Published on Wednesday, 16 February 2022 at 9:40:46 AM
On February 15th, the Shire of Menzies community members participated in the Blue Tree Project to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives to suicide and to raise awareness on suicide prevention and mental health.
The Blue Tree Project was started by Kendall White, WA Young Australian of the Year for 2022, after she lost her brother, Jayden, to suicide in 2018.
Jayden once painted a tree blue as a practical joke and this story was recounted at his funeral. The blue tree has since been a symbol for mental health advocacy across Australia.
Shire President Greg Dwyer said Council was proud to support a cause which promotes mental health awareness as well as community connectedness.
“The blue tree acts as a visual reminder for everyone to check in with one another and to initiate conversations on mental health,” said Cr Dwyer.
“This community project is an opportunity for us to come together and know that we’re never alone. It’s important to remember that it’s okay to not be okay, and that it’s okay to ask for help,” he added.
Suicide rates in regional WA remains a major issue, with suicide rates among First Nations people being the highest in the nation.
The Shire of Menzies is made up of small communities, with more than half of the population from Tjuntjuntjara, a remote Aboriginal community near the South Australian border.
Blue trees can be found across the Goldfields region, and all over WA. For more information on the Blue Tree Project, please visit www.bluetreeproject.com.au
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please contact:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
- The Samaritans Crisis Line: 08 9381 5555
- Men’s Line Australia: 1300 78 306
- Kid’s Helpline: 1800 55 1800
In an emergency call 000 or visit your local emergency department.
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