They have the bike stand kicked down amid the greenery of the Murrumbidgee Turf Club – but soon they will be overwhelmed by the powerful glow of Australia’s red centre.
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It’s called the Black Dog Ride to the Red Centre and it's a mission to raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention.
The bumpy 2300-kilometre motorbike ride to Uluru will be the first for Janine O'Callaghan, who is one of four Wagga people taking part.
"It’s a cause I’m passionate about because I don’t think there are many people that aren’t touched by depression,” she said. “There is such a stigma in relation to mental illness and I don’t think we’re going to get rid of that stigma until we talk about it."
According to the Black Dog Ride, there is one death every four hours attributed to suicide in Australia and twice as many Australians die from suicide than road-related deaths. The organisation has prided itself on raising more than $1.8 million for mental health services across Australia over the course of its existence.
Ms O'Callaghan encouraged people to make a donation to the ride, with all funds used to support the rollout of a mental health program for Australian schools.
It kicks off on August 15. To make a donation, search “ride to the red centre 2015" on everydayhero.com.au.
- Support is available for anyone who may be distressed by phoning Lifeline 13 11 14; Mensline 1300 789 978; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800.
