COVER STORY
MORE THAN JUST A RIDE
BY DAN WILKINS
C O F O U N D E R O F D I G I TA L A G E N C Y; V T W O
M E D I A A N D C O N T E N T PA R T N E R O F P U K A U P
P H OTO G R A P H Y BY B E N L E H N E R
w w w. p u k a u p . c o m
In 2016, 2,866 people tragically lost their lives to suicide. On average seven people per day
die by suicide in Australia and it is estimated a further 65,300 people attempt suicide every
year. For every suicide in Australia, it's estimated there are another 30 attempts.
T
he link between those terrifying statistics and mental
health cannot be underestimated. The social stigma
around mental health and emotional wellbeing is, at best,
concerning and at worst, a major factor of the suicide
number being double that of the national road toll.
Puka is a Hindi word meaning ‘genuine and authentic.’ It is the
mantra of past footballer, Wayne Schwass’ social enterprise,
Puka Up.
As a competitor, Schwass played almost 300 AFL games in
a brilliant career with North Melbourne and the Sydney Swans
that produced a premiership, three best and fairest awards and
a life membership to the North Melbourne Football Club. It was,
however, Schwass’ personal battle with depression and mental
health that bought about Puka Up. His struggles and his ability to
‘put on the mask’ to hide his struggles from the world, much to the
detriment of his own life, have led to him being a major pioneer in
the mental health landscape. His subsequent realisation that being
genuine and authentic, open and honest with yourself and those
closest to you have motivated Schwass to inspire others to create
change and keep the conversation going and the Puka Up Suicide
Prevention Bike Ride was a major vehicle to achieve this.
The ride took 28 riders and ten support staff from Sydney to
Melbourne. A 1433km journey – 2km for every life lost of the
2866. Puka Up partnered with The Black Dog Institute to deliver
community forums in six towns along the route; Wollongong,
Goulburn, Wagga Wagga, Albury, Shepparton and Ballarat. These
forums were valuable opportunities sharing practical skills, tips
and advice with audiences that will help local communities begin
to start conversations about suicide prevention.
Traversing from the Sydney metropolis, through the incredibly
picturesque Royal National Park onto the Sea Cliff Bridge and
into Wollongong was the first taste for all of what this ride was
to entail. New faces, new terrain and a new challenge. As the
days continued and we took in the amazing Macquarie Pass and
country roads through Goulburn to Canberra and Wagga Wagga,
the group started to see what this ride was about. By day four
into Wagga Wagga the group had covered some 650km, with a
number of climbs and temperatures reaching the mid-30’s. For a
group with ages ranging from 27-63 and an even wider range of
riding experience and confidence, it was clear that teamwork was
going to be an incredible asset to complete the journey.
By day six we’d covered almost 900km. We had a smooth
working machine, with each team member helping one another
and asking for help if needed. We realised the importance of
looking out for ourselves and each other. But did we understand
why we were here? Was it a bike ride, or was it turning into
much more?
The night of day six was to be a changing point for every
member of this Puka Up ride. Unbeknownst to us we were about
to find out WHY we were riding. Schwass asked each one of us to
tell our story. Why we were here? Why was it important? How does
this ride help anyone? Well, this experience changed my life.
Some 32 people told their stories. Some personal, some family
members, some friends, some who were just there to be educated,
and if the latter, they got the education of a lifetime. Stories of
parents, or friends, of siblings, of uncles, or themselves. Each
rider had a story, each rider had found their reason, their why, the
realisation that this was not just a bike ride, this was a means to a
conversation… and that conversation can save a life. Again, this
was life changing.
The final two days, 242km and 210km respectively, were
like nothing I’ve ever seen. Consistent, open and genuine
conversations each kilometre. An ignited passion in each and
every member, rider and support staff, each with a drive to stamp
out the stigma via the display of vulnerability and authenticity.
MULTISPORT MAGAZINE | 15