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proudly serving Melton and Moorabool
10 MARCH, 2026
Windphone connects A disconnected rotary phone at Darley Neighbourhood House is helping locals navigate grief in an unexpected way. The phone offers people a quiet space to speak to loved ones who have died, with the initiative opening up conversations around death, remembrance and the importance of connection. Built by a volunteer using a vintage Bakelite phone, the windphone is already sparking reflection across the community. Story: Page 3
Manager Amber Gordon with the newly installed Windphone at Darley Neighbourhood House. (Damjan Janevski) 536354_05
Blue tree of hope By Jack O’Shea-Ayres
it remains the leading cause of death for people aged 15-44. Despite the alarming rates of suicide, the motion was not passed without criticism. “To me, this presumes Moorabool Shire does not care or do much in this space,” Cr Tom Sullivan said. “There’s a lot of work being done in this space. I fi nd this belittling to all the work council has done.” However, Cr Sheila Freeman was quick to remind council the motion meant more than a painted tree. “I strongly support this,” Cr Freeman said.
“We’re not simply discussing a painted tree, we are discussing the wellbeing of our community and the quiet struggles that too often go unseen.” Cr John Keogh also strongly supported the idea. “If the blue tree can help save the life of one tortured soul, I believe it is worthwhile,” he said. A report will be presented to council at a future meeting. Cr Ward said he hoped the initiative would help foster a culture where residents feel more comfortable speaking up and seeking help.
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Moorabool may soon be home to its own blue tree, after council voted to investigate the feasibility of introducing the Blue Tree Project in a bid to boost mental health awareness. The grassroots initiative began in regional Western Australia in 2019 following the death of Jayden White and has since grown into a global movement, with more than 1400 registered blue trees worldwide. The project caught the attention of Cr Rod Ward, who praised the initiative for
its ability to spark conversations around mental health awareness. “I thought ‘what a wonderful initiative’. It got me asking questions,“ Cr Ward said during the 4 March council meeting. “If we were able to establish a blue tree somewhere in the shire, it gets people asking those same questions, potentially saving someone’s life.” Cr Ward noted the proposal was particularly important given the scale of the mental health crisis in Australia. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 3307 Australians reportedly died by suicide in 2024 and
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