Tex Robert Quigg, Kerri Palmer and Dale Morton.
The sound of motorbikes may have faded since the big ride in March, but the impact of the Young Black Dog Ride is still being felt loud and clear. On Sunday morning, 13 April, at the Young Railway Station, the ride’s organisers and supporters gathered for a heartfelt ceremony to hand over more than $12,000 raised for mental health services in the Hilltops region.
Young Black Dog Ride coordinator Tex Robert Quigg led the small gathering of around 25 motorbikes, where $6,000 was officially presented to both the Young Crisis Accommodation Centre and the Hilltops Community Hub, two essential frontline services offering support to locals facing mental health challenges.
“This is what it’s all about,” Tex said. “The ride was incredible, but today is the day we see the real impact. These funds will go directly back into the community to support people when they need it most.”
The funds were raised during the annual Black Dog Ride held on March 16, which saw more than 80 riders travel from Young through Temora, Stockinbingal, and Wallendbeen, stopping for lunch at Stockinbingal Bowling Club and taking part in community activities.
A major highlight was the “Shave a Vet” fundraiser, spearheaded by local veteran Dale Morton, which alone contributed $6,000 to the total raised. Tex also took the opportunity to thank several key community members who consistently volunteer their time and energy. Certificates of appreciation were presented to Glen, Rachel, and Zac Sanderson, as well as Bethany Robertson for their on-going work as corner marshals during rides.
“You guys are absolutely amazing,” he said. “You show up every time we have an event we couldn’t do it without you.”
Dale Morton and Tammy Kernaghan were also acknowledged for their incredible contribution through “Shave a Vet,” which raised not only funds but awareness around PTSD and veteran mental health.
Further donations included a generous $5,000 from FDC Building, split evenly between the Crisis Centre, the Community Hub, and the Shave a Vet cause. The donation came after Tex spoke at the FDC Ride to Give in Temora, a cycling event that saw riders travel from Dubbo to Leeton.
Additionally, $100 in raffle funds was raised at the Mighty Maddy Scavenger Easter Hunt in Cootamundra a touching show of support from a neighbouring community. “I am so bloody proud at the moment,” Tex shared. “This is what community looks like people stepping up, businesses getting behind us, and everyone pitching in to make a real difference.”
Local independent candidate Jenny Rolfe also attended the event, taking time to chat with riders over coffee and show her support for the cause. The Black Dog Ride has become a beloved tradition in Young, not just for its roaring engines and scenic routes, but for its purpose to spark conversations about mental health and break down stigma.
“It’s about making noise, literally and figuratively,” Tex said. “When people see all those bikes roll through town, they ask questions. And that’s how change starts with a question, with a conversation.”
With another successful year behind them and plans already taking shape for next year’s event, the Young Black Dog Ride team continues to prove that when a community rides together, they rise together.
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