$8107, raised from raffles and donations from the Young community, will be given to the Black Dog Institute (a mental health and suicide prevention organisation founded in 2009) following the Young Back Dog Ride which occurred mid-March.
This year’s ride, held annually on the third Sunday of March every year, included ride stops in Koorawatha, Greenethorpe, Grenfell and Bribbaree before finishing at the Young Australian Hotel.
Commencing their ride at the Young Train Station early that morning, Cameron Wells, who organised the event alongside his mother, Debbie Quigg and close family friend, Dale Morton, says the ride started several important conversations about suicide prevention and awareness within the community.
“There were many conversations started as to why people get involved in the Black Dog Ride,” he says.
“[We discussed] whether it was [through] family or friends [we’d] lost to depression and suicide.
“This year was an amazing effort for the local community.”
For the past five years, Cameron has been working with the organisation with his mother and late father, Tex Quigg.
In honour of his father who founded the event several years ago, many participants rode for Tex, whose deep passion for the foundation has been passed through his family.
“Others should participate as it’s a great way to get involved with others who have had loss through depression or suicide,” says Cameron.
In terms of awareness campaigns, he says they aren’t done yet and will have a stand outside Bunnings in Young at 4.30pm on the 26th of March.
They will also be attending the Ivanhoe Pig Hunting Competition on the Junee long weekend.
Later in the year, the Black Dog Institute will hold a Bike Show and Shine at the Young Show, with raffles and prizes on offer.
They will also be spreading awareness for depression and suicide at the Harden Kite Festival as a way to discuss the important, hard-hitting subject with their local, rural communities, many of whom are the most commonly hit statistic by depression and suicide.
According to Cameron, everyone who attended the ride had a fantastic day filled with laughter and tears as they encouraged others to share their experiences dealing with loss or depression.
“We aim to let people know that they are not alone in this whirlwind world,” he says.
“Black Dog Ride Young is for all walks of life.”
According to Dale, they saw more than 85 bikes turn up to the event with one truck and a few cars.
A family day out for many, he says it was important to see the hard-hitting topics being discussed with people so young.
“There were lots of families in the room,” says Dale.
Among the families, Dale’s own 10-year-old son attended the event, which he says was a proud and important moment.
Following several successful raffles, Dale says the day couldn’t have been done without their local sponsors and donors.
Both Dale and Cameron say they were overwhelmed with the support they received from the community and know that Tex would’ve been proud.
“If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to us,” says Cameron.
For more information about the work the Black Dog Institute does, please visit www.blackdoginstitute.org.au.
– Elizabeth Kovacs
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