A Blue Tree now stands in the front gardens of St Patrick鈥檚 College as a permanent tribute to former student Rohan Cosgriff (SPC 2018-2022) and a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health, wellbeing and looking out for one another.
The tree was unveiled and blessed on Thursday, 20 August with Rohan鈥檚 parents, Rebecca and Anthony, and his brother Darcy (SPC 2015-2020), joining members of the SPC community for the ceremony.
The initiative was first proposed by 2025 Vice Captain Brendan Monaghan and brought to life through the commitment of the 2025 and 2026 Student Councils, with Brendan and current student leaders Daniel O鈥橞rien and Lachlan Lloyd playing key roles in bringing the project to fruition.
The is a mental health awareness initiative that uses blue-painted trees and sculptures as visible reminders to start conversations about mental health and wellbeing. It began in regional Western Australia in 2019 following the tragic death of Jayden Whyte in 2018.
At St Pat鈥檚, the Blue Tree will provide a visible reminder to students that they are supported, that conversations matter and that asking for help is always an option.
Principal Steven O鈥機onnor said the Blue Tree reflected the College鈥檚 commitment to supporting the wellbeing of every young man.
鈥淭he mental health and wellbeing of young people is vitally important. At St Pat鈥檚, we aim to educate the whole person 鈥� body, mind, heart and soul 鈥� and therefore, the emotional and mental health aspects of this are central to what we do and who we are,鈥� Mr O鈥機onnor said.
鈥淲e hope that our Blue Tree will remind our young men that they are never alone on their journey, and that there is always someone there to walk alongside them and to support them.鈥�
The Blue Tree also carries a deeply personal significance for the SPC community.
With the blessing of Rohan鈥檚 family, the tree commemorates Rohan as a much-loved member of the College community. His story also provides an important reminder of the risks young people can face online.
Rohan鈥檚 death in 2022 was the tragic result of sextortion, rather than a mental health illness, highlighting the importance of ensuring young people know where to turn when they find themselves in difficult or confronting circumstances.
鈥淭he College is proud to remember Rohan Cosgriff via the Blue Tree,鈥� Mr O’Connor said.
鈥淚t reminds our boys that, despite anything they may be experiencing, there is always someone there to help, and that young people should reach out and seek help.鈥�
Rohan鈥檚 family has also helped the College to continue learning from his story, particularly in supporting young men to navigate social media and online spaces safely.
For Brendan and the student leaders who championed the project, the Blue Tree represents an opportunity to create something that will continue to have an impact long after their time at SPC.
鈥淭he Blue Tree is a reminder to check in with your mates, to have the conversations that can sometimes be difficult and to let people know that it鈥檚 okay to ask for help,鈥� Brendan said.
Mr O’Connor praised the members of both Student Councils for their leadership and commitment in bringing the initiative to life.
鈥淭he Blue Tree stands because of the initiative of the Student Councils from 2025鈥�2026. I am proud of the work of these young men,鈥� Mr O鈥機onnor said.
The Blue Tree was constructed locally by Overwrought Garden Art and features the four pillars of the College 鈥� Faith, Tradition, Excellence and Joy 鈥� along its trunk.
The College thanks Ballarat Powder Coating and Sandblasting, who generously donated the powder coating of the Blue Tree.
If you or someone you know needs support, you can contact: Lifeline: 13 11 14, Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800, eHeadspace 1800 650 890 (3pm-10pm)
