial walk is to commemorate and remember all members who have passed away. Members come together to remember those who have died, those we cared about, and those we directly supported.
Named after former Heartbeat Ballarat member and cardiac patient Kevin Tolhurst AM.
Dr Tolhurst was a former Creswick resident, Heartbeat volunteer, passionate heart health walker, and cardiac patient advocator. Associate Professor Kevin Tolhurst AM passed away suddenly in October 2023 from cardiac illness.
Member Chris Mair said about Kevin: Having only been with Heartbeat a couple of years, my memories of Dr Kevin Tolhurst AM are from his work as Australia's foremost bushfire scientist- he was an extremely knowledgeable and inspiring man.
He was in Mallacoota when he died, doing something else he loved- educating communities about fire.
I have spent 17 years over summer talking to communities about bushfire preparedness. That is something I love doing, and whilst I am not at Kevins level of knowledge, I am thankful he was happy to pass some of his knowledge onto people like me so we can help more people understand fire and be safer.
Memorial walk organiser Barry Nixon said: Kevin was brilliant at educating and sharing his realisations. My clearest memories are of Kevin the cardiac patient sharing his lived experiences with new cardiac patients at cardiac rehabilitation. Kevin encouraging best use of the time available during Cardiologist and GP appointments. A natural educator, all knowledge shared willingly without any hint of superiority or elitism.
Kevin was inclusive, welcoming and non-judgemental. A great man who died way too young. Leaving behind a beautiful family including very young grandchildren and a brother living with disability who was dependant.
Kevin's widow Rosemary thanked Heartbeat Ballarat for keeping Kevin's memory alive.
Personally, I miss Kevin, his association and friendship.
Kevin was a man of faith; I genuinely wish him eternal rest. And every good wish.
Kevin Tolhurst AM you were brilliant. RIP.
Heartbeat Ballarat has a proud forty-year history of supporting Ballarat cardiac patients.
Memorial service honoured all members who have passed. A long list over 40 years.
During 2026, Heartbeat Ballarat lost an increased number of valued members to cardiac and other illnesses. Our departed Heartbeat members weren’t just some people we walked with—many were part of the fabric of Heartbeat Ballarat and part of our daily lives.
A steady voice when needed, a voice of lived experience that educated and eased cardiac trauma, and often, a source of warmth in quiet friendship moments shared during walks or over a cuppa.
They brought warmth, friendly faces, and humour to weekly walks and Heartbeat events.
We particularly remember those that offered help before being asked or who checked on members having tough days. Many went beyond what was expected. We have lost real friends, many sadly missed.
Deputy President Helen Sara spoke of the impact all these passings, and especially the passing of Christine V, wife of popular Heartbeat President Mark Vorstenbosch had on the combined membership.
This memorial tribute was brief, but memories are long held and treasured.
We miss them not just as members and walkers, but as friends.
