MOTORBIKE riders with plush black dog mascots riding pillion will be revving up for the inaugural national One-Day Ride in every state and territory in Australia.
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The coordinated ride, set for late April, will raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention.
The Black Dog Ride National 1 Day Ride aimed to raise money for Lifeline.
Lifeline's director of communications Chris Wagner said the nationwide telephone crisis support service spoke to around 1400 callers a day.
"On average, 50 of those calls are from people at high risk of suicide.
"We hope this ride will help raise awareness of our shocking suicide death toll, and help us towards realising our vision of an Australia free of suicide," Mr Wagner said.
The one day rides will take place on April 29 in every state and territory, except Tasmania which will take place on April 22.
The ride is the brainchild of motorcyclist Steve Andrews.
After losing his mother and several friends to suicide, he said he wanted to help remove the stigma associated with depression.
"I did not understand why at the time, but have subsequently discovered that she had battled depression for many years," Mr Andrews said.
"Depression is an illness, not a weakness, and effective treatments are available.
"If we talk about depression and work together we can make a difference."
For information go to www.blackdogride.com.au
