A MUSTER with a difference will hit Leeton later this year in a bid to combat mental health issues in regional areas.
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The Calo's Riders Club is organising the first Harley and Bike Muster to be held in Leeton and hopes to attract at least 1000 bikes.
The muster will raise money for mental health awareness through the Mate Helping Mate program, which is co-ordinated by John Harper, who has suffered from depression in the past.
Mr Harper uses his experience to speak out on the issue and get others in regional areas talking to each other to ensure their mates are doing OK.
Calo's president Pat Tripodi was hopeful the muster would take on a life of its own in the coming years.
"We're going to hold it on an annual basis for the next five years and build it up from there," Mr Tripodi said.
"Things are tough out there, so I think it's important we support what John Harper does and let people know about his campaign.
"We want to build it up and we want it to be a big thing for Leeton."
The muster will include riders from the Sydney Psychs on Bikes group, with members to be guest speakers at the event, as well as clubs and bikes from across southern NSW.
There will also be a show and shine, street cruise, live bands, children's activities and more.
Headline act for the event will be tribute band Acca Dacca.
Calo's has been involved with the Mate Helping Mate program for the past four years and has held poker runs in aid of the cause.
Mr Harper will soon be producing a new CD that will feature Leeton shire residents and their struggles with mental health issues.
"Mental health is just as common as the cold," Mr Tripodi said.
"People don't realise that, which is sad."
The Leeton Harley and Bike Muster will be held at the Leeton Showground on October 25 from 11am.
As a lead-up to the event, there will be a a talk by Mr Harper Friday night for the community at the Stan Axtill Centre from 7pm.