By Ashleigh Fielding | posted on March 5, 2020
A NEW mural along Albany Highway has been painted to add to a broader creative project aimed at raising awareness about mental health.
The Blue Tree Project started a couple of years ago as a way for a Mukinbudin family to honour their son who died from suicide.
Now, the project has prompted dozens of groups around the state to paint dead trees in regional WA blue to act as conversation starters for depression, suicide and anxiety.
Blue With A View – a support group based in Mt Barker – has created a mural on a water tank on local Glen Clode’s property to reflect The Blue Tree Project.
The mural is located a few metres before Gilberts Wines in Kendenup, on the left.
“We’ve got to get rid of that stigma,” Mr Clode said.
“Even if just one person sees the mural or the trees and helps someone prevent suicide, then we’ve achieved something.”
The mural was a combined effort by residents Lyn Hambley, Kym Stoneham and Helen Andrijasevic.
It took approximately 15 hours to paint.
“What we hope is that people will see it as they are driving, and that they will check in with the person next to them and ask, ‘Are you okay?’,” Ms Hambley said.
“Because it’s okay not to be okay.”
The Blue With A View support network can be found on Facebook for those seeking others to talk to, or for those wanting to find out more about upcoming fundraisers the group is hosting to assist organisations such as BeyondBlue.