Motorcycle riders can join a Black Dog Ride from Tamworth to Gunnedah via Manilla on Sunday.
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The annual event aims to start a conversation about depression and suicide prevention, with all donations to go to the Gatepost Support Services in Gunnedah.
The one-day ride has been running since 2010, with riders from 41 different locations around Australia to take part this year.
This year, the local ride is being organised by regional representative and Somerton resident John Holyoake who will be participating for the eighth year. Mr Holyoake recently retired after 34 years in the Defence Force and understands the importance of mental health.
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“I’m actually ex-defence and my slant on this is that I suffered pretty badly when I came back from Afghanistan,” he said.
“The Defence Force has the best mental health first aide mechanism in Australia, that is available for its serving and ex serving members. Tragically, we still lose one of ours every two weeks [and] tragically for every defence member killed in Afghanistan, we have lost eight to suicide.”
The ride will start from the Court House Hotel car park on 232 Peel Street, Tamworth. The route will take the riders via Manilla to Gunnedah. In Gunnedah, the Lions Club will put on a barbecue for the riders at Wolseley Park. The Somerton Hotel will be provide a pleasant stop over for those heading back towards Tamworth.
Details
8.30am-9.45am: Registration
9.50am: Ride brief
10am: Depart for Gunnedah
To register online by March 16, visit www.tamworth1dayer2018.eventbrite.com.au
For more information about the one-day ride, phone 0439797140, email tamworth@blackdogride.com.au or visit http://blackdogride.com.au/1dayer2018