The Black Dog Ride began in 2009 to raise awareness of depression and it has evolved into a national movement of thousands of Australian riders who have raised over $1 million for mental health services and fostered a culture of mental health awareness around the country.

Angry Anderson is a big supporter of the ride and said raising awareness is of the utmost importance.

"Having dealt with depression most of my life and having made a decision years ago to be part of the solution not part of the problem as a basic philosophy to live my life by, I am proud to be an ambassador to Black Dog Ride," he said.

Each member of the Yass contingent has been affected by depression in one way or another and have it close to their heart. They will be raising funds for Mental Health First Aid and Lifeline.

Mental Health First Aid provides courses to train everyday people on how to recognise and provide help to people suffering mental problems until professional help arrives.

Lifeline provides a 24-hour free phone counselling service that is available to everyone (13 11 14).

For Dianne Roberson it will be the third time to Alice Springs with the Black Dog Ride.

It will take seven days to get to Alice Springs, with functions in every town at which the trio stop, helping to raise funds for these worthwhile causes. One hundred per cent of the money raised goes to these charities. The donations will be spilt evenly between the two charities.

The community can help by donating by visiting the links below. The locals hope to raise $500 from the community.

For more on the riders go to https://redcentre2013.everydayhero.com/au/yassriders or follow the four of them on Facebook and Twitter, https://www.facebook.com/redcentre2013 and @Pete’s Black Dog.

For more general information go to www.blackdogride.com.au.