BLACK DOG INSTITUTE

I’ll cut my 11 years of growth if you want to join me in making a difference? I’m raising money to benefit BLACK DOG INSTITUTE, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about BLACK DOG INSTITUTE: The Black Dog Institute are working to reduce the incidence of mental illness and the stigma around it and actively reduce suicide rates. Your donation will help us develop research and tools for a mentally healthier world.

Saturday 28th March at 3.30 pm

WELLERS HILL BOWLS CLUB

I’ve been doing all this walking lately and all the health benefits I’ve gotten have been great but I’ve also been thinking it could mean something more than that.

So next month I’ll be aiming to walk 400km across the 28 days of Feb to hopefully raise some money for the Black Dog institute and their efforts on early intervention of mental health issues (and for a bit of extra motivation for me).

Let’s hope my old ass knees hold up.

Hey guys! We’re on a journey training for HYROX — and we’ve decided not to just suffer quietly through it.

While we train, we’re also opening up real conversations about mental health — the stuff people usually keep to themselves. The hard days, the pressure, the self-talk, the wins, all of it.

We’re doing this to raise awareness and funds for Black Dog Institute, an organisation doing incredible work in mental health research and support.

If you want to follow the journey, train with us, learn with us, or support the cause, we’d love to have you along. And if you’re in a position to donate — every bit goes toward helping people who are struggling in silence.

Most people see boxing as a battle against an opponent in the ring. But for many men, the hardest fight happens outside the ropes, in silence.

​My name is Mark Anastasakis, and I’ve decided to step into the ring for more than just a trophy. I’m participating in a boxing bout to raise vital funds for the Black Dog Institute.

​Mental health struggles—the "Black Dog"—can be a heavy burden to carry alone. I’m putting on the gloves to show that no one has to fight that battle in the dark. Every dollar raised goes directly toward research and support services to help men get back on their feet.

This January, we’re taking part in a mental health workout to raise awareness, break the stigma, and support men’s mental health in our community. On Monday, 26th January, Fitstop Charlestown will be completing a series of challenging exercises, all while highlighting the importance of mental health for men.

In Australia, suicide is the leading cause of death for ages 15-44. An estimated 65,000 Australians attempt suicide each year. 1 in 5 Australians suffer from a mental health illness annually.

By participating in this workout, we hope to raise awareness, show support, and raise much-needed funds for the Black Dog Institute, a charity dedicated to mental health research, treatment, and support.

Every donation helps us make a difference. Together, we can support men in our community and start important conversations around mental health.

Donate today and join us in breaking the stigma.

As we enter 2026, a group of 16-year-old boys are coming together to begin the year with purpose by undertaking a run around Lake Macquarie to promote mental health awareness.

After experiencing a challenging year filled with ups and downs—some of which significantly impacted our mental wellbeing—we strongly believe this is an important issue that deserves greater attention, particularly among young people. Mental health affects everyone, and no one should feel alone or unheard.

Through this initiative, we aim to raise awareness and funds for the Black Dog Institute, an organisation dedicated to supporting mental health research, education, and early intervention. Our goal is to raise $1,000 to contribute to their ongoing work in supporting youth and the wider community.

We will be attempting to run a total distance of 174 kilometres around Lake Macquarie. This challenge represents resilience, unity, and the importance of speaking up. We want to encourage others to understand that it is okay to not be okay—but it is never okay to suffer in silence. Seeking help and speaking openly about mental health is a sign of strength.

We appreciate any support, donations, or encouragement as we take on this challenge to help spread awareness and support those affected by mental health challenges

Im alex, ive had dreads for 7 years, my last haircut was 2015. Im shaving my head to raise money for the black dog institute. Please help me reach my goal to help save the lives we lose daily to the only choice some of us think we have which is suicide

Want to join me in making a difference?

This February I’m taking on the Trainalta Warrior Program as part of my Stand and Fight Fundraiser, pushing my physical and mental limits to raise money for the Black Dog Institute.

I’m committing to this challenge to stand up for men battling in silence — and every donation, no matter the size, will help make a real impact. Thank you in advance for supporting a cause that means so much to me.

About the Black Dog Institute:

The Black Dog Institute works to reduce the incidence of mental illness, break down stigma, and actively lower suicide rates across Australia. Your donation helps fund life-changing research, early-intervention programs, and vital tools that support a mentally healthier world.

Well the time has come people, from the 20th of December 2025 i will be joggin From Bunbury , Western Australia to Adelaide, South Australia SOLO with nothin but a hiking bag and a tent to raise money for suicide prevention and mental health , i have battled mental health my whole life coming from a troubled past ,first it started with a bit of depression which then led to a severe battle with alcoholism from the age of 19 , almost 4 years straight of getting drunk to give myself a break from problems in life ( 30 cans a day)which then progressed into a massive suicidal mental state in which i ended up in a psychiatric ward for treatment and getting diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder . After recovering from my addiction but still wanting to make a difference and help ,i found ultra running which is any distance over 42.2km without running and any type of movement i would be nothing it truly saved my life. Im now 4 months sober and I personally want to make a difference to the world and help out thousands of young men doing it tough out there that feel like they have no hope and have minimal support , all donations will go straight towards Black dog to support all types of mental illness and the stigma around it and actively reduce suicide rates. Your donation will help us develop research and tools for a mentally healthier world.

As a team we'd like to make a group donation in honor of Sean's memory. The Black Dog Institute are working to reduce the incidence of mental illness and the stigma around it and actively reduce suicide rates. Your donation will help us develop research and tools for a mentally healthier world.

On December 6th 2024, we received the phone call no one wants to get, and on the 8th of December 2024 we said our final goodbyes to our Johnny boy.

Almost 12 months since we last saw him, we’re still learning to grieve the loss of someone who should be here. Someone who was the absolute life of the party, who always had a smile on his face, who cared for everyone around him and did everything he could for his nearest and dearest. Unfortunately, time will not heal this wound. But by talking about it, I believe it helps to rid the stigma of mental health and to push people to speak out when they’re struggling, and access the help they require before it’s too late.

Although we would give anything in the world to have more time, we feel so lucky to have had 54 years with John.

So, on December 4th, I will be running 54kms, to celebrate and remember the amazing person who was John Sturgeon McGill. I will be running to promote the various organisations we can access in Mackay for mental health, to show how easily accessible these organisations are and to promote talking about mental health to your friends, family or anyone will listen. All donations will be going towards the Black Dog Institute. An organisation who are leading first-world research to prevent depression and anxiety in young Australians and learning more ways we can prevent this from happening to any other family.

Anyone is only ever a phone call away, and there is always, always someone who will listen