The City of Armadale has approved a permanent blue tree sculpture at Cross Park, joining a global mental health awareness movement. The Roleystone Sporting Club proposed the installation as part of the Blue Tree project, which began in Western Australia in 2019.
Council Vote and Conditions
Councillors voted 6-2 in favour of the project at their June 8 meeting, subject to several conditions. The decision came after city officers recommended rejection, citing inconsistency with the city's public art policy due to the long-term lifespan of the sculpture.
An asset management and implementation plan must be developed before construction, detailing materials, colours, concept designs, and location. The club must also agree in writing to fund ongoing maintenance and manage vandalism or inappropriate use. The plan must be endorsed by a registered mental health professional.
Compromise and Support
Cr Scott Mosey, who moved the alternate recommendation, described the conditions as a good compromise. "I think this strikes a pretty good balance between allowing the club to proceed with this project, which I think will be a great project for the community, but also allay those concerns people legitimately had," he said.
Cr Kerry Busby supported the project but argued the conditions were excessive. "I think we’ve gone too far with what we’re asking. I’m OK with the concept design, I’m OK with the asset management plan, I’m OK with all that. But I can’t support expecting a sporting club to provide an implementation plan endorsed by a registered mental health professional that includes a written commitment of the club to support mental health initiatives," he said.
Blue Tree Project Background
The Blue Tree project is a WA-based mental health charity inspired by a story shared at the funeral of Perth man Jayden Whyte, who died from suicide in 2018 aged 29. In 2014, Whyte and a friend painted a dead tree blue on the family's Wheatbelt farm as a prank. More than 1500 blue trees have since been created worldwide as symbols of hope and support.
While dead trees in public spaces are typically painted blue, the Roleystone Club plans to install a permanent metal tree sculpture designed by an artist. The club said it would fully fund the artwork through local grants and sponsorship, and coordinate an annual community event to repaint it. According to the officer's report, this would come at no upfront cost to ratepayers.
Community and Council Perspectives
Cr Sarah Stoneham emphasised the importance of supporting the club's initiative. "I believe this is a way of showing the club that we support their initiatives for mental health in the area, and that we hope this recommendation will help them fulfil that to the best of their ability and also provide a really good service for the endeavour they’re trying to follow," she said.
Armadale currently has 11 blue trees registered across the city, including one in Roleystone. Council will also ask the State Government to increase research and resourcing for mental health service improvements.
