Community to create powerful symbol of healing

South East Queensland’s beloved jacaranda tree will bloom early in a powerful project to mark Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month during May.

Child protection organisation Act for Kids has launched The Tree of Healing community art activation at Caboolture Hub to foster healing and raise awareness of Domestic and Family Violence (DFV), especially how it affects children.

Throughout May, community members will be invited to colour a paper flower or write a message of healing on theirs, adding it to The Tree of Healing’s branches.

Act for Kids CEO Dr Katrina Lines says the iconic jacaranda was chosen as the centrepiece for the art activation because its purple flowers share the international awareness colour for DFV.

“The roots of the tree honour those lost to DFV, serving as a poignant tribute, while the trunk represents growth as a country and the need to protect future generations,” Dr Lines explains.

“The leaves and flowers symbolise healing and our shared commitment to personal healing journeys.”

Dr Lines says DFV is one of the most urgent health and welfare issues in Australia.

“DFV Prevention Month should serve as a reminder to communities of the important role we all play in identifying and ending Domestic and Family Violence,” she says.

“According to the Australian Child Maltreatment Study, 39.6 per cent of Australians have experienced exposure to DFV as a child.

“It affects more than 80 per cent of the people Act for Kids helps every year including thousands of children. We know exposure to DFV can lead to severe negative impacts for children, families, and communities, ranging from lethal outcomes to physical harm, psychological trauma, and emotional distress.”

Community members are encouraged to capture and share images of The Tree of Healing on social media, tagging Act for Kids, to help spread awareness this May.

Moreton Bay City Council has donated materials and resources for the project, and artist Marta Ponti, who is an Act for Kids counsellor, has volunteered her time to create the art installation.

For more information about Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, visit the website.

Act for Kids offers a specialised Safe Families program at the Moreton Centre in Morayfield, which takes a multigenerational approach to address the complex issue of DFV.

For more information about the program, visit the website.