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Psychs on Bikes wins Community Achievement Award

Apr 26, 2022

Psychs on Bikes has been recognised for its commitment to improving the mental health of rural and regional Australians, taking out the prestigious ‘Awards Australia Connecting Communities Award’ at the 2021 Community Achievement Awards for Regional NSW and the ACT.

Psychs on Bikes, sponsored by Ramsay Health Care, is a group of motorcycle-riding mental health professionals who travel the country each year helping people in rural and remote Australian communities to access mental health services.

Psychs on Bikes founder and Medical Superintendent of Ramsay Clinic Cremorne, Dr Joe Dunn, said the group has collectively ridden about 60,000 kilometres around Australia since its first ride in 2011.

“Psychs on Bikes uses motorbikes as a conversation starter with Australians who might otherwise not engage in a discussion about their mental health,” Dr Dunn said.

“We visit rural and regional Australian communities and offer physical and mental health checks for men and women, educational talks, school visits, keynote presentations and whatever else the specific community needs.

“Our main focus is on the high suicide rate in the bush. What I’m hoping is that locals who attend the health checks, particularly men, can desensitise themselves to the experience of talking with a professional. We try to provide an environment that encourages introspection and feels safe for them to express emotions.

“I’m immensely proud of what Psychs on Bikes has achieved over the past decade.” 

Since 2011, Psychs on Bikes has delivered more than 1,000 one-on-one health checks in rural and remote communities.

Ramsay Health Care is proud to have been the foundation sponsor for Psychs on Bikes and has continued to support this invaluable organisation for more than a decade.

Psychs on Bikes wins Community Achievement Award