The Mackay and Whitsundays community is being encouraged to support the local arm of the Black Dog Ride by registering to ride in the 2025 One Dayer or participating in local fundraising. This will help start a national conversation about depression and suicide prevention.
The Black Dog Ride ‘One Dayer’ is a one-day motorcycle ride to be held in more than 100 communities across Australia on Sunday, March 16, 2025 including a ride kicking off in Mackay and Whitsundays.
Black Dog Ride One Dayer organisers are hoping to encourage community members to get involved in 2025 to support the team at Black Dog Ride to raise funds and awareness of suicide prevention and depression.
“We’ve been helping Aussies have conversations about mental health and suicide prevention for almost 16 years, and we know that every conversation, every ride, and every moment of awareness we create can change lives,” said Mackay and Whitsundays Black Dog Ride Coordinator, Catherine Purcell.
“Through the One Dayer event, we’re inviting Mackay and Whitsunday locals to join us in breaking down the barriers of silence, encouraging friends, family, and colleagues to seek the support they need to manage mental illness and lead fulfilling lives.
“Together, we’re not only raising funds for vital community projects but also building a culture, where reaching out for help is welcomed and supported,” she said.
Black Dog Rides Ambassador and World SuperSport Rider Tom Edwards is also encouraging Aussies and Mackay and Whitsundays locals to get involved with the initiative close to his heart after he lost a family member to mental health issues.
“The pressures and mental load that come with being a professional athlete can be heavy sometimes.
“For me, riding a bike is my biggest outlet and it's also the easiest way for me to get a conversation going, so having a community of people who are just as passionate about motorbikes as me is really cool,” said Edwards.
"Mental health is a very important topic for me. In 2021 I lost someone very close to me after a long battle with mental health. He loved bikes, too, and I miss him every day.
“I'm extremely proud to support and encourage others to get behind the team at Black Dog Ride and the important work they do for so many who otherwise may not ever speak up or get the support they need.”
Locals who want to register or donate can head to:
One Dayer Registrations: www.blackdogride.org.au/view/ride-information/1-dayer-2025
Make a donation: www.blackdogride.org.au/view/donate
For more information on Black Dog Ride and One Dayer ride, please visit www.blackdogride.org.au or keep up to date on the Black Dog Ride Facebook page.
Black Dog Rides Ambassador and World SuperSport Rider, Tom Edwards is encouraging Aussies to get involved with the initiative close to his heart after losing a family member to his battle with mental health. Photo supplied
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
