2,555 steps. 2,555 reasons to walk and talk.
The Male Hug is proud to officially launch Talktober 2026, with this year’s campaign, 2 Triple 5, calling on Australians to get moving, get talking and help shine a light on men’s mental health.
On average, 7 Australian men die by suicide every day – approximately 2,555 men each year. Talktober 2 Triple 5 has been created to remember and honour those men while encouraging more conversations that could help change what happens next.
Throughout October, participants are encouraged to walk 2,555 steps as a symbol of remembrance and connection. But the campaign is about more than the steps. It is about using those steps as an opportunity to walk and talk, connect with others and start conversations about the things that matter.
Everyone can get involved. Men, women, partners, wives, husbands, colleagues, friends, teammates and families can all take part. Whether you walk with a mate, a partner, your team or simply take the steps yourself, the more people who get involved, the better.
“2 Triple 5 is about turning a confronting number into something positive and something we can all take action on,” said Tony Rabah, Founder and CEO of The Male Hug.
“We know that talking matters. Sometimes the hardest part is simply starting the conversation. By walking together, we create an opportunity to talk, to listen and to check in with the people around us.
“Every one of those 2,555 men had a story, a family, friends and people who cared about them. We want to remember them, but we also want to look forward and help create more opportunities for men to talk before they reach crisis point.
“This campaign is for everyone. You don’t have to be a runner, you don’t have to be a man and you don’t have to do it alone. Get your friends, your partner, your colleagues, your teammates or your family involved. Every step taken is a step in the right direction and every conversation had can change a life.”
Talktober has long been an important campaign for The Male Hug, encouraging people across Australia to connect, talk openly and help break down the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.
This year, 2 Triple 5 gives everyone a simple way to take action:
2,555 steps to remember.
2,555 reasons to walk and talk.
Every step matters. Every conversation matters. Together, we can make a difference.
Register today at talktober.com.au