A family driving around the country may seem like the tale of your average family holiday, but this is anything but for the Roadley family who are undertaking an epic journey all over Australia to help raise money and get communities talking about mental health.
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Paul Roadley, accompanied by his wife Kirstine, their three young children and their specially trained German Shepherd, Luna, began their trip in Western Australia in May and on Thursday the family had travelled through the central west of NSW and were on their way to Narrabri in the states north.
The Roadley’s fundraiser is called ‘Driving Oz with the Black Dog’, and will take them through every state and territory.
They are aiming to raise $100,000 for LifeLine Australia (www.lifeline.org.au) and $100,000 for mindDog Australia (www.minddog.org.au).
Kristine, who is originally from Dubbo and attended Dubbo West Public School, said it has been a sentimental trip for her.
The journey will take them a total of 12 months to complete and although they aren’t even halfway through the amazing adventure, the Roadley’s are loving every minute of it.
Paul spent 27 years in emergency services, including as a frontline responder to road accidents, fires, drownings and countless other human tragedies.
In July last year, the cumulative effects, combined with other adverse events, became too much. Paul left his job and contemplated ending his life.
He was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, severe anxiety and depression.
“I saw a lot of bad things,” Paul said.
“My doctor suggested I go on a holiday… so we decided to drive around the country to try and help others in the same situation….”
The trip is completely self funded and 100 per cent of donations will go towards the two charities.
“Our objective is to let people know that it’s okay to feel sad,” Paul said.
“We don’t call anywhere home at the moment… Our things are currently in storage.”
Paul said the children were loving being on the trip and were more than happy to help out with packing, unpacking, making fires and everything else.
My doctor suggested I go on a holiday… so we decided to drive around the country to try and help others in the same situation...
- Paul Roadley
“They’re really taking it all in. What’s so great is that they’re learning really amazing life skills too.”
Paul said Luna has been a big help too.
“Luna saved my life – literally… If I’m feeling anxious throughout the day she’ll get in my face until I give her the right cues to let her know I’m okay,” he said.
“And at night when I have a nightmare, which is every night, she jumps into bed, wakes me up and lies with me until I’ve calmed down.
“Kirstine jokes that there is three of us in this marriage.”
But all jokes aside, the Roadley’s just want to help others and raise enough money as they can for the two charities.
“We pay for everything ourselves, besides the petrol as BP sponsored us. Donations won’t go towards funding this trip, it will all go towards the two charities.”
Paul and Kristine said they were also welcome to community groups getting in touch with any appeals they’d like supported into the future.
If you’d like to donate please visit drivingozblackdog.com or follow their journey on Facebook by searching for ‘Driving Oz with the Black Dog’.
Taylor Jurd
Hi, my name is Taylor Jurd. I am a journalist with Australian Community Media, I write for the Western Magazine and Wellington Times.
Hi, my name is Taylor Jurd. I am a journalist with Australian Community Media, I write for the Western Magazine and Wellington Times.
