Carolyn Wheeler, of Donald, Excell Farms HR Manager, The Buloke Times

What an incredible journey I have had on our Excel Farms regional tour with the Blue Tree Project, focusing on mental health awareness and support!

I’m deeply passionate about mental health. Whether it’s supporting family, friends or colleagues, it truly matters in every part of life.

Over the course of the tour last week, we travelled more than 1,700km, painted 5 trees blue on farm and in the communities, and hosted two sold out community quiz nights. The support has been overwhelming.

Kendall Whyte, CEO and Founder of Blue Tree Project, said the tour is about hope and connectivity in the bush. “Our regional communities are resilient, but they can feel isolated when it comes to mental health,” Ms Whyte said. “By painting a tree blue and coming together at these events, we’re sparking conversations that can save lives. It shows people – especially in remote areas – that it’s okay to speak up and seek help.”

Warren Davies, known as The Unbreakable Farmer, knows first-hand the challenges faced by farming families.

“For farmers and rural families, mental health struggles often stay hidden,” Mr Davies said. “I’ve seen how a simple conversation can change a life. This tour is about making those conversations happen in our small towns – letting folks know they’re not alone and that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.”

Inspiring leaders

I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked closely with Kendall, CEO and founder of the Blue Tree Project. She’s an inspiring leader doing amazing work to spread awareness about mental health. I was especially lucky to work side-by-side with her in organising the regional tour and connecting with the communities, we couldn’t have asked for a better response.

Cass from the Blue Tree team was equally fantastic, making sure everything ran smoothly and capturing every moment beautifully on her camera.

I also had the pleasure of spending time with Warren Davies, The Unbreakable Farmer , whose personal story of resilience is truly moving. He joined Kendall and Cass on the regional tour adding so much heart and inspiration to the journey.

As part of the tour, Blue Tree will also return to each of the communities visited to deliver Mental Health First Aid training. This follow-up support is a great, especially in small rural towns where access to mental health services can be limited. By equipping locals with the skills and knowledge to support one another, we’re building stronger, more resilient communities.

Partners

Excel Farms has proudly partnered with the Blue Tree Project for 3 years, contributing $50k annually. This year with the help of our generous suppliers, donation tins, raffles and auction items at our quiz nights, we’re on track to raise over $100k for this year. I’m genuinely blown away by the support this initiative has received.

Over the next few years we hope you will see many more Blue Trees in your local area.

For those who may not be familiar with the Blue Tree Project, I encourage you to find out more about the incredible work they’re doing here: bluetreeproject.com.au.

Together, we are helping to break the stigma and spark important conversations around mental health.

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 15 August 2025.