To help the Black Dog Ride break down barriers and start conversations, locals are encouraged to join thousands of riders at 10am on March 19 at Lake Hamilton. 

Riders will convoy all the way to the Flying Horse sports bar in Warrnambool where an auction will help raise funds for the cause.

Black Dog Ride south-west coordinator, Benjamin Gay, said there would be over 50 riders attend, but if the weather is good there could be over 100 turn up like in previous years in the south-west.

“It’s very important to raise awareness - everyone knows someone or been around someone suffering depression, or sadly suicide,” he said.

“The more people aware and talking openly about it the better for all. Sometimes just that acknowledgement or acceptance could be the difference for someone.

“The Black Dog Ride 1 Dayer is all about uniting under one banner with the one voice in one single day to amplify the national message of hope awareness and prevention.”

People can sign up to the event now or on the day, with registration at 8am at Lake Hamilton.

More information is available at events.humanitix.com/south-west-vic-vic-black-dog-ride-1-dayer-2023