Suit Up and Ride

A team of Monash University staff and students joined the fight against youth mental illness by participating in Suit Up and Ride, a cycling event with a twist.

All event participants were required to wear corporate attire and race on bikes around Waterfront City, Docklands. The five member strong TeamMONASH™ represented Monash University with gowned distinction.

Team captain, Clare Davey, Sustainable Transport Officer, Office of Environmental Sustainability, lead the five member team, clad in academic robes, for Suit Up and Ride, the primary fundraising event for Orygen Youth Health (OYH).

“Our team made it through the 1.2 kilometre course in two minutes and 10 seconds, assisting to raise funds for OYH. Overall the day raised a six-figure sum to support the organisations work in youth mental health,” Ms Davey said.

“That’s a cause that TeamMONASH™ is very proud to have contributed to.”

The team was comprised of members from all over Monash. Along with Ms Davey, staff members Robert Merkel, Faculty of Information Technology and David Solly, eSolutions, took part.

Two students participated in the team, fifth year Bachelor of Engineering and Industrial Design student Tom Barton and fourth year M.B.B.S student Sheen Sern Goh, who both undertake their studies at Clayton campus.

One in four young people experience a form of mental illness in any 12 month period. Although 75 per cent of mental illnesses first occur in people aged 15 to 24, only one in four of these young people will receive professional help.

OYH uses its position as Australia’s largest youth mental health organisation to ensure Australia has a contemporary mental health system where all young Australians have access to timely, appropriate treatment.

“TeamMONASH™ was very happy to be part of the 56 teams of the quirkiest clad cyclists ever seen in the Docklands. It was a great day and a fun way to show our support,” Ms Davey said.