Coonalpyn Joins The Blue Tree Project To Raise Awareness For Suicide Prevention And Mental Health

The Coonalpyn Blue Tree is the newest symbol to be installed in the Coorong district, continuing the conversation about mental health and suicide prevention.

Locals and travellers along the Dukes Highway will now be reminded of the importance of speaking openly about mental health, thanks to the striking addition of a vibrant Blue Tree in Coonalpyn. This initiative joins more than 1,500 blue trees across the world, all working together to raise awareness and encourage meaningful conversations around this vital issue.

Led by the proactive efforts of the Border Downs Football and Netball Club, the initiative highlights the power of local leadership in navigating mental health challenges, particularly during times of ongoing hardship. Many residents in Coonalpyn and surrounding communities are still feeling the flow-on impacts of drought, making this message of support and connection more important than ever.

The project was also supported by Coorong Conversations Matter – the district’s Suicide Prevention Network – and Coorong District Council.

The Blue Tree Project is a nationwide initiative that transforms dead trees into vivid blue symbols that spark conversation around mental health and serve as reminders that it is okay to not be okay.

Coorong District Council’s acting Mayor Cr. Jonathan Pietzsch said the project reflects the district’s united commitment to wellbeing.

“This simple but powerful symbol encourages our community to reach out, check in with each other, and ensure no one feels alone,” Cr. Pietzsch said.

“We congratulate the Border Downs Football and Netball Club for their leadership and thank the volunteers who helped bring this vision to life.”

Border Downs Football and Netball Club President Kyle Challinger said the club wanted to take a proactive approach to support the mental wellbeing of their members and community – both on and off the field.

“Our club is more than a sporting venue – it’s a place to feel welcome and a place to feel safe” Kyle said.

“So many people across our region are doing it tough, especially after years of drought. This tree sends a clear message – that we’re looking out for each other, and no one has to struggle in silence.”

In addition to the Blue Tree project, the Border Downs Football and Netball Club has also been hosting regular coffee mornings, providing a relaxed opportunity for the broader community to come together, share a cuppa, and reduce feelings of social isolation. These grassroots moments of connection ensure that mental wellbeing stays front-of-mind even when the sporting season is over.

Coorong Conversations Matter Chair Pauline Linke said the initiative shows what can be achieved when communities lead the conversation.

“Everyone has a role to play in reducing stigma and creating a culture where people feel safe to speak up,” Pauline said.

“This project is a beautiful example of that collective support in action.”

Residents and visitors are encouraged to take a moment to visit the Blue Tree site in Coonalpyn, reflect, and continue championing conversations that support mental wellbeing and resilience.

Visit the Blue Tree Project website (bluetreeproject.com.au) for more information on the project and where to find a blue tree anywhere in Australia.

For immediate support, contact:

• Access Mental Health: 1800 629 354
• Lifeline: Provides crisis support and suicide prevention services (call 13 11 14) (online option Lifeline Crisis Online Chat Service | Lifeline Australia)
• Beyond Blue: Offers support for anxiety, depression, (call 1300 22 4636).
• Suicide Call Back Service: Provides counselling for people affected by suicide or with thoughts of suicide (call 1300 659 467)
• Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 or webchat.
• Medicare Mental Health: provides information, advice and links to free and low-cost phone and online mental health services, as well as supports to help you or someone you know Medicare Mental Health Canberra | Medicare Mental Health Canberra
• Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) - online suicide prevention training program, available free of charge to the ACT public. Accessed here QPR Training
• Q Life: LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral (call 1800 184 527).

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Contact:

Bridget Mather

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | COORONG DISTRICT COUNCIL

Phone: 1300 785 277 | E: council@coorong.sa.gov.au