National mental health charity Black Dog Ride, which is based in Busselton, will be riding around areas affected by January’s Waroona-Yarloop fires to raise awareness of the support available to locals.
Black Dog Ride was established to be a beacon of hope for fire affected communities, and reassuring them that they are not forgotten nor alone in their recovery.
Popanyinning farmer Ray Sherry, who was helping locals rebuild after the fires, sparked this community building initiative, according to Black Dog Ride founder Steve Andrews.
“Following the tragic January fires in the Waroona and Harvey Shires, one of our Black Dog Riders, Ray Sherry, was volunteering to help rebuild destroyed farm fencing,” Mr Andrews said.
“Ray expressed his concern for the long term mental health of these communities.
“We decided we had to engage with locals, let them know what services are available in their area and encourage them to access them.”
Mr Andrews said he was very pleased to partner with GP Down South on the project he dubbed Black Dog Ride around the Fire.
GP Down South is a local non-profit organisation offering free counselling services to fire impacted communities within the Shires of Waroona and Harvey.
Locals can call GP Down South to arrange an appointment on 9537 5500.
Black Dog Ride around the Fire assembles on Sunday November 27 at 7.30am at Preston Beach with a community breakfast, before riding to Yarloop for morning tea at 10am, riding through Cookernup to Harvey for a community meet and greet at 11.30am with a community lunch finale at Waroona Oval at 1pm.
All community members are encouraged to come and meet the Black Dog Riders.