By Lucy Waldron
Following months of meticulous crafting and preparation, Saturday, 16 March marked an important moment for the Warwick community as Zack Locke’s Flock Tree of Hope was planted.
This tree serves as a lasting tribute, offering the community a means to forever remember the lives of loved ones lost to suicide.
Located in St Mark’s Warwick Anglican Church’s Blue Garden, the Tree of Hope stands tall as a symbol of peace, hope, reflection, and remembrance.
Colette Locke, a member of Zack Locke’s Flock said that the garden serves as a sanctuary for relaxation while also raising awareness for mental health.
“The tree will feature ‘Leaves of Love,’ which can be engraved with the names of lives lost to suicide alongside a few special words,” Colette said.
Crafted by artist Cooter Mundey, the Tree of Hope catalyses conversation, aiming to open up mental health discourse.
Originating from the Blue Tree Project in 2018, painted trees began to appear across Western Australia before gaining national recognition.
The project encourages individuals to select a tree in need of rejuvenation and paint it in memory of a friend lost to mental illness, thus becoming a symbol of remembrance.
For a rural town like Warwick, such symbols hold increasing significance. While organisations and events in the Southern Downs are becoming more frequent, the topic of mental health remains taboo and often avoided.
Colette emphasised the importance of community support in reducing the rate of suicide, highlighting collaborations with organisations like the Southern Downs Suicide Prevention Network to provide a supportive environment.
Reverend Lizzie Gaitskell St Mark’s parish priest said St Mark’s is honoured to host both the Blue Garden and the beautiful Tree of Hope.
“It’s our hope as a Parish, that this will be a place for community gathering, for remembering lost loved ones, and to raise awareness for depression and other mental health challenges,” Rev’d Gaitskell said.
“We’re so thankful and proud to support Zack Locke’s Flock in creating this space, and grateful for all whose words and actions bring care, hope and love.”
The first Leaves of Love will be placed on the Tree of Hope on Saturday, 13 April at 9am.
Community members who have lost a loved one to suicide can contact Zack Locke’s Flock, Colette Locke or Tanya Verri on Facebook to organise a leaf dedicated to the memory of their special person.
“While we understand the profound loss experienced, the Tree of Hope featuring Leaves of Love is dedicated solely to the remembrance of persons who have lost their lives to suicide,” Colette said.
Zack Locke’s Flock express their appreciation for how the community have rallied together to support the construction of this important introduction into the garden.
With the donation of the concrete slab from Cameron and Raelene Mauch of Southern Down’s Concrete and Warwick Friendly Society for the recognition of Zack Lockes Flock through their Christmas giving campaign which allowed funds for the tree powder coated.
In planting Zack Locke’s Flock Tree of Hope, the Warwick community has created a lasting symbol of support and remembrance, fostering unity and understanding in the face of mental health challenges.
