Rockingham bikers to heal PTSD scars

In an effort to combat the stigma of mental health issues from emotional scars of war and peace-keeping missions, the Rockingham Military Brotherhood is holding its inaugural fundraising ride next month to help the thousands of servicemen and women affected annually.

Most of the 50 Rockingham military motorcycle club members have mental health issues and rely on the support of fellow veterans and current servicemen and women to cope, says president and ex-Royal Australian Navy member Simon Brown.

Supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Mr Brown likened the brotherhood to an RSL on wheels because it offered a safe space where veterans could share their military experience and lean on people who understood what they had been through.

The brotherhood is calling on motorcycle enthusiasts who want to help combat the mental health illness to join its fundraising ride from Rockingham RSL hall to Eaton foreshore on March 8.

Mr Brown said the $20 a motorbike entry fee would be donated to Picking Up The Peaces, a national organisation dedicated to preventative health education and building awareness about PTSD. He said the 90-minute ride offered a symbolic gesture of support to people with depression who wanted solitude, but not to be alone.

"The rigours of service are a terrible affliction," Mr Brown said.

Vice-president Paul Campbell, who served with the RAN for more than 20 years, received physical and emotional wounds from his service.

"The brotherhood has saved me from some dark moments," he said.

Registration for the ride is at 8am at the RSL hall.

To help the ride in other ways contact 0481 553 055 or email k9.mbmmc@gmail.com .