General News
15 January, 2026
Blue Tree a beacon of hope
Drivers and passengers travelling along Dimboola Road, just out of Warrnacknabeal, might notice a bit of colour has been added to the landscape recently.
Drivers and passengers travelling along Dimboola Road, just out of Warrnacknabeal, might notice a bit of colour has been added to the landscape recently.
The blue tree is the work of local Justin Knorpp, aiming to begin a conversation that could change everything.
Grown from The Blue Tree Project, the story behind the blue tree began with an act that sparked a global movement.
The project began in 2019, inspired by the death of Jayden Whyte, after he and a friend painted a dead tree on Jayden's family farm as a prank before his suicide.
Despite this, the blue trees stand as a symbol of hope, not loss.
The mission of the project is to help anchor conversations and encourage people to speak up about mental health.
In deciding that Warracknabeal needed its own blue tree, Mr Knorpp, along with a couple of friends, recently painted the tree and installed signage donated by Loud Signs.
Mr Knorpp said he chose the location, just past Fensomes Road, because people can safely stop at the blue tree, check out the signs, and maybe have a moment of reflection.
"I'm hoping to add a chair so people can use the area as a bit of a safety space, maybe just a place for people to chill out or reflect," he said.
While it's not the first blue tree in the region, it is the first official one with signage and other amenities.
Mr Knorpp said there is a clear need for conversations about mental health to take place more widely across the Wimmera.
"This tree came about because I attended the funeral of a person who died by suicide," Mr Knorpp said.
"I got onto that the day following, and some of the family of that person have seen it and appreciate it, so that is both amazing and beautiful to know.
"Hopefully, it can create that awareness of what it is designed for."
If you or anyone else needs help, it is available 24/7 by calling Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or texting 0477 131 114.
If you are concerned for the safety of others or yourself, seek assistance immediately by calling 000.
Read More: Warracknabeal