A dead tree in Nagle Park, Maroubra, is being painted bright blue as part of a national campaign to break the silence and stigma surrounding mental health.
Randwick Mayor, Dylan Parker and Federal Member for Kingsford Smith, Matt Thistlethwaite, joined community members from The Man Walk group on Friday at Nagle Park to paint and officially dedicate the tree as a symbol of hope as part of the Blue Tree Project.
The tree is one of more than 1,500 across Australia that has been painted since 2019 as part of the Blue Tree Project to raise awareness about mental health.
“Mental health challenges affect many people and stigma can often prevent individuals from seeking the help they need,” Mayor Parker said.
“We’re giving a tree in Nagle Park a ‘blue lease on life’ as part of the Blue Tree Project to help break down this barrier and encourage open, honest conversations about mental health in Randwick City.”
The Maroubra chapter of The Man Walk, a group that promotes connection and helps to reduce social isolation among men through weekly gatherings, approached Randwick City Council with the idea to paint a tree blue in Randwick City earlier this year.
Wayne Evans, a member of the local group, said: “The Man Walk’s focus is on men’s mental health, but the blue tree in Nagle Park is a reminder for the entire community that it’s ok not to be ok. We hope the tree will raise questions for everyone who is passing through the park and lead to conversations about mental health and more people seeking support.”
Mayor Parker (pictured, centre) with members of the Maroubra chapter of The Man Walk group, Wayne Evans (left) and Richard Alcroft (right).
Tragically, suicide remains the leading cause of death for boys and men aged 15 to 44 in Australia.
Council will work with The Blue Tree Project to install signage beside the painted tree in Nagle Park that provides information on where people can access support. Mayor Parker said the tree would serve as a reminder for people to check in on loved ones, and foster a culture of care and connection.
“Let’s keep the conversations going about mental health,” Mayor Parker said. “If you’re struggling, please reach out – help is available,” he said.
Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
MensLine Australia 1300 789 978
The Man Walk Maroubra group meet on Fridays at 7.15 am in front of the Heffron Park Tennis Centre.
