Squaring off helps

The East Pilbara community united recently to shine a light on mental health by covering a tree with blue squares.

The tree, unveiled at a ceremony held outside the Shire administration office in Newman, was attended by about 80 people as part of Mental Health Week and awareness group the Blue Tree Movement.

The blue tree project began in Mukinbudin, and there are now trees painted blue or covered in blue wool across WA to encourage people to talk about mental health.

Shire of East Pilbara President Lynne Craigie said she was thrilled with the response from the community.

“Being a richly diverse community, the East Pilbara has many great strengths, but it also has its challenges, and mental health is one of them,” she said.

“It gives me a great sense of hope and satisfaction knowing that the East Pilbara community knows how to come together.”