It was a ride with a difference for about 10 motorcyclists who hit the road on March 19 to create awareness about mental health and suicide prevention on the Limestone Coast.
The riders travelled up the Riddoch Highway towards Keith and then up to Murray Bridge as part of the first Limestone Coast-Mallee Black Dog One-Dayer Ride.
The ride coordinator, Rosa Hilliam, said the riders rode in solidarity for loved ones, neighbours, or themselves, raising awareness and promoting discussion on the importance of mental health.
Ms Hilliam said that regardless of everyone’s backgrounds, the group gathered with one aim, and that was to support those impacted by poor mental health.
“We ride to decrease the stigma of mental health and suicide and to let people know that it is ok to not be ok and mental health issues are no different from any other health issue,” she said.
“Two out of five people will have mental health issues over their lifetime, and eight people each day lose their lives to suicide,” Ms Hilliam said.
She said mental health crises were a real issue, and the group was aiming to encourage people to sit down with a neighbour, friend, or family member over a cup of tea and just chat.
Ms Hilliam said mental health was no longer a subject that people should avoid talking about.
She said the Black Dog Ride was not strictly limited to motorcycle rides but also looked at fostering a safe and welcoming atmosphere for workers in the agriculture sector to talk freely about their own experiences with mental illness and suicidal ideation, promoting help seeking behaviour amongst workers in this vital Australian sector.
“People at any level of riding are welcome to join us as we are inclusive and supportive.”
The Black Dog Ride began on July 26, 2009, and in April 2010, the inaugural 1 Dayer ride was held, bringing together hundreds of people impacted by mental illness and suicide.
In September 2010, the first Ride to the Red Centre was organised, which established the longevity of the moment.
For those interested, the Black Dog State Ride will take place on September 2 and will start in Adelaide, run along the coast to Kingston, and spend the first night in Mount Gambier before continuing into Victoria, the ACT, and NSW before heading back through Broken Hill and finishing in Burra.
“Riders and everyone are invited to look out for the event and join in for the three days or the full eight days,” Ms Hilliam said.
For help on mental health issues, call:
- Lifeline Australia provides counselling support 24/7 at 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue provides crisis and suicide support 24/7 at 1300 22 4636
- Kids helpline – kids, teens, and young adults aged 5 to 25, and their parents and carers, on 1800 55 1800.
- Suicide call-back service at 1300 659 467
This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.
