More than 7,000 motorcycle enthusiasts across Australia will hit the highways of the nation on Sunday, March 17 for Black Dog Ride’s annual suicide prevention ride, the Black Dog Ride one dayer.
Tragically, eight Australians take their lives every single day, which is one life lost to depression every three hours.
Black Dog Ride believes fostering awareness of depression in communities is the best catalyst for preventing the tragedy of suicide.
The one dayer is organised by Black Dog Ride to unite people together under one banner with one voice on one single day to amplify a national message of depression awareness and suicide prevention.
On Sunday, Busselton’s one dayer will see more than 300 motorcycle riders assemble at Busselton Toyota’s Pre Delivery Centre on Kershaw Street.
Participants will enjoy breakfast by the Lions Club, before departing en masse for morning tea by the Country Women’s Association and Community Resource Centre in Nannup.
Black Dog Riders then head to Donnybrook for the finale, all riding in solidarity with those who are shadowed by the black dog of depression.
Black Dog Ride’s Busselton team are being supported by the WA Mental Health Commission’s One Life Suicide Prevention Team in Bunbury.
Community members are encouraged to come down for a chat with Black Dog Riders at the Donnybrook Town Hall between 12.30pm and 2pm.
Busselton one dayer coordinator Steve Ingram said Black Dog Ride’s one dayer activities around Australia promoted social inclusion and getting together to show that you can talk about issues and seek support.
"It is a time for us all to get together, chat as mates, talk about our bikes and enjoy the day," he said.
"On the ride home, you have time to yourself to think about what the day means, and for the people you ride passed it is a conversation starter. We all need to talk about it and raise awareness about mental health."
Motorcycle enthusiasts are encouraged to join the ride to show their support for this national suicide prevention initiative.
Registrations and donations can be made by visiting Black Dog Ride’s website blackdogride.com.au.
