In 2021, local business owner Steve Bailey and a team of friends rode their pushbikes from Glenn Innes to Mudgee raising over $9000 in support of Mental Health.

This year, on the 14^th of April 2023 “ TEAM MCDUFF “ will embark on a 7-day bicycle ride from Tamworth to Mudgee, via Werris Creek, Gunnedah, Coonabarabran, Gilgandra, Warren, Narromine, Dubbo, Wellington and Gulgong, to once again raise much-needed funds for the Black Dog Institute.

Steve Bailey told the Lismore App, "Our team of 6 riders and two support people all live in or have connection to the local area."

"Tony Montgomery is from Lismore Heights, Cran Follent from Goonellabah, Ginette Kenny from Lismore, Mick Scanlon from Sunshine Coast and Steve & Cath Bailey from Lismore. Our support people Jane Wiltshire from Lismore and Julie Anderson from Collaroy."

"We are standing up to join Team Black Dog to turn ground breaking research into life-saving action."

Founded in 2002 and affiliated with the University of NSW and Prince of Wales Hospital, BLACK DOG INSTITUTE operates in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mood disorders such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.

Mental illness affects 1 in 5 Australians every year, with the most common being depression and anxiety.

Mental illness doesn’t discriminate. It affects people from all walks of life — individuals, families, workplaces and communities.

"As a group, we have all seen the impact of mood disorders and mental health on our friends, families and relatives. If we can make a small contribution to the cause our time and efforts are well targeted," Steve said.

 

In preparation for the demands and rigors of the ride, the team has been training for the last few months, riding between 150 and 230 Km per week.

For example, Ballina to Woodburn via Bagotville and return to Ballina via Broadwater ( 75 Km ), Lismore to Casino via Caniaba, returning via Ellangowan and Tatham ( 89 Km ), Lismore to Cawongla and return to Lismore( 78Km ).

 "Please donate to the cause, we appreciate your support. The Team Black Dog link for Team McDuff is https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundraisers/McDuffsRide or scan the QR Code below.