Unley Council unveils ‘Blue Tree’ artwork at Goodwood Oval

An art installation at a busy Adelaide suburban oval has been unveiled by a local council – but there’s a deeper truth behind it.

The Blue Tree artwork at Goodwood Oval is part of the global project aimed at creating open conversations about mental health and suicide. Picture: Agnes Gichuhi

A bright blue artwork installed at Goodwood Oval at the urging of local footy and cricket clubs has been unveiled – and has a touching message.

The $25,000 ‘Blue Tree’ sculpture,installed by Unley Council last week, is one of nearly 1500 similar artworks across the globe – part of the Blue Tree Project mental health charity that started in 2019 after the 2018 suicide of Jayden Whyte in WA.

With more than 50 in SA alone, they stand for the need for open, meaningful conversation.

A silver plaque at the Goody Oval tree said the “bulbous, solid and strong” design is a metaphor for strength and aims to inspire hope and resilience,

“(It) reflects the need for connection and awareness of mental health and to look out for those who are doing it tough,” it says.

The holes in the sculpture symbolise those affected by mental health and “those who love us and may need our help or friendship in times of need”, it says.

SA artist Gerry McMahon took inspiration from the Australia native bottle and added two birds atop a nearby blue pole.

Art installation at Goodwood Oval sponsored by Unley Council. Picture: Agnes Gichuhi

Art installation at Goodwood Oval to raise awareness about mental health, as part of the national Blue Tree Project. Picture: Agnes Gichuhi

“(They) are perched together to further signify another metaphor for mateship and the need to share, listen and always support each other,” the plaque read.

It also features lighting at the bottom on the sculpture and a small light for the birds powered by solar panels.

A spokesman said the sculpture was part of council’s public art initiative, endorsed in its 2024/25 business plan.

It was initiated by Goodwood Saints footy and Goodwood cricket clubs, who urged the council to participate in the national Blue Tree Project, the spokesman said.

“Both clubs have strong mental health programs in place and regularly run training and awareness sessions with their players, coaches and wider community,” the spokesman said.

“With no suitable trees at Goodwood Oval, the concept was translated into a sculptural public artwork that would maintain the visual impact and symbolic power of the initiative.”

Saints stalwart Colin Shipton pitched the idea to the club and Unley Council after coming across a blue tree in country SA as part of the ‘Blue Tree Project’ which works to spread mental health awareness across Australia.

Shipton said the initiative was of significant importance to the club, which has been among local sport leaders in the mental health space since the tragic passing of former Richmond and Goodwood player Shane Tuck in 2020.