Ocean Grove Golf Club swings into action for mental health

OCEAN Grove Golf Club teed off a new tradition this week, launching a one-day event aimed at breaking the silence around mental health both on and off the green.

The club’s inaugural Blue Tree Day saw about 80 golfers come together to increase awareness around mental wellbeing, encourage each other to check in and raise funds for local mental health service Read the Play.

Ocean Grove Golf Club’s Blue Tree, part of the now-global Blue Tree Project, is one of about 60 installed on golf courses around Victoria and one of two located within the town.

The grassroots wellbeing initiative was established in regional Western Australia in 2019, with more than 1,400 registered blue trees now acting as symbols of hope across the world, aiming to positively transform attitudes towards mental health.

Club president Sandy Cresswell said the organisation’s focus on mental health had grown alongside its membership, which stands at more than 700 members.

Previously instances of disrespectful behaviour between some of its members have also motivated the club to adopt new strategies to foster positive relationships within the club.

“Everybody seems to have got on board. When we go past [the Blue Tree] each day, we will ask each other ‘How are you going?’, and that’s all it is, it’s about creating a conversation and respect,” Mr Cresswell said.

If it can save just one life, he said, backing mental health initiatives like Read the Play and the Blue Tree Project was worthwhile.

“We’ve all got kids and grandkids… so the prevention nature of Read the Play is really crucial. We hope that some of our kids and grandkids are impacted by these programs,” golf club member and Read the Play board member Chris Niven said.

Read the Play general manager Michelle Gerdtz helped the club launch the new golfing event on Tuesday this week, delivering a presentation to its members about the organisation’s mission to equip young people with the knowledge and confidence to seek help and support their teammates.

“Given the events of the last few days, it’s really important to highlight that the Blue Tree’s there in honour of people who have taken their lives by suicide.

“That’s why Read the Play exists. We want to make sure that people know that there are other options – a lot of other options – other than taking their own lives.

“We want to work with as many young people as possible and deliver our program, and we want them to understand that it’s okay to talk about how you’re feeling, it’s okay to acknowledge that maybe you don’t feel okay at the moment and it’s okay to ask for help.”

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, phone Beyond Blue on their 24/7 hotline on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. Help for young people is available at kidshelpline.com.au or by phoning 1800 551 800.