WHEN cyclist Nic Tremaine rides into Ipswich tomorrow, it will be more than a brief stop on a map – it will mark another hard-won milestone on his 40,075km charity ride to raise awareness and funds for dementia.
Throughout the year-long journey, Mr Tremaine has relied on Lions Clubs across the country for single-night stays.
Ipswich volunteers have now stepped forward to host him, continuing the city’s tradition of backing community-led causes and offering support to those passing through.
Phillip Ungerer of the Lions of Ipswich told Local Ipswich News that he had offered Mr Tremaine a place to stay for a night, and the local charity group would be contributing $1000 to his mission.
Mr Tremaine’s mission is deeply personal, with his mother Marilyn diagnosed with dementia in 2019. In 2021, his uncle received the same diagnosis, forcing the family to navigate the devastation all over again.
“I’m never sure whether she will remember who I am,” he said. “That’s what motivates me to take on this mission – to fight for others facing the same reality.”
The 34-year-old began his massive undertaking on January 1, leaving his quiet hometown on Kangaroo Island before cycling to Sydney, where the 365-day expedition was officially launched.
To reach his target, he must average 110km a day – a punishing physical and mental challenge even seasoned athletes would find daunting.
“It’s like a rollercoaster,” he said. “There’ve been some really good highs, but then there’re often some low lows.”
Extreme heat, isolation and mechanical failures – including a cracked frame in the outback – have tested him repeatedly.
Yet nothing has shaken his determination.
More than 425,000 Australians were estimated to be living with dementia last year, with that figure projected to soar to almost 1.1 million by 2065. It has become the nation’s leading cause of death.
Dementia Australia chief executive Tanya Buchanan said stigma and silence remained significant barriers to early diagnosis and support.
“People don’t tend to talk about it,” she said.
“It’s important we start the conversation about reducing our risk and looking after our brain health from childhood right through to older age.”
Along the road, Mr Tremaine said community members regularly opened up about their own experiences.
“People share their stories – how they are connected to dementia too,” he said.
Heading towards the finish line of Sydney on December 31, Mr Tremaine remains focused on raising $1 million for Dementia Australia to support research into causes, treatments and prevention.
