Creator of the Black Dog Ride Steve Andrews knows all too well about the effects of depression which is why he began the ride to raise awareness and funds for mental health.
Steve had numerous people in his social circles suffer from depression in silence with a number of these also sadly committing suicide. He then knew that he had to do something, anything, to fight the epidemic of depression which seemed to be surrounding him.
This is where the Black Dog Ride originated, first taking off in July 2009 in WA before becoming a national campaign to fight the beast that is mental health.
Sadly, one in five Australians experience a mental health condition each year.
Three million Australians are living with depression or anxiety and eight Australians take their lives each day. That's more than 3000 lives lost to suicide each year.
“The tragic loss of our loved ones to suicide drives Black Dog Ride to build a community culture of awareness, inclusion and acceptance,” Mr Andrews said.
“Breaking down the barrier of silence encourages our friends, family and colleagues to seek help, because mental illness is just that, an illness.
“Mental illness can be managed to lead a meaningful, fulfilling life. Fostering awareness is the catalyst for encouraging help seeking behaviour and preventing suicide.
“This is why the Black Dog Ride is held every year as the iconic annual One Dayer aims to start a national conversation about depression and suicide prevention.”
For locals who enjoy riding motorbikes and would like to be involved in raising awareness of depression and suicide, the 2024 edition of the annual one dayer Black Dog Ride is fast approaching, with the ride to take place on Sunday, March 17 at 9am in Apex Park, Wangaratta.
A regular attendee at the event, Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy encouraged everyone to buy a ticket and come along.
“The support the ride has received over the past few years has been simply incredible,” Mr McCurdy said.
“Suicide and depression awareness is such an important cause.
“With over 3,000 deaths to suicide, and 1 in 6 Australians suffering major depression at some point in their life, it has never been more important to support this cause.
“I encourage everyone to come along, even if you don’t ride, and support the cause by joining us for the barbeque and buying some merch.”
Mayor of the Rural City of Wangaratta Dean Rees also put his support behind the ride.
“This is a great event that brings our local community together,” Cr Rees said.
“It is always important that we support local people when they take the initiative, especially when it is a cause that touches so many of us.
“By raising awareness, we can continue to work towards identifying the signs early, and getting our friends and family the support they need.”
Event organiser, Kurt Dissegna, said that everyone is welcome to show their support.
“I encourage everyone to come along and have a conversation about these important issues,” Mr Dissegna said.
“Come along and check out the bikes, buy some merchandise, and help support the Black Dog Ride in Wangaratta and around Australia.
“Too many people die from suicide each year, so the more support, the more we can help those who need it most.”
Those wanting to join the ride or are after more information, can visit: https://events.humanitix.com/wangaratta-black-dog-ride-1-dayer-2024 or www.blackdogride.org.au.
“It is ok to reach out for help; it's ok to talk about the way you feel. You don't have to battle it on your own,” Mr Andrews concludes.
11°C