THE Blue Tree Project is embarking on a mission across Western Australia over the next month to help spark difficult conversations and extinguish the surrounding mental health.
The charity will travel over 3000 kilometres and host a range of activities in 16 regional communities, including blue tree paintings, sundowners, quiz nights and dinners. The first sundowner was held in Brookton on Wednesday, followed by a BBQ in Hyden last night, with the final event scheduled in Moora on 11 July 2024.
At the events Blue Tree Project founder, Kendall Whyte, will talk about her experience and the tragic loss of her brother Jayden in 2018. Jayden painted a tree blue at their home in Mukinbudin, WA, as a practical joke, but it has since become a symbol of hope and now there are over 1196 blue trees registered worldwide.
Whyte will be joined by 'The Unbreakable Farmer' on the tour, Warren Davies, who is one of Australia's leading mental health advocates.
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"Our origins are country based, therefore we know as well as anyone how tough it can be for regional townships, especially farming communities, during times of pressure," Whyte said.
"This tour and the mental health training that follows will allow us to provide a layer of support that otherwise wouldn't exist.
"We're just excited to get boots on the ground and connect with the people who have supported us."
BLUE TREE PROJECT RECEIVES $250K BOOST
The Blue Tree Project received $250,000 from the WA Government, as part of the $8.6 million funding package supporting the state's drought-affected farming families.
WA agriculture minister, Jackie Jarvis, said the Government knows farmers and regional communities across WA have been doing it tough.
"We must all work together to break down barriers and encourage people to reach out for support," Jarvis said.
"This regional tour will help our rural towns feel more connected through fun events and empowering speakers, but importantly facilitate a better understanding of mental health and the services available."
The Blue Tree Project will also be gathering expressions of interest for its accredited mental health first aid training course, with the view of travelling back to equip regional communities with lifesaving skills.
The tour will run from 19 June until 12 July. Full details of the events can be found here.
