Sunshine Coast Council – Mental Health Week Tree Planting

Sunshine Coast Council’s internal Suicide Awareness Reference Group (SARG) partnered with Parks and Gardens branch to offer employees the opportunity to get outside and plant some trees in recognition of QLD Mental Health Week. Highlighting the strong connection between gardening and mental health is the theme of the event: human contact with bacteria in soil triggers the release of serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant and an immune booster. Other benefits include physical exercise, social connection, increased self-esteem, and the joy of getting to watch your plant grow over time. Staff are encouraged to plant a tree in commemoration of a friend or family member affected by suicide. The tree planting location is part of an existing tree management plan within the council area. It’s a fun and engaging way to focus on mental health and we are thrilled to be officially part of QLD’s Mental Health Week 2024.