By Sarah Halfpenny A BRIGHT blue cypress tree trunk now stands as a symbol of hope on Hotham Street in Sorrento, marking the arrival of the Blue Tree Project to the Mornington Peninsula. The tree, located at McFarland Reserve near the Sorrento Football and Netball Club, was painted as part of a global initiative to raise mental health awareness. The Blue Tree Project started as a grassroots movement in Western Australia in 2019, following the death of Jayden Whyte by suicide in 2018. It has since grown into a worldwide movement, with 1,600 blue trees now registered in Europe, the…
Browsing: Mental Health
A FUNDRAISER to raise money for mental health and suicide prevention initiatives in regional Australia was held in Seaford last weekend. The Black Dog Seaford Ride One Dayer took place on Sunday, 15 March, with motorcyclists setting off from Scotties Garage Cafe on a ride through Rye, Flinders, and Balnarring. Motorcycle rides occurred nationwide as part of the fundraising effort. Seaford Black Dog Ride coordinator Caroline Wallbridge said the money would help fund community-based mental health programs in regional and rural areas. “Mental health challenges don’t discriminate by postcode, but, unfortunately, access to support often does. The last week before…
THE mental health professionals at Peninsula Health were recognised for their efforts at the 2025 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards. Peninsula Health was named the winner in the “Excellence in Mental Health and Wellbeing” category. The health provider’s elimination of seclusion and mechanical restraints in its inpatient services was a key reason behind its award win. Peninsula Health’s clinical director of mental health and wellbeing, Adjunct A/Prof Kerryn Rubin, said Peninsula Health is the only health provider in the state which has completely eliminated the use of seclusion. “While it was once seen as a way to keep people safe, seclusion…
FIVE footy mates have completed an epic journey cycling across Australia with the aim to raise money and awareness for mental health. Break the Cycle consists of five middle aged men – Tim Allen, Guy Stringer, Brent Loughrey, Ben Adam and Tony Lockett, who have pushed through physical and mental boundaries, riding 3,500km from Perth to Melbourne in 19 days. “Our challenge aims to support our community and make a difference by fundraising for not-for-profit organisations Speak & Share, It’s okay not to be okay, and Peninsula Health network,” said participant Brent Loughrey “Together, we can create a community that…