BRIDGETOWN was the meeting place of more than 500 motorcycle riders before they departed on a journey through the South West to help raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention.
The 6th annual Black Dog ride is a nationwide motorcycle event, with over 8000 riders participating in 33 rides across Australia on the same day.
In Western Australia there were legs in the Avon Valley, Kalgoorlie and Geraldton as well as Bridgetown.
Riders from all over the South West came together to participate in this year's event, with funds raised directly benefiting Lamp Inc in Busselton, a service that provides support for people with mental illness, their carers and family members living in the South West.
Black Dog ride founder Steve Andrews believes more needs to be done to combat the 'silent illness' of depression and was pleased to announce Lamp Inc as the beneficiaries of the 2015 Bridgetown ride.
"I'm pleased and proud that LAMP is once again the beneficiary of this ride," Mr Andrews said. "They are a wonderful organisation doing very valuable mental health work in our community."
Bridgetown lead rider and coordinator Sam Prince said he was very happy with the day's event and it was great to have so much support from the Bridgetown Community.
"It was extremely satisfying as the coordinator that the riders had a safe and enjoyable ride with a terrific finish in Nannup," Mr Prince said.
"I would like to thank the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes for welcoming us with open arms to Bridgetown and to all the wonderful volunteers and supporters that help make this such a successful event.
"It is great that we are accepted and assisted by various communities to help raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention."
ABC radio personality Gillian O'Shaughnessy said the Black Dog Ride was a wonderful event and she believed Founder Steve Andrews was an Australian hero.
"I really think Steve Andrews is an Australian hero. He is a wonderful man, as he was prepared to start a conversation about something as important as depression and suicide," Ms O'Shaughnessy said.
"He encouraged me last year to talk about the people in my own family that I have lost due to suicide, such as my own grandmother. She lived in the country, and I don't even think there was a word for depression back then. I hope she knows she is still missed.
"I know many of you here have personal stories as well, and all of those people we have lost still matter to us and still live with us.
"Please remember, depression is an illness not a weakness and effective treatments are available. It is ok to reach out for help, it's ok to talk about the way you feel. You don't have to battle it on your own.
"This is a wonderful event and I am so pleased for Steve and everyone that has come out to participate."