Symbol of Hope: Blue Tree Project Unveiling at Deakin Waterfront

Join us to unveil Deakin Waterfront’s new Blue Tree installation – a symbol of hope, connection and conversations about mental health. Mental health conversations can start anywhere – a thoughtful check-in, a moment of connection or a reminder that no one has to face life’s challenges alone. The Blue Tree Project is helping spark these conversations around the world, using blue trees as powerful symbols of hope, connection and mental health awareness. What began as a tribute to Jayden Whyte, who died by suicide in 2018 at the age of 29, has grown into a global movement encouraging people to speak openly about mental health, reduce stigma and reach out when they need support. At Deakin, blue trees have become part of our campuses and our commitment to creating communities where conversations about mental health are welcomed. Join us for the unveiling of our new Blue Tree installation We invite Deakin students, staff and the wider community to join us for the unveiling of a new Blue Tree installation at Deakin University's Waterfront campus. This special event marks the expansaion of our Blue Tree Project to a third location at Deakin, following the painted trees at the Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool campuses. As our first wall based feature, this new 2D installation will create a lasting reminder that hope, connection and support are always worth making space for. The event will feature: • Acknowledgment of Country. • An official welcome and unveiling by Rebecca Bone, Executive Director Student Services. • Reflections from student lived experience storytellers, who will share their own experiences of mental health and help bring the meaning and purpose behind the Blue Tree Project to life. • Light refreshments and opportunities to connect with others. • Creative activities, including contributing a blue thumbprint ‘leaf’ to a collaborative artwork and/or making a mini air-dry clay blue tree or blue leaf of your own to take home or display in your workspace. Deakin's Blue Tree Project: Symbol of Hope 11am–12pm, Tuesday 27 October 2026 Deakin University, Waterfront Campus Building D, Level 2 (Enter via Gheringhap St entrance) All students, staff and community members are welcome. This project has been made possible thanks to the expertise and generosity of the Deakin School of Engineering, who designed, produced and installed the piece, and a generous donation of Blue Tree Solagard paint from Wattyl. Come along to help us mark this special moment, celebrate the power of community and add your own touch to a symbol of hope that will stand at Deakin Waterfront for years to come. We hope to see you there. 💙