The Black Dog Ride is a motorcycle ride running from all capitals in Australia to Alice Springs in August each year.  They also conduct one day rides in March each year. The purpose of the Black Dog Ride is to raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention.

Many of the riders have been touched in some way either personally or through their friends and family. The experience of being touched by any health issue tends to make one take more notice, particularly if something can be done about it. These rides provide great opportunities for riders to talk to each other. Furthermore, because the Ride to the Red Centre travels through so many towns, riders have a great opportunity to meet with ordinary members of the community along the way. It's amazing how many open up and speak of their personal experiences. Some have never felt comfortable in talking about them previously.

This Sunday, the 18th August sees Wedderburn host a Mental Health Awareness Day from 11am to 3pm at the Wedderburn Community House, 24 Wilson Street Wedderburn.

This day is in part being organised around the arrival of the Black Dog Ride in Wedderburn for lunch. Wedderburn has been extremely supportive of the Black Dog Ride over the last two years and local person Ric Raftis who is the Victorian Co-ordinator for the ride will be making his third trip to the Alice. It is fantastic that the ride is able to stop in Wedderburn and thank the people who have been so supportive of this mental health ride.

The Black Dog Ride is all about raising awareness of depression and suicide prevention. All funds raised this year will be split between Lifeline and Mental Health First Aid to assist in funding their programs. Leo Shultz from the Bendigo Lifeline office will be in attendance on the day, as will Jenny Singe from Headspace in Bendigo to create awareness of the programs offered to young people by that organisation.