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