Thanks to Holden, this year’s Black Dog Ride will be supported by a fleet of new Colorado’s.   

The ride will pass through Mount Isa on Tuesday, August 18, stopping in at Malouf Holden to say thank you for the support.

Black Dog Riders are joining the event from every state and territory and, for the first time in the event’s six-year history, will meet at the red heart of Australia – Uluru.

Holden is supporting Black Dog Ride with a $10,000 donation and five specially-prepared Holden Colorado’s, which will act as support vehicles for the duration of the Black Dog Ride to the red centre.

Black Dog Ride founder Steve Andrews said suicide was the leading cause of death in Australians under the age of 45 and much more needed to be done to address this terrifying statistic.

“It’s estimated that over 50 per cent of people suffering depression don’t seek treatment and our hope is that hundreds of Black Dog Riders taking to the roads will start conversations and build awareness everywhere. 

‘‘By getting the nation talking, we can normalise depression, encourage people to seek support and ultimately prevent suicide,” Mr Andrews said.

“The support provided by Holden is invaluable in allowing us to run this event on a national scale and to really make an impact,” Mr Andrews said.  

Malouf Holden dealer principal Paul Malouf said Holden saw the cause as an important issue and was proud to support the 

Black Dog Ride to the red centre. 

“Depression and suicide are serious problems throughout the communities of Australia and we at Holden are only too happy to be able to help this event to raise awareness and much-needed funds for mental health support services,” said Mr Malouf.

Black Dog Ride has raised more than $1.8 million for mental health and suicide prevention services in Australia since its inception in 2009.

The event raised $566,000 in 2014 alone, with all funds going to Lifeline Australia and Mental Health First Aid Australia.