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Meaningful Moment

for mental health

Join a movement of people making meaningful moments to raise funds for a mentally healthier world.

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Choose your fundraiser

Take a look at our event categories for some inspiration and choose the best fit for your fundraiser. 

Sweat

Walk, run, cycle, or burpee your way to success.

Host

Grab your friends and family and host a fundraising event.

Remember

Honour a loved one and raise money in their memory.

Change

Cut your hair, shave your head, or grow a mullet.

Stream

Play your favourite game and raise money.

Celebrate

Instead of gifts ask for donations at your next special occasion.

Work

Donate a portion of sales to support Black Dog.

Resist

Give up a bad habit for a good cause and raise money along the way.

Choose

Raise money for Black Dog in your own creative way.

Choose your fundraiser

Take a look at our event categories for some inspiration and choose the best fit for your fundraiser. Choose something that gets you excited and that you can't wait to share with others.

Sweat

Walk, run, cycle, or burpee your way to success.

Host

Grab your friends and family and host a fundraising event.

Remember

Honour a loved one and raise money in their memory.

Change

Cut your hair, shave your head, or grow a mullet.

Stream

Play your favourite game and raise money.

Celebrate

Instead of gifts ask for donations at your next special occasion.

Work

Donate a portion of sales to support Black Dog.

Resist

Give up a bad habit for a good cause and raise money along the way.

Choose

Raise money for Black Dog in your own creative way.

How it works

Choose your fundraiser

Choose an event or activity that suits you.

Sign up

Register online and create your personalised fundraising page.

Spread the word

Start raising funds for a mentally healthier world.

Get Started Today

Meaningful Moments

You are a part of our inspiring community of fundraisers helping create a mentally healthier world for everyone. What has inspired your meaningful moment?

Avatar

Geoff Crawford

In 2015, I was diagnosed with severe depression. I had suffered a pretty major burnout in my position as a deputy principal at a school in regional Victoria. Over the years since my diagnosis, I have come to understand that my depression had been with me for a lot longer than I thought. I began to reflect on my past and the circumstances and events that had shaped me. A couple of years ago, I realised I had a lot of the traits that indicate ADHD. Suddenly, my depression made sense. I grew up without a father's guidance. I left school at 14. In my teens and early twenties, I was disengaged and drifting. I developed something of an inferiority complex. I was a procrastinator and found it hard to get started on tasks that needed to be done. I beat myself up for being lazy. It wasn't until I enrolled at university in my mid-thirties that I discovered I wasn't quite as dumb as I thought. I struggled with meeting deadlines for assessment tasks and yet, achieved consistently high grades. It was ironic that I was drawn back into teaching and graduated with a Diploma of Education. As I look back on all of this, I can see the patterns that led to my depression and breakdown. It has taken a long time to get to a point where I’m okay with what I’ve experienced. It all makes some sort of sense, but it makes me want to help others to find ways through the minefield of mental illness. I have been helped by being involved with the Black Dog Ride motorcycle group. Spending time with like-minded men and women has been helpful in building my understanding of how prevalent the issues are. This is why I’m planning to walk 800 kilometres across Spain on the Camino de Santiago to raise funds for the Black Dog Institute. I want to give something back to others by helping this great organisation continue their work.

Avatar

Brian Henschell

We are a like minded group of men that enjoy the occasions owning small shares in racehorses, but also support each other both socially and privately - like most people times, things get tough, but in moments someone from our community reaches out to trigger that support! Our mantra is “Mates with Mates”

