THE Black Dog Ride will be visiting Moree this Sunday to raise awareness about depression and suicide prevention.
The annual, national fundraising ride started in each capital city on August 18 and will end in Alice Springs on August 24.
This year rock singer-songwriter and television personality “Angry Anderson” is the ambassador for the ride.
He is on the NSW leg of the ride coming through Moree on Sunday.
“I have dealt with depression all my life and made the decision years ago to be part of the solution not part of the problem,” Anderson said.
“I am proud to be ambassador of the Black Dog Ride, and for any efforts to free sufferers from the grip of depression.”
The Lions Club will be hosting the 141 Black Dog riders at the Tourist Information Centre when they pass through Moree at 10am. It is the first time the ride has travelled through the town.
All different types of road bikes will be on display and the riders will be available for a chat.
The public is invited to go along and meet the riders, check out the bikes and receive some information about depression.
There will be a small fee, which will be donated to the Black Dog Institute and will include morning tea for those who attend.
This is the third year the fundraiser has been run, and ride founder Steve Andrews said he was hoping to raise $250,000 this year.
“The aim is to generate community awareness around depression and mental illness, and break down the negative stigma associated with depression and suicide,” Mr Andrews said.
Australia has the highest male suicide rate in the world and one in seven people will experience depression in their lifetime.