Goolgowi's Khloe Favero has had a bright idea to bring about positive change to the region.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
She told The Area News that she is determined to stop the 'black dog' and usher in conversations about mental health.
"I just want people to know that it is OK, not to be OK," she said.
Miss Favero wanted to join the 'Blue Tree Project' which aims to raise awareness of mental health by painting trees in a vibrant shade of blue.
She approached her agriculture teacher Carl Chirgwin with the idea to paint a tree in the centre of the agriculture section of Murrumbidgee Regional High School.
After a discussion they both decided that it would be a good idea to paint all the poles of the paddocks instead.
Over 20 poles in the school's paddock are awash with the bright light with a memorial gate aptly dedicated to former agriculture assistant David McLean who had passed away tragically three weeks ago.
I just want people to know that it is OK, not to be OK
- Khloe Favero
"We have lost many people in Goolgowi recently in tragic circumstances and it really hits home," Ms Favero said.
"it's been a hard time for the region with drought and things like that.
"I really would just like to show people that it is OK to talk about their mental health and wellbeing."
Painting of the poles began on RUOK Day last week and Ms Favero said it was the perfect time to start the project.
The poles have all been painted with the help of fellow students Chelsea Mahon, Abbie Beckett and Kyla Oldham.
Her agriculture teacher Mr Chirgwin is over the moon with the spirit shown by Miss Favero and the results of her idea.
"It is just incredible to see someone who cares about others so much," he said.
"I couldn't be any prouder of the girls work here."
The poles are having the desired affect according to Mr Chirgwin.
"It has really started some conversations about mental health," he said.
"The reaction of staff and students have been great and I am always getting asked 'Why are the poles blue?' which is precisely the reason Khloe wanted to do it - it starts that conversation and puts it in people's head that it is OK to talk about it."
READ MORE
The conversations around the blue poles is filling Ms Favero with joy as she hears it around the school.
"Every time i overhear a group of kids talking about the poles it just makes me so happy to hear people talking about it,"
The year 12 student is not done yet with plans to take the project to her home town and paint a tree blue in the centre of Goolgowi.
"I want to have a blue tree in Goolgowi and to have people in the community to put their hand prints on it with all different colours," Miss Favero said.
The aim of that is to have somewhere anyone can come and reflect on their mental health and create a community around positive mental wellbeing.
If you or someone you know are going through mental distress, please reach out and talk to someone:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
- Griffith Suicide Prevention and Support Group: 1300 133 911