Torquay's Blue Tree planted - Surf Coast Times

TORQUAY’S addition to the Blue Tree Project has been officially planted, with the eye-catching tree now standing proudly at the front of Torquay Community House.

Members of the Women’s Sharing Shed Torquay (WSST) devised, sourced materials, constructed and painted the tree in the signature shade of blue, and also knitted the scarf that symbolically attaches it to the house in Price Street.

The first Blue Tree was painted in Western Australia to acknowledge the memory of Jayden Whyte after he took his own life in 2018.

The Blue Tree just before its offficial launch at the Torquay Community House. Photos: JAMES TAYLOR

The Blue Tree Project has grown enormously since then, with the initiative now a charity that helps change the way Australians talk about mental health, and leading to the creation of more than 1,060 trees across Australia and internationally.

WSST member Barb Rindfleisch, who led the creation of a Blue Tree at the shed, said the Blue Tree at Torquay Communiy House had been registered and was expected to appear on the official list very soon.

“It was a project that was very close to my heart, so I knew that I wanted to bring it to Torquay.”

Ashmore Arts donated the dead tree itself (the Blue Tree Project recommends using dead trees) and Bellbrae Nursery donated the pot.

Surf Coast Shire councillor Rose Hodge helped launch the Blue Tree on Friday last week, alongside Torquay Community House co-ordinator Prue Challis, many of the WSST’s members, and members of the public.

Attendees at the launch attached hand-written messages of support to the Blue Tree.

Ms Challis praised Ms Rindfleisch for her efforts in driving the tree’s creation.

“When Barb came to me a few months ago and said ‘There’s this thing I want to do’, the first thought I had was ‘And she’ll do it’; she knows how to put together an event,” Ms Challis said.

“Mental health is something that is talked about way more now than it even was a decade ago.

“Breaking down the stigma of mental health is a journey, and it’s events like this that help get people talking.”

Cr Hodge said it was remarkable that more than 1,060 Blue Trees created since only 2019.

Women’s Sharing Shed Torquay members hand-crafted the project’s elements.

“I think we’ve always either not accepted mental health or we don’t understand it, and we’ve got to break down those stigmas.

For more information on Women’s Sharing Shed Torquay, head to facebook.com/womenssharingshedtorquay.

For more information on the Blue Tree Project, head to bluetreeproject.com.au

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, head to beyondblue.org.au or phone their 24/7 hotline on 1300 224 636. You can also head to lifeline.org.au or phone them on 13 11 14, and help for young people is available at kidshelpline.com.au or by phoning 1800 551 800.