A beautiful tree in Mundijong, which currently looks worse for wear, will be transformed over the weekend as the community rallies together to paint it blue to raise awareness for mental health week, depression and suicide.
The tree has died, and resides in the community garden at Mundijong Heritage Uniting Church.
One of the community gardeners suggested the tree be painted in recognition of mental health.
During the event, one brave lady Shauna Oakley will be shaving her head to raise money for Beyond Blue, and headspace will attend with a special rock painting activity.
Marilyn Marsden who helped facilitate the event, said this year Mental Health Week has a huge focus on children and their mental health.
“We’re aware of children suffering from significant mental health disorders and we know that we do have children attempting self-harm and suicide in younger age groups as well,” she said.
“So, we’re just really wanting to raise awareness to the fact that it is not the elephant in the room, that it does happen and that there are lots of things we can do to help each other and lots of agencies out there for support.
“On the day we will have agencies there providing information about support services, and we will also have activities for families to encourage them to come along.”
Participants can expect some live entertainment after the head shave, and a free sausage sizzle.
According to Ms Marsden the community in Mundijong has come together to donate goods and services to the day, including the Men’s Shed who made a special sign for the tree upon the completion of the painting.
The tree painting will begin at 10am, and the head shave will commence at 11.30am.
A small amount of play equipment will be available for the kids and loads of information regarding mental health and suicide prevention will be available.
