Chinaman’s Island is home to hundreds of native trees as well as unique scenes but a new one that merges the two is for a great cause.
Along the popular nature walk, at a point where locals and tourists alike stop to look over Lake Mulwala and across to the Sebel resort, people may notice a blue painted tree along the waters edge.
This was completed by local project co-ordinator Tim Roadley in collaboration between Bunnings Yarrawonga, Yarrawonga Mulwala Amateur Canoe Club, Dulux and Goulburn Murray Water as part of the mental health campaign, the Blue Tree Project.
Blue Tree Project was founded with a mission to help spark important conversations and encourage people to speak up when experiencing mental health concerns.
By using dead trees painted blue to raise awareness of the mental health cause; "it’s OK to not be OK", we can help break down the stigma that’s still largely attached to mental health.
Project Co-ordinator Tim Roadley said that it has been a crazy couple of days, but utterly was all worth it due to its cause.
“I came across the Blue Tree Project a few years ago and thought this would be a fantastic project for the lake as it is renowned for its dead trees and we could find one of these trees that could do with a blue lease of life,” Mr Roadley said.
“So, then it was trying to work out what group would be suited to drive this project, but really several groups would benefit from such a positive feature on the lake.
“Bunnings has a big community involvement program that partners with not-for-profit groups that champion important causes such as mental Health.
“After discussing the project with the Dulux rep we came up with the plan for Bunnings to partner with a community group and paint a tree on the lake. The canoe club seemed the perfect fit.
“For the last two years, we have been working with the relevant authorities to determine what options would be suitable. Our original idea of a dead tree in the water option required more paperwork than we had expected, so a more realistic option was a tree alongside the water which still required months of planning, preparation and paperwork.”
Mr Roadley said a tree along Chinamans Island was chosen to be painted as Chinamans Island is already a special place where people can visit whether they are walking by themselves, with a dog or friends or even run to help ease symptoms related to chronic mental health conditions.
“We thought if we could find a tree that was also viewable from the water, this would benefit other water-based users such as paddlers, fishermen, water skiers and it will give the PS Cumberoona another very important talking point during their curses,” Mr Roadley said.
“The tree selected was located both close to the track and the water, a perfect size so it's not overwhelming, blending into the environment with the support of the Friends of Chinaman's Island Group, Moira Shire and Goulburn Murray Water who all have a role in maintaining the upkeep of Chinaman's Island.
“We hope this tree will either start a conversation or to be a place where people can connect or reflect on their own mental health concerns.
“The message for this tree is that there is local support available through groups like Mental Health and Wellbeing Local, a service that offers immediate mental support whenever you need it. It was great to have Joel from this group on site to help with the painting of the tree.
“The next step is to have a display at the tree listing details of local groups such as Mental Health and Wellbeing Local.
“We had a few locals and visitors using the track join in the painting or ask questions about the project, so we are already making a difference, which is the aim of the project.”
Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) Manager Storage Operations (North) David Irvine said that GMW was approached by Tim about painting the tree as it is on GMW land, and the organisation was happy to take part as this is the first time GMW has been involved in the Blue Tree Project.
“Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is very happy to support an initiative that helps start important conversations about mental health and congratulates everyone involved in the Yarrawonga Blue Tree project,” GMW Manager Storage Operations (North) David Irvine said.
Blue Tree Project has flourished into a charity helping change the way we as a society talk about mental health.
The symbol of the blue tree now holds a whole new meaning for so many, acting as a source of conversation that helps save lives, the blue trees are visual reminders to check in on loved ones and mates who might be struggling.
There is hope. There is support.
Something that began out of tragedy now offers a positive way for people to connect and help change the way we view and talk about mental health.