About Tree of Dreams
We can all take part and show our support.
Public Event Sunday 8th September
5.30pm – 7.30pm
This year, alongside the Tree of Dreams, there will be a community event held at the Wyong Milk Factory grassed area adjacent to the Wyong River. On Sunday, September 8, as the sun sets, attendees will be invited to release a lantern on the river in reflection – a moment to honour and respect those they have lost, their life lived, their love and the gifts they gave. It is also an opportunity to show those touched by suicide that they’re not alone, to foster hope and build connectedness, to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
Lanterns provided free of charge at the event. Everyone is welcome.
How Can You Take Part?
It’s about reaching out with positive messages and remembering the value of one another.
Show your support – get a tag and write your message of
HOPE – STRENGTH – REMEMBRANCE – SUPPORT
All tags with their messages will be placed in the Tree of Dreams® and will remain there significantly for World Suicide Prevention Day on Tuesday 10th September.
Where To Get Tags
Tags will be available for collection and for drop off at the following locations:
- Wyong Milk Factory – 141 Alison Road Wyong
- Central Coast Community Bank Branches of Bendigo Bank
Ettalong – East Gosford – Kincumber – Lisarow – Wyong - Wyong Rugby League Club
- Wallarah Bay Recreation Club
- Bateau Bay Bowling Club
- Avoca Beach Bowling & Recreation Club
- 2GO Radio Gosford
Tags can be supplied on request by emailing enquiries@irisfoundation.org.
On Your Behalf
Can’t be there? It would be our privilege to:
– write your message on a tag on your behalf, to place in the Tree of Dreams
and /or
– write your message on a lantern, on your behalf, in honour of someone special
A Suicide-Safer Central Coast
Iris Foundation acknowledges the impact of suicide in our Central Coast community. Through generous donations Iris Foundation can continue to facilitate programs and campaigns which reduce stigma, connect people, foster hope and build resilience – as a means to reducing the risk of suicide. Your donation is valued.
In 2018, the Tree of Dreams was adorned by over 1000 messages of hope, support and remembrance. More than 40 Central Coast businesses and community organisations engaged with our suicide prevention awareness campaign in the lead-up to World Suicide Prevention Day.
Local production company Films4Change captured the spirit of the tree-lighting event with this video, featuring Iris Foundation Lived Experience speaker Colin Henderson reciting the poem ‘Good Timber’ by Douglas Malloch.
Contact Us
You can email us at enquiries@irisfoundation.org.
NEED HELP? PLEASE REACH OUT
Lifeline 131 114
Suicide Call Back Service
1300 659 467
BeyondBlue 1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline (ages 12 to 25)
1800 551 800
Mensline Australia 1300 789 978
Tree of Dreams® is an initiative of Iris Foundation, a Central Coast organization that fosters resilience, hope and connections in our community as a means of reducing the risk of suicide.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those that support this campaign:
Supporting Partners
Ambassadors
It’s important to remember, it’s important to love, it’s important to connect and know that we are not alone.
Tree of Dreams is the Iris Foundation’s annual suicide awareness campaign. This year, along with 100’s of messages placed in the Tree, we held a community event which saw lanterns, penned with special messages, floated down the Wyong River. The lanterns held personal messages of heartfelt sorrow and remembrance - full of love.
- If we can sew value into those around us, it’s worth it
- If we can give joy where it’s lacking, it’s worth it
- If we can save just one life, it’s worth it
It's all about the COFFEE & CAKE - and where better than by the LAKE.
Join us for an afternoon of relaxing fun, entertainment and delicious food.
All are welcome to this fundraiser supporting Iris Foundation.
Saturday, 9th of November, 2 -4 pm at Toukley Marine Rescue, Tuggerah Lakes.
For more information, visit;
www.facebook.com/events/2417234135221692/
Today is RU OK? Day 12th September, our national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone to ask, “Are you OK?” and to remember every day of the year to support people who may be struggling with life’s ups and downs.
Whenever you notice a change, no matter how small, Trust the Signs, Trust your Gut & Ask R U OK? - start a conversation. RuOk #suicideprevention
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day - a day to recognise the part we all have in preventing suicide, to remember those we have lost to suicide and support the loved ones they left behind. We encourage you to take the time to reach out to others - stay connected. #suicideprevention
If you are in need of support call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
