Branching out for reaching out in Linton

LINTON now has its own blue tree that’s hoped to promote helpful conversation and greater awareness around mental health and suicide prevention.

A group of about 15 locals including members of the Linton and District Progress Association and Golden Plains Shire deputy mayor Cr Emma Robbins armed themselves with brushes, roller poles and blue paint last Saturday to brighten the dead tree that’s located prominently in the town’s railway precinct opposite the takeaway shop.

Linton and District Progress Association member, resident and professional psychologist Karen Sherlock was among those who worked on Saturday morning to paint the tree blue in what’s become a widely recognised symbol for many.

LDPA treasurer Scott McMahon, resident David Clarke, LDPA president Margaret Jenkie, and residents Clare McMahon and Kerryn Williams.

Ms Sherlock said the project was championed by the progress association, and supported by the council and the community.

“Crowies in Ballarat provided the paint which was donated through the Blue Tree Project. It looks amazing,” Ms Sherlock said.

“Blue trees are all about mental health and suicide prevention. That’s the origin of it, to start conversations.

“This dead tree is about three meters high and we did have a couple of ladders and a long pole with rollers, about four or five paint trays and several paint brushes.

Members of LDPA and community with the painted tree.

“The whole idea is to start conversations about mental health and suicide prevention at the end of the day, and we’ll put a bit of information there at some time as well.

“We’re definitely seeing an increase in mental unwellness and generally one in four people suffer depression or anxiety at any one time in their life.

“We also know more and more people are accessing services, particularly the younger generation seem to be really good at reaching out, but definitely we are seeing an increase in mental unwellness.”

LDPA president Margaret Jenkie, resident Kerryn Williams and Golden Plains Shire deputy mayor Cr Emma Robbins help to paint Linton’s Blue Tree.

Those interested to know more about the Blue Tree Project can check out the official website and Ms Sherlock said that while not every community has an appropriately sized and located dead tree to paint, pre-made timber trees and blue paint are available through the site, while some communities opt for hand-made sculptural trees.

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, visit beyondblue.org.au or call their 24/7 hotline on 1300 22 4636. You can also visit lifeline.org.au or call them on 13 11 14 and help for young people is available at kidshelpline.com.au or by calling them on 1800 55 1800.