A big community welcome has been planned for the Psychs on Bikes charity riders when they arrive in Cobar on Friday.
Psychs on Bikes is an organisation of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses and counsellors) who are on their annual “Big Ride” from Perth to Sydney.
The group has been riding motorbikes across Australia since 2011 to raise awareness of mental health issues in rural and remote communities.
Founder, Sydney psychiatrist Dr Joe Dunn, said their motto is ‘Riding for Mental Health’.
“We have a passion for our work in the mental health industry and a desire to reduce the burden of mental illness in rural Australia.
“We also have a passion to ride motorbikes.
“Focusing on mental health, we visit communities in rural and remote Australia providing support, advice, awareness seminars as well as free health checks,” Dr Joe said.
The Psychs on Bikes group admits that by themselves, they will not resolve rural and regional Australia’s mental health problems, but over time, and working with many community organisations, they believe they can make a difference.
The group has passed through Cobar on previous rides and this year they’ll be getting a big local welcome which is being coordinated the Cobar Mental Health Network group.
The group’s chair Laura Ah-See from Interrelate said they have planned a free event at the Cobar Bowling & Golf Club on Friday afternoon and hope the community will come along and meet the riders.
“Flourish will be putting on a free barbecue and there will also be drinks, a car and bike show with the Dust Bowl Fuel Burners, special guest NRL legend David Peachey will be there to give a motivational talk, we’ll have music by Joso, plus free health checks and giveaways,” Laura said.
The Copper City Men’s Shed will also hold a meet and greet event with the Psychs on Bikes in front of the Cobar Library on Saturday morning. Locals are welcome to go along for the free sausage sizzle, talk football with David Peachey, talk about bikes with the psychs or get a free health check.
