Blue-painted trees are growing in popularity across Australia, with more than 1100 trees painted as part of the Blue Tree Project to promote mental health awareness and commemorate people lost to suicide.
The Blue Tree Project aims to spark difficult conversations and encourage people to speak up when experiencing mental health concerns. Blue trees, which can be found on every continent except Antarctica, serve as symbols of hope and conversation catalysts.
This King’s Birthday long weekend, Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester joined East Gippsland residents in painting trees at Lakes Entrance as part of a local Blue Tree Project.
Mr Chester said he was proud to support the community-led initiative.
“The Blue Tree Project is all about helping to build a mentally healthy future by raising awareness about the help which is available and supporting people who may be experiencing difficulties,” Mr Chester said.
“Suicide takes more than 3000 lives each year in Australia and shatters the lives of too many local families.
“One of the challenges is removing the stigma about mental health, and painting blue trees in high-profile locations is helping to get the conversation started across our nation.”
Mr Chester extended thanks to project sponsors Nathan from Roots 2 Leaves and Peter from Crowies Paints and congratulated the team at Forget Me Not Studios, which spearheaded the initiative.
If you or anyone you know needs help:
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
Lifeline on 13 11 14
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line 13YARN on 13 92 76
Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
Headspace on 1800 650 890
MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