Avatar

Corrupt 4x4

Mud for a Mission – Driving Change Through Community This year, we decided to take our biggest annual mud run and turn it into something with even deeper meaning. That’s how Mud for a Mission was born. What started as an idea quickly grew into a reality thanks to the support of incredible event sponsors, tireless volunteers, and the Corrupt 4x4 Community — a group of people who never shy away from getting stuck in (literally) and showing up for one another. Together, we raised over $16,000 for men’s mental health. For me, this cause isn’t just important — it’s personal. I lost an immediate family member to suicide, and from that moment my drive has been to make a difference in the spaces I’m part of. 4WDing has always been a passion of mine, but it’s also a place where I’ve seen how connection, mateship, and being outdoors can open the door to conversations that might otherwise stay locked away. That’s what Mud for a Mission was really about: creating a safe and welcoming environment where people could come together, share a laugh, tackle the tracks, and at the same time shed light on a topic that often stays in the shadows. Breaking the stigma. Starting the hard conversations. Reminding each other that it’s okay to not be okay. The day itself was incredible — rigs getting bogged, recoveries that took teamwork, and plenty of muddy smiles. But beyond the fun, what I’ll always remember are the quiet chats I had with people who shared their own stories, struggles, or reasons for being there. It was a powerful reminder that behind every wheel, every laugh, every muddy grin, there’s someone fighting their own battles. By turning something we love into something that matters, we showed just how strong community can be. Mud for a Mission wasn’t just an event — it was a step towards change, and I’m so proud of what we achieved together.

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Meaningful Moments

Mental illness doesn’t discriminate – it affects us all. It’s so important to share our experiences, have vital conversations and break down the stigma of mental illness.

You’re invited to share your experiences, stories and hopes for a mentally healthier world.

Avatar

Geoff Crawford

In 2015, I was diagnosed with severe depression. I had suffered a pretty major burnout in my position as a deputy principal at a school in regional Victoria. Over the years since my diagnosis, I have come to understand that my depression had been with me for a lot longer than I thought. I began to reflect on my past and the circumstances and events that had shaped me. A couple of years ago, I realised I had a lot of the traits that indicate ADHD. Suddenly, my depression made sense. I grew up without a father's guidance. I left school at 14. In my teens and early twenties, I was disengaged and drifting. I developed something of an inferiority complex. I was a procrastinator and found it hard to get started on tasks that needed to be done. I beat myself up for being lazy. It wasn't until I enrolled at university in my mid-thirties that I discovered I wasn't quite as dumb as I thought. I struggled with meeting deadlines for assessment tasks and yet, achieved consistently high grades. It was ironic that I was drawn back into teaching and graduated with a Diploma of Education. As I look back on all of this, I can see the patterns that led to my depression and breakdown. It has taken a long time to get to a point where I’m okay with what I’ve experienced. It all makes some sort of sense, but it makes me want to help others to find ways through the minefield of mental illness. I have been helped by being involved with the Black Dog Ride motorcycle group. Spending time with like-minded men and women has been helpful in building my understanding of how prevalent the issues are. This is why I’m planning to walk 800 kilometres across Spain on the Camino de Santiago to raise funds for the Black Dog Institute. I want to give something back to others by helping this great organisation continue their work.

Avatar

Brian Henschell

We are a like minded group of men that enjoy the occasions owning small shares in racehorses, but also support each other both socially and privately - like most people times, things get tough, but in moments someone from our community reaches out to trigger that support! Our mantra is “Mates with Mates”

Avatar

Corrupt 4x4

Mud for a Mission – Driving Change Through Community This year, we decided to take our biggest annual mud run and turn it into something with even deeper meaning. That’s how Mud for a Mission was born. What started as an idea quickly grew into a reality thanks to the support of incredible event sponsors, tireless volunteers, and the Corrupt 4x4 Community — a group of people who never shy away from getting stuck in (literally) and showing up for one another. Together, we raised over $16,000 for men’s mental health. For me, this cause isn’t just important — it’s personal. I lost an immediate family member to suicide, and from that moment my drive has been to make a difference in the spaces I’m part of. 4WDing has always been a passion of mine, but it’s also a place where I’ve seen how connection, mateship, and being outdoors can open the door to conversations that might otherwise stay locked away. That’s what Mud for a Mission was really about: creating a safe and welcoming environment where people could come together, share a laugh, tackle the tracks, and at the same time shed light on a topic that often stays in the shadows. Breaking the stigma. Starting the hard conversations. Reminding each other that it’s okay to not be okay. The day itself was incredible — rigs getting bogged, recoveries that took teamwork, and plenty of muddy smiles. But beyond the fun, what I’ll always remember are the quiet chats I had with people who shared their own stories, struggles, or reasons for being there. It was a powerful reminder that behind every wheel, every laugh, every muddy grin, there’s someone fighting their own battles. By turning something we love into something that matters, we showed just how strong community can be. Mud for a Mission wasn’t just an event — it was a step towards change, and I’m so proud of what we achieved together.

