The Paddle to Battle Depression is an annual event which not only raises awareness for mental health, but vital funds for White Cloud's services that provide practical and clinical support to people suffering depression and/or anxiety.

If you're competitive, you can choose to do the Paddle Race, or if you'd like to take it a little easier you can participate in the Community Paddle.

You can paddle any suitable craft as an individual or double. If you do plan to use a SUP, however, please use one that is 12’6” or over.

Where is it?

This year's course is from Riverhills to Fig Tree Pocket and is approximately 11.8km.

Both the Paddle Race and Community Paddle will start at Riverhills Recreation Hub pontoon and end at Fig Tree Pocket Boat Ramp.

What time?

The Community Paddle will kick off at 9am.

The Paddle Race will start at 9.30am.

Both are expected to be finished well before midday.

How much?

Registration for both the Community Paddle and Race is $60 per person.

What do you get?

For the cost of your registration, you’ll receive:

A Paddle to Battle Depression Shirt
BBQ lunch and drinks at the finish line
Access to support boat on the river and assistance from event crew
Passenger transport from finish line to start line (does not include transport for watercraft)

What else can you do?

We ask that all Paddle participants also set up a Fundraising Page to help us raise some much-needed dollars for our services that support people living with or at risk of developing depression. It's extremely easy to do, and whether you raise $5 or $500 it all makes a difference!

You can also fundraise even if you're not physically taking part in the Paddle.

To set up your personal online fundraising page, click here.

Why should you do it?

All funds raised through the Paddle to Battle Depression will support both our Meals for Mums Service and the White Cloud Tele-Mental Health Service.

Our Meals for Mums service - which provides home-delivered nutritious meals to mothers struggling with perinatal depression - has grown significantly over the past few years due to the pressures and stress associated with the rising cost of living. The service has also expanded from its original base in the northern suburbs of Brisbane and is now available throughout Queensland from Cairns to Charleville!

Our White Cloud Tele-Mental Health Service has also grown since it was launched in August 2021. This service breaks down the barriers to accessing clinical treatment and support for mental health and wellbeing. Anyone aged 12 years and over can use the service and no GP referral or Mental Health Plan is required. It can be accessed no matter where you live - whether you're on a cattle station in Western Queensland or living in the Brisbane CBD. All our clients are treated individually and will receive care from our multidisciplinary team of Psychologists, Social Workers, Exercise Scientists/Physiologists, Dietitians and Counsellors. There is minimal waiting time for appointments and, best of all, the service is free!

To keep these services free for those who need them, we do need your help.

So please, after you’ve registered to take part in the Paddle, make sure you set up your online fundraising page. We’ll be extremely grateful for your support!

Need to know more?

Once you register, you will receive a full Paddle Pack with more detailed information such as timings, locations, and safety for the event.

If you have any further questions, please just give us a call, or drop us an email.

E: info@whitecloudfoundation.org

P: 07 3065 9855