Gnowangerup welcomes Paul the tractor after being generously donated by Ride for Youth

Horsepower Highway has welcomed its newest addition after Hawaiian’s Ride for Youth donated a funky-looking tractor in memory of a fellow cyclist who took his own life a few years ago. The unveiling of the tractor took place on Wednesday morning. The idea for a dedicated tractor came after visiting another tractor, Lucinda, during the 2022 Ride for Youth. On land donated by a local farmer, Scott Thomas, the Horsepower Highway welcomes its newest addition, resplendent in red and blue. Fellow cyclist Phil Cousins, spoke on the tragedy of Paul Perrot’s suicide. “It’s a fitting reminder and lasting legacy of him and also a permanent reminder of the Youth Focus delivery of the services that exist in the region for our vulnerable youth,” he said. “The project is a more permanent reminder of the commitment that Youth Focus has to the region, in assisting with community sustainability which is linked with many of the issues that present to Youth Focus and the location of the Wheatbelt peloton to visit each year on the journey back from Albany.” Blank Walls artist Jerome Davenport was commissioned to paint the tractor, drawing inspiration from the cyclists. The commissioning of the tractor drew local support from CBH Group and Horsepower Highway chair Casey Beeck. “Thanks to the Horsepower Highway committee for dedicating this new tractor to Ride for Youth and Youth Focus, it’s great to see additional mental health awareness opportunities develop across our regions,” CBH Group chief external relations officer David Patton said. “Congratulations to Youth Focus and Ride for Youth on their tireless efforts raising awareness, understanding and support for regional youth mental health,” Mr Patton said.