Melbourne walk to launch brain health fellowship in memory of young doctor
Migraine Foundation, Brain Injury Australia, Neurological Alliance Australia
A family's loss becomes a call to better understand and help prevent unexpected deaths among young doctors and health workers
Walkers dressed in green will gather near Victoria's Parliament House this Sunday for the National Brain Health Walk 2026, which will end with the announcement of a new fellowship in memory of Dr Lasith Kulasekara (to be graduated on 8th Dec 2026) .
Dr Kulasekara was a young medical graduate whose sudden passing deeply affected his family, friends and the medical community. His friends honoured his wish for a gelato cart at the Monash Medical Students' Gala Dinner.
The inaugural Dr Lasith Kulasekara Brain Health Fellowship will seek to better understand the circumstances and preventable causes of unexpected deaths among young doctors, medical students and healthcare professionals. It will look to international experience, including initiatives in New Zealand, and explore practical, evidence-based measures that may help prevent similar tragedies wherever possible.
"We cannot change what happened to Lasith, but perhaps, together, we can help prevent another family from experiencing such a loss," said Prof Tissa Wijeratne, Chair, Migraine Foundation Australia, and Dr Kulasekara's uncle.
"Lasith was brilliant, kind and generous, and he had a wonderful future ahead of him. Today we will walk to turn grief into hope, awareness and meaningful action. There is no health without brain health, and no future without caring for those who care for us. One life saved would make every step worthwhile."
Dr Mukesh Haikerwal AC, Melbourne GP and former Federal President of the Australian Medical Association, said the fellowship asked the right questions.
"Young doctors give so much of themselves to their patients. They deserve safe rosters, real rest, good supervision and a workplace where asking for help is normal.Looking after doctors is also how we look after patients," Dr Haikerwal said.
The walk also brings together people affected by neurological conditions. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates about 4.5 million Australians, roughly 1 in 6, were living with a neurological condition in 2025. About 3.9 million Australians live with migraine.
"Brain health is not a niche concern. Behind every number is a family," said David Ali,CEO, Neurology alliance .
"People living with migraine, epilepsy, brain injury, stroke and dementia will walk alongside the doctors and health workers who care for them. Looking after the brain health of our carers and our communities is a shared responsibility."
Neurological Alliance Australia, Brain Injury Australia and Lions Clubs are among the organisations supporting the walk. Health leaders, medical schools, hospitals, students and young health professionals have been invited to attend, along with the Victorian Minister for Health and Shadow Minister for Health.
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Event details
- What: National Brain Health Walk 2026 and announcement of the Dr Lasith Kulasekara Brain Health Fellowship
- When: Sunday 8 November 2026. Gather at 9.30 am for a 10 am start; the walk runs until 12 noon, with the fellowship announced at its conclusion
- Where: Corner of Treasury Place and Spring Street, Melbourne, near Parliament House
- Dress: Wear green. Families, friends, colleagues and students are welcome
- Register: https://migrainefoundation.org.au/steps4migraine
Statistics: AIHW neurological conditions overview.
Contact details:
Kenula Abeywickrama, 0420 335 666 / Professor Tissa Wijeratne, 0430 048 730 / Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, 0407 599 332