He’s excited to be working with the plumbers and electricians who have come together from across Australia and New Zealand to make a difference.

“I’m taking part in this ride to raise awareness for beyondblue and mental health because it’s something that has touched my family and I’m sure most families,” he said.

”I believe we need to bring mental illness out of the darkness and talk about it more.” 

Encompassing over 1500 plumbers and electricians with members located throughout Australia, Laser Group knows that many of the people who make up the business fit into the categories most impacted by depression and anxiety.

As a result, the business made a strategic decision to partner with beyondblue and assist where it can while gaining access to tools developed for both individuals and businesses.

Planning for the road trip has been underway since last year and members from the Laser Group will be raising funds for the cause before the tradies leave Melbourne, destined for Cairns.

Riding with the group is multiple Bathurst champion and Laser Ambassador, Steve Richards.

With the Laser Group raising over $200,000 for beyondblue in the last three years, they are passionate about the work that beyondblue does and ensuring the group’s businesses have the tools to assist with mental health in the workplace.

Reports conducted by Price Waterhouse Coopers and The National Rural Health Alliance found that those working in construction were more than twice likely to suicide as other people in Australia with apprentices being two and a half times more likely to suicide that other young men their age.

Leaving Melbourne on Tuesday, June 6, the riders will stopover in Wagga Wagga, Dubbo, Armidale, Lismore, Bundaberg, Mackay and Townsville before finishing in Cairns.

Fundraising events will be held throughout the ride with the Group hoping to present the proceeds to beyondblue in July.

Donations can be made at: 2017lasergroupmonkeyoffyourback.everydayhero.com/au/laser-electrical-taree