Blue trees have been spotted at Kapooka and six other ADF bases in Australia, with more than 1600 others dotted across the country and abroad, piquing the curiosity of observers.
They stand as permanent symbols for starting conversations about people’s mental health challenges.
The movement began when Jayden Whyte, a young man in his mid-20s, painted a blue tree with a friend on his family’s farm in 2014. He did it as a playful surprise for his father.
In 2019, Jayden Whyte sought help at a hospital twice in one day because of concerns for his mental wellbeing, but the hospital discharged him on both occasions. He took his life later that day.
His sister started the Blue Tree Project, a national charity to help raise awareness about mental health.
Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Lee Roberts, of 1 Recruit Training Battalion (1RTB), began noticing blue trees throughout Australia, sparking his curiosity about their purpose.
When he uncovered their meaning, it deeply connected with his own personal struggle with mental health issues.
This led him to help establish two blue trees at Blamey Barracks, Kapooka.
“As you drive onto base, you can’t miss the blue tree. It gets everyone asking, why is there a blue tree?” he said.
The hallways of each platoon and on the way to the recruits’ mess are adorned with posters and signs explaining the significance of the trees.
With 37 years of Army service and more than half that time grappling with depression and anxiety, WO1 Roberts believes showcasing the Army’s commitment to mental health and suicide prevention at 1RTB is appropriate, considering it is the soldiers’ home.
Throughout his career, WO1 Roberts has witnessed a significant improvement in attitudes to mental health challenges.
“The attitude used to be simply not to say anything, because it was perceived as unmanageable and likely career ending,” he said.
WO1 Roberts dealt with his mental health issues alone for years, feeling weak if he spoke up and thinking he could manage them without professional help.
“I was wrong,” he said.
“I could function extremely well at work; however, my illnesses were and are still having a significant impact on my family.”
WO1 Roberts emphasised that open and honest conversations were key to finally ending the stigma and ensuring that those who are struggling receive the help they need.
“These trees are a visual reminder that there is hope, that there is treatment for mental health issues, and you as a Defence member don’t have to worry. There is a community of support available,” he said.
WO1 Roberts hopes a blue tree will eventually stand on all Defence establishments, along with a visual representation on all HMA ships and RAAF transport aircraft.
