McCurdy backs Black Dog Ride and calls for safer regional roads

The Nationals’ Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has thanked the community for turning out in force to support the Wangaratta Black Dog Ride on Sunday, and took great pride speaking in Parliament about such an important cause, while also raising urgent road safety concerns following an incident on the Kiewa Valley Highway.

Mr McCurdy said the strong show of support sent a powerful message about tackling depression and suicide in regional communities.

“Events like the Black Dog Ride remind us that supporting men’s mental health is everyone’s responsibility,” Mr McCurdy said.

“Something as simple as reaching out to a mate you haven’t heard from in a while, a phone call or a text, can make all the difference and may even save a life.”

The ride featured an impressive mix of motorcycles, from Harleys and agricultural bikes to club bikes, Japanese models and Indian motorcycles, drawing riders from across the region.

However, Mr McCurdy said the day was marred by an avoidable incident when a rider came off on the Kiewa Valley Highway.

“Thankfully, the rider escaped with non-life-threatening injuries, but it should never have happened,” he said.

“Our regional roads should be safe for everyone, and the current condition of the Kiewa Valley Highway is simply not good enough.”

Mr McCurdy said the community deserves better and called for urgent action to improve road safety.

“Regional Victorians aren’t asking for special treatment; we’re asking for safe, well-maintained roads,” he said.

“I’ll continue to advocate strongly for the investment our communities need and deserve.”

Labor can't manage roads, and regional Victorians are paying the price.