Blue Tree Project

It's moments like these that remind us why this work matters

A long one, but worth the read 💙

Years ago, a man came to hear our CEO Kendall speak at a mine site presentation. He heard about the loss of her brother Jayden and the story behind the very first blue tree.

At the time, he was carrying unimaginable grief after losing his sister to su***de. A loss so heavy, he was learning how to carry it while putting one foot in front of the other.

After a long shift, he could have gone back to his donga and stay silent. Instead, he chose to stay and listen.

That night, after hearing Kendall speak, he broke down while painting a blue tree. For the first time, he opened up about the weight he had been carrying alone.

Years later, Kendall still shares this moment in presentations because it captures something about why these conversations matter.

It's a reminder that being present for someone can matter more than we ever know and that long after conversation ends, the feeling of being heard remains.

Last month, they crossed paths on another mine site. He came over to Kendall and shared that hearing her presentation all those years ago, was the beginning of his mental health journey.

Since then he's been having weekly sessions with ManAble and his life looks very different today.

Stories like this are why we keep showing up in the prevention space, even when it's not easy. Because we've seen how one honest conversation and one blue tree can become the turning point where everything begins to change for someone.

Sometimes the impact of a conversation isn't seen right away and it can take years to understand just how far it's reached 💙

Some words carry shame without us even realising 💬

Many of us have used the term "committed su***de" without thinking twice. As we learn more about mental health, we're learning more about the impact our words can have too.

Small changes in our language can help create space for people affected by su***de to talk about their experiences without blame or shame.

Words carry weight, often more than we realise. The way we talk about mental health can shape how comfortable someone feels opening up about their loved one or asking for support themselves 💙

MAY RECAP 💙

We were lucky to be part of two amazing fundraisers - Collegians AFC mental health footy round and the HBF Run for a Reason. Both days were so heartwarming, seeing people come together to connect through movement and support causes close to their hearts.

Kendall flew out to Hancock Iron Ore to lead workshops as part of their mental health program. The visit was extra special because this was the very first mine site she visited five years ago and there are now three blue trees on site!

With our regional tour fast approaching, we've been busy preparing everything for the exciting line up of events we're hosting across regional WA next month.

Our Training Manager, Simon, was busy facilitating Mental Health First Aid sessions at The Tree House, speaking at community clubs and providing drop-in counselling sessions.

We can't wait to see you out on the road in June! 🚙

True reconciliation isn't something that sits in a statement or a single week.

It's something we're responsible to live out in our actions. It means listening to First Nations voices, understanding their experiences beyond what the history books tell us and standing alongside the cultures, stories and strength that have lived on this land for thousands of years.

It's in the spaces we create for one another, where people from all backgrounds feel respected, seen and safe enough to talk about how they're really going and reach out when they need support.

When we work together to understand each other, we are building stronger, more respectful relationships that help shape a more connected future for all Australians.

📍 Gidgee Healing, Doomadgee

It's not every day you see a blue tree wearing a sombrero...

This photo was recently posted to Facebook and curiosity was sparked about why the stump was painted blue and where exactly the googly eye and sombrero came from.

Since then there's been a flood of comments sharing theories about the meaning and suggesting outfit additions - everything from red sequin boots and a funky scarf to a pair of sunnies.

We've even seen a few of you jump in to share what blue trees are all about with people who'd never heard of them before.

This blue tree's story reminds us how a touch of paint and some creativity has the power to bring people together in unexpected ways 💙

📍 Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, USA

It takes a special kind of person to give their time to helping others without expecting anything in return 💙

Over and over again, our community shows us what it means to truly be there for each other. Painting blue trees, showing up to community days, running fundraisers and helping out at events to back mental health.

Because of this effort, spaces are created where people feel safe enough to speak up, people are reminded they’re not alone in what they’re carrying, and others are inspired to learn, listen, and show up for one another.

Happy Volunteer Week to every one of you. We appreciate you more than words can say 💙

We're always on the lookout for more amazing vollies. If you're keen to get involved, sign up here 👇
bluetreeproject.com.au/volunteer-form/

Our Regional Tour line up is here and we've got some great events headed your way, WA! 🚙

Quiz nights, sundowners, footy training BBQs & school visits - all designed to bring communities together and help normalise mental health conversations & check-ins.

Joining us on the road are Kendall Whyte, Simon Comerford and Warren Davies - The Unbreakable Farmer 💙

We cant wait to see you soon. Round up your mates and help fill the room! More info via the link below: https://bluetreeproject.com.au/regionaltour/

The Community Wellbeing Program is funded through the Australian Government's Sheep Industry Transition Assistance Package and administered by Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

With special thanks to our supporting partner CSBP Fertilisers.

Kickin' the stigma of mental health, one Collegians AFC footy round at a time 🏉

We had such a special day seeing first hand the impact that local footy has on community wellbeing. Whether you were on the pitch, supporting on the sidelines or grabbed some merch, the community spirit was unmatched.

The teams sported a special blue tree inspired guernsey designed for the round, kindly donated by Stewart & Heaton, PC Machinery & R&L Hiab Services.

A huge thanks for the immense effort from the club. We are so grateful to have beeen a part of the day 💙

Perth Football League

PERTH, WA, there's just 8 days to go until HBF Run for a Reason! 📣

Mental health impacts all of us. Whether you've personally struggled or watched someone you love do it tough.

Every person running, walking or rolling for us is helping create genuine connection, open conversations, and communities where no one has to feels alone.

Register to run with us, share a fundraiser page or donate if you can. Every dollar helps us keep kickin' the stigma of mental health - runforareason26.grassrootz.com/blue-tree-project 💙