As part of the national series of rides, the Wangaratta ‘1 Dayer’ will feature motorcycle riders assembling to ride in solidarity with those who are shadowed by the black dog of depression.
Led by Corowa’s own Reg Clancy, group will arrive in Corowa at 11am riding down Sanger Street before gathering at Bangerang Park where the Amaranth Foundation’s CEO Julianne Whyte and David Harrison will talk on depression and suicide.
Wangaratta ride co-ordinator Rodney Glare said the ride will kick-start conversations about a tough topic, encouraging locals in the region living with depression to seek assistance.
“The cause is so important to me and my aim is to get the message out there and show the community what these blokes are up to on the bikes,” Mr Glare told The Free Press.
“We all know someone who battles with mental health issues or have lost someone because of it.”
The ride will be a first for Corowa and is sure to be a spectacle with the sheer number of bikes involved.
“Whether it’s 80 or 100 bikes, it’s going to be an absolute buzz,” Mr Glare said.
“We are encouraging everyone to come down, bring the kids, take photos with the bikes and have a chat to the guys while raising money for the cause.
“The guys from the Wahgunyah Speedway will be selling soft drinks and we will have a prize for the best presented bikes.”
Mr Harrison who works closely with the Amaranth Foundation and runs the local ‘Motorcycles for Mindfulness’ said he is appreciative of Mr Glare involving Corowa in the event.
“Men who work in agriculture that live remotely from a capital city are the highest risk group for depression and suicide. That is Corowa. That is us,” Mr Harrison said.
Suicide is currently the leading cause of death in Australians under the age of 45, with eight Australians taking their lives every day. Up to 80 per cent of all suicides in Australia are by men.
More than 40 groups across Australia will participate in Black Dog Ride’s annual 1 Dayer this Sunday, March 21.
The Black Dog Ride began in 2009 as a ride to raise awareness of depression. Since then, it has evolved into a national charity involving thousands of Australians who have raised millions for mental health programs and fostered mental health awareness around the nation.
To find out more visit www.blackdogride.org.au.
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