KEEPING the conversation going about mental illness and suicide is the main goal for Busselton man and Australian of the Year finalist for WA Steve Andrews.
Mr Andrews is the founder of the Black Dog Ride which raises money for mental health services.
He didn’t realize it at the time but Mr Andrew’s journey towards Black Dog Ride began when his mother committed suicide 20 years ago.
When his eldest daughter was a teenager she was diagnosed with depression which continued Mr Andrews’ motivation to learn more about mental illness.
In 2008 his friend’s wife committed suicide, which brought back the pain of losing his mother.
“I never understood why my mother was the way she was until I found old letters she had written to her mother and I realized people needed to start talking about this issue,” he said.
This is where the love of motorcycle riding came in for Mr Andrews.
He said he had felt a connection with riding motorbikes from when his father took him out at six years old.
“I love the freedom of jumping on your bike and starting an adventure,” he said.
“It is different to driving where you are in a cacoon, the camaraderie between riders is what makes it special.”
So in 2009 Mr Andrews went on a journey across the country to talk to as many people he could about mental illness and suicide.
“Afterwards I knew my mission was not over but only beginning,” he said.
There is now an annual Black Dog Ride to the Red Centre and a one day ride to raise money for LAMP.
His dedication to the cause is what has led him to be a finalist for the WA Australian of the Year.
Mr Andrews said he was nominated last year but did not make it through this far.
On November 9 Mr Andrews will find out whether he has won the title of WA Australian of the Year and if he does he will go in the running for the national award.
Mr Andrews said it was an honour just to be nominated and hoped it would all help the cause of raising awareness of mental illness.
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