I get to meet many incredible, selfless members of our community through my role as a state MP, and it is always a pleasure to be able to recognise and acknowledge the work that they do.

It was an honour to be able to present a NSW Government Community Service Award this week to Graham "Bear" and Nerolie Falconer.

Bear and Nerolie are NSW coordinators of the Black Dog Ride and organisers of the Wagga Wagga Black Dog Ride 1-Dayer. They have both ridden in the Black Dog Ride for suicide prevention every year since 2016, and earlier this year undertook a fundraising initiative to raise funds for both the Black Dog Ride and Ronald McDonald House.

The 'Bare the Bear' event saw Bear shave his beard of 43 years with the hope of raising $4300 for the chosen charities. In the end, the event raised more than $10,000.

Bear and Nerolie's tireless commitment to raising awareness around depression and suicide prevention make them worthy recipients of a Community Service Award.

Thank you Bear and Nerolie, for all you do for our community, and for mental health and suicide awareness more broadly.