Hitting road to help save lives

Pictured above: Michael Young who is co-ordinating the Queensland arm of the Black Dog Ride.

Michael Young is one of 14 riders who will Burpengary tomorrow on an epic 8900km journey across Australia.

The Queensland arm of the Black Dog Ride will spend 15 days on the road to Fremantle to raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention.

In WA, the Queensland team will join 162 colleagues, representing each Australian state, who are on the Long Ride Home for the same vital reason.

Their aim is to help reduce figures from Lifeline Australia which show 8.6 Australians die every day by suicide - more than double the road toll.

Mr Young is co-ordinating the Queensland arm of the 2024 Black Dog Ride and riding despite undergoing treatment for cancer.

“Each kilometre we ride represents a step towards breaking the silence surrounding mental health,” he said ahead of the start from the Woodpecker Bar and Grill.

“With every engine roar, we're igniting conversations in towns and communities across the country, because no one should ride through life's toughest moments alone.

“Together, we’re not just raising awareness - we’re offering hope and building a network of support that stretches from coast to coast.

“Every handshake, every wave, and every donation fuels this mission to ensure that no one feels left behind.

“Myself and the riders joining me are excited to embark on this journey alongside each other, knowing that with every mile we accomplish, we’re making a difference together.”

Black Dog Ride Queensland itinerary:

Wednesday September 25 – Woodpeckers Tavern, Burpengary to Bundaberg 340kms

Thursday September 25 – Bundaberg to Mackay 623kms

Friday September 26 – Mackay to Charters Towers 525kms

Saturday September 28 – Charters Towers to Mt Isa 769kms

Sunday September 29 – Mt Isa to Tennant Creek 660kms

Monday September 30 - Tennant Creek to Katherine 675kms

Tuesday October 1 – rest day

Wednesday October 2 – Katherine to Kununurra 514kms

Thursday October 3 – Kununurra to Fitzroy Crossing 646kms

Friday October 4 – Fitzroy Crossing to Broome 396kms

Saturday October 5 – Broome to Port Hedland 608kms

Sunday October 6 – Port Hedland to Nanutarra Roadhouse 504kms

Monday October 7 – Nanutarra Roadhouse to Coral Bay 430kms

Tuesday October 8 – Coral Bay to Money Mia 589kms

Wednesday October 9 – rest day

Thursday October 10 – Monkey Mia to Geraldton 432kms

Friday October 11 – Geraldton to Fremantle 485kms

Saturday October 12 – Celebration dinner in Fremantle

Sunday October 13 – Optional Thunder run to Brusselton

Since 2009, Black Dog Ride has held national long-distance rides, connecting hundreds of riders with communities to highlight and start conversations around mental health and suicide prevention.

To help bolster fundraising this year, Black Dog Ride has teamed up with Indian Motorcycles for one of their biggest raffles yet, with the prize pool totalling over $85,000.

Indian Raffle tickets cost $10 and go into the draw for a 2024 Indian Roadmaster Dark Horse motorcycle valued at $45,495. Tickets are available until October 11. Click here to purchase.

Schools, clubs, community groups and individuals can also support the Black Dog Ride by organising fundraisers, events, or make a donation. To donate click here.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, or with someone who is, call the helplines below who provide crisis support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If the situation is life-threatening, call 000 immediately.

Lifeline Crisis Support – 13 11 14

Samaritans Helpline – 135 247

Lifeline Online Crisis Support Chat Service – (7pm - Midnight AEDT)

Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467

Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800

MensLine Australia – 1300 789 978

SANE Australia Helpline – 1800 18 7263

Veteran's Line – 1800 011 046

ADF All Hours Line – 1800 628 036

Family Violence Crisis Line – 1800 737 732

Mates in Construction – 1300 642 111

StandBy - Support After Suicide - 1300 727 247