Community led initiatives

The Blue Tree Project is a community initiative that raises awareness of mental wellbeing and encourages open conversations about mental health. Its message is simple: “it’s ok to not be ok.”

Blue tree initiatives create a visible reminder to spark conversations about mental health and reduce stigma in the community.

Guidelines

• You will need permission from the owner of the land, this may be the City of Wanneroo, a private landowner or it could be on Crown land. 
• Trees are to be in areas of public open space and not in National Parks or Conservation Reserves. 
• Consideration needs to be given to the surrounding area and residents; not all want a Blue Tree across the road. 
• Any tree considered for painting should be dead and not home to native wildlife.  The City may request an Arborist report to confirm. 
• Blue Trees should be visible but should not cause distraction or hazards to passing motorists or pedestrians.
• Use non-toxic paint that won’t harm the environment or wildlife. Consult a local supplier for suitable options.
• You may need to consider public liability insurance, especially if organising a community painting event.

Permissions

You must obtain permission from the landowner. This might include:

1. The City of Wanneroo
2. A private landowner
3. Government organisations

Types of trees and location

The City will generally support one Blue Tree per suburb.

Location requirements

• The tree must be located in a public open space.
• The tree must not be located within a road reserve.
• The tree should not be directly visible from nearby residential properties.

 Tree suitability

• The tree should be dead.
• The tree must not be home to native wildlife.
• An arborist assessment may be required to confirm the tree is suitable for the project.

If a nominated tree is not suitable or does not meet the required criteria, there are still several alternative ways to support mental health awareness in the community. In these situations, the City draws inspiration from alternative approaches promoted by Blue Tree Project and has supported a range of Blue Tree initiatives across the City where a physical tree has not been available. Blue Tree Alternatives - Blue Tree Project. Often the goal is not just the tree itself, but creating a visible conversation starter that encourages people to check in with one another, seek support, and reduce stigma around mental health.

Safety considerations

These include:

• The tree must be safe to paint from the ground
• It should not create hazards or distractions for motorists or pedestrians
• The surrounding area should be accessible and safe for participants.

How to request a Blue Tree

You will need permission from the owner of the land.

To request a Blue Tree on City-owned land:

1. Complete the Blue Tree Checklist.
2. Return the completed checklist to the City via:
   • Email: enquiries@wanneroo.wa.gov.au
   • Post:  City of Wanneroo, Locked Bag 1, Wanneroo WA 6946.
   • In person: 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo.
3. Contact the Blue Tree Project to register your tree once complete.

How to register a Blue Tree

You can register your tree through the Blue Tree Project website and connect with others involved in the initiative.

More information

It’s recommended to connect with the Blue Tree Project to seek support and guidance. Or contact the City of Wanneroo Place Management Team on 9405 5000 to discuss your idea further.

Related resources

• Blue Tree Project website
• Memorials in Parks and Reserves Policy

Keep Australia Beautiful’s Adopt-a-Spot program is a simple way for individuals, community groups and businesses to do their bit for a cleaner environment. 

Adopting a spot means making the commitment to help keep a nominated site litter-free for two years by hosting three to four clean ups per year. 

How to register your clean-up event

1. Choose your favourite spot and make the pledge to keep it clean.
2. Arrange a date for your first clean-up. Many hands make light work so get your friends, family and community involved to help.
3. Register your clean-up event with Keep Australia Beautiful to receive your FREE clean up kit in the mail (includes gloves, litter bags and tongs). 
4. Get cleaning and make sure to tell us how you went.

The City of Wanneroo is home to several established community gardens in Butler, Wanneroo and Yanchep. 

How to start a community garden

1. View the Community garden guide (PDF).
2. Make an initial enquiry. Contact the City’s Community Development team to discuss your idea, including the need, purpose, and overall vision for the garden.
3. Provide additional information. You’ll be asked to supply details such as:
   • Preferred location and land requirements
   • Access to services and utilities
   • Estimated costs
   • Proposed management structure
   • Long‑term sustainability plans.
4. Site identification and preliminary assessment. The City reviews your information to assess:
   • Site viability
   • Your capacity to manage and deliver the project
   • Overall sustainability.
5. If a suitable City‑owned site is identified, the project progresses to a detailed assessment, which may include community consultation and more detailed plans. If no site is found but there’s clear community need, the City may explore potential land options, subject to availability.
6. Site confirmation. Once the detailed review is complete and the proposal is approved the community group will enter an agreement to develop a community garden.  This agreement could be a Licence or Property Lease.  Note: Only incorporated groups can enter into a lease with the City.

Related resources

• Community Gardens Australia website

The User Funded Facility Upgrade guidelines outlines the process for groups wishing to make an improvement or modification to the building or park they lease or hire. A key consideration for all leased and hired facilities is ensuring that they are used in a manner that does not result in a deteriorating condition, additional maintenance obligations and cost burdens for the City. In this context, if a group wants to fund and undertake works before they are scheduled, or the works are outside of what the City intends to provide for that facility, then the tenant or regular user should submit all of the relevant information for consideration by following the Application process. This enables the request to be properly considered and approved, and for any required statutory approvals and licences to be applied for and issued.

Application requirements

The following items must be submitted with your application form:

• Itemised written quote or estimate from a reputable supplier 
• Project budget  
• Copy of minutes confirming that works and funding contribution was approved (e.g. committee meeting notes) 
• Previous three years audited financial records (to demonstrate financial ability to service the cost); and/or 
• Written evidence of financial commitments from other funding sources (loans, donations, grant funding etc.) 
• An undertaking to satisfy any shortfall in the contributions from other funding sources (such as if a grant is insufficient for the cost of the works) 
• Letters of support from a State Sporting Association (e.g. Hockey WA, Rebound WA)  
• Final concept plans and designs 
• For floodlighting works, a lighting plan showing lux, configuration and sufficient power supply 
• Any other supporting information (e.g. a strategic plan or business plan for your club or organisation).

Application process summary 

1. Applicant completes and submits the Application Form, with ALL supporting information (the application may need to be reassessed should further information be received later in the process).

2. The City conducts an initial review of the Application. Further information may be requested.

3. Full consideration by relevant service units within the City and other stakeholders (as applicable). At this time the City may request a site meeting to discuss the proposed works and will advise on planning and building approval requirements.

4. A notification letter on the outcome of the Application will be provided. If approved, an authorised person on behalf of your organisation will be required to agree to any requirements or conditions prior to commencement of the works, by signing and returning; • A letter of agreement

• A Memorandum of Understanding 
• A Lease variation. 

5. Written approval is issued to proceed to the planning and building application stage.

Application guide

View the application guide and application form (PDF).

For more information

For more information email Leisure.planning@wanneroo.wa.gov.au 

A public community event is any organised activity or function where people are brought together at a given time and place for entertainment, recreation, cultural or community purposes. This includes, but is not limited to: festivals, markets, concerts, arts and cultural events, street parties, sporting events, commercial activities or promotions. 

Public community events refer to any activity held at any venue across the City (including City facilities, roads, footpaths, parks, gardens and reserves as well as National Parks, privately owned or developer land, schools etc).

Applications may be required.

View the Public Community Event page