Local businessman Mark Murphy, his brother-in-law Noel O’Brien and local farmer Gordon Evans are taking part in the annual Black Dog Ride, which this year goes from Bathurst to Uluru.

It’s not the social aspects of the ride that attracted the Tamworth trio; they have a much more personal reason to Ride to the Rock.

“Depression is something that’s affected both sides of our family,” Mark said.

“Back in October last year my wife’s first cousin lost her son to depression. He left a wife and two small children behind. It’s devastated the family, so we’re flying the flag for him.”

Mark reckons his 17-year-old Yamaha 1300 should be up to the trip, while Noel’s Harley-Davidson 1400 should handle it with ease. Gordon’s BMW 1200 tourer is in pretty good shape for the journey, too. 

Participating riders will meet today in Bathurst. About 400 are registered for the full ride and another 100 will do part of it.

“We then head off together, accompanied by five support vehicles, for the seven-day journey to Uluru,” Mark said.

“Along the way we’re being very well supported by Lions clubs. At each town where we pull up, the local Lions will have either lunch or coffee breaks organised for us, as well as community events where we can spread the word about depression and suicide prevention.

“There will be various theme nights along the way, with auctions and other activities to raise funds for the Black Dog Ride.”

The Black Dog Ride was founded in 2009 by West Australian Steve Andrews, who rode solo around Australia from his home base of Busselton in 26 days.

Steve said his solo ride started a groundswell of support, and the ride just grew from there.

His organisation’s primary function is to raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention, as well as conduct organised motorcycle rides of varying duration.

There are two main rides a year; the other is a one-dayer in March, with about 30-plus locations around the country participating. This event raises money for Lifeline centres around Australia.

“We hope to start conversations, particularly among men who don’t talk about their health, especially mental health,” Steve said.

“Hopefully those conversations will lead to them seeking help.”

Riders raise money through the Everyday Hero fundraising portal, with proceeds going to Mental Health First Aid, a teen program in Australian schools nationwide, and to build the capacity of Lifeline’s online crisis support chat service.

Since its inception, this grassroots national charity has raised more than $1.8 million for mental health services across Australia. 

To make a donation, visit www.everydayhero.com.au/event/ridetotheredcentre2015

At a glance

DEPRESSION is the leading cause of disability worldwide. In Australia, it is estimated that 45 per cent of people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.

In any one year, about one million Australian adults have depression, and more than two million experience anxiety. 

While depression and anxiety are different conditions, it is not uncommon for them to occur at the same time. 

* Helpline contacts:

beyondblue 1300 224 636

Lifeline 13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

Kids’ Helpline 1800 55 1800

headspace 1800 650 890

www.blackdoginstitute.org.au

www.beyondblue.org.au