WA Freemasons Make Black Dog Ride's Support Trailer A Reality

The WA leg of the upcoming Black Dog Ride around Australia now has a dedicated support trailer thanks to five South West Freemason Lodges.

Busselton businessman and local Freemason Les James wanted to spread the good work of Black Dog Ride after he returned from the Ride to the Red Centre in 2013.

The Freemason Lodges of Naturaliste, Nannup Day, Sussex, Wellington and Margaret River decided to help Black Dog Ride after Les invited Founder Steve Andrews to speak to them about the not for profit organisation.

Black Dog Ride began in 2009 when Steve Andrews rode around Australia on his motorbike to raise awareness of depression, following the tragic suicides of his loved ones. Black Dog Ride now has thousands of people involved in raising awareness of depression and suicide prevention each year.

Pictured with the new trailer are: Freemason members David Andrews, Bob Robinson, Lindsey Belotti, Les Sinden, Chas Burking, Mike Berryman, Les James, Black Dog Ride founder Steve Andrews and Peter Druskovich.

In previous years, Black Dog Ride has borrowed support trailers, which provide the opportunity to offer vital physical and mental health first aid to riders, in addition to resupply of fuel and mechanical assistance including towing. With a national and state ride approaching in August, Black Dog Ride's need for a support trailer was urgent.

After hearing from Steve Andrews about Black Dog Ride, the five Freemason Lodges decided to use their funds to purchase a trailer for Black Dog Ride.

Wellington lodge member Peter Druskovich made sure they got the best quality trailer possible, and liaised with Bunbury Regional Prison staff and inmates to design and build the trailer.

Black Dog Ride sincerely appreciates the enthusiastic assistance of Les James who initiated this worthwhile partnerships to support the community; the generosity of the five Freemason Lodges; and the support of Bunbury Regional Prison. Black Dog Ride is now equipped to support the riders in their journey to raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention!