Cobram now has its very own blue tree. Credit: Fiona Hackett.
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Travel south-east from Cobram towards Yarrawonga on the Murray Valley Hwy, and you won’t miss it.
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Nestled between the 60km and 100km speed limit signs stands another kind of sign - but one with a purpose entirely its own.
Last month, local group Community River Arts, with help from the community, added the final touch to their blue tree project in Cobram’s east.
The blue tree joined up to 1,300 other trees worldwide to remind passersby of the importance of mental wellbeing.
Community River Arts Treasurer and project co-ordinator Fiona Hackett said the tree aims to spark conversations around mental health for years going forward.
“I’d like to think that it’ll provide an ongoing prompt... for people to say, ‘am I okay?’,” Mrs Hackett said.
“If it starts one conversation to help someone get back on track and seek support mentally, it will have done its job,” she said.
Arborists from A.D. Contracting Cobram Stump Grinding at work painting the top of the tree.
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“It’s about the long-term discussion around mental health, and that it’s okay to seek support.”
The Blue Tree Project was created by Kendall Whyte after her brother, Jayden, lost his life to suicide in 2018.
Community River Arts would like to thank all who were involved in the project, including A.D. Contracting Cobram Stump Grinding for the tree’s trim and for painting its top half, Moira Shire Council for funding and permits, Dulux for the Billie Jean paint and the Cobram Lions Club for its donation.
Community River Arts are also accepting donations to go towards mental wellbeing programs at local organisations. Find out more at the group’s Facebook page.
If you or someone you know is experiencing issues around mental health you can contact Accessline on 1800 800 944, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.
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