Avatar

Vibe Fitness Studios Geelong

At Vibe Fitness Studios Geelong, we believe fitness is about so much more than just workouts, it's about connection, community, and showing up for something bigger than ourselves. The inspiration behind our 24 Hour Workout came from a simple but powerful idea: that movement can be a vehicle for change. We wanted to create an event that not only challenged us physically but also gave back in a meaningful way. A full day of movement, shared with our community, felt like the perfect symbol of endurance, support, and unity. Many of our members, and team, have been personally impacted by the cause we chose to support, whether directly or through loved ones. So this was personal. It was emotional. And it was deeply motivating. We rallied together, hour after hour, to remind each other that when people unite around a shared purpose, incredible things happen. The energy in the room over those 24 hours was electric, and the support we felt from those who attended, donated, or simply cheered us on… it reminded us why we do what we do. We don’t just run a gym, we build a movement. And this was our way of moving for something that matters.

Avatar

Courtney Elliott

After I had my second baby, I was sick of tip toeing around how I was really feeling. Around the fact that I saw a psychologist and was on antidepressants. The more I shared, the more I realised that there were so many people around me experiencing the same things. A year ago when I found myself struggling to get out of bed and do simple things like brush my hair, prepare meals or shower. A lot of the time I felt numb. Or my thoughts would be consumed with endless ways that I could end my life. I would find myself googling. It felt like it would never end. It felt like the best way to make it stop was to end my life. After numerous bouts of depressive episodes like this where I would spend days on end in bed, my husband took me to ED. In 2024 I had 3 psych ward admissions. It has been and still is a long road to recovery. Every day I need to make choices that support my mental health. For me and for my husband and two children. I choose life. I choose being here to watch my kids grow up and hold my husband's wrinkly hand. I want that. And I want that for everyone else who experiences the darkest of thoughts. I want people to feel heard and seen. I want people to know it can get better. I am fundraising because the world is better with you in it.

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Wayne knott

Looking back I have always struggled with some form of depression. Like most young South African males in the early 1980s, I completed military service. Many of us were only 17 or 18 years old, and we saw and did things no young man should. Looking back, I experienced frequent episodes of depression and anxiety, and over the years, I lost many friends who took their own lives. A few years ago, as I began slowing down and transitioning into retirement, episodes of hopelessness and anxiety became even more frequent. Work, which had always given me a sense of purpose, was suddenly gone. Fortunately, I discovered Ironman triathlon, and it became a transformative outlet for me. The physical challenge is incredible, and being part of a core group of friends I interact with daily has provided a much-needed space to communicate and share. Recently, a lifelong friend took his own life, which had a profound impact on me and brought back memories of my own darkest times. It was then I decided that for my next Ironman—on my 60th birthday—I would fundraise for a cause that helps people struggling with similar challenges.

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Sandii Lee

Hi All.. I've Decided To Take Part ln This Fund Raising Event For Mental illness Due To Seeing Too Many People Over My Lifetime Of 60yrs Suffer, Turn To Drugs, Alcohol & Suicide, Even ln My Own Family Members Dating Back Years Ago.. Depression, Drug Over Doses, Alcoholism etc.. I Believe As Time Goes On Mental lssues Are Getting Much Worse.. Maybe Years Ago Depression Etc Wasn't Spoken About But Today We Hear And See Soo Much More.. If Raising Funds For This Organisation Can Help People Suffering ln Any Way That's Fantastic And Well Worth Taking Part.. Cheers. Sandii

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Sharon Yates

My family has been directly affected by mental illness for most of my life. I’ve watched my mother struggle when I was a kid. Then after being abused and beaten by my older brothers while younger then by my partner for years, I found myself raising 4 children alone and struggling with depression. I’ve had a step commit suicide and watch my daughter grieve after her best friend also committed suicide when they were 16. I have a daughter with OCD and anxiety issues, another that also suffers with anxiety issue, and is clinically depressed too. So raising money for mental health awareness was a no brainer for me. I could keep going about the issues in our family but there wouldn’t be enough room on the wall. I’m only a little market stall holder but if I can make a difference for even just 1 person I’m happy. Because I went through domestic violence as well I am currently fundraising for both causes. They are both linked.

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Darren Jolly

My mental health decline started several years ago when my 13 year AFL football career ended without warning. The chance to thank the people who helped me achieve success, was taken away from me. I underestimated the transition from club life to normal life and I found myself floating through life with no real direction. Compile that with an unexpected brain operation, financial issues and toxic marriage, everything came to a head and I fell into a dark hole mentally. I couldn't see a way out. I would often sit in my car at night alone crying not knowing what to do. How to fix things. I felt trapped in my thoughts and couldn't see a way out. I sadly tried to end my life on two occasions because I thought it was the only way to fix things. I never told anyone about how I was feeling. For most part of my life, I believed being vulnerable as a man and talking about your feelings was a sign of weakness. I never talked to anyone about how I was feeling, what I was struggling with, and the dark thoughts I was having. The lightbulb moment came to me while I admitted myself into a mental health facility. I slowly started to take control of my life and made tough decisions to get in back in the direction I wanted it to. I talked to professionals, I talked to my family and friends, I prioritised my health, my sessions with my psychologist and I learned coping strategies to deal with my thoughts. I decided to organise a golf day to raise money for Black Dog Institute because I'm now in a position mentally to help others who are struggling. I have a goal of raising $50k for Black Dog as I know the money I raise for them will help fellow Australians who can't see their way out of their mess. I love playing golf and I use the time I play as a mental release. So what better way to raise money than to have a fun, relaxed golf day with people who want to support me and my fundraising goal also.

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Hsing Yun Education Foundation

We share a deep commitment to improving mental health outcomes, a mission that resonates with the work of the Black Dog Institute. This year, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Buddha's Birthday Festival with a VegRun (Fun Run) event in Darling Harbour, and wanted to support a charity that prioritises our shared values of health and well-being and makes a significant contribution to mental health awareness and support Our goal was to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and the groundbreaking work of the Black Dog Institute. We believe that by highlighting Black Dog Institute's initiatives and resources, we can inspire our community to engage more deeply with mental health issues and support.

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Moments in the making

Some of the creative ways our supporters are raising funds for mental health and making their own meaningful moments.

Zoe + Emma Half Marathon Fundraiser

By Zoe Hall

Raised so far:

$724

Razzies Mullet

By Nate Rasink

Raised so far:

$155

Gg Event2

By Gunawan Tenan

Harry’s Mullet For Mental Health

By Harrison Fraser

Raised so far:

$1,193

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Or donate directly to Black Dog Institute

"Every single Community Fundraiser is inspired by the Institute's mantra: Science. Compassion. Action. But there is another word that can be added, it is LOVE.

Love is the universal inspiration connecting all of us and our stories. Fundraising for Black Dog Institute is deeply personal. Your humanity is our humanity. Long may it be so."

Peter Joseph, Chairman

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Questions?

The Black Dog Institute fundraising team are here to help. Feel free to email us at fundraising@blackdog.org.au