Print chemicals salesman Jason Kennedy is helping push the 'black dog' away with an 8000-kilometre motorcycle ride with his partner Samantha Bills.
The couple are regular supporters of the Black Dog Ride, which aims to raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention, with the sixth annual ride departing Cranebrook, NSW, on August 14. They are being supported by DS Chemport (Australia) where Kennedy works as a sales executive.
Both have been touched by depression and suicide, leading them to launch a Facebook page dedicated to breaking the stigma associated with mental health disease. One in five Australians will be affected by mental health disease at some time in their life and fewer than half of those affected will seek professional help. Each year almost twice as many people die from suicide in Australia than in road related deaths, and for every completed suicide, it is estimated that as many as 30 people attempt suicide, yet depression and suicide is still rarely openly discussed.
Riders from five states are taking part in the ride to the Red Centre this month. Kennedy and Bills will have been on the road for three weeks and 8000 kilometres by the time they head off for the official start from Bathurst's Mount Panorama circuit.
The couple have already been involved in a one-day event in Penrith for the cause, one of 33 held around the country. Kennedy and Bills came away winners when a helmet donated by ambassador and stunt street bike stunt rider Dave McKenna was auctioned, proceeds of their $710 top bid going to Lifeline.
The Black Dog Ride began in 2009 with a fundraiser by founder Steve Andrews and has since developed into a national suicide prevention charity which has raised $1.8 million for mental health services across Australia.