The Multiplex fig trees will tonight be bathed in blue to shine a light on suicide prevention as part of World Suicide Prevention Day.
Held on September 10 each year, World Suicide Prevention Day aims to raise awareness of suicide in local communities and identify where and how residents can work together collaboratively towards a world without suicide.
The community is encouraged to use the day as an opportunity to start a conversation about mental health and create hope through action.
Bundaberg Suicide Prevention Network’s President David Facer said the colour blue was significant with its connection to the Blue Tree Project started in Western Australia.
“Blue is often connected to health and suicide awareness but also in this case it has a connection to the innovative Blue Tree Project,” Mr Facer said.
“This project began in Western Australia and encourages people to choose a dead tree that needs a ‘blue lease on life’ and paint it in memory of a friend who lost their life to depression or had battled the illness.
“By lighting up these trees it shows that our council and community are prepared to engage in creative ways to shine a light on suicide prevention.”
Council’s community services portfolio spokesperson Cr Tracey McPhee said supporting a day like this was of great importance to ensure conversations about mental health continue within the community.
“We recognise that prevention is better than a cure and are passionate about increasing mental health awareness throughout our community,” Cr McPhee said.
“It is important to encourage others to speak up and decrease the devastating side effects of mental illness.”
David encouraged the community to make conversations more regularly to continue increasing awareness about mental health within the region.
“Although marked on September 10, suicide prevention is a daily activity and increasing our awareness as individuals and as a community goes a long way to achieving a better caring community for the future,” he said.
The Out of the Shadow walk was held at Bargara this morning to remember those lost to suicide.
If you or anyone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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