Marty Rankin is a former real estate agent and business owner who built two agencies in Melbourne’s inner west while raising a large, blended family. He is a proud father to Brad (31) and Lily (16), husband to his wife Rachel, step-father to Chloe (32), Olivia (28) and Gabrielle (25), and a deeply proud grandfather to Willow (3) and Hugo (7). Family, connection and showing up for others have always defined his life.
Music is where Marty’s heart lives. As part of a group of high-performing professional musicians, he has long believed in the power of music to heal, connect and uplift. In 2022, Marty himself was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a moment that changed his life and sharpened his sense of purpose.
While Marty was grateful to have access to world-class healthcare, his diagnosis also revealed a confronting reality: many Australians living with Parkinson’s in regional and remote communities struggle to access meaningful support. Rather than retreat, Marty chose to act.
In November, his band raised over $5,000 for Fight Parkinson’s at a fundraising gig at Kindred Bandroom in Yarraville, transforming personal challenge into collective action. Since then, Marty and the band have partnered with an exercise physiologist to bring drumming, singing, and dance workshops directly into communities—activities proven to support brain health and the development of new neural pathways. Each visit culminates in an inclusive live performance that invites local participants on stage, turning isolation into connection.
As an ambassador for A Walk in the Park 2026, Marty walks for his family, for his community, and for every person living with Parkinson’s, no matter where they live, who deserves hope, dignity and support.