Libby Mettam waves flag as riders set out from Busselton for 2024 Black Dog Ride

More than 300 motorcyclists gathered in Busselton on March 17 for the start of the 2024 Black Dog Ride for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Black Dog founder Steve Andrews completed the first Black Dog ride in 2009 with a solo lap of Australia. It has now become a national phenomenon, with Black Dog rides taking place across Australia with more than 7000 riders participating. This year’s ride was started by Vasse MLA Libby Mettam, who said she had been a keen supporter of the ride for many years. “This is a fantastic event that sees the whole community come together for an important cause,” she said. “Depression is not a weakness and the Black Dog Ride is keeping the spotlight on this important message.” St Mary’s Anglican Church delayed its morning service so the riders could be blessed as they passed. Leading the riders on the 2024 ride was John Lewin, who has been involved with the Black Dog Ride since 2009. “We are trying hard to raise awareness of depression, mental health issues, suicide prevention,” he said. “We lose as many as 10 Australians a day to suicide and we are trying to get people talking about this.” Dardanup farmer Peter Milton was also at the start of the ride with a cow that will eventually be sold to raise funds for the Black Dog Ride. “This is Clementine #21 and it’s her first time out today, so she is a little nervous,” he said. “We will take her all around the countryside on a tour for the Black Dog cause; we will take her to visit mine sites, men’s sheds, schools, shopping centres and basically anywhere you might not expect to find a cow.” Riding on the back on the lead bike was the Rev. Carolyn Ball, who was taking her first ride on a motorcycle. “I’ve been volunteered by members of my parish for this and I reluctantly accepted; I’m going to be holding on very tightly to that bike,” she said. The fundraising efforts of the Black Dog Ride have resulted in $10,000 being presented to LAMP to help its work supporting people with mental health challenges. Ride co-ordinator David Barton was full of praise for the effort put in by many people across the region. “I just want to say thanks to all of these people and so many more for helping us make this happen, and keeping the message of the Black Dog Ride out there,” he said. Lifeline 13 11 13