The Blue Tree Project is about mental health awareness and started from grassroots with a mission to help spark difficult conversations and break down the stigma of mental health, by giving dead trees ‘a blue lease on life’.
They have become a conversation starter and a visual reminder for individuals to check in on loved ones and mates, as well as self-reflection.
After running adult and youth workshops at their Forget Me Not Studios in Lakes Entrance, Naomi Pryke and Kirsty Wain, and class attendees, realised the importance and added benefits of improved mental health through community involvement.
“The Blue Tree Project came to our attention, and we noticed the lack of blue trees in our area and decided to give it our best shot,” Naomi and Kirsty, who run Forget Me Not, said.
It took nine months for the girls to secure all the necessary permits with help from Lakes Entrance Action and Development (LEADA) chairperson Katie Zagami.
“LEADA’s primary purpose is to be a strong, united voice for Lakes Entrance and support our community in delivering a range of projects, events and initiatives identified by residents in Lakes Entrance,” Katie said.
Darren Chester MP, VicRoads, East Gippsland Shire Council, DEECA, LEADA and Forget Me Not Studios have been working together to support the development of a ‘Blue Tree Project’ in our town.
Two dead trees have been identified at the corner of the Princes Highway and Lookout Road as an ideal location for the project.
They will be painted with non-toxic Wattyl paint, following the guidelines set by the project to ensure minimal impact on the natural habitat and wildlife. To further protect the habitat of the trees they will leave a buffer zone around the existing tree hollows.
The date has been set for Saturday, June 8, weather permitting and all are welcome.
Naomi and Kirsty have also recruited businesses who have generously donated time, paint and equipment.
“Crowies Paints have donated all the paint needed, Roots2Leaves Tree Service are providing their equipment and owner Nathan Williamson will be supervising and painting. Big Bears are donating donuts to feed the volunteers.”
All are welcome to be involved. Anyone wanting to help paint the tree will need to register via the LEADA email.
“Please bring your old clothes and a paint brush,” the girls said.
More information can be found on Blue Tree Project website.
IMAGE: Kirsty Wain and Naomi Pryke from Forget Me Not Studio discuss arrangements for the Blue Tree Project with Federal MP Darren Chester’s representative and chairperson of Lakes Entrance Action and Development Association chairperson, Katie Zagami (centre).
