Championing mental health with Seymour’s Black Dog Ride

“Money is accessible through a grant program for local mental health initiatives,” she said.

Special guests at the event on Sunday, March 17 included mental health outreach worker Ivan Lister and state Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland.

“He (Mr Lister) supports people going through rough times and with their mental health,” Ms Comte said.

“It was great to have him on board.”

Another special guest was 10-year-old Griffin Boote from Avenel, who grew his hair to raise funds for Black Dog Ride.

“Griffin is a champion of young man,” Ms Conte said.

“In 2020, around that time, (he) decided to grow his hair out just because he wanted to grow a mullet.

“In September (2020), he participated in Mullets for Mental Health. The mullet then stayed for two years in total.”

When Griffin decided to cut his hair, he wanted to help a good cause, so he contacted Black Dog Ride and decided to raise funds.

“We did a stall at a market in Avenel ... sold some merch and spray-painted some people’s hair and raised a bit of money for him,” Ms Comte said.

“All up, Griffin raised about $2800.

“He ended up cutting his hair in front of his old primary school.”

Ms Comte said she was grateful that Griffin saw and supported Black Dog Ride because it showed its message was reaching the younger generation.

“He’s turning into a mental health warrior ... for his generation,” she said.

“We couldn’t be more proud of him and to have him on board.”

The Telegraph’s Wayne Herring took photos of the special event.