Great Global Greyhound Walk 2026 to be held on Sunday 27 September
Brisbane woman Leanne Kelly has a special attachment to a worldwide dog walking event – where owners of greyhounds gather for the ‘Great Global Greyhound Walk’ each September.
A decade ago, the Boondall ‘adoptive parent’ attended the annual walk, hosted by Queensland Racing Integrity Commission’s (QRIC) Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP Qld), with her now-late rehomed greyhounds Ryan and Cody.
Ten years later, she’s still turning up to the GAP Queensland event at Arana Hills, where lovers of greyhounds gather for community-building and sharing their passion for the breed and walking the two-kilometre journey together.
This time on Sunday 27 September, Leanne will bring Reggie, and his new adoptive brother Jimmy, along for his first walk.
“I already know he’ll be beside himself to walk alongside his ‘cousins,’ as we affectionately call them,” she said.
“At our first walk, I distinctly remember watching everyone arrive and feeling an immense sense of community. All these people I had never met, yet we had all fallen in love with our greyhounds.
“Last year’s walk was particularly special, as it was Ryan’s last. That same wonderful sense of community was there – different people, different dogs, but the same love for our hounds.”
Greyhound owner Bella Tseng of Wynnum also looks forward to the event each year, saying it is a great opportunity for both dogs and owners to socialise.
“The Great Global Greyhound Walk is one of our favourite days of the year. There’s something incredible about being amongst 50 greyhounds all together. Everyone is instantly friends, united by their love of these amazing dogs,” Bella said.
“My boy Jagger is a total social butterfly, so he’s in his element. But for my nervous girl Bea, the walk is a valuable opportunity to build her confidence, socialise in a safe environment and have positive experiences with other dogs and people.”
The Honourable Tim Mander MP, Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, said greyhounds can make wonderful companions and encourages Queenslanders to consider giving one a loving home.
“Greyhounds can make wonderful pets, and events like the Great Global Greyhound Walk gives the opportunity to showcase just how loving, gentle and loyal these dogs can be,” Mr Mander said.
“Through the Greyhound Adoption Program, retired greyhounds can transition from the track into loving homes and begin the next chapter of their lives as much-loved family pets.
“The Crisafulli Government is strengthening animal welfare as outlined in The Next Lap: A Plan for the Future of Queensland Racing and I encourage Queenslanders to come along, meet these wonderful dogs and see for themselves why greyhounds make such special companions.”
GAP Rehoming Manager Lisa Kohler said the walks were a great way to bring the greyhound community together and help change perceptions of the breed, and they’re open to everyone.
“You can bring your own greyhound or sighthound, come along to meet the dogs, or simply enjoy the atmosphere and learn more about the breed,” Ms Kohler said.
“We love seeing so many greyhounds and their people come together.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to show the community what greyhounds are really like once they leave the racetrack – affectionate, gentle, and often surprisingly laid-back companions who simply love being part of a family.
“Whether you’ve shared your home with a greyhound for years, are considering adoption, or have never met one before, we’d love you to come along and experience the magic of these dogs for yourself.”
The 2025 Great Global Greyhound Walk saw 16,562 sighthounds take part in 659 walks across 47 countries, with Queensland’s greyhound community once again preparing to be part of the worldwide celebration.
GAP representatives will also be available to answer questions about adoption and life with a greyhound.
GAP will host two Great Global Greyhound Walks in Queensland on Sunday, 27 September:
Brisbane – 9am
Leslie Patrick Park, 135 Olearia Street West, Arana Hills 4054
Townsville – 8am
The Strand, North Ward, Townsville 4810
For more information about each Queensland walks, visit the GAP website:
Brisbane: https://gapqld.com.au/events/upcoming-events/great-global-greyhound-walk
Townsville: https://greatglobalgreyhoundwalk.co.uk/walks/australia-queensland-townsville/
Prospective adopters can also complete an adoption application online and discover whether their perfect four-legged match could be waiting for them.
Ends.
Last updated: 18 Sep 2026