Community & Business
10 June, 2024
Blue Tree Project paints a picture of mental health awareness
On 25 May, a moving event was held at Wylahra Grove, 30 kilometres southwest of Millmerran, for the installation of a Blue Tree in the grounds of the community hall, as part of the Blue Tree Project.
By giving dead trees a ‘blue lease on life’, The Blue Tree Project raises awareness of mental health in the community, by encouraging people to spark difficult conversations and speak up when experiencing mental health concerns.
The event was organised by Lynell Crowther, along with many other helpers.
The hall was packed and many speakers moved the audience with their words.
They included Lynell herself, Kirsten Hunter, a clinical psychologist, and local resident Gordon Park, as well as many others.
Lynell thanked Cameron Taylor of C. & K. Building services for being the construction supervisor, WHS Paul Crowther for doing the grunt work, and Virginia Wacker, the Council liaison officer for her patience, advice and behind the scenes help.
Ryan and Allison Potter, and Roselle and Joe Crellin, were also thanked for their contributions in helping with the happy mosaics, programme creation, sound, setting up, and use of their equipment.
Last year, the executive committee of the Wylahra Grove Progress Association voted unanimously in favour of the installation of the Blue Tree, and was instrumental in getting this project over the line.
Jan Gainer helped decide on the best place for the
tree installation, as she
and her husband were part of the original progress association which built the hall.
The Blue Tree is now a permanent fixture, open to all, to encourage those in need to share, and hopefully solve their troubles with others, either family, friends or professionals.
“The Blue Tree is our blue tree,” Ms Crowther said.
“It is saying that we as a community care, we want each other to succeed, to be happy and to be healthy.”
Also in attendance was the former Toowoomba Region Mayor, Paul Antonio, and current Toowoomba Region Councillors, Kerry Shine and Trevor Manteufel.
There are 1,181 Blue Trees installed all over the nation, and across the world in England, America, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, Indonesia, Argentina, and Mozambique, with the most isolated Blue Tree being located in Antarctica, on the Brown Research Station.
Within the last two years, The Blue Tree has helped facilitate better understanding of mental health to disperse judgement and fear that keeps people from seeking help for mental illness.
Every time you see a Blue Tree, be reminded about the importance of speaking out about mental health concerns and that “it’s ok to not be ok”.
