For the past three years, a special tree has brought locals together in hope, strength, remembrance and support of loved ones lost to suicide, and now the countdown is on for the Coast’s fourth annual Tree of Dreams.
Based at the Wyong Milk Factory, the Tree of Dreams is held in the lead up to World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10.
The project sees the Factory’s signature tree adorned with hundreds of lights and colourful messages of hope to pay tribute to those lost, to celebrate life and to spark important conversations around suicide and mental health.
It was created by Wyong based not-for-profit, The Iris Foundation, that works to reduce the risk of suicide among Central Coast residents.
In 2019. the Foundation also launched its inaugural River of Reflections as part of the Tree of Dreams campaign, which saw Wyong River lit up with lanterns containing messages of hope, support and remembrance.
Due to the pandemic, the Foundation cannot proceed with any public gatherings as originally planned, but residents are still encouraged to take part in the campaign by leaving a message to be hung on this year’s tree.
Locals are able to get a message tag from Wyong Milk Factory.
Additionally, any messages emailed to The Iris Foundation for the campaign will be written up and placed on the tree by volunteers.
Dilon Luke