MOTORCYCLISTS from throughout Victoria have expressed their support for dairy farmers coming to terms with the industry’s plight.
More than 40 riders – many wearing Holstein-patterned outfits – stopped at Cohuna for lunch on Sunday as part of the Black Dog Ride’s Milk Run.
The initiative, which has been running since 2009 throughout Australia, involves motorcycling enthusiasts travelling in convoy to raise depression awareness and raise funds for support services.
“Many of those taking part in this year’s ride live in dairy farming areas, so they are seeing the stresses these people are facing,” event co-ordinator, Shane Taylor said.
The Garden Park lunch stop was part of the opening leg that saw participants travel from Bendigo to Swan Hill.
The group ventured to Halls Gap last night, with stopovers planned at Warrnambool, Frankston, Bairnsdale and Wodonga before the Dairy Run ride finishes at Shepparton on Saturday.
The Lions Club of Cohuna provided lunch for participants, who spent time talking to residents to gain an insight into how the dairy sector is coping.
“Cohuna is a town built on the dairy industry. Without dairy, this town would not exist,” Mead dairy farmer, Di Bowles said to participants.
“The most important thing people can do to support dairy farmers is to talk to them.”
