St John Academy youth unveil new artwork in Northam

A new youth-led artwork designed to spark conversations about mental health has been unveiled in the heart of Northam.  

Led by students from the St John Academy, the creative ‘blue tree’ design is now available for the public to view on the walls of Avon Community Services on Fitzgerald Street. 

The St John Academy develops 12-17-year-olds as community leaders, equipping them with life-saving skills and a strong foundation for future healthcare careers.  

To finish their first year, team members chose a community-based project rooted in their new-found understanding of health, wellbeing, and leadership.  

Northam Academy division lead and volunteer Natasha Clements encouraged the students to take on a large-scale artwork as their project. 

Students chose the design in recognition of the Blue Tree Project – a grassroots initiative in regional Western Australia where trees are painted blue as symbols of hope and to spread awareness of mental health. 

Lilly Clifford, St John Academy team member, is passionate about the subject and proudly drove the group to complete the project. 

“We wanted to do something aimed at the youth in Northam,” Lilly said. 

“We need the community that we are still learning to partake in to be a vibrant and accepting place where no one fears to admit they need help. 

“Thank you to our leaders for their support in providing everything we needed to complete this project and to our parents and carers for ensuring we could get to Academy every Tuesday night.” 

Attila Mencshelyi and Dayane Mardesich from Avon Community Services attended the unveiling of the artwork. 

“The young people involved in the Northam St John Academy are an inspiration to others and to be commended on their desire to assist our community to be a safer and more caring place,” Attila said. 

“Avon Community Services is proud to host their blue tree artwork.” 

Dayane praised the Academy program and the impact it was having on local young people. 

“Congratulations to the Northam team on creating a program that recognises and fosters youth leadership and to all the young people involved for their creativity and clear commitment to supporting our community,” she said. 

St John Academy students from across the state have been busy completing their community projects. 

Team members in Warnbro purchased Christmas gifts for children in need while Tom Price fundraised for a new public defibrillator and community first aid kits in Karijini National Park. 

Learn more about St John Academy.