Western Australian sheep shearer turned mental health advocate Lenny Deacon will arrive on the Central Coast on August 24 as part of his extraordinary solo cycling journey around Australia to raise $1M for mental health research.
North Entrance Surf Club will host a special fundraising event in support of his national campaign, Doin’ It for Dippa, from noon-4.30pm on the day.
The event promises an afternoon of live music, great food, raffles, auctions and family-friendly activities, all in support of the Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation.
Community members will have the opportunity to meet Deacon and his loyal dog Lucky and hear the powerful story behind his ride, a deeply personal mission inspired by the loss of his best mate, Dippa Wheaton, to suicide at age 43.
Since departing Bunbury, WA, in November 2024, Deacon has cycled more than 7,000km, crossing the Nullarbor, popping in to Kangaroo Island and Tasmania, and most recently visiting Canberra, where he met with Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler to advocate for national mental health reform.
“This ride isn’t about me – it’s about the people I’ve met who’ve quietly told me they’re struggling,” he said.
“Reaching Canberra was a milestone not just on the road, but in getting this message in front of government: mental illness is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and we need action.”
Every day in Australia, nine people die by suicide, seven of whom are men.
Deacon’s ride aims to raise vital funds for life-saving mental health research and support programs, especially in rural and regional communities where services are often limited.
To date he has raised more than $21,248 through the ride, in addition to $45,000 from a previous 24-hour Sheep-Shearathon fundraiser.
All proceeds from the The Entrance North event will go directly to Breakthrough, Australia’s only dedicated mental health research foundation.
“Lenny is a vital voice for our foundation,” Breakthrough CEO John Mannion said.
“He is helping to break the silence around mental health in the regions, giving others permission to speak and seek help.”
Follow Deacon’s journey on his Facebook Page – Doin’ It for Dippa – or donate via breakthroughcommunityhub.org.au/yanar
Book for the The Entrance North event by emailing admin@northernentranceslsc.com.au
Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation is a for-purpose organisation established in 2018 and is Australia’s first and only dedicated mental health research foundation.
Mental illness is predicted to be the biggest health challenge of our lifetime.
While many organisations across Australia work to treat and support those living with mental illness, the prevalence of mental health issues and the stigma surrounding them continue to grow.
Breakthrough partners with individuals, communities, and organisations to raise vital funds that support ground-breaking research into the causes, treatments, and prevention of mental illness.
Tickets are available on the day, not through the surf club. My husband Phil and I are organising this event.