SINGLETON ADDS SOME BLUE TO THE GREENS

A dead tree on Singleton golf course, painted blue, has become the talk of the town _ and that’s just the way the club likes it.

The unusual sight which can be spotted from busy Queen street or while on the course, is designed to get people discussing mental health and is part of a national campaign called the Blue Tree Project.

The idea to paint the tree blue was instigated by board member Alison Wyatt who learnt about the initiative while touring around Tasmania.

“The first time I a blue tree saw was while travelling in Launceston,” she said.

“It got me curious and so I googled the Blue Tree Project and thought it was a really good idea. We had some dead trees on our course and fellow board member, Mal Newman, suggested we paint the tree in our club colours but I suggested the blue tree.”

Once all were agreed, Mal coordinated the project and with the help of fellow golf club members the Blue Tree became a reality. Paint was donated and a volunteer painter and tree trimmer engaged. Morgan Engineering donated their expertise to the project while club members put brush to bark.

“I read all about the Blue Tree Project which started in 2018 and I thought it was a great idea,” Mal said.

“9 people commit suicide in Australia every day and SIngleton has their fair share of suicides, so we want to try and encourage discussions about mental health.

“About 2000 people a week will walk past that tree here at SIngleton golf course as well as people driving past on Queen Street and they’ll say something about it. That’s what we want because mental health is a serious issue.”

However, as Alison Wyatt mused, some members aren’t happy.

“They keep hitting it and now they’re cursing it,” she laughed.

“But at least they see it and know what it stands for and that’s an important message for our community. I think all clubs should do it.”

SINGLETON ADDS SOME BLUE TO THE GREENS -

BLUE TREE DAY

From L_ R Matisse Maskey (acting club manager) Sue Moore (Mayor) David Thompson, Bobby Morrissey, Bill Thompson, Michael Williams (volunteers) Matthew Morgan (Morgan Engineering) and Mal Newman.

Special Event

Date: 12 / 13 August
Venue: Muswellbrook Golf Club
Time: 12.30pm Saturday – 8.30am Sunday
Entry Fee: $77 covers 2 days – MUST be paid via manual bank transfer when entering
 
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Account: 721704912
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