By spreading the paint and spreading the message that ‘it’s ok to have a blue day’ or that ‘it’s ok to not be ok’, the Blue Tree Project hopes to help break down the outdated prejudice and stigma that is still largely attached to mental health.  

Simon Walters, Director of Access, Wellbeing and Equity, said the Blue Tree Project is important for Murdoch University as it serves as a visible symbol of our commitment to supporting mental health and wellbeing for the whole university community.

“The blue tree shows Murdoch University as a welcoming and supportive environment, encourages individuals to seek help for themselves and others, and engage in conversations about mental health.”  

“I would encourage anyone who is struggling with their own mental health or if they are concerned about a friend, family member or colleague to reach out to someone for help and advice,” he said. 

The project has sparked countless conversations about mental health and suicide prevention. One in six Australians will have thoughts of suicide at some point in their lives. Suicidal thoughts are common, but they can pass. The blue trees, spread throughout Australia, are a visual reminder to communities to have difficult conversations and encourage those who need support to reach out.  

Learning about mental health will help you to look after your own and others’ social and emotional wellbeing. It’s important to get help early if you’re struggling and to remember that you’re not alone, help is just a phone call or a conversation away. We all have blue days, and no one is alone in their battle against mental health challenges – there is support available.  

Hundreds of trees have been painted blue across Australia since 2019, serving as a beacon of understanding and encouragement for people to speak up and seek help.  

The University in its acknowledge and support of the project, recently converted a large, decayed tree into a striking blue tree at Murdoch’s South Street campus. Located on Murdoch Drive directly opposite the hospital precinct, the tree is raising awareness and sparking conversations in 40,000+ vehicles passing campus each day and demonstrates Murdoch University’s commitment to supporting our community. 

Stemming as an idea in a conversation between colleagues on campus, the tree works were coordinated by Mark Aurisch, Manager Campus Operations and Services who received very generous support from two of our contractors – Programmed Property Services and Dickies Trees – who so kindly completed the required pruning, preparation and painting free of charge in recognition of the importance of conversations around mental health.  

We encourage students to take the time to visit the blue tree located on Murdoch Drive and check in with your friends and classmates. Feel welcome to take a photo with the tree and spread awareness about the importance of mental health. The Wellbeing and Equity Team invite you to send any photos you take to AWE@murdoch.edu.au to be used for an article and event around R U OK? Day which this year is Thursday, 14 September. 

Mental health support 

To look after your own mental health, it is important to know what resources are available to you and we encourage you to access the free Murdoch University Counselling Service on campus. 

You can also get help from:  

• Crisis Care Helpline: Call +61 8 9223 1111 
• Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 
• Mental Health Emergency Response Team: Call Metro region 1300 555 788 (local call) or call Peel region 1800 676 822 (free call) 
• Samaritans Youth Line: Call Helpline 134 247 or call Youth line 1800 198 313 
• Beyond Blue: Call 1300 22 4636 
• 13 YARN: Call 13 92 76, Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 
• QLife: Call 1800 184 527, Crisis support for LGBTIQA+ people 
• headspace Fremantle (12-25 year olds): Call +61 8 9431 7453  
• Murdoch University Medical Centre – Call 9360 2293 
• Or see your GP.