In a remarkable show of solidarity, neighbourhood houses in the Buloke, Gannawarra, Mildura Rural City and Swan Hill Rural City councils added “Blue Trees” to their towns on World Mental Health Day last Thursday, October 10, in support of the Blue Tree Project. 

Incorporating “Blue Trees” into the Mallee landscape was a Mallee Neighbourhood House Network initiative, implemented in consultation with their fourteen member Neighbourhood Houses, local Shires and Health Service providers to raise awareness and encourage people in the Mallee to have open and honest conversations about mental health.

In rural communities like ours, traditional stoic attitudes often shape perceptions of mental health, presenting both opportunities and challenges. 

Many rural community members take pride in their ability to endure hardships, reflecting a deep-rooted belief in toughness and perseverance. However, the very traits that promote this strength can also contribute to a stigma around discussing mental health.

Expressing vulnerability can be seen as a sign of weakness, discouraging individuals from seeking help or openly discussing their struggles. People often feel they need to tough it out, rather than reaching out for support and this mindset can lead to serious consequences, where individuals choose to suffer in silence and experience on-going mental health issues.

Fortunately, there are more and more local and national initiatives raising awareness, encouraging open dialogues and educating residents on effective strategies to improve their own mental health and ways they can help a friend or family member.

These “Blue Trees”, whether they are an existing dead tree painted blue, a translocated blue tree, a tree in the main street that’s been yarn bombed, or one on the river painted with blue hand prints, or any other blue iteration that now adorns our Mallee landscape, are all visible symbols of hope and resilience and a poignant reminder that it’s okay to not be okay. 

Each “blue tree” is accompanied by a sign featuring a QR code that links to the Blue Tree Project website and the web address of the Mallee Neighbourhood House network that will connect you to your nearest neighbourhood house.

The Blue Tree Project website provides a wealth of information, including a comprehensive “Help Directory” designed to assist individuals facing various challenges. The directory ensures that support is readily available, reinforcing the message that no one should face their struggles alone.

Simone Christie, a representative from the Mallee Neighbourhood House network, said, “We hope these trees will inspire conversations and let everyone know that help is never as far away as it seems.”

By recognizing the value of both strength and vulnerability, and the importance of meaningful connections and partnerships, neighbourhood houses can help foster a culture where everyone feels empowered to seek help and support one another.

The Mallee Neighbourhood House network is committed to representing, supporting and advocating for the 14 member houses in the Mallee to get better health and well being outcomes for the people connected to these communities.

Let’s continue the conversations and support one another in our communities – Growing Hope and Understanding in the Mallee, One Blue Tree at a Time.