The fourth annual Budgewoi Tree of Dreams lighting ceremony took place on Saturday, 7 December.
The Tree of Dreams is an important community fundraiser for Iris Foundation each year. Donations flow directly into resilience-building programs like Cool Connections in School, which support young people’s mental health on the Central Coast.
The tree itself is a majestic fig in the centre of town. In the fading afternoon sun, it was lit up in honour of local people lost to suicide. Local musicians Kate Keighran-Martin and Wendy Gill were also on hand to create a vibrant atmosphere.
Visitors on the day wrote dozens of messages of support, hope and remembrance on coloured tags. Iris Foundation would like to thank event supporters Peachies Hair at Budgewoi, where message tags are still available for purchase.