Our awareness raising activities are made possible by our huge band of dedicated and selfless volunteers, who take on many different roles in our many different activities. In 2019 over 400 people gave their time and energy to helping with rides and community activities right across Australia, making a real difference in people's lives right across the nation.
To our fantastic volunteers, thank you!
These invaluable volunteers coordinate community projects within their state or territory, in addition to mentoring and supporting local Coordinators. Black Dog Ride could not amplify our message of depression and suicide prevention awareness across the nation without the tireless efforts of our wonderful volunteer coordinators and their amazing teams.
Dozens of volunteers in each state and territory dedicate incalculable hours to developing and organising annual Black Dog Rides. They, and their volunteer teams, are an integral part of Black Dog Ride's success in raising awareness of depression and suicide prevention.
Winston was Steve's companion on the inaugural Black Dog Ride around Australia in 2009 and has been on every single Black Dog Ride! He also travels to agricultural shows, public forums and speaking engagements.
Winston has proven to be a brilliant tool for engaging the community of all ages about mental health awareness. You will see Winston on the bikes of Black Dog Riders right across the country. You can purchase your own Winston in our online shop.
Black Dog Ride's Mascot is named after Sir Winston Churchill, who famously diarised about being hounded by the "black dog of depression".
"Black Dog" is a powerfully expressive metaphor that appears to require no explanation.The combination of 'blackness' with the negative connotations of 'dog, noun and verb, seems an eminently apt description of depression: an ever present companion, lurking in shadows just out of sight, growling, vaguely menacing, always on the alert; sinister and unpredictable, capable of overwhelming you at any moment. - Paul Foley