A group of arborists have transformed an otherwise insignificant tree into a special new attraction in Southern Tasmania.
The tree, located on Norton Mandeville farm in Gretna – west of Hobart, now stands tall with a striking blue trunk thanks to of the Tasmanian Arboricultural Organization.
The project is part of the global Blue Tree Project, which aims to create discussions about mental health, and has so far seen 11 trees in Tasmania turned blue.
“We really don’t know much about painting, but we’re willing to give it a crack. So we got up there, had a bit of a laugh, and had a conversation while we were up there,” said Thomas Maine from the Tasmanian Arboricultural Organization.
The Blue Tree Project originated in Western Australia as a tribute to a young man who tragically took his own life in 2018.
Since then, nearly 1,000 blue trees have been registered worldwide, each serving as a symbol to ignite conversations surrounding mental health.
Rebecca Barnes from the TAO emphasized the importance of raising awareness about mental health, particularly in industries like arboriculture, which predominantly employ men.
“A big part of society these days is creating awareness for mental health. It’s really important, especially in an industry like arboriculture, where the occurrence of suicide in men is remarkably higher. So, I think it’s definitely worth talking about.”
Responsible Wood has backed the Blue Tree Project by providing a generous grant of $4,500.
The grant allowed the arborists to paint two trees, including the one on Norton Mandeville farm.
Local companies also contributed paint and equipment for the project.
Thanks to the overwhelming response, the Tasmanian Arboricultural Organization now has funds to paint another tree.
