A striking blue tree artwork has been unveiled in Northam, Australia, as part of a community initiative led by local students from the St John Academy. This project aims to raise awareness of youth mental health issues in the region. The artwork is adorned with handprints and names of students from the Northam division, symbolizing their commitment to fostering conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.
Patrick Harman, Experience Coordinator and paramedic at the academy, emphasized that this initiative was entirely student-driven. “Our young people conduct research to identify community needs and then execute their projects,” Harman explained. According to him, the students recognized that mental health, particularly among youth, is a pressing issue in their community, especially in regional areas.
To enhance the campaign’s impact, students collaborated with the Blue Tree Project and the Avon Valley Community Services. Harman noted the prevalence of mental health emergencies faced by paramedics and the importance of addressing these issues within the community. “It’s vital that we integrate mental health awareness into our programs,” he stated. “It’s refreshing to see our youth take the initiative to address this concern in Northam.”
The St John Academy, which launched in January 2025, serves as an extracurricular program for young people aged 12 to 17. Participants engage in various activities designed to build essential life skills, including first aid, emergency management, and personal development. “We focus on holistic education, embedding skills for life such as self-awareness, confidence, resilience, and leadership,” said Harman.
Each week, students attend two-hour meetings where they participate in team-building exercises, leadership development, and proficiency courses akin to Scout badges. Topics covered in these courses include emergency management, cultural awareness, and food and nutrition. Harman highlighted the importance of equipping young people with the tools to navigate life’s challenges.
One notable achievement within the program is the community project badge, which allows students to lead and implement service initiatives in their local areas. The blue tree collaboration was born out of this initiative in Northam, showcasing the students’ commitment to meaningful community engagement.
St John Academy operates in various regional locations, including Northam, Woodridge, and Tom Price, as well as metropolitan areas like Morley, Warnbro, and Rockingham. Looking ahead, Harman expressed excitement about expanding the program, with plans to open four additional divisions, including new locations in Wundowie and Paraburdoo by term one 2026.
“We’ve seen significant interest in our programs, with lengthy waitlists in metropolitan areas and strong engagement in regional locations,” Harman noted. He stressed the importance of embedding first aid training and essential life skills in young people early on, creating pathways for future careers in healthcare.
In regions where access to healthcare and education can be limited, the St John Academy is exploring innovative pathways into accredited certificate courses through their registered training organization. This initiative aims to provide young people, especially in rural areas, with opportunities to acquire qualifications outside of traditional educational routes.
For those interested in supporting mental health awareness efforts, more information about the Blue Tree Project can be found at https://bluetreeproject.com.au/
