mmg.com.au

Deniliquin Police Chief Inspector Michael Tranby (pictured) has covered his fair share of suicide cases throughout his career.

That is why he is cycling from Tasmania to Hay — 515km — to help raise awareness and money for suicide prevention.

The Community Action for Suicide Elimination (CASE) fundraiser aims to raise community awareness, train people to help those who are considering suicide and ultimately reduce the number of lives that are lost.

Any money raised will go towards training, which is $80 per person.

Insp Tranby said the gruelling ride would be worth it.

‘‘We want people to be able to identify the triggers and personal traits of people who are close to suicide,’’ he said.

‘‘We’re hoping to educate community members, empower individuals and reduce the risk of people taking their own lives.’’

Not only does Insp Tranby want to make it an annual event, he hopes to bring the CASE program to Deniliquin.

‘‘When people take their own lives it impacts everyone — family, friends, emergency services, even strangers ... it impacts you.

‘‘As police we have to deal with mental health issues and we have to go to a number of suicide incidents where people have taken their own lives. Whatever we can do to reduce this is great.’’

Nine other people will join Insp Tranby as his support crew.

The ride will begin April 15 in Sheffield, Tasmania, where the CASE program first began.

Once in Melbourne the team will head toward home via Kilmore, Rochester, Moama, Deniliquin then through to Hay.

Insp Tranby hopes to be in Deniliquin by mid-afternoon on April 18, where he will stop at the Exchange Hotel to speak with people about his journey.

Insp Tranby said Hay was chosen as the final stop on the tour because of its high suicide rate.

After arriving there on April 19, he will host a ‘‘community awareness day’’, where several officials will speak and there will be several discussions on suicide prevention.

Insp Tranby said donations for the cause are being taken at the Deniliquin Police Station, where you will find a collection tin.

Anyone wanting more information about the ride, or suicide prevention, is welcome to speak to him at the station.