More than 20 people from across Australia and New Zealand will be riding from Melbourne to the Gold Coast on ‘postie bikes’ this August, to raise awareness of depression and anxiety and funds for beyondblue.

The riders from the Laser Group, Australasia’s leading electrical and plumbing contractors’ network, have already raised more than $76,000 for beyondblue, far surpassing their original target of $25,000.

The group of 24 riders is made up of tradies, suppliers and management from the Laser Group, along with motor racing star Steve Richards from the Laser Racing Team, who will be trading in his usual four wheels for two for the six-day journey.

beyondblue Chairman The Hon. Jeff Kennett AC will bid the riders farewell as they set off from the Laser Group National Support Office in Doncaster East, Melbourne, at 7:30AM on Thursday August 14, on iconic Honda ‘postie’ motorcycles.

The group will then ride an incredible 2000km through Lakes Entrance, Canberra, Bondi, Port Macquarie, Lismore and Tweed Heads before reaching their final stretch on the Gold Coast on August 19.

An additional five people will be travelling with the riders in support vehicles, providing back up assistance.

Jeff says beyondblue is grateful to the group for crossing four states and territories in less than a week to raise awareness of depression and anxiety.

“This is an amazing effort and show of support for beyondblue and our work, both in terms of raising a huge amount of money and taking on such a long trek. It is fantastic to see a group of colleagues work together on a fun project to raise awareness of depression and anxiety, and demonstrate what it means to have a mentally healthy workplace. It’s obvious mental health matters in their organisation,” he says.

“The Laser Group have shown they are not only committed to breaking down stigma around mental health in their workplace, but also in the wider community. Changing discriminatory attitudes makes it easier for people who are struggling to seek support, which is the first step towards them becoming well again.”

Laser Group managing director Steve Keil, who will be one of the riders, said that the cause was close to his heart and beyondblue was the perfect fit for this initiative.

“The impact of depression and anxiety can be debilitating and we believe that their incidences are unacceptably high in our industries,” he said.

“We want to build awareness of this and also raise funds for beyondblue as they’re a great organisation working to provide hope and support to those who think their situation is hopeless. We definitely feel that beyondblue is a worthy recipient for the funds we raise.”

Along the route, the Laser Group team will be hosting fundraising events, featuring Steve Richards’ famous Laser Racing Porsche.

Jeff wishes the team all the best for the journey and encourages everyone to check out the headsup.org.au website to find out how to make your workplace more mentally healthy.