Many hands made for light work as the community of Warialda united together to paint a tree blue for mental health awareness on Sunday.
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The blue tree, symbolising a message of "it's okay to not be okay", is located on the 'S' bend as you enter the Warialda township from Moree/Gravesend.
The village now joins hundreds of locations world-wide who've supported 'The Blue Tree Project' and it's mission to help spark difficult conversations and encourage people to speak up when battling mental health concerns.
Driven by Rhys Aleckson, more than 70 locals, young and old, turned out on Sunday to pick up a paintbrush and do their bit.
With a bit of experience, after having already painted a tree blue, Rhys said the tree was definitely an eye-catcher when driving into Warialda.
"A family in town, Rod and Jen Williams, who have a property out Gragin way offered to let me and my family paint a tree on their farm after I lost my brother 18 months ago," he said.
With a group of friends, who were previously involved in organising a mental health fundraiser a few years ago, Rhys decided to organise the painting of a more visible tree in town to further spread awareness.
Gwydir Shire Council approved the tree painting, Carlo's IGA supported the food and drinks for a free barbecue, Mitre 10 and Dulux helped with paint, Rose and Sons Earthmoving lent a cherry picker and McGregor Gourlay donated their barbecue trailer for the day.
"By spreading the paint, and spreading the message that it's okay to not be okay, we can break down the stigma still largely attached to mental health, and inform people we all have blue days but there will always be someone you can talk to and someone who will listen."
Rhys thanked the Warialda community for turning out on the day and supporting the cause and sponsors Carlo's IGA, Buttercup, Mrs Browns Girls, Dulux, Rose and Sons Earthmoving and McGregor Gourlay Warialda.
"Without them turning out on the day it wouldn't have been much of a day and wouldn't have been worthwhile in what we were trying to achieve. I want to also thank Mum, Ian, BK, Dave, Franca, Laura, Jackie and Amber."
To find out more about The Blue Tree Project, head to the website www.bluetreeproject.com.au/.
If you are feeling blue, Beyond Blue have a 24-hour hotline, call 1300 224 636.
