A new community art project in Northam, Australia, aims to address youth mental health through a striking blue tree sculpture. Crafted by students from the St John Academy, this artwork serves as a catalyst for raising awareness about mental health issues affecting young people in the area. The tree features the handprints and names of students, symbolizing their commitment to fostering conversation around mental health and suicide prevention.
According to Patrick Harman, the St John Academy Experience co-ordinator and a paramedic, this initiative is entirely youth-led. “Our young people do some research and identify a community need that requires attention, and they execute that project,” Mr. Harman explained. He emphasized that mental health challenges, particularly among youth, are pressing issues within regional communities like Northam.
The project emerged in collaboration with the Blue Tree Project and the Avon Valley Community Services, both focused on promoting mental health awareness. Mr. Harman noted that addressing mental health concerns is a significant part of the ambulance service’s responsibilities, reflecting broader societal challenges. “It’s important to embed these topics in our programs, and it’s refreshing to see young people identifying these issues and taking action,” he added.
The St John Academy, which began in January 2025, is part of a broader effort to equip youth aged 12 to 17 with crucial skills, including first aid and emergency management. Mr. Harman highlighted that the program also emphasizes personal development, fostering self-awareness, resilience, and leadership among participants.
During their weekly two-hour meetings, students engage in team-building exercises, leadership activities, and proficiency courses similar to Scout badges. Topics covered range from emergency management to cultural awareness and food nutrition. “We aim to prepare students for life’s challenges, including those they may face in their communities,” Mr. Harman stated.
One of the unique aspects of the program is the opportunity for students to earn a community project badge. This badge allows them to lead and develop projects that benefit their local area. The blue tree project in Northam is a prime example of this initiative in action.
The academy is expanding its reach, with local divisions not only in Northam but also in places like Woodridge and Tom Price, along with metropolitan areas such as Morley and Rockingham. Mr. Harman expressed enthusiasm for the future, announcing that four additional divisions will be established in 2026, including two in metropolitan areas and new locations in Wundowie and Paraburdoo.
“Interest in our program has surged, with long waitlists in metro areas and strong demand in regional locations,” he noted. This growth reflects a community’s desire to engage youth and foster skills that could potentially lead to careers in healthcare, a field where access to education is often limited.
Mr. Harman emphasized the importance of providing early education in first aid and life skills. He mentioned that the program is exploring pathways into accredited certificate courses through their registered training organization. This initiative aims to offer young people alternative routes to higher education, especially for those in regional areas who may not have easy access to traditional educational pathways.
For more information on how to get involved with the Blue Tree Project, visit their official website at https://bluetreeproject.com.au/. The Northam community’s efforts reflect a proactive approach to tackling mental health challenges and empowering the next generation to lead impactful projects.
