On remote Outback roads where rusted vehicle sculptures and fully clothed termite mounds are almost par for the course, it takes a lot to stand out … but some grey nomads may have noticed a sudden proliferation of bright blue trees!
For those curious about what it might all mean, it is a campaign designed to raise awareness of mental health issues and start discussions around the subject.
The Blue Tree Project started following a story that was told at the funeral a year ago of Jayden Whyte, a young man from the small town of Mukinbudin in WA’s wheatbelt. Apparently, Jayden painted a dead tree blue one night on his family farm wondering just how long it would be before anyone noticed the deep blue tree on the horizon. This tree was painted out of love, mischief and friendship. It was painted with a special friend Tjarda Tiedeken on Feburary 14th 2014. A few years later, Jayden was to take his own life, his family unaware of just how much he had struggled with mental health issues.
Those behind the blue tree initiative hope to spread a message of hope by having people paint a tree in need of a ‘blue’ lease on life. They believe these blue trees that are painted across the nation and the world can act as a visual reminder to check in with a loved one, a friend that’s having a rough time or a mate having a blue day.
According to the Blue Tree Project, around 350 trees have now been painted blue. One that has been generating a lot of attention is the one just outside Mataranka on the Stuart Highway.
It was painted by a couple, Liam and Amanda, travelling Australia in their caravan with their four year old son.
“We had heard about The Blue Tree Project and began searching for the perfect tree as soon as we left the Kimberley,” Liam told the Katherine Times. “The local Mitre10 in Kununurra donated blue paint and brushes, but we didn’t find anything suitable until we were camping on the Stuart and we were on a walk … it had to be close to the road, and we didn’t want to tackle anything too big, but we found it. It just felt right.”
It took the three of them hours to cover it in blue – Liam had to stand on the top of the car to reach high into the branches.
“Everyone knows someone impacted by mental health or depression, Amanda and I personally have friends who have taken their lives, so the cause is close to us,” Liam said.
Yes we have…did make us discuss the issue which is what it’s all about
We saw a number of blue trees just as we ended our trip across the Nullabour. Unfortunately when we asked our WA friends they didn’t know why. I hope it catches on in other states
We have seen 1 on the perup road manjimup.
I believe in mental health care…and drawing attention to depression etc….but honestly, and I’m not being rude, I’m not convinced painting trees blue is the best way to draw attention…please stop it….unless these are dead trees on your own private property…as I’m sure some folk will liken painting trees blue to an act of graffiti…and I for one love travelling in the outback, and I, like many, enjoy leaving an area as best I can as I found it…or even better (by removing the rubbish left by others etc)…just saying!
“Love, friendship, mischief”….perhaps…graffiti??? …maybe.
I totally agree with Obb and Pat. It shouldn’t be encouraged. It will become an eyesore. People won’t care about whether or not the tree is alive or if it will die because of the paint. They will paint one just to be seen on Facebook as doing good. Some won’t even know what it’s all about. There are much better ways of getting a message across. Leave nature alone.
I reckon there could be a better way of creating an awareness of a problem than painting our native trees in the bush..
It dosnt look right.
Id rather see the bush as it is in its natural state rather than painted rocks, trees, including natural formations dressed up and rubbish left everywhere.. Leave the bush alone..!
What a great idea (dead trees perhaps) so good to see that more people are aware of the issue and doing what they can to make more people aware instead of pretending it dosn’t exist Don’t forget to ask ARE YOU OKAY and be prepared to listen sometimes it’s all it takes to help someone
All dead trees that I’ve seen in my travels.
I personally don’t believe in defacing trees. I agree with the cause however there must be better ways to raise awareness. Blue trees are an eyesore and might even kill a live tree.
If it takes painting a dead tree blue to save a life then what’s the problem?
If you object to the painted tree what will you do to help grieving families left with an unbearable hole?
Hi I live in Tassie and heard about the trees. We are fund raising for “Spesk up stay chatty” this is a Tasmanian initiative for people with depression and anxiety. I lost my son to suicide on 23rd of December 2016. He was an intensive care paramedic with Tas Ambulance who suffered from PTSD. What a wonderful way to get people talking.
No one knows why! The campaign needs to have more specifics – I had to google it