United for Mental Health: The North Entrance community raises $3,600 for Lenny Deacon’s ride around Australia.
On 24 August, the best of humanity shone through on the Central Coast as the North Entrance community rallied behind Lenny Deacon who is pedalling solo across Australia to raise $1 million for Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation.
Lenny’s ride is deeply personal, he’s driven by the loss of his best mate, Dippa Weaton, and by the belief that research can change the future of mental health. His story first touched Annie and Phill Jenkinson at a fundraiser on Kangaroo Island last year. Inspired, they brought that same spirit home to the Central Coast, sparking a grassroots movement that turned vision into action.
Attended by 200 locals, the day itself was a celebration of connection cake stalls, sausage sizzles, raffle prizes, live music from local band Past Echoes, and plenty of laughter. Neighbours, friends, and strangers stood side by side, raising an incredible $3,600 for mental health research. This brings Lenny’s total so far to $69,970, including his legendary 24-hour Sheep Shearathon in 2022.
But beyond the dollars, the event was a reminder of what’s possible when communities unite with compassion and courage. Around 200 people attended, and countless more contributed through volunteering, prize donations, and small acts of generosity that made a big difference.
To everyone who gave their time, energy, and support, thank you. To the local businesses who donated, the volunteers who worked behind the scenes, the Surf Club for opening their doors, and to our good friensd Annie and Phil Jenkinson, for leading with heart —you both made this moment possible.
Lenny still has a long road ahead, but thanks to communities like North Entrance, he’s proving that together, we can move mountains and change lives.
A special thanks to local businesses
Kims Beachside Resort, Toowoon Bay | Breakthrough Mental Health | Kafich Espresso Bar, West Gosford | Killarney Vale Bakery | Saltwater Takeaway | Slimes Surf Shop | Impact Gym | Planet Fitness | Plus Fitness | Skullpussy Surfboards | The Stretch Lab | Gianni Hairstylist | Wizstix Surfboards | Carwash 2261 | Metro Petroleum | Borg Manufacturing | Blue Zephyr Café | Diggers | Coles Bateau Bay | Dan Murphy’s Bateau Bay | Rose Café | Bunnings Tuggerah | Kmart Bateau Bay | Officeworks
A special thanks to individuals
Annie Jenkinson and her boys | The Kuzevski family | Past Echoes – Brad, Col, Ian, Terry, Cess | Andrea & Pauline Pinna | Czes, Bronny and Vanessa NESLSC | Mick Valentine – photographer | Paul Van Walle, Mandy Amos, Peter Hall, Di Elliott – helpers | Corina Hayes, Jen Crosby, Kim Crane, Paul Terry – generous prize donations | Susannah and Jade from Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation | The Blue Bay Crew – Andrea, Jill, Kingy, Pino
Help Lenny raise $1 million for Mental Health Research
If you feel inspired by this story, then please visit Lenny’s fundraising page and help him to reach his milestone of $1 million.
https://breakthroughcommunityhub.org.au/yanar-you-are-not-alone-ride-doin-it-for-dippa
You can follow and communicate with Lenny via his Facebook page Doin it For Dippa
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19pcdtXSPk/
If you feel inspired by this event, and would like to host a fundraiser for Breakthrough, you can visit our community Hub Page here.
https://breakthroughcommunityhub.org.au
