A large blue tree will be mounted to the chimney at NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park, supporting the Blue Tree project, to raise awareness of mental health issues. A community launch runs from 10am on Thursday July 17.
The original plan to paint a tree on-site was changed after an arborist deemed the tree unsafe. Instead, a life-sized blue tree - created and donated by Archi Signs - will be mounted to the park's chimney, with a community launch on Thursday July 17 from 10am.
This Thursday (July 17), a special community event will highlight the importance of talking about mental health.
A large blue tree will be installed at NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park - not made of bark or leaves, but a bold blue design fixed to a chimney, standing as a symbol of hope and awareness.
The community is invited to a launch event from 10am on Thursday July 17. There will be a free barbecue, games including inflatable basketball and giant Connect Four, and an area where families can add handprints to the wall in white paint as a show of support.
The display is part of the national Blue Tree Project, a mental health initiative encouraging people to "start the conversation" by creating public blue trees across Australia.
Daniel Rutter, manager of the Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park, said the project is especially meaningful to him.
"I lost a young apprentice named Chad who had worked for me for five years. None of us knew he was struggling," he said.
"You'd never have picked it. I think if there had been more open conversations around mental health, maybe things could have been different."
The original plan to paint a tree on-site was changed after an arborist deemed the tree unsafe. Instead, a life-sized blue tree - created and donated by Archi Signs - will be mounted to the park's chimney, with the surrounding wall also painted blue.
A QR code will be displayed so visitors can scan and learn more about the Blue Tree Project and access mental health support resources.
Several local businesses have offered their support, including Island Hire, Mojo Arborists, Phillip Island Honey, Mitre 10 and Archisign.
NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park regularly runs mental health fundraising events, including annual support for Beyond Blue and Camp Quality. They also provide a dedicated cabin for families undergoing cancer treatment, offering a much-needed break between hospital visits.
"We're part of this community," said Mr Rudder.
"If this helps even one person speak up, then we've done something worthwhile."
For information about the Blue Tree Project, visit: bluetreeproject.com.au/
If you or someone you know needs help:
Call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, for 24/7 crisis support,
Lifeline Text is also available from 12pm to midnight by texting 0477 13 11 14.
Call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au/
For local services, visit gippslandmentalhealth.org.au
