The 24-year-old is one of 65 cyclists riding relay from Adelaide to Darwin in support of the Black Dog Institute during Mental Health Week.

The ride – which kicked off on Saturday – stretches for more than 3500 kilometres, with each rider covering 1200 kilometres.

Participants visit a number of rural and regional communities along the way to discuss mental health issues, before arriving in Darwin on World Mental Health Day on October 10.

‘’My dad suffered from the ‘black dog’ for my whole life and we eventually lost him to suicide this January after so many years of experiencing depression,’’ Ms Neradovsky said.

‘’I didn’t want him to just be a mental health statistic, so I decided to get out and raise awareness that people can suffer from mental illness without other people knowing.’’

Signing up for TourXOz is not only allowing her to reach out to others, it is also helping her deal with her personal loss.

‘’I’ve had to force myself to discuss what has happened and talking about it has really helped me, and my family,’’ she said.

‘’When he was diagnosed with bi-polar when I was about 12 we finally had an explanation for why his behaviour changed so rapidly and so frequently. 

‘’However I wish we’d had a better understanding of the support available.’’

The not-for-profit event, TourXOz, began in 2010 and this year more than $300,000 has already been raised for the Black Dog Institute.

A range of events are being planned in the Illawarra for Mental Health Week including an expo at Wollongong Central on Thursday.

“There are many factors that can affect an individual’s mental health, that’s why there will be a broad range of services available to offer information and support,” Grand Pacific Health CEO Ron de Jongh said.

The expo will start with a Walk of Pride from the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre at 9.45am, and finish at the mall.

Readers seeking support or information about suicide prevention can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.