It has been a rough year for dairy farmers amid price cuts from milk processors Murray Goulburn and Fonterra which left many in the industry struggling to make ends meet.
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So in a show of solidarity, this year’s Black Dog Ride, which motored out of Bendigo on Sunday, has chosen to direct its efforts to combat depression, anxiety and suicide towards the region’s farming community.
“It’s called ‘the milk run’ so it’s an idea of getting out and meeting all the farmers and also catching up with them because of the issues they’re going through,” co-organiser Shane Taylor said.
“We’re all dressing up as Friesian cows as a statement to go through the towns as well.”
Mr Taylor said the black and white onesies would be a reminder for those doing it tough on the land that they are not alone.
“With all the publicity that’s been in the newspaper of how hard they’re doing it with all the price changes, it’s causing issues for them and a lot of people are getting depressed with the stress and that sort of thing so we thought we’d just show a bit of support that they’re not actually on their own,” he said.
Beginning in 2009, Black Dog rides across Australia aim to raise awareness and funds for support services for those struggling with mental illness, a cause close to the hearts of many of the riders present at the Bendigo event.
“You’re probably looking at about 90 odd per cent of the riders here today have been touched somewhere along the line with suicide or anxiety and depression, whether it be with family members or close friends,” Mr Taylor said.
“I'm ex-military so I’ve seen a lot of stuff that plays on your head but here you don’t get judged and everyone helps you and supports you, and we don’t let anyone sit on their own, we make sure that everyone’s in the group so it’s a good support group and everyone can speak their mind and not be judged on what they’re saying.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health difficulties, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. In an emergency, phone 000.