Black Dog Ride's Betty Retires

Our brilliant Betty Parssey barely needs an introduction. Having volunteered for Black Dog Ride as our Apple Isle Coordinator from the very beginning, Betty is known and loved nationwide Black Dog Riders. This year our wonderful friend, mentor, and local leader retires.

When our Founder Steve Andrews was planning the very first Black Dog Ride, his circumnavigation around the nation to raise awareness of depression in 2009, he contacted fellow Ulyssian Betty Parssey to chat about riding in Tasmania. Less than three years later when Black Dog Ride's 1 Dayer became a national project, Betty coordinated the very first Tasmanian 1 Dayer, something she has done 6 times since.

Black Dog Ride's Betty Parssey being Presented with a Plaque of Thanks in Darwin 2018Organising her Tasmanian Black Dog Riders en route to the mainland long distance Black Dog Riders each year, Betty was thrilled to be able to organise a dedicated Tasmanian long distance Black Dog Ride in 2016. Betty then proudly hosted over 300 Black Dog Riders from all corners of the country on her beautiful island last year.

A friend and mentor to many, and an icon to all at Black Dog Ride, Betty's enduring leadership and passion for our cause has been an inspiration for both Black Dog Riders and community members for the better part of a decade.

Recently Betty decided the time had come for her to retire from her voluntary work. Whilst sad to see her step aside, we remain honoured by the time and talent Betty has given freely to Black Dog Ride, and grateful for her ongoing friendship with us all.

On behalf of all of us at Black Dog Ride, thank you Betty.

If you'd like to send a note of thanks to Betty, please email us here so we can collate them and send them on to her.

Black Dog Ride Icon Betty Parssey

Taswegian Black Dog Riders! The Campbelltown, TAS 1 Dayer next year (17th March) requires a team and a team leader to organise it. Betty is more than happy to mentor those who'd like to be involved. Get in touch with us here if you can help.