A colourful initiative is set to spark open and meaningful conversations about mental health in the Lower Hunter.

The Blue Tree Project, a charity that kicked off in 2019 after the tragic loss of Jayden Whyte – a much-loved son, brother and friend – to suicide, transforms dead plants into vivid symbols to serve as a visible reminder that it’s okay not to be okay.

And, it made its striking local debut along the New England Highway at East Maitland this week.

While it began as a grassroots program, the Blue Tree Project has since grown into a widely-recognised and impactful global entity, as it hopes to positively transform attitudes towards mental health.

Mayor Philip Penfold said Maitland City Council was proud to back such a vital undertaking.

“Mental health is a shared concern in ou

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