More than 100 motorbike riders will be headed for Wyndham Harbour on March 17 for the annual Black Dog Ride for mental health awareness.
A national fundraising event held on the third Sunday in March, the local version will begin in Ballarat at about 10am and wind its way through the Brisbane Ranges and Meredith before arriving at Wyndham Harbour at 12.30pm.
Regional coordinator for the Black Dog Ride, Tejas Shah, explained how motorcyclists riding from Ballarat to Wyndham will raise money for mental health causes.
“Every participant who takes part in the event pays the registration fee, which is $35 per rider,” said Mr Shah.
“And after that, we also get lots of sponsorship from the small retail businesses if they want to donate something in terms of items or gift cards towards raffles. The raffle is another major fundraising component of the event and there’s an auction as well on the day.”
The raffle, auction, lunch and other activities will take place at Wyndham Harbour once the two and a half hour ride is complete, with volunteers from Wyndham Harbour and Altona City Rotary helping out on the day.
It’s the first time that the Black Dog Ride ride will finish in Wyndham , with organisers choosing a different destination each year.
Last year’s ride featured more than 120 riders and raised $6500, figures that the 2024 version is expected to surpass.
But once the Black Dog Ride has raised the money, Mr Shah said it was up to other organisations to put it to use.
“Any community projects run by different organizations like Beyond Blue or the (Lifeline) suicide prevention hotline, they can apply for a grant from us,” said Mr Shah of grants offered by Black Dog Ride which range from $1000 through to $10,000.
To apply for a one of the grants or to register to participate in this year’s ride, visit: https://www.blackdogride.org.au/view/our-mission
Cade Lucas.
