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    LET’S TALK: Craig Bennett and Rotary Club of Horsham East members Steve Sostheim, Michael Clarke, Terry Harris, JoAnne Bates and Steve Holmes at their Blue Tree Project site at St Helens Plains.

Blue Tree Project a symbol of hope and awareness

22 January 2025

Rotary Club of Horsham East has extended worldwide mental health initiative Blue Tree Project, painting a tree at St Helens Plains rest area, south-east of Horsham.

Rotary president Terry Harris said the club was looking for an environmental project when members came across Blue Tree.

“It resonated with our members that this project is dedicated to changing the way we approach mental health,” he said.

Blue Tree Project started in Western Australia in 2019, inspired by Jayden Whyte who died by suicide in 2018. Mr Whyte and a friend had playfully painted a tree blue on his family farm four years before, a story that was shared at his funeral.  



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The concept expanded, with each of the project’s 1337 registered trees worldwide standing as a visual reminder to check in on ourselves, support those who may be struggling, and have open conversations. 

“Our Rotary club supports Mental Health Month in October each year with a fun evening that is also a fundraiser,” Mr Harris said.

“It’s titled ‘Lift the Lid on Mental Illness’ and is an Australian Rotary Health national fundraising initiative for mental health research. But now having the blue tree is another tangible and visual reminder of the importance of talking to people about mental health.”

Rotarian Michael Clarke co-ordinated the project, approaching Horsham businesses to be involved in.

He gained required approvals from VicRoads, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and had the project started within months. 

“I thank these businesses for their commitment to allow the Horsham community to discuss mental health using this blue tree, which symbolises hope, connections and awareness,” Mr Clarke said.

“Our blue tree is registered with this amazing worldwide project and is our reminder of hope, and the importance of keeping the conversation on mental health open and being aware of those around us.”

• Anyone experiencing mental-health issues can call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, Lifeline, 131 114, or Kids Helpline, 1800 551 800.

The entire January 22, 2025 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!