Blue Tree a symbol of hope

Geelong Cemeteries Trust officially opened the Blue Tree this week as a mental-health awareness initiative.

The sculptural tree sits in the grounds of Geelong Memorial Park and aims to spark difficult conversations and encourage people to speak up when battling mental health concerns.

The opening, on Tuesday October 10, also marked National Paint a Blue Tree Day and World Mental Health Day.

A number of councillors and representatives of parliament attended in support of recognising the importance of mental health within the region.

Kim Edgar, a local mother and mental health and suicide prevention advocate, spoke about the significance of the Blue Tree Project. Kim lost her son to suicide in 2018; the same year Jayden Whyte, who inspired the Blue Tree Project, took his own life.

“To have a tangible reminder of the significance of having those difficult conversations, seeking help and supporting others with their mental health is very powerful,” chair of Geelong Cemeteries Trust John Mitchell said.

“This is about bringing people together and caring for our community. The Blue Tree is a beacon of hope.”

A Blue Tree, which is typically dead before being painted by the community, has in this instance been locally made and installed as an enduring symbol.