Former broadcaster, Lismore City Councillor and Deputy Mayor Neil Marks rode around the Lismore Speedway track before riding his fully laden Triumph north up the M1 to Brisbane yesterday morning as stage 1 of his Chasing The Dog 2024 tour.

Neil is riding around Australia’s big island on his motorcycle for six weeks to raise awareness of mental health issues, especially depression.

(Neil rides out of the showgrounds to a guard of honour)

Neil said, “ I was diagnosed with depression in January 2022 after visiting the doctor because things just didn’t seem right”.

He has spent the last two and a half years learning how to live with and cope with depression and has come a long way since those early days with the help of doctors, a very good psychologist and, of course, the support of his family and friends.

When he first became aware of something not being quite right, he hit the computer and went to all the relevant sites for information and support. Even though he found lots of information, he didn’t recognise himself in any of the stories.

Recognition that you are not the only one is extremely important to moving forward.

Being the person he is, he started asking questions of people around him and found out that many he knew had at one time or another suffered in similar ways as he was, some still suffering. It was this comparing of notes that lead to a greater understanding of his own situation.

“In some ways, I learnt more from them than I did the professionals I was seeing”, Neil declared.

With this in mind and with the encouragement of his psychologist he started to share his story on social media through his Facebook page Neil Marks, Chasing the Dog. Finding not only relief in sharing his story but also in the support and the private sharing of people’s own stories.

“It is extremely humbling that people feel safe with you for them to tell their own stories of struggle for themselves or those around them”.

Armed with the confidence that he had hit upon an idea that had hit home with many he decided to take it further and the idea of Chasing the Dog 2024 came about. A six-week solo trip around the big island to hopefully change perceptions of those who suffer with depression and other related mental health issues.

“I never thought it would be me going through this, but if I can show that a 63-year-old who suffers depression can still get out there and take on an extreme challenge whilst sharing my story, anyone can”.

That confidence was being questioned yesterday just before departure when he was asked how he was feeling.

"Somewhere between excited and terrified and it goes backwards and forwards quite a bit. I have been a bit nervous. I woke up early this morning and paced the house very early. The support has been fantastic. So, I've just got to get out there and do it now."

Neil joked that his main concern was just getting past the first roundabout, according to people there to see him off. "I just want to get going," Neil said.

There will be stretches on his six-week journey where the roads are long, straight and flat.

"I've got music, I've got an audio book and I'll probably end up going through many of those, I'm sure. And people can ring me because I can answer the phone while I'm riding. I want to have some fun along the way, catch up with old friends and old relatives.

Neil's first stop will be just north of Brisbane, where one of his sons lives. Originating from Adelaide and living near Perth early in his radio days means Neil has a lot of places to stay during his journey to cleanup after the long days and nights on his own, camping by his Triumph.

"I'm taking very little (clothing), so I'm going have to turn it over fairly regularly and do a bit of washing. If I end up in a motel somewhere, I will shower with the clothes on," he laughs.

As for the serious side of his 15,000 km journey Chasing The Dog, Neil will be sharing his experiences on various radio stations and talking to people on the way.

"I'll be talking to people, but it's about, I guess, being honest about my own (mental health challenges) and getting people to feel comfortable that, hey, it's almost normal nowadays. As somebody said to me, it's about as normal as people wearing glasses and should be treated the same way. So let's see if we can make that the game.

You can follow Neil's journey through Neil Marks, Chasing the Dog on Facebook and Instagram and eventually on YouTube